Shaving method - Cream, Gel, Foam, Soap, Lotion or electric? What do you prefer

[tankman1989]

Calling all "old-timers" (and everyone else) - your experience is needed!! It seems that a lot of people vary on this topic and some change over time but I'm wondering what you have found to offer the best shave with the least amount of "razor burn" (not necessarily little reds bumps, but a hot burning feeling) or skin irritation. I think there are 4 main aspects that are involved:
-Length of hair/beard being shaved (shorter the better shave)
-Type of razor & freshness/sharpness (sharper better)
-Shaving lubricant (gel, foam, soap, lotion, etc)
-Shaving dry or post or in shower (post/in shower seems best)

My current choice: shaving soap & 3 blade disposables.

I found soap that is very much like the lube strip on the mach3 which makes for a very smooth shave. I'm near the end of this razor's life and I'm starting to get that burning sensation post shave, but no redness or rash at all (major plus)!! I've tried probably 10-15 different creams/gels/lotions and they all left something to be desired in one area or another. I'm going to try the other varients of this soap to see if any are even better.

Now I've heard that the straight razor gives the closest shave but I really can't see how that is possible and I'm not sure I need that close of a shave. Is anyone here brave enough to attempt this or practice it?

 

[katz]

I've not used a straight razor, but I do use shave soap and a DE razor. In fact, I have quite a collection of DE razors. Specifically called, "Double edge safety razor".

My current favorite is the Merkur Slant which gives an awesome close/smooth shave, coupled with Feather blades, the sharpest on the market.

Merkur Slant Razor - http://tinyurl.com/kf277w7

Feather blades- http://tinyurl.com/lxwxek3

 

[FoolishTech]

I completely quit shaving long ago. I think if I ever go back it will be a simple good old reliable mach3 or whatever it is that replaced that a 5 blade something or another, even if I'm doing my whole head. ISO a better foam/gel for comfort though, very sensitive skin here.

 

[citizensmith]

waxing

 

[Paul Rodgers]

Just a regular 5 blade and gel shaving cream.

I have an electric, but it irritates my neck. I've been thinking about trying it wet sometime. We'll see if I ever get around to it.

 

[Moltuae]

waxing

lol


Electric for me. I have super sensitive skin, so I can't use shaving foams, creams, etc.

I have a Braun Series 7 (self-cleaning) shaver and not a single whisker.

 

[cypress]

I really only like to shave 2 times a week if that. Usually Sunday and Wednesdays, sometimes only once. I stick with the cream and the disposable razor. 4 blade.

 

[LifelineIT]

DE razor is the way to go. For sure. I'm not coordinated enough to straight razor the left side of my face, or I'd do that.

I used feather blades forever, but recently switched to the Israeli Personnas. They are NOT quite as sharp, but they glide a lot better and work a lot better for me, my facial hair is super duper coarse. They get rebranded when they come into the US, I get them from Amazon. That's literally 10 years of blades for me for $19.

I use ShaveSecret first, just a slipper emollient, then usually green can barbasol. Proraso has never worked well for me. I picked up a can of Cremo Cream a year or so ago, and while it's nice and slippery it gums up my DE. It'd be better for a disposable.

If you WANT to use disposable, forget DollarShaveClub or MachWhatever, go Dorco. DollarShaveClub just rebrands Dorco razors. Here's a link, the prices are pretty amazing.

There are large reddit communities dedicated to this topic if you want to fall down the rabbit hole.

 

[phaZed]

I get a 5 o'clock shadow at 5 o'clock

Gotta shave at least every other day to look respectable. I don't shave every day simply because it breaks my skin out.

I use the Gillette Mach stuff.. always works good. Can't stand some of the other offerings from the likes of Schick after using the Gillettes.

I have had a few electric razors but they never seem to work to well on my whiskers and it takes forever. Sometime it felt like I had to really jam the electric razor into my face for it to start getting hairs.

 

[SpaceSquad]

I signed up with https://www.harrys.com/ a little while ago and am digging it.

