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How to shave like your grandpa (and save the environment)

artofmanliness.com — Proper shaving has become a lost art. Today ’s average male has no clue about the fine art of the traditional wet shave that their grandfathers and some of their fathers used to take part in. Instead, they’re only accustomed to the cheap and disposable shaving products that companies market

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  • RSTaichi, on 01/31/2008, -2/+43I found a good compromise: A shaving set that uses a ceramic bowl, brush and handle, but attaches to those Mach III razor blades. It's fantastic, plus I don't have to buy and dispose of shaving cream cans anymore. I just buy a soap disc that lasts like 3 months. Plus it doesn't have all that crap in it like Jet Fuel and artificial bonding agents.
    • theragu40, on 01/31/2008, -3/+14I'm currently doing that as well, but I just purchased a straight razor from ebay. I've been wanting to try it for a long time, so we'll see how it turns out. I guess as long as I don't invite Sweeney Todd over to shave me, I'll be alright.
    • DiggzDE, on 01/31/2008, -1/+22But I need my shave to be SUPER SONIC! :(
    • ausfahrt, on 01/31/2008, -9/+3Never used soap or cream so I'm used to just water after a hot shower and it works great.

      I always thought disposable blades should be illegal what is the problem with reusing the handle and just replacing blades. I'll insert my beef with Swifer here too. Lets be serious here and take some responsibility.
      • unicronband, on 01/31/2008, -2/+16Heh heh... "insert my beef"
      • Lukesed, on 01/31/2008, -4/+5I also think that everything that doesn't mesh with my lifestyle should be illegal.
        • ausfahrt, on 01/31/2008, -3/+3Sorry wasn't thinking of mine but the planets health. How very selfish of me.
          • diggitydoc, on 01/31/2008, -2/+2whoooooosh!!
          • midejitsu, on 02/01/2008, -1/+1What the hell is wrong with you? Are you in your twenties or something? Thinking about the planet? How very original.

            Dude, hold on. Al Gore says you’re the resident retard of incongruity.

            What is it? Are disposable blades bad or disposable handles? Because, and ***** god up the ass if I missunderstood, it’s gotta be either or.

            "I always thought disposable blades should be illegal what is the problem with reusing the handle and just replacing blades. I'll insert my beef with Swifer here too."

            Ausfahrt, you ***** douche, hold on to that sentence. It will reliably kill every android you come across—it nearly did me in.
      • teejer, on 01/31/2008, -3/+1that is...if you can even find replacement blades for your razor! haven't seen spare Fusion blades in over 3 months.
        • cawpin, on 01/31/2008, -1/+1I've gotten two of those things free. One in the mail, one in a multi pack of deodorant.
      • priegog, on 01/31/2008, -1/+10When you turn 21 and you grow a real beard, we'll see if hot water does it for you.
        • gmiley, on 01/31/2008, -0/+2The only time I use only hot water is if I am running late in the morning. I will take a few quick swipes with my razor to at least get rid of my mustache. Mostly because I think mustaches are lame unless you have handlebars, and that isn't an over-night growth type of mustache now is it. =p
    • sdcarter, on 01/31/2008, -1/+9Art of Shaving ftw!
      http://www.theartofshaving.com/taos6/home.php
      I wanna try shaving with a straight razor; but I'll probably screw up and cut my throat.
      • gmiley, on 01/31/2008, -1/+3They are just weird to get used to, but the more you use it the easier it gets. The trick is to just take it easy with the blade, don't push down hard, and try to keep an angle as close to your skin as possible using short to medium strokes.
      • prnorm, on 01/31/2008, -0/+1art of shaving is good, but if you like them I bet you'll like any of these companies products better:
        Geo F Trumper
        Taylor of Old Bond Street
        Truefitt & Hill
        Castle Forbes
        Penhaligons
        Crabtree & Evelyn
    • Chompy, on 01/31/2008, -9/+9Yeah I found a better one. Electric, dry. Takes 60 seconds. Slap a little Nivea on there afterwards and you're golden.

