Old School Shaving

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seeking8.5x6

1
Ok so most of us do the whole manscaping thing and use a nice razor. What i am about to tell you will sound like insanity but i promise you its entirely worth your time to read and consider.

So shaving is a routine for most of us and modern day razors suck in the fact that they just dont shave close enough to keep stubble free for more than a day or so down there. So i present to you the DE Safety razor method. Yeah you old heads read that right and some young guys as well. A good ole fashioned DE will destroy those Venus shaves any day of the week. Now there is a learning curve and a boat load of technique involved but there are so many resources on that available by everyones favorite search engine ill let you all do that part.

A simple with the grain then against the grain shave passes will leave you baby soft smooth on all those nether regions for days at a time, reducing the amount of times you have to actually shave. What more if you ditch the shave cream and invest in a soap puck(s) you can have different scent profiles, perfect for that SO or hot date you have.

Here is the minimum amount of equipment i would recommend to get started:

A good DE razor
A good set or variety of blades for said razor
shaving cream
an alum block or stypic pen
an aftershave or aftershave balm

The vast overview is to get yourself a nice hot shower to open your pores up. Apply shaving cream, then SLOWLY AND METHODICALLY, i repeat SLOWLY AND METHODICALLY begin to shave. make a few short easy strokes with the razor your first time then flip back to your old standard. dont force it all at once unless your experienced with a DE, then still go slow you are using an insanely sharp object on yourself.

Make your passes, then use as cold as water as you can and rinse the area, very important for closing the pores. Pad dry, do not rub. next use the alum block, wet your finger tip and get the block wet and rub on your skin, if it starts to stick, re wet the alum block. WARNING!!!!!! this will sting a bit if you have any nicks or weepers but it will close them up so you dont have any issues beyond that. Let that dry for about a minute or so then follow up with the aftershave or after shave balm.

Obviously there is much more to it than that but you get the general idea and can determine if its for you or not. Side note my better half has noticed im smoother down there days longer than before and they are contemplating using the same method on themselves as well now.

Disclaimer: I take no responsibility for you if you try this, its entirely your own decision just like PE is and carries risk with it as does anything new when you learn it.
 
Why don't you buy a straight razor while you're at it save money on blades
 
Nice to hear someone else goes this route as well!

I've been favoring Double Edge razor blades for a longer time, especially on my face. But surely it does work equally well down there. (Or on other parts of the body, if you're down to heavy manscaping.)

I would personally suggest a light DE razor, such as Feather Popular or equivalent for manscaping duties, but it does come down to a preference.
Also comes down to preference about the blades, I use Feather brand ones. (Nice and sharp, some report as too sharp!)
Initial investment down to DE razor tools might feel a bit steep for some, but in the long run it's less expensive, better for the enviroment, many other good points down to the DE shaving.

I like DE razors as most of them will last a very long time. I actually bought a nice Twist-To-Open Gillette from Japan, dates back to 50's or 60's, put in new Feather blade and "damn, that's a smooth shave!"

Thanks for bringing this up seeking8.5x6! For me DE shaving also provides (along with a better shave) a sense of "meditation", as you need to invest a bit more thought and time into the shaving process.
Surely it can take a bit of time to get a hang of it, but after you do, it's fantastic!
 
And blades bought in bulk don't end up costing that much. I recall buying 200 blades and still have quite a lot left. Depends on your hair how long will a blade last, but when I shaved on a more regular basis, I would get 5-7 good shaves from a blade.

A straight razor is a whole lot of work. You'll have to sharpen the blade often as well. Many claim to receive better shaves from a DE razor or a "one use" straight razor. Feather, Kai, several other brands produce those, you just switch the blade and shave away. From what I recall you'll need to use such kind of "one use razor" if you're in the barbershop business, at least nowadays.

Depending what blades you'll buy, the initial cost is probably in range of 0.5 - 0.50 cents per blade. Lot cheaper than Mach 3 or other similar variants.
 
templnite;720783 said:
Why don't you buy a straight razor while you're at it save money on blades
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I own a straight and a kamisore. Not ready to try those down there yet, im still workin with those on my face.
 
arkailija;720784 said:
Nice to hear someone else goes this route as well!

I've been favoring Double Edge razor blades for a longer time, especially on my face. But surely it does work equally well down there. (Or on other parts of the body, if you're down to heavy manscaping.)