I got the "Winston" Set and am on the "Everyday Shaver" plan which gets me 8 blades and 2 creams every 2 months. You can also just buy as you need. Cream took a few shaves to get used to, but I am very happy with it. The product is quality and well priced. Even better if you are in the US, as the shipping is free (add a few dollars for here in Canada).

Anyways, ditched the Gillette Mach3 after years and years for Harry's. Before you buy, look for promo codes online - got mine from TWiT

 

[mr m]

It's funny, when you're a kid you can't wait to shave. Now I freaking hate it. FoolishTech has the right idea.

I had a beard for a few years and I can't recall why I shaved it. Anyway, I'm with Cypress and I don't shave daily even though I should and I use a can of shaving cream and those cheap, throwaway double edged razors. I find the key is to toss the razor before it dulls and starts ripping your face apart.

A straight razor? No way! I've seen too many movies.

 

[Krynn72]

I use the two blade razor from dollar shave club, and only use water I guess my face skin is just not sensitive at all lol, because anytime I mention that I don't use cream/gel people look at me like I'm crazy.

 

[pceinc]

I'm 40 and have as much facial hair as a 16 year old. I shave maybe twice per week. If I'm using a fresh bade in my mach3 I will shave dry or with warm water. If it's been a long weekend and I'm cleaning up for the start of the week and want a clean shave I'll use Gillette foam.

 

[tankman1989]

Just a regular 5 blade and gel shaving cream.

I have an electric, but it irritates my neck. I've been thinking about trying it wet sometime. We'll see if I ever get around to it.

I found that using after shave lotion with my electric (microfoil w/ 2 blades) gives a nice smooth shave with little irritation. Just make sure to clean it 2x while shaving (with a days growth) as the lotion makes the hair stick in the blades. I found the Nivea lotions are really nice. The problem with this is that it takes about 5-10x longer to get it as close as a blade.

 

[glennd]

tried it once, didn't like it...

 

[SAG]

Here's my ~20/yo Dovo straight razor and strop.
Been using the razor daily since college, the strop is only 7 or 8 years old.

I use soap and a boar hair brush to lather up, with a little bit of Noxema mixed in the bowl to help keep the burn-bumps on the neck away.

Took me a real long time to learn how to hold it and use it properly, now it's second nature I guess.
I've used all the fancy stuff when it comes out, just to use it. And I get new razors for Christmas and Father's Day and such, but still rely on my old Dovo for the daily grooming.

Now I've heard that the straight razor gives the closest shave but I really can't see how that is possible and I'm not sure I need that close of a shave. Is anyone here brave enough to attempt this or practice it?

The shave is close, VERY close. But not the closest I've ever had. For that, nothing beats good ol' Magic Shaving Powder!
I stick with my old Dovo because.... well... it's cheap. I bought it once two decades ago. Looking at the cost of all the new stuff that comes out, and realizing I shave every day (and sometimes twice) I couldn't imagine having to spend that much money on disposable stuff.

 

[AndyM]

waxing

Face Smithy... FACE!!!

Andy

 

[skdmaster]

Never quite got up the courage to DE razor even though I bought one. I just have just used a Mach razor. I do use Taylor of Old Bond Street shave creams. I also use this aftershave gel. Has a great smell and works really good on my skin. I also shave my head and this product is fantastic to use. Kind of rolling a matchbox car over your head to shave but never once had a nick or cut.

 

[katz]

You guys don't know what you are missing by not blade shaving with a SE or DE razor. I made the switch about 5 years ago and never looked back. I'm on a couple of shaving forums and it is almost a religion with these guys, lol. At one point I had a collection (obsession) with over 50 DE razors and related gear.

Since then I have paired down the collection a bit to just a few prized pieces.


@ LifelineIT -

On the Personnas; Is this the same company that makes the Personnas in the red package? The red package ones I've used seemed to be very dull, and I've had a hard time with them.

I've been out of the loop for awhile and have not heard of the Israeli ones - I may have to give them a try.

 

[PCskies]

I have sensitive skin and found when I would use a 3 or 4 blade razor it would actually shave too close and I would end up breaking out. Now I use a Gillette 2 blade disposable razor with Neutrogena Shave Cream. Works great.