      Anyway.. whatever method you use, don't overdo it on the aftershave. Please.
    • subliminalurge, on 01/31/2008, -0/+5"A shaving set that uses a ceramic bowl, brush and handle, but attaches to those Mach III razor blades"

      That works ok, but after switching to a double edge razor, I'll never go back to those cheesy cartridges. Not only dose a double edge razor give you a better shave with less irritation, the amount of money it saves you is incredible. I buy the 21 dollar sampler pack from West Coast Shaving which includes 60 blades.
      • priegog, on 01/31/2008, -0/+5Absolutely agree. Plus My 1960's Gillette is a real piece of art. Working perfectly as if it was new..
        • Ataxia2008, on 02/01/2008, -0/+3I bought a Wilkinson Sword safety double-edged razor a few months back. It's great. Easy to use, doesn't get closed up with ***** like pansy blades with protective wire on them, plus the blades cost next to nothing and are available everywhere, you don't have to put up with any of the proprietary blade *****.
      • howitzeral, on 01/31/2008, -0/+5I upgraded this Christmas from Edge gel to a badger brush, pre-shave oil, post-shave lotion, and prorasa shaving cream. It's made a world of difference for my face! I'm a little nervous about making the change to a double-edge razor, but I might do it when my current pack of Mach III's run out.
        I've also found that you can extend the life of your disposable cartridges if you pat it dry with a towel after you finish shaving. I usually replace a cartridge every 2-3 weeks or so.
        • subliminalurge, on 01/31/2008, -0/+4Don't be too nervous about the double edge, I actually cut myself far, far less with it than I used to with the cartridge razors. Just take it nice and slow the first few times until you get a good feel for the proper angle to hold it at. Also, get the sampler pack I mentioned above. Not only is it a great value, but then you can try several brands of blades and see which ones work the best for you.

          I would also suggest not using Feather blades until you have a good feel for the razor. They do an awesome job, but holy ***** are those things wicked sharp.
    • Yoshi39, on 01/31/2008, -0/+6Mirror
      http://duggmirror.com/health/How_to_shave_like_you ...
    • mexicanman07, on 01/31/2008, -1/+11there is nothing manlier than rubbing jet fuel on your face
    • norman619, on 01/31/2008, -0/+3I miss the razor my father gave me a long time ago. I just gad to replace the blade not the whole damn thing (a large chunk of plastic). I drives me crazy that people bitch and complain about waste yet we buy these "disposable" items. It wouldn't be so bad if the things were made from materials which biodegrade. But then I'm sure once our civ is gone they would be cool finds for whatever archaeologists find our ruins and dig up our trash.
    • LogicBomB, on 02/01/2008, -0/+1I get out of the shower and shave with water. I used to use shaving cream for a while but stopped one day and never looked back - I see no reason to use it if the hair is still wet/soft from the shower.
    • SpaceDreamer, on 02/01/2008, -0/+1you don't HAVE to give up the disposable cartridge blades to save money.
      Just make sure you clean and dry them completely after each use,
      and store them in a "razormax" or "razorguard" oily container.
      Then each cartridge will last for weeks.
  • vivtiger, on 01/31/2008, -11/+5very cool site - like the design and the direction the topics are taking on.
    • psychotron, on 01/31/2008, -0/+2I'm torn on the site. I'm not so sure if it's a comedy site or if it's supposed to be serious or a little of both. Some topics are interesting but the more I keep browsing it, I feel I'm about to stumble onto an article about "How to properly backhand your wife and children".
  • ucffool, on 01/31/2008, -0/+6I've seen some videos discussing this, but the inclusion of recommended products (amazon affiliate link or not) is very welcome. I wish there was more detail on the 'types' of blades, but alas, it is still 90% complete.
    • akatsuki, on 01/31/2008, -0/+2Blades are easy. Buy a Merkur Classic HD and use Merkur blades. If they are too dull for you after you get the hang of it, then switch to Feathers. For brushes, buy Vulfix. They are the best price/performance/quality of the brushes. For cheap shave cream, use Proraso, it is just as good as any of the more expensive, except that it isn't scented.

      Done.
      • violentvinyl, on 01/31/2008, -0/+1I'll second that, I started with Merkurs, they're great starter blades, the Feathers are EXTREMELY sharp and are best avoided until your capable of shaving without cutting yourself. Proraso is good stuff, but I swear by the Taylor of Bond Street, and a lot of people in forums rave about Geo F Trumper, I use their Coral Skin Food, and it's a great aftershave.

