Author Topic: Shaving Soaps and Creams (Read 27515 times)

GeorgeHill · « **Reply #100 on:** October 14, 2015, 10:21:18 pm »

Witch Hazel?
Yeah, It's great for rashes and such.

Never tried it as an aftershave tonic. But I can see why it was suggested.
I'm about to go shave my dome again - and would try it, but we don't have any.

WeTheArmed.com

MTK20 · « **Reply #101 on:** October 14, 2015, 11:37:22 pm »

I think I'm going to pick some up myself. It's at the local drugstore, so that'll give me an opportunity to check out our blades and shaving soaps/creams. I mean if it saves my face

.

Kinda funny. In a family full of medical professionals, we would always reach for alcohol, peroxide, triple antibiotic ointment, etc; but witch hazel never got any love in our house. I can't even remember us buying a bottle as a kid.

Feud · « **Reply #102 on:** October 15, 2015, 08:18:15 am »

Quote from: MTK20 on October 14, 2015, 07:41:52 pm

Would that author happen to be you?

I'm slowly browsing and growing my arsenal (online wish list). I'll have to pick a handle/razor which seems to be the most overwhelming task so far. I can see what my local drug store has in the way of blades and soaps. Then after that I just have to get a holder and the perfect .99¢ coffee cup for a soap mixing container as someone mentioned earlier: if it's not all said and done under $50, you're doing it wrong .

Question on aftershave-ish items: I have heard good things about using witch hazel. Can anyone vouch for the abilities of this home remedy regarding relieving irritation?

That I am, though much of the info can be found on my shaveblog.

I'd focus on a good razor first. Something like a Merkur, Edwin Jagger, or Parker. Cheaper razors might work fine for you, but it's kinda like guns: a cheap pistol might work well for someone, but the middle of the road tends to be a good fit for most people.

I've never used witch hazel, but a friend of mine used to use it for aftershave and liked it quite a bit. A lot of aftershaves use it, I think Snake Bite is mostly witch hazel.

coelacanth · « **Reply #103 on:** October 15, 2015, 03:11:17 pm »

Witch hazel is indeed good stuff. Been using it for years. Dickinson's is the premier brand and has been around since the 19th century. I have seen bargain, no name brands at some of the discounter's but haven't tried them. It wouldn't surprise me though if they were manufactured by T.N. Dickinson and sold to other retailers as a wholesale item. My favored after shave lotion and fragrance is Bay Rum from various sources ( Ogallala is a good one ).

As an aside, if you're not getting a good close shave or post shave bumps from your set-up try this. Dampen your face with warm water then use your shaving brush to work up a good lather of face and body soap and scrub it around on your face and neck for a minute or two. Then rinse with warm water and proceed with your normal routine. Seems to work for me.

JackCrow · « **Reply #104 on:** October 15, 2015, 06:21:34 pm »

I'll give a little contradicting advice to that offered by Feud.
A brush and good quality shaving soap will make a noticeable improvement even if using a modern multi-blade razor.

If one cannot afford the whole ensemble at once then ditch the canned crap and go with a good brush and soap first.

MTK20 · « **Reply #105 on:** October 15, 2015, 07:17:40 pm »

Quote from: JackCrow on October 15, 2015, 06:21:34 pm

I'll give a little contradicting advice to that offered by Feud.
A brush and good quality shaving soap will make a noticeable improvement even if using a modern multi-blade razor.

If one cannot afford the whole ensemble at once then ditch the canned crap and go with a good brush and soap first.

Duly noted. I may just get myself a brush and then shaving cream (in a tube, not a can) instead of shaving soap. I understand that cream is easier to lather for beginners. I also believe I have my wide mouthed coffee, er, shaving mug secured. This will be utilitarian, cost effective, and not all that pretty of a set up. When I've completed the ensemble it'll be more "nickel shave society" than $1000 dollar shave club, but as long as the lather is good quality, the blades are sharp, and the end result is better than previously; I will be happy.

