Out of practice for 40 years.

J

jackknife

Joined
Oct 2, 2004
Messages
17,489
I have not shaved for almost 40 years now. I've had a beard since the early 70's, and for all that time, the only shaving I've done is just a tiny bit of trim around the edges with a disposable razor. My beard covers most of my lower face. Think Sean Connery in Red October.

But...Now that I'm getting a bit old, social security retired status, I'm thinking of doing away with the beard. Maybe it's so darn white I think it looks too old, even if I am. But I think I'm just getting tired of it.

I am totally out of date on shaving stuff. Do they still make the old style Gillette saftey razor like I used in the army back in the 60's? And do they even still make double edge blades?

Last year I tried to shave, and the Bic razor gave me such a case of razor burn, that I just grew my beard back after a couple of months of uncomfortable shaving.

I used to shave everyday, I was in the army. So I know on that level that shaving does not have to be unpleasant. But I guess I'm way out of practice.

Any advise is welcome.

Carl.
 
Gillette does not still make double-edged, a.k.a. DE, razors, but their old products were so well-made that they live on. Several other companies make fine DE razors. I use one made by German Merkur. Merkur's products will last a lifetime for sure.

Blades are available and are very advanced with special coatings, etc. Generally-speaking, though, you will need to mail-order them, but they are so inexpensive that you'll order in a year's worth at a time.

A couple of good places to look are www.classicshaving.com and www.westcoastshaving.com.

After having a beard for 40 years, you probably are going to experience some razor burn for a few weeks while your skin adapts anew. It will pass.
 
As someone who took up wet shaving a few years ago, and will never go back to the overpriced trash that passes for razors today...

Go here and buy this...

http://www.leesrazors.com/products/Merkur-Heavy-Duty-Safety-Razor-with-Bar.html

Buy an inexpensive brush to start, Lee is a great guy and has a huge selection.

Then go here and buy this from Lee...

http://www.leesrazors.com/products/DE-Blade-Multipack.html

Or for more variety, go here and buy this...

http://www.westcoastshaving.com/DE-Blade-Sampler-Pack-Extended_p_11.html

Personally, I like the Derby's and the Feather's, and I arrived at that after trying about 7-8 different blades. When you find the one that gives you the best shave, there are alot of bulk packs on eBay to save money.

Badgerandblade is the Bladeforums of the shaving world...

Good luck!
 
Carl, take a look round this small but active&interesting part of the forum. Many good tips and info on offer here. The internet has enabled a Renaissance in traditional double edged safety blades&razors. I used a cartidge razor and can of scum shaving for near 30 years and always pined for double edged blades but they had almost disappeared from the shops here in Europe. due to the internet I was able to buy quality gear on line and as you will see in discussions about blades, the savings over the chuckaway/cartridge brigade are considerable. Less environment waste too due to excess packaging/plastics.

It may take a while for your face to harden up if you've had a beard so long, but DE shaving, using a brush and cream/soap is not only a vastly superior shave it's kind on the skin too I've found. You are doing the right thing, beards do nobody any favours after a certain age and they need maintaining if they are not to become unkempt. You'll feel a new man in next to no time!

Regards, W
 
How steady are your hands? Being a retired knifenut, you have both time and the ability to sharpen to a razor sharp edge. Both these things are necessary to treat yourself to IMO the best shave available, the straight razor shave. It's my preferred method, although I only have time to do it on the weekends because I have a young family.

The biggest factor in getting a superior shave is the preparation. The best time to do so is immediately after you have taken a shower. Your skin should be nice and supple and the facial hair softened. Wet your shave brush (badger is best, although boar's hair is perfectly usable) with hot water and work up a nice lather with your shaving soap. Making sure that your face is still wet (which you need to maintain with hot water), you then apply the lather to your face with the brush. You then shave with your chosen instrument (whether straight or DE). Go with the grain at first. If all you want to do is look presentable, this should suffice and you can stop right here. However if you want a really close shave you'll have to relather and shave against the grain. Just make sure you re-wet your face with hot water as well as re-wet your brush and make some additional lather before you shave against.

The preparation I mentioned above will improve any shave, it doesn't matter if it's a straight razor, a Merkur DE, or a Gillette ProGlide. You'll figure out what you do and don't like and sooner or later you'll have your own method. Just remember to be patient and take your time, it'll take a while for your face to get used to the shaving process. Once you get in the groove you'll have yourself a nice little ritual in the morning to help you focus and start the day.
 
Just got my first Merkur and recommend it heartily. Blades are a personal choice so grab a sampler pack from one of the good online dealers. Going to a safety razor has made a huge difference for me.
 
My wife gave me a Merkur Futur for Christmas and I love it. It's adjustable and really shaves just as easy as the Gillette Mach 3 that I've used for over a decade. This is the first I've tried using a bristle brush and soap though. I previously used foam cream, lotion, water, soap, or dry shaved, just whatever was convenient.
 
As others have said, preparation is everything whatever the cutting method used. I have a very robust growth and to avoid razor burns and irritated skin I shave after a shower (or use wet a small towel with very hot water and hold it to my face for a couple of minutes), I wash my face (not with soap, this will dry your skin) and then personally I prefer either a good gel or shaving oil. I've found that shaving oil gives me the closest shave and least irritation. Check out the brand King of Shaves. They do an excellent shaving oil and razors that are cheaper that overpriced Gillette.

Lastly, a good moisturizer to sooth the skin and you're good to go! Happy shavings and remember to do a "before" and "after" picture! :)
 
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