        Regarding the Amazon links, I've actually shopped around, and Sesto Sensto @ Amazon is where I buy most of my stuff from:
        http://www.amazon.com/b?ie=UTF8&me=ADUVTLOQLIAEE
        • unknownsoldierX, on 01/31/2008, -0/+1I've been thinking about trying the skin food stuff, but the price is pretty steep for me. At $28.00 for 100ml, I would hope it could last me at least six months.
    • LR2_, on 01/31/2008, -0/+2Regarding a more thorough explanation of things I would highly recommend this guy's educational series on wet shaving.

      http://www.youtube.com/shavetutor
    • Whatwedo, on 01/31/2008, -0/+2Yeah, I don't really know the difference between the blades. I guess I use a "double-edged safety razor" too, but I'm not really sure. I just use the standard old razor and toss on some water (what's the point of shaving cream, really? You just need to get your face wet and water does the trick).
    • sampanc, on 02/01/2008, -0/+0I bought some "Derby" blades from eBay (200 for $20 CAD) and they're working fine with my Merkur Classic. With the razor and blades I also got a fairly decent Badger-Hair brush too from some company called "Tweezman". I'm not too sure which soap is the best but at the moment I'm using some mug-soap I got from Wal-Mart, which works fine for me. All in all, this method of shaving is way cheaper than using my old Mach3 and it gives the type of shave u get from a Fusion at a fraction of the cost and wet shaving is just more relaxing than traditional shaving. Enjoy the experience!
  • PMG2007, on 01/31/2008, -2/+15Try the Art of Shaving Products I got the brush and it really is the *****, the whole thing makes you feel like the *****
    • lnf69, on 01/31/2008, -10/+4I guess feeling like the ***** is better then feeling like *****?
      Why is the ***** good while ***** (no article) is not good?
      Or is good the new bad?
      Or is English unknown to me?
    • davidrools, on 01/31/2008, -0/+2man at first i thought you said it was ***** and made you feel like *****. like whoa maybe i should think twice about getting a straight razor.
    • fluffythekitten, on 01/31/2008, -0/+2whats arty about some unneeded pseudo hightech ***** like an led in my effing razor...who coughed up that marketing gag. thats like believing your chinese manufactured game pc accompanied by an atari-style gamepad is CLASSIC! or think of some gripping analogy yourself...
    • violentvinyl, on 01/31/2008, -0/+4Art of Shaving is a good company, and the salesmen in the stores are generally pretty knowledgeable, HOWEVER you can get the same products (Merkur Safety Razors for instance) from various online retailers MUCH cheaper than what AOS charges. I bought my first Safety Razor from their store in Atlantic City and was VERY happy with it, and I picked up an alum block as well (another indispensable tool for shaving), but when I was shopping online for a pack of razor blades I found that AOS marks up their razors by anywhere from $5 to $50.
  • CunningLinguist, on 01/31/2008, -11/+128I'd have to say that the Gillette Fusion is the best when it comes to shaving my balls, I wouldn't try shaving my balls with a straight razor. Okay I'll stop talking about balls.

    BALLS!
    • Shambla, on 01/31/2008, -1/+20Any suggestions for the taint?
      • Dested, on 01/31/2008, -0/+19I recommend a little Asian woman.
      • unicronband, on 01/31/2008, -0/+20Don't. Taint worth the pain.
      • ericcire, on 01/31/2008, -2/+1I got a four inch taint!

        *props to Jack Black*
    • wellyuk, on 01/31/2008, -5/+3Are you involved in porn?
    • iperalta, on 01/31/2008, -1/+1i use the same *****...
    • owenkun, on 01/31/2008, -0/+5I salute your ball shaving acumen, good sir.
    • rstarr, on 01/31/2008, -0/+8I couldn't DREEEEAM how much that would itch growing back.
    • jsleeman, on 01/31/2008, -0/+12The fact that came from CunningLinguist made me laugh more then the comment
    • MrTea, on 01/31/2008, -1/+41real men shave their balls with a combat knife
      • DigTheDoug, on 01/31/2008, -0/+11REAL men use spinning helicopter rotors.
      • kaelyiesta, on 01/31/2008, -7/+29Real men don't shave their balls.
      • ericcire, on 01/31/2008, -2/+4Real men that realize that a shorn scrotum garners more oral action, do.
      • fluffythekitten, on 01/31/2008, -0/+1well then, mister, real man have continually hurting BALLS
      • skinny01, on 01/31/2008, -0/+6Real men pluck the hairs, one at a time.
      • tulpe, on 02/01/2008, -0/+1Real men have Balls of Steel
      • skinny01, on 02/01/2008, -0/+1Real men make lesser men do it for them
    • Gryffydd, on 01/31/2008, -0/+4Wait...isn't the fusion the one that takes batteries? I'm not letting anything that has both blades and uses electricity near my balls. Not that I'm letting a straight razor near them either.
    • signal15, on 01/31/2008, -0/+4The Mach III also works good for this. It only itches when it grows back when you first start doing it.