MTK20 · « **Reply #106 on:** October 15, 2015, 07:19:16 pm »

I think I've decided on this one:

http://www.amazon.com/Proraso-Shaving-Cream-Sandalwood-Formulation/dp/B0084GVSWG/ref=sr_1_6?s=hpc&ie=UTF8&qid=1444951097&sr=1-6

GeorgeHill · « **Reply #107 on:** October 15, 2015, 07:56:25 pm »

MTK20 · « **Reply #108 on:** October 16, 2015, 04:56:27 pm »

Ok, so I went to the pharmacy today to pick up some witch hazel. Spent the extra on brand name T.N. Dickinson's. While in the pharmacy I found this. For about 10 bucks a boar brush, bowl, and puck of soap. I know that I intended on buying a cream, but this was local, in my hand, and has no shipping and handling fee as buying online would. Even if the lather sucks I now have something to practice my lathering technique in and a brush and bowl already for under ten bucks. Based on that alone, I'll call this a win.

One thing I don't have is a stand, but hopefully a brush can dry just fine standing on its handle. Not ideal, but so far it's what I'm working with.

JackCrow · « **Reply #109 on:** October 16, 2015, 05:51:43 pm »

Another good over-the-counter soap is Pear's, I used that for quite awhile before moving on to true shave soaps.

Feud · « **Reply #110 on:** October 16, 2015, 06:50:59 pm »

A stand looks really cool, and saves some room. But drying base down, so long as you shake it out well so the knot isn't completely soaked, works just fine and often results in a better brush bloom (I use a stand for one of my brushes, base or the other).

MTK20 · « **Reply #111 on:** October 16, 2015, 07:50:39 pm »

Quote from: Feud on October 16, 2015, 06:50:59 pm

A stand looks really cool, and saves some room. But drying base down, so long as you shake it out well so the knot isn't completely soaked, works just fine and often results in a better brush bloom (I use a stand for one of my brushes, base or the other).

Awesome! Then standless (at least for now) it is!

Feud, our resident shaving expert, what do you know of the brand which I took a pic of? Think the soap should be ok for a beginner?

Feud · « **Reply #112 on:** October 16, 2015, 08:25:35 pm »

I'm no expert, CoyotesFan, Outbreak, and others taught me.

Did you get that at CVS? It looks very similar to the CVS shave soap I've been using. Has a bit of a hospital smell to it, but lathers pretty decently for the price. I've enjoyed it. Never used the brush though (I just bought the soap, not the pack), not sure if it's good or not.

sarge712 · « **Reply #113 on:** October 16, 2015, 10:57:01 pm »

I've always just bought the cheap yellow Bic razors ($2.50/dozen) and used Barbasol shave cream. Its just scraping stubble off my face. I've never understood the fascination with shaving and shaving kits. Its a one minute pain in the ass ritual that gets in the way to getting dressed and out the door. Since we have relaxed grooming standards with our new admin, I'm currently working on a Kyle Lamb style super goatee so I'm now just shaving off the sides which is even faster in the morning

MTK20 · « **Reply #114 on:** October 17, 2015, 12:07:11 am »

Quote from: Feud on October 16, 2015, 08:25:35 pm

I'm no expert, CoyotesFan, Outbreak, and others taught me.

Did you get that at CVS? It looks very similar to the CVS shave soap I've been using. Has a bit of a hospital smell to it, but lathers pretty decently for the price. I've enjoyed it. Never used the brush though (I just bought the soap, not the pack), not sure if it's good or not.

Well, Walgreens, yes. I don't really smell the hospitally smell on the soap that you mention. Also the brush is boar. Nothing fancy, but I imagine it'll be serviceable.

coyotesfan97 · « **Reply #115 on:** October 17, 2015, 05:53:09 pm »

Quote from: sarge712 on October 16, 2015, 10:57:01 pm

I've always just bought the cheap yellow Bic razors ($2.50/dozen) and used Barbasol shave cream. Its just scraping stubble off my face. I've never understood the fascination with shaving and shaving kits. Its a one minute pain in the ass ritual that gets in the way to getting dressed and out the door. Since we have relaxed grooming standards with our new admin, I'm currently working on a Kyle Lamb style super goatee so I'm now just shaving off the sides which is even faster in the morning

Pay no mind to the HERETIC!!!

