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The Wet-Shaving Thread

CoorsLight said:
Positive surprises:
Spieck shave stick. Inexpensive, convenient, nice scent, and awesome slick lather.
Treet razor blades. Smooth and sharp

Negative surprises:
Anything RazoRock
Kai blades
Cade/Plisson shaving brush
Click to expand...

Interesting. I have a RazoRock Mission razor that I haven't tried yet. Are you talking about a razor or their soap?

I also have the Treet blades that came with the razor. Haven't tried those yet, either. I've been using Astra SP and just recently tried Personna Reds and Rapira SS. Unfortunately, I get nicks and irritation with the Astra, less so - but still present - with the others.

I was told that the Reds are the same as what's in the TopCare plastic dispensers, but they don't seem to be. I hate to say it, but I really loved the blades that are re-packaged and sold by CVS, Walgreens and others. However, they want a pretty penny! I have some Crystals (another re-branded Personna) on the way and I'm hoping these are the match to the TopCare/CVS/whatever blades that have worked so well for me.

I gave my cousin one of the L'Occitaine Plisson brushes and he loves it. I haven't tried it and I'm not sure if synthetic is for me. So far, I think my favorite is the humble Omega 10066 (boar). Good size, good backbone, breaking in nicely.

Love/Hate:
Chiseled Face Groomatorium soaps. These are soft soaps like Proraso (in the tub) and have amazing lather. Like, "super-slick and copious" amazing...but the scents! I'm okay with Easy Street, but the Sherlock, while sounding good on paper, just doesn't work for me. Too much peat/damp earth/tobacco for my senses.
 
Update on the RazoRock Mission: it's a great razor! I like the heft and it's slightly more aggressive (closer) than my Tech, but just as mild. I'm getting very smooth, close shaves without much fuss and for the price - just $20! - I'm really happy with my choice.

Of course, I couldn't stop there. I found a Flair Tip and a Fat Boy in a local antique shop and I've been using the Flair Tip almost exclusively. It's a fun piece of nostalgia. It's definitely easier to change blades with a TTO, but I find the 3-piece easier to clean.

The Crystal blades turned out to be everything I want. It's been confirmed that they are the same as the private-label blades and they work so well. I only have a couple, so I'll have to get more. The Personna Reds were decent, the Crystals are (much) better. I also have some Wilkinson Sword and Personna Lab Blue blades to try, but I don't think either will unseat the Crystal. OTOH, it seems that different blades work better in different razors, so it's possible that I'll have a few favorites.

What's your latest purchase?
 
Atticus, I'm heading to Vacaville tonight if you still want me to bring some blades and soaps/cremes for you. I don't have your number anymore but pm me if your interested. I can stop by on sunday night as I head back to the city. If not just pm me your address and ill throw it in the mail
 
FoolishMortal said:
Interesting. I have a RazoRock Mission razor that I haven't tried yet. Are you talking about a razor or their soap?

I also have the Treet blades that came with the razor. Haven't tried those yet, either. I've been using Astra SP and just recently tried Personna Reds and Rapira SS. Unfortunately, I get nicks and irritation with the Astra, less so - but still present - with the others.

I was told that the Reds are the same as what's in the TopCare plastic dispensers, but they don't seem to be. I hate to say it, but I really loved the blades that are re-packaged and sold by CVS, Walgreens and others. However, they want a pretty penny! I have some Crystals (another re-branded Personna) on the way and I'm hoping these are the match to the TopCare/CVS/whatever blades that have worked so well for me.

I gave my cousin one of the L'Occitaine Plisson brushes and he loves it. I haven't tried it and I'm not sure if synthetic is for me. So far, I think my favorite is the humble Omega 10066 (boar). Good size, good backbone, breaking in nicely.

Love/Hate:
Chiseled Face Groomatorium soaps. These are soft soaps like Proraso (in the tub) and have amazing lather. Like, "super-slick and copious" amazing...but the scents! I'm okay with Easy Street, but the Sherlock, while sounding good on paper, just doesn't work for me. Too much peat/damp earth/tobacco for my senses.
Click to expand...