      Isn't the Fusion the vibrating one?
    • davidrools, on 01/31/2008, -0/+5gillette fusion POWER...vibrate your balls while you shave em...or something...
    • centran, on 01/31/2008, -0/+2fusion can be vibrating or not. I am not sure if you can get the vibrating one anymore as it was a gimmick.

      Anyway back to the topic at hand. Make sure splash your scrotum with cold water to shrink it down a bit before shaving. OR use your other hand to flatten out the skin.
      The multi-bladed razors work will since the tension is spread out and you are unlikely to cut yourself.
    • krnldmp, on 01/31/2008, -2/+12Do not shave your balls.
    • leerayIG88, on 01/31/2008, -1/+2I have my balls with my TEETH
    • MichaelYK, on 01/31/2008, -0/+8I'm not a huge fan of Gillette products, I prefer Schick razors. Have one for my face, and one for the nut sack. And for people that don't shave their sack, they should get on it! feels MUCH better, and the ladies appreciate a well trimmed/shaved package. Just as much as I appreciate them doing it.

      I'd love to learn how to use a straight razor to shave though, I'm going to have to look into purchasing one.
    • Cunninlynguist, on 02/01/2008, -0/+2cool name
    • MysticSavage, on 02/01/2008, -0/+0Thank you, Dr. Evil. There truly is nothing like a shorn scrotum.
  • DermDoc, on 01/31/2008, -12/+2Very cool site.
    I blogged on A Proper Shave a few weeks ago, but didn't have the cahones to suggest using a safety razah.***

    ***TheDermBlog does not advocate using any products sharper than a tongue blade when in proximity to named blood vessels.
  • Error601, on 01/31/2008, -10/+5The old double edged safety razor sucked which is why they're rare these days. I like shaving soap except that it's messy.
    • michaelb1, on 01/31/2008, -1/+15no, they are rare these days because a $2.50 cartridge is more profitable then a $.50 japanese Feather blade.
      • priegog, on 01/31/2008, -0/+4Agreed. I don't think they're even 50 cents. more like $0.05.
        Feathers are for graduates, tho, let's not get the newbies to use them just yet. I can already imagine the bloodbath...
        Anyways I haven't met anyone to date who has tried DE razors and gone back to the "modern" ways... It's just SO much smoother!
        • violentvinyl, on 01/31/2008, -0/+1Where do you buy your Feathers from? I'm paying about $5 for a 10 pack.
      • Error601, on 01/31/2008, -0/+1Nonsense conspiracy theory. I've used them and they suck in comparison.
    • iainmd, on 02/01/2008, -0/+1Have you used both? Or are you voicing an uneducated opinion? Obviously some people prefer the safety razor, or no one would still use it. I've used both, and I like both, but the safety razor's refills cost a lot less.
  • sunyata76, on 01/31/2008, -2/+92I read that as "How to Shave Your Grandpa." What is with me today?
  • michaelb1, on 01/31/2008, -0/+4Good timing. I just got into wet shaving. I bought a Merkur HD with some feather blades and a decent brush and Proraso shave cream.
    It's a better shave and cheaper then the cartridge blades.
    • stainboy, on 01/31/2008, -0/+1yep. love my Merkur safety razor. planning on getting one for my dad for his birthday this year, so he can stop using those cheap crappy disposables.
    • subliminalurge, on 01/31/2008, -0/+1Try out the sampler pack from West Coast Shaving. 60 blades for just over 20 bucks, and you get to try a wide variety. I like the Feather blades, but my absolute favorites are the swedish Gilletes.
    • priegog, on 01/31/2008, -0/+1Feathers FTW, but the first day I used one it was a freakin massacre... I had been wetshaving for 2 months, mind you.
  • GoKings, on 01/31/2008, -1/+57Apparently you use the same servers as your grandpa as well.
  • flyosity, on 01/31/2008, -2/+24I've watched a lot of videos from this guy (http://youtube.com/user/mantic59) on YouTube about using a safety razor, creating lather, etc., and he's the man. A must-watch if you're interested in this type of shaving.
    • Wiini, on 01/31/2008, -5/+8You've watched a lot of videos of some random guy on the internet shaving?

