Any wet shavers here?

[line6man]

Awesome that there are so many wet shavers here! It's the only shaving method I've encountered that doesn't leave red bumps on my neck.

I use a scuttle, which hasn't been mentioned yet in this thread. It's from Georgetown Pottery, and it's magnificent. Fill it (inside and out) with hot water, let it sit while I shower, refresh the hot water, and then WARM LATHER. So very good.

Nothing much to add aside from that. Merkur razor, Parker badger brush, Proraso shaving cream. I really like Nivea's after shave balm for sensitive skin too.

Cool. I've been using a marble bowl, but filling it with hot water to warm it before lathering the shaving cream. Marble tends to stay cold, so the best I'm getting is lukewarm cream. I might need to get something like that eventually.

I've had six shaves now. I got the hang of it after the second shave, so three through six has been wonderful. No irritation, no missed spots or uneven shaves. Just baby smooth and comfortable skin.  :icon_biggrin: My brush no longer has a smell, either.

 

[croquet hoop]

Awesome that there are so many wet shavers here! It's the only shaving method I've encountered that doesn't leave red bumps on my neck.

Same here. I made the switch a few years ago and I was amazed by the fact that it was actually possible to shave without irritations or ingrown hairs after a few days.

Granted, most faces will need some time (from a few days from a few weeks) to get accustomed to such change in the shaving routine, and those who want to make the switch should not expect perfect results from day one, but for me it was a game changer. Yes it takes a bit more time to shave (especially in the beginning, but now it rarely takes me more than 10 minutes to shave), yes it takes some time to find the good razor + blade combination (not everything works the same for everyone, someone's dream combo is another man's nightmare), but it can be worth it.

I'm using a Merkur Futur (so heavy that you just have to guide it and its weight does the work alone — like a leveling beam on frets  :icon_biggrin with yellow 8 o'clock blades and some basic Palmolive cream.

Feather blades are really great because they are sooooo sharp, but that also means that you have to have a good hand, as any mistake will cut your skin. So, not advised for beginners. I find Astra blades to be nice too, more forgiving yet adequately sharp.

And yep, getting your skin wet and warm before lathering is the key. No blade or razor can make up for poor preparation.

 

[line6man]

I'm using a Merkur Futur (so heavy that you just have to guide it and its weight does the work alone — like a leveling beam on frets  :icon_biggrin with yellow 8 o'clock blades and some basic Palmolive cream.

I was curious about this razor because of its adjustability and attractive look, but I had four concerns.

1. I was reading reviews that said it was way too aggressive, at even the lowest setting.
2. Some people said that the bulkiness of the head makes it difficult to shave certain areas.
3. Perhaps the lack of knurling on the handle makes it hard to grip? (This is also my concern with the Edwin Jagger 89 razors. I want one, but I might have to stick to the lined chrome.)
4. Some people criticized the quality of the snap-on head.

Care to weigh in?

 

[croquet hoop]

1. I was reading reviews that said it was way too aggressive, at even the lowest setting.
2. Some people said that the bulkiness of the head makes it difficult to shave certain areas.
3. Perhaps the lack of knurling on the handle makes it hard to grip? (This is also my concern with the Edwin Jagger 89 razors. I want one, but I might have to stick to the lined chrome.)
4. Some people criticized the quality of the snap-on head.

1. My only other razor is an open comb Merkur 15C, and the Futur set to 3 (mid-way) is still much less agressive. When I started using it, I set the Futur to the lowest setting and it seemed perfectly acceptable to me.

2. I was afraid about that too, and it may be a problem for some, especially under the nose, but I usually shave against the grain and I have no problem accessing any area. Your mileage may vary if you shave in a different direction.

3. I never experienced this kind of problem with the handle, it is substantial enough without being bulky, and it does not slip (I have the matte chrome version, but I doubt it makes much of a difference).

4. I read about that too, but I have no problem with mine; the head snaps on and holds the blade firmly in place. I you get one that has a loose head, you should be able to have it exchanged.

Hope this helps 

 

[Re-Pete]

I've been wet shaving for years. My first electric razor was not good enough, even for my teenage bum-fluff back in those days.

I use multi blades and being a shift worker who rises at very early hours I wouldn't trust myself with some less safer blades at that hour!  :help: 

My shaving process is thus:
1. Wet face shave area with warm to hot water
2. Apply Sorbolene onto shave area.
3. Rinse blade with hot water well.
4. Shave
5. Wash off excess.

The Sorbolene does not lather but provides a smooth surface for the blades to run through. After effect is a  moisturising smooth skin.

I've used the old Safety Razors and I still own 2 Cut Throats my Dad left me, complete with Strop. I can shave with these but refer to my first comments above...  :evil4:

 

[line6man]

Croquet Hoop; thanks for the info on the Futur. Now I'm tempted to get one.  :blob7:

Re-Pete; yeah, electric razors suck. I also had one as a peach-fuzzed teen, and it tugged at my hair and gave an uneven, coarse shave that was basically useless. I think I used it about four times, and then went back to razors and shaving cream.