Dang, sorry I just saw this post. I was talking about RazoRock soaps. I've tried XXX and some lavender one (forget the name), and thought they pretty much sucked and smelled too strong, so I gave them away. I really like HTGAM soaps, but then they collaborated with RazoRock and made "The Beach," which may be the worst soap I've ever tried.

I haven't tried RazoRock razors, but they seem amazing for the money.

The CVS razors are pretty good, but yeah, hella expensive. Depending on their origin, they are probably either Reds or Blues.

FoolishMortal said:
Update on the RazoRock Mission: it's a great razor! I like the heft and it's slightly more aggressive (closer) than my Tech, but just as mild. I'm getting very smooth, close shaves without much fuss and for the price - just $20! - I'm really happy with my choice.

Of course, I couldn't stop there. I found a Flair Tip and a Fat Boy in a local antique shop and I've been using the Flair Tip almost exclusively. It's a fun piece of nostalgia. It's definitely easier to change blades with a TTO, but I find the 3-piece easier to clean.

The Crystal blades turned out to be everything I want. It's been confirmed that they are the same as the private-label blades and they work so well. I only have a couple, so I'll have to get more. The Personna Reds were decent, the Crystals are (much) better. I also have some Wilkinson Sword and Personna Lab Blue blades to try, but I don't think either will unseat the Crystal. OTOH, it seems that different blades work better in different razors, so it's possible that I'll have a few favorites.

What's your latest purchase?
Click to expand...

Wilkinson Sword is surprisingly good, but I'd also be surprised if you like any of those blades better than Crystals. Glad you're enjoing the Mission.

And it's FLARE tip. ;)
 
Hey guys, I asked a question awhile back about getting stuff for my groomsmen.

We ended up snagging some soap/boar brush kits. I am not sure if they are any good but the price was right.

Looking at razors as well, and I am not sure I want to get anyone a razor that takes actually straight blades...

I hear commercials for this place all the time, are they a decent blade? Figure it might be a cheap add on to the kits we got

https://www.harrys.com/
 
If you know they're using a cartridge type razor, I'd skip buying another as they probably have a preference for what they're using. Soap/Brush, maybe a good after shave or balm or a razor/brush stand.
 
I am fairly confident all these guys use barbersol and a gillette... hahaha

So Im pretty sure this will be new to them all
 
drewcandraw said:
Atticus, I'm heading to Vacaville tonight if you still want me to bring some blades and soaps/cremes for you. I don't have your number anymore but pm me if your interested. I can stop by on sunday night as I head back to the city. If not just pm me your address and ill throw it in the mail
Click to expand...

Shoot - I just saw this! Sorry to have missed you, but I really appreciate you keeping me in mind!

I think I'm set for stuff right now, but I would be happy to do a trade at some point. I have some Astra SP blades that don't agree with me and I'm finding that I like Personna blades quite a lot (Crystal especially, but the Personna Reds and Lab Blues, too). I also have a Chiseled Face soap that I could trade out for something else, assuming you like the scent.

CoorsLight said:
Dang, sorry I just saw this post. I was talking about RazoRock soaps. I've tried XXX and some lavender one (forget the name), and thought they pretty much sucked and smelled too strong, so I gave them away. I really like HTGAM soaps, but then they collaborated with RazoRock and made "The Beach," which may be the worst soap I've ever tried.

I haven't tried RazoRock razors, but they seem amazing for the money.

The CVS razors are pretty good, but yeah, hella expensive. Depending on their origin, they are probably either Reds or Blues.

Wilkinson Sword is surprisingly good, but I'd also be surprised if you like any of those blades better than Crystals. Glad you're enjoing the Mission.

And it's FLARE tip. ;)
Click to expand...

:facepalm
You're right - it's Flare Tip. I've watched Office Space a couple of times lately, so that's my excuse.
:|

Based on the face-feel, I'm pretty sure the white-label pharmacy blades are Personna Crystals. I managed to get a couple of those and really, really like them, so I'll probably pick up a 100-pack. The Personna Lab Blues are a close second.