      Oookay.
    • priegog, on 01/31/2008, -0/+5Mantic is the Yoda of wet shaving... countless people have learned from him. Show some respect!
    • jazzboyrules, on 01/31/2008, -0/+1I always make it a point of putting a space after a hyperlink before typing any other character.
    • jazzboyrules, on 01/31/2008, -1/+1The author of this article and those videos seems to be the same.
      • mantic59, on 02/05/2008, -0/+1Nope, I'm the guy who made the videos (check my digg user profile). I didn't write the article.
    • arizonabay, on 02/01/2008, -0/+4http://youtube.com/user/mantic59 for those of you who don't want to bother with removing the right parenthesis
  • TherealObadiah, on 01/31/2008, -18/+6Oh, brother. You environazis are nuts. Why don't you just stick to using one square of toilet paper to save the planet and leave the rest of us alone.
    • ericdano, on 01/31/2008, -0/+8A square? You have to be kidding. Some times it takes a whole roll..........or even two
      • scallon, on 01/31/2008, -1/+8Eh, just use a towel. Wipe with it for a week then when the smell of it makes you vomit you throw it in the washer.
        • subliminalurge, on 01/31/2008, -2/+3And you want me to wear clothes that have been run through that same washing machine?

          No thanks. ***** the environment, I'll keep my Charmin.
    • EdgeOfEpsilon, on 01/31/2008, -0/+1Except for those pesky occasions where 2 or 3 could be required…
    • davidrools, on 01/31/2008, -0/+4just poo before your shower. bar soap is self-cleaning.
  • fsweep, on 01/31/2008, -13/+16Bah! There is a reason that it is a "lost art."
    • fluffythekitten, on 01/31/2008, -2/+5bah...like using ones brain, i'm with you there...
    • Zcubed, on 02/01/2008, -1/+2Talked to my grandpa about this not too long ago and he say that he will keep his mach 3. I think I will also.
  • radish01001, on 01/31/2008, -0/+28Makes my mach 3 look girly. No wonder my grandpa is such a man.
  • MrAlexanderZ, on 01/31/2008, -0/+2Mirror?
  • mrdctaylor, on 01/31/2008, -0/+7I switched to a double edge razor several years ago after using a Mach 3 for years. I did it to save money...and wow. I ended up continuing to do it for the close shave. www.classicshaving.com has good stuff.

    They do NOT suck. It didn't even take much to get used to them. They are awesome. And you can get 100 quality blades for $15 on ebay. A blade easily lasts me a week's worth of shaves and I have a moderately thick beard.
  • SkateorDie, on 01/31/2008, -1/+14take a shower first
    safety razor
    authentic lather
    soak badger hair brush in hot water
    make lather
    'paint' face
    shave while rinsing razor in hot water frequently
    clean face with cold water PAT dry
    apply after shave
    • michaelb1, on 01/31/2008, -1/+6non-alcoholic after shave. http://www.amazon.com/Proraso-Shaving-Cream-100ml- ...
      • Frostek, on 02/03/2008, -1/+1I believe in taking care of myself and a balanced diet and rigorous exercise routine. In the morning if my face is a little puffy I'll put on an ice pack while doing stomach crunches. I can do 1000 now. After I remove the ice pack I use a deep pore cleanser lotion. In the shower I use a water activated gel cleanser, then a honey almond body scrub, and on the face an exfoliating gel scrub. Then I apply an herb-mint facial mask which I leave on for 10 minutes while I prepare the rest of my routine. I always use an after shave lotion with little or no alcohol, because alcohol dries your face out and makes you look older. Then moisturizer, then an anti-aging eye balm followed by a final moisturizing protective lotion.

        (Advice courtesy of Patrick Bateman)
        • bot001220, on 02/04/2008, -0/+1Dugg down for spelling out the reference.
    • JoeVet, on 02/01/2008, -4/+1Spray lather from a can
      Apply to face
      Shave with cartridge shaver
      go to work
      Be a man
  • Cyberdactyl, on 01/31/2008, -4/+13It's already been digg swamped, but I see he's using a mirror. LOL kinda whimpy

    Try military shaving in the shower without a mirror, which I've done for the last 22 years.
    • gyrfalcon, on 01/31/2008, -1/+1I didn't know it was called military shaving; but that's what I do too... Just check in the mirror to make sure you didn't miss any spots accidentally. I have a tenancy to miss a small part directly under my nose.
      • chinolofus, on 01/31/2008, -1/+1i always shave in the shower without a mirror. its not difficult.
    • halobender, on 01/31/2008, -2/+7Is that like Navy Shaving? With another man?
  • xpankrat, on 01/31/2008, -15/+8Buried for "(and save the environment)" plug. Give it a rest. Stop treating everyone as an ignorant cretin diligently working on destroying the Mother Earth. Reduce-reuse-recycle has been around for over 10 years. Anyone with a half of a brain is aware of that.
    • downneck, on 01/31/2008, -6/+8yet you ignorant cretins continue to diligently work on destroying mother earth...
      • gyrfalcon, on 01/31/2008, -0/+4$1 disposable plastic shavers are not going to destroy the world dipwad.
        • downneck, on 01/31/2008, -1/+2you're absolutely correct, the earth will not be destroyed by $1 disposable plastic shavers. they will, however, eventually make it uninhabitable for humans. please go back to driving your gas-guzzling SUV while cramming fast food into your enormous gullet and let the adults talk.
          • gyrfalcon, on 01/31/2008, -3/+4First of all, it's not a mother earth... It's just earth. Secondly the earth will probably never become uninhabitable for humans even if we loose the entire fricken atmosphere.