I can't tell the brand of the soap but if it lathers nice it'll work. I just bought 100 Feather blades and a tub of OLD Taylor (sandalwood). The blades will last me a little under two years probably.

MTK20 · « **Reply #116 on:** October 17, 2015, 06:21:02 pm »

Quote from: coyotesfan97 on October 17, 2015, 05:53:09 pm

Pay no mind to the HERETIC!!!

I can't tell the brand of the soap but if it lathers nice it'll work. I just bought 100 Feather blades and a tub of OLD Taylor (sandalwood). The blades will last me a little under two years probably.

Thanks Coyotesfan,

Here's the brand: http://vdhent.com/products/premium.html

I intended on disregarding the heretic

. The response struck me as the words of someone whom drinks their whisky in "shots" and who doesn't get why anyone would savour a cigar because "cigarettes have nicotine too"

.

Some things are about the journey, not the destination

.

coyotesfan97 · « **Reply #117 on:** October 17, 2015, 07:58:36 pm »

MTK20 if you have a little time wander over to Pistol Forum for the shaving thread there.

https://pistol-forum.com/showthread.php?552-Straight-amp-safety-razor-shaving&highlight=Shaving

MTK20 · « **Reply #118 on:** October 17, 2015, 08:44:05 pm »

Quote from: coyotesfan97 on October 17, 2015, 07:58:36 pm

MTK20 if you have a little time wander over to Pistol Forum for the shaving thread there.

https://pistol-forum.com/showthread.php?552-Straight-amp-safety-razor-shaving&highlight=Shaving

Thanks!

Some questions have been brought up after reading. Open comb or closed comb

.

Decision, decisions.

strangelittleman · « **Reply #119 on:** October 17, 2015, 08:48:17 pm »

Quote from: sarge712 on October 16, 2015, 10:57:01 pm

I've always just bought the cheap yellow Bic razors ($2.50/dozen) and used Barbasol shave cream. Its just scraping stubble off my face. I've never understood the fascination with shaving and shaving kits. Its a one minute pain in the ass ritual that gets in the way to getting dressed and out the door. Since we have relaxed grooming standards with our new admin, I'm currently working on a Kyle Lamb style super goatee so I'm now just shaving off the sides which is even faster in the morning

I agree 100%. Anyone who'd anguish and toil over shaving creams, blades and lotions probably paints their toenails as well. HAHAHA!

MTK20 · « **Reply #120 on:** October 17, 2015, 08:51:45 pm »

Quote from: strangelittleman on October 17, 2015, 08:48:17 pm

I agree 100%. Anyone who'd anguish and toil over shaving creams, blades and lotions probably paints their toenails as well. HAHAHA!

Oh...

Ouch.

coelacanth · « **Reply #121 on:** October 17, 2015, 09:06:46 pm »

Quote from: strangelittleman on October 17, 2015, 08:48:17 pm

I agree 100%. Anyone who'd anguish and toil over shaving creams, blades and lotions probably paints their toenails as well. HAHAHA!

Says the guy who admits to wearing ascots and turtlenecks.

Seriously?

MTK20 · « **Reply #122 on:** October 17, 2015, 09:16:32 pm »

Quote from: coelacanth on October 17, 2015, 09:06:46 pm

Says the guy who admits to wearing ascots and turtlenecks. Seriously?

Considering when SLM was born, didn't they only have the DE razors back then? I didn't think the cartridge razor had come out yet

.

Feud · « **Reply #123 on:** October 17, 2015, 09:23:20 pm »

Quote from: strangelittleman on October 17, 2015, 08:48:17 pm

I agree 100%. Anyone who'd anguish and toil over shaving creams, blades and lotions probably paints their toenails as well. HAHAHA!

It's the kind of man who wakes up in the morning and thinks, "I'm just not ready for the day until I've dragged a razor blade over my jugular a few times."

MTK20 · « **Reply #124 on:** October 17, 2015, 09:48:03 pm »

Update: After the first go I have learnt two things. There is a bit of a skill set to working an appropriate lather. It's one I'm not perfect at yet. Second, witch hazel has a bit of sting to it. This is my first time ever having it in the household (as stated previously). Not terrible, but shocking if unexpected.