The RR Mission is a solid value at $25 shipped. Even if (when) the head gives out, the handle is solid and weighty, and can be used with something else.

1sicv8 said:
Hey guys, I asked a question awhile back about getting stuff for my groomsmen.

We ended up snagging some soap/boar brush kits. I am not sure if they are any good but the price was right.

Looking at razors as well, and I am not sure I want to get anyone a razor that takes actually straight blades...

I hear commercials for this place all the time, are they a decent blade? Figure it might be a cheap add on to the kits we got

https://www.harrys.com/
Click to expand...

I'll just echo what zphreak said. Unless you're going to introduce them to safety razors, it's probably best to stick with the brush/soap combo (which is doing them a solid). If they're using cartridges, they'll stick with what they know. At least they can use the brush/soap on days when they want to feel grown up. :afm199
 
Well, I'm about 8 months in. My technique has vastly improved, I've got more hardware and software than I need (and have been giving things away to convert friends), and daily shaves are always very enjoyable unless I'm rushed for some reason.

Whatcha been doing?
 
Stirling Soap samples are in the mail. Can't wait to try. :banana

I've been disappointed with the performance of samples of LA Shaving Co and Catie's Bubbles. Good lather and scents, especially Catie's Bubbles, but they both dry my skin out.
 
I need some new soap. Finally ran out of my huge Art Of Shaving starter kit thing.

Suggestions?
 
The only soaps/creams that I can unreservedly recommend at this point are:

Speick shave stick
Spieck shave cream (in the tube)
Mitchell's Wool Fat (it's very good for post shave comfort, but it's a bitch to lather if you have hard water, which I do)
Biotique Bio Palmyra

I've tried a bunch of soaps and creams, and I've given away at least 2/3 of them.
 
I'm terrible at working up a lather, so the easier the better.
 
If you have oily skin, then Catie's Bubbles would be good. It lathers like crazy, and it's pretty slick for shaving. But it is very drying to the skin. I have combination skin, and Catie's Bubbles leaves me with the sensation of razor burn.
 
I don't think I do.

I like teh Art of Shaving sandalwood one, but not the price. lol.
 
mikev said:
I don't think I do.

I like teh Art of Shaving sandalwood one, but not the price. lol.
Click to expand...

Meh, I was gifted some Art of Shaving products a few years back. Based on my experience with them, I don't think your issues with building lather are your fault.

...but I liked their post shave lotion.
 
Thread brings back memories. My dad had one. He didn't use it but I thought it was cool.

I hate shaving but was inspired to buy this just now :p

Shaver.png
 
I think my fave so far, is the Truefitt & Hill, Ultimate Comfort, Unscented cream. It's easy to lather and the scent is fairly neutral (it says Unscented, but there's definitely a bit of a smell) so it doesn't interact with your favorite after-shave.

I've used the Tabac pucks too and they are a little harder to lather but are very strong smelling. I like the scent, but I can't use my favorite after-shave because it changes the scent too much.
 
First shave with Stirling Soap last night. Outstanding. Lathers fast and thick, and the post chave feel was better than any other soap I've tried. Very moisturizing. The scent is strong and long lasting, which can be good and bad. I like it, although the scents aren't as finely engineered as some other makers. Stirling scent reminds me of "imposter" colognes, but most of the samples I got smelled pretty good. Except the one that smells exactly like Pine Sol.

EDIT: This stuff is really cheap, too! I definitely recommend getting their 1 oz. samples. Only $2.75 and looks like it should last at least 2 months.
 
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asthmodeus said:
yeah yeah. we all have tough beards. wait til you first try using a safety razor on your balls.
Click to expand...

russ69 said:
Menthol Barbasol and I go to town.
Click to expand...

How about some Menthol Barbasol for shaving your bollocks? :wow Keep the sack skin stretched or pay the $$ for waxing (the first time hurts the most).

BTW, I get all my advice on this subject from gay men. :teeth
 
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