            Do I care about the environment? Yes.
            Will I continue to buy 1/2lb of plastic + metal disposable razors per year? Yes
            Will I become a crack-pot environmentalist who doesn't have a clue about environmental matters? F___ no..

            Go back to pedaling your bicycle and bathing in your own recycled piss.
    • dood, on 01/31/2008, -3/+3Damn right. It may not be obvious given the term, but a "landfill" will not actually fill itself with land! People have to do it.
      • bromac, on 01/31/2008, -2/+3You could start by throwing your person in.
  • 4degrees, on 01/31/2008, -2/+7all i need is a blade and water.
    • PabloMac, on 01/31/2008, -1/+7All I had when I was twelve was peach fuzz, too. Now, get back to your homework.
    • tahcoboy, on 02/01/2008, -0/+1"all i need is a blade and water."
      x2
  • tyfighter, on 01/31/2008, -3/+61Screw shaving. Grow a beard.
    • kevinduckworth, on 01/31/2008, -2/+20Agreed... I love my beard, it's like hair for my face.
      • gyrfalcon, on 01/31/2008, -1/+1Now if you could just get some hair for your head too.
        • matroska1, on 02/01/2008, -0/+2Now if I could just get some head for having nice hair..
    • thedharmabum, on 02/01/2008, -0/+3I haven't taken soap and blade to my face since 2002. Beards FTW.
    • darlyn, on 02/01/2008, -0/+1Linux FTW!
    • bongoman, on 02/11/2008, -0/+1Beard - great idea if I was to become celibate. But I'm not and the woman in my life ain't crazy about facial hair. So I shave. Simple.
  • wtfbrok3n, on 01/31/2008, -5/+9Digg crits website with 5698345024324 users.
    Website dies.
    Website cannot be resurrected.
  • sljepi, on 01/31/2008, -0/+5I recently switched to wet shave and i doubt I will ever look back. It took me a little bit to get used to using the brush and soap, but I got the hang of it fairly quickly. Now my razors last longer because the skin is prepared and hair is moistened and soft so the razor can cut it like knife through butter.
    • bingobongony, on 01/31/2008, -0/+3You said it yourself, the skin is prepared. It has nothing to do with the blade. If you want to take all that extra time in the morning, you can do all that prepartion and still use a Fusion, or Mach 3 or whatever.
      • fprintf, on 01/31/2008, -0/+1I do this. I used a modified wetshaving approach. 1st pass is with a simple Bic disposable. 2nd and 3rd pass, if I am going for a close shave (which I usually do now) is with my Merkur HD and WalMart/Personna blades.

        I get one to two weeks out of a blade this way but that first pass, when my beard is thicker and subject to pulling, is easier with the 2 blade disposable.
  • Supernova36, on 01/31/2008, -0/+43My Grandpa uses an electric shaver..
  • fahrenheitlf, on 01/31/2008, -1/+10Personally, I use an electric razor. Actually, it's one for sideburns and such. I prefer to have some stubble left rather then a smooth face. No disposable items and nothing to buy after the initial purchase. I've had the same one for years.
    • SteelChicken, on 01/31/2008, -0/+2yep, ive got one thats 7 years old or so. just uses a bit of electricity. nothing to throw away.
    • bingobongony, on 01/31/2008, -1/+3You DO know that the 80s are over, don't you Mr. Crockett?
    • oxilite, on 01/31/2008, -0/+3Even electric Razors have blades in them which are suppose to be changed every so often... I am sure at 7 years you could splurge for the 15 bucks though.
  • resipsa, on 01/31/2008, -1/+4The old double-edged safety razor was actually a great tool, and it still provides a wonderful shave (check out www.baderandblade.com for a lot of discussion on the topic). What sucked about it was that Gillette wasn't making enough profit fromthem due to competition in blade sales. Thus the cartridge: a blade that others couldn't produce as easily and which would look good in advertising.
    • pron*, on 02/01/2008, -0/+1That's www.badgerandblade.com and I agree, great place to read up on this topic before purchasing.

      For me it's Merkur Classic, Proraso Cream, Old English Mid badger brush and Merkur blades. Took a few time to get used to it, but it really is a better shave (for me).
  • selrahc, on 01/31/2008, -1/+13My grandpa had a beard.
  • dhVyse, on 01/31/2008, -2/+3Sorry, but I reguarly use a 3 blade razor and Edge Gel and I will never go back to the wet shave with a straight razor. Edge Gel is a friggin GODSEND in my opinion, as is Nivias soothing aftershave.
    • fprintf, on 01/31/2008, -0/+2For many of us who have recently converted to wetshaving, we probably thought as you did. I know I used Edge Gel for 20 years. I tried every different kind they made. But now that I have a tube of Proraso, a bowl, a really nice badger brush and safety razor I cannot believe I stuck with the Edge all that time.
  • Steelhound, on 01/31/2008, -1/+3motherf***er I swear half the crap blog servers must have terrible traffic allocations because half the time they can't tolerate digg traffic.
  • Tinkered, on 01/31/2008, -0/+1Mug soap is excellent, especially when you use warm water on a brisk morning. For travel I put the soap in a little tubberwear and there is no risk of it exploding all stuff.
  • regggdigg, on 01/31/2008, -0/+3http://64.233.167.104/search?q=cache:BjQsA4CMwHYJ: ...
  • kertong, on 01/31/2008, -1/+15Personally, I hated having some $15 razor handle, and having to buy $15 razor refills for it every month. And every time I went, I could never find the appropriate razors that fit my fancy shaving handle, so I'd buy some new razor just to get new blades.

    Now, all I have is one good blade (now really.. who needs 4 diamond tipped razor blades each stroke?), a strop, a badger-hair brush, and shaving soap that lasts me about an year. Take that, gilette.
    • bingobongony, on 01/31/2008, -9/+1Are you a ***** moron? You don't even have the intelligence required to know that if you have, say a Gillette Mach 3, then you get a Mach 3 blade? And if you have a Fusion you get a Fusion blade?

      And by the way, the razor handles are basically free. They are the more common example of products that are sold at a loss to get you buying the more expensive accessories. So if you are paying $15 for a handle, you really ARE a ***** idiot.
      • kertong, on 01/31/2008, -0/+7I never said I bought the ***** that doesn't fit - I said they were the only ones on the shelf that were available for purchase. Since they don't fit, of course I don't buy them. But that leaves me with nothing to replace my old blade with.

        Also, $15 (including tax) is not an unusual price for a handle + a set of 4 blades, etc. Take a look at the schick diamond blade set - handle + two razors, and they commonly go for $14.99-$16.99.

        Looks like you're the ***** moron, haha. "It is better to be thought a fool, than to open your mouth and remove all doubt."
        • bingobongony, on 02/01/2008, -9/+1*****. If you get either of the two main Gilletee or Schick handles, EVERY store is going to have plenty of blades to buy.
          As for hte $15 for hte handle and blades...well that is not what you said. You sid you were paying $15 for a handle. and you are not. You are paying $15 for the blades, and getting the handle free. Or, perhaps you are paying $14 for the blades and $1 for the handle. You see...you can't just change what you said when you realize how ***** stupid it made you look.
          And now the fool is you.
        • nibble128, on 02/01/2008, -1/+2... dude ... are you even old enough to shave?
  • wwnexc, on 01/31/2008, -2/+5Braun Electrics work well for me...
    • PecanHead, on 01/31/2008, -1/+4Sorry, this discussion is for shaving snobs and people who like the smell of their own farts. GTFO.
      • gyrfalcon, on 01/31/2008, -0/+1I just use gasoline and a torch to "shave" with... Hair goes away quick and leaves my skin with a nice manly leathery feel.
  • MassMopar, on 01/31/2008, -1/+20I shave with a machete.
  • TeakJolson, on 01/31/2008, -7/+0ill only do it if Al Gore tells me to
  • bstolzberg, on 01/31/2008, -0/+6I highly recommend Crabtree & Evelyn Sandalwood Shaving Soap. It comes in a dish. It lasts me 9 months for $17. I use a brush to apply soap, and it is important to use warm water to wet your hairy face before you start to shave so the moisture makes your hairy face softer! I will never buy a shaving cream in my life, theyre a complete waste of money. On the same token I recommend you look at designer cologne/perfume deodorants. The aqua di gio deodorant lasts me 4 months and is also $17. Compared to the 2-3 week typical deodorants at the grocery store for $5 each.
    • JaredXM, on 01/31/2008, -0/+2I just buy deodorant stones. I think mine was $5-$7. They say they last about a year. I think I've had mine for maybe 6 months and there's still a ton left. You can also buy them in roll up plastic containers.
    • briankoenig03, on 01/31/2008, -0/+2Keep in mind that many designer deodorants are simple deodorants and not antiperspirants. I used Aqua di Gio, but you have to use an antiperspirant with it if you want to prevent sweat (which is important if you dress nicely, which you probably do if you have Armani deodorant). I would use an unscented Mitchum right out of the shower, then put the Aqua di Gio on right before I put on my shirt and that worked well.
    • violentvinyl, on 01/31/2008, -0/+2What is this thing you speak of? Deodorant?
  • michaelb1, on 01/31/2008, -3/+3The article suggests going on ebay or antique stores to get a good safety razor. I reccommend this cool online retailer I found. It's called Amazon.com. http://www.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_ss_gw/002-0850872-5 ...
    It's amazing. They have all kinds of stuff. I heard they sell books too.
  • fleischner, on 01/31/2008, -3/+2Just think about how much energy we'd save if we didn't post and discuss things like this...
  • clintard, on 01/31/2008, -1/+24My grandpa just stands in front of the mirror in his grundies and cusses a lot. ROLE MODEL!
  • pauluslimus, on 01/31/2008, -0/+1http://duggmirror.com/health/How_to_shave_like_you ...
  • optimusprime01, on 01/31/2008, -1/+3I can't shave like my grandpa. He had a beard :(
  • jlavetan, on 01/31/2008, -0/+6http://duggmirror.com/health/How_to_shave_like_you ...
  • TommyBoy919, on 01/31/2008, -0/+6I'm all about the Panasonic Wet/Dry electric razors. Otherwise I carve myself up like a retard. Damn sensitive skin!
    • subliminalurge, on 01/31/2008, -0/+2I have the unfortunate combination of sensitive skin and thick, heavy facial hair. I've actually found that the old fashioned double edge razor irritates me less than anything else I've ever used, including the panasonic wet/dry.
  • eddy23170, on 01/31/2008, -3/+6I have been using a non-disposable straight razor for close to ten years now...it is marvelous and a pleasure to use....it has become a relaxing ritual that I look forward to and gives me time to reflect on the day.....it takes weeks to get good at it, but man is it an accomplishment when you master it....and my girlfriends are impressed (lol)...I can't reccommend more....check youtube: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IjzMJ3Ny-eE those vids are incredible...
    also, if you desire....check out straight razor forums to find a quality blade...
    peace
  • sindex, on 01/31/2008, -2/+71Phase 1. Grow a beard.
    Phase 2. ??
    Phase 3. Prophet.
    • Kyan, on 01/31/2008, -5/+2Prophet! hehe, I see what you did there.
    • lemur, on 01/31/2008, -0/+5Haha, I love that. First good laugh I've had in a while. :-)
    • skabyss, on 01/31/2008, -0/+6You sir, may have just typed what may just be the most clever thing ever posted on digg.
  • Mothrog, on 01/31/2008, -3/+4Better yet, just grow a beard. Shaving sucks.
  • owenkun, on 01/31/2008, -4/+1Electric shavers and common disposable razors scoff at my manly beard! All that can tame it is a Gillette Fusion (five blades!) and a pair of scissors.
  • Moskie, on 01/31/2008, -2/+8My grandpa's dead, you insensitive clod.
    • pres2014, on 01/31/2008, -0/+8Cut his neck while shaving with a staight razor?
  • bioborg, on 01/31/2008, -1/+1I shaved with a safety razor in the shower this morning, I do everytime I shave. I just use some sort of organic/coop shaving cream, or some Neutrogena gel, works fine, I don't cut myself anymore, and I don't need a mirror, I shave by braille...
    • retral, on 02/01/2008, -0/+1You don't cut yourself anymore? ..well that's good to hear
  • 666dorado, on 01/31/2008, -1/+3where's the women's article - "How to Shave Like Your Grandma"??
    • SvenGeiss, on 01/31/2008, -0/+3"How to shave a landing strip just like your Grandma"

      --- ya, i won't have nightmares now...
    • chinolofus, on 01/31/2008, -0/+2mine does the brazilian wax thing.
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