I would personally suggest a light DE razor, such as Feather Popular or equivalent for manscaping duties, but it does come down to a preference.
Also comes down to preference about the blades, I use Feather brand ones. (Nice and sharp, some report as too sharp!)
Initial investment down to DE razor tools might feel a bit steep for some, but in the long run it's less expensive, better for the enviroment, many other good points down to the DE shaving.

I like DE razors as most of them will last a very long time. I actually bought a nice Twist-To-Open Gillette from Japan, dates back to 50's or 60's, put in new Feather blade and "damn, that's a smooth shave!"

Thanks for bringing this up seeking8.5x6! For me DE shaving also provides (along with a better shave) a sense of "meditation", as you need to invest a bit more thought and time into the shaving process.
Surely it can take a bit of time to get a hang of it, but after you do, it's fantastic!
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I use a medium weight but with a much shorter handle for the manscaping. Agree with the nice sense of meditation. My morning shave for my face is my time to have all to myself and get ready to go up against the world. I haven't gone the feather blade route, it is still in the package. I stick to Personna Platinum for now.
 
I've had Personna Platinum blades, they're good as well! But I did get the 200 pack of Feather blades, so those are the ones I use.

Right on the money about the time for yourself during morning shaving. Shorther handle for manscaping is a fine idea, actually the handle on the Feather Popular is a bit long. But medium weight or light, definitely. I'd be afraid to use a very heavy razor down there, such as a Merkur slanted.

Kamisore/kamisori, that's cool! That's what I was meaning with the replacable blade models, although naturally a kamisori is a razor blade you'd sharpen and hone. But Feather and Kai do produce the single use blade ones, I have that kind of one. I've found it good for trimming someone's neck hair. I haven't used it on my face that much, as I "sport" a short beard for skin comfort and ease. Just trimming mostly with a clipper and the TTO Gillette, really enjoying the Gillette, it was a great find.
 
I discovered DE/safety razors a few years ago and I think it's mind-boggling they're not more popular. They used to be, obviously. They're so freakin classy and sophisticated-looking. They give a way better shave for way less money too. Like way way less. I bought a 100 pack of Wilkinson Sword razors for $20 on amazon and those will last me 2 or 3 years I bet. I don't shave every day. I like to rock the stubble. Lol.

However, I do still use the ridiculously overpriced Fusion and mach 3 razors on my junk and surrounding areas. For me the DE razors just don't get in those areas as well and it takes too long.
 
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JB007;720803 said:
I discovered DE/safety razors a few years ago and I think it's mind-boggling they're not more popular. They used to be, obviously. They're so freakin classy and sophisticated-looking. They give a way better shave for way less money too. Like way way less. I bought a 100 pack of Wilkinson Sword razors for $20 on amazon and those will last me 2 or 3 years I bet. I don't shave every day. I like to rock the stubble. Lol.

However, I do still use the ridiculously overpriced Fusion and mach 3 razors on my junk and surrounding areas. For me the DE razors just don't get in those areas as well and it takes too long.
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True it does take longer than normal but they do get in there just gotta work those angles lol. They arent popular because of the technique involved with them, cartridge are simple and less chance of giving yourself a nick.
 
seeking8.5x6;720819 said:
True it does take longer than normal but they do get in there just gotta work those angles lol. They arent popular because of the technique involved with them, cartridge are simple and less chance of giving yourself a nick.
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Exactly. I found myself wanting to get started and learn because I want to shave all the time since I want a clean look. I'll have to investigate a bit more before proceeding to get started.
 
acromegaly;720793 said:
I wonder if anyone here tried laser removal, I wonder if it's permanent like they say
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I know a guy who's done lasering and for sure he's smooth! It does take several appointments of course and price is quite high. Also finding a good clinic where to do it is crucial. Usually lasering works for fair skin and dark hair, but there are lasering tools for the darker skinned as well.

And kyomoto, I can suggest getting a Merkur, they're decent. Up to preference do you go for slanter, open or closed comb, closed comb in my experience is the "easiest" of them.
Of course one can splurge on the adjustables. I haven't found a relatively low price point one here where I live. I'm quite content with my TTO Gillette anyway.
Feather Popular is a nice tool as well.

What I do agree is that shaving your junk with DE will take longer, I've also gone the Mach 3 and Fusion route at times, but what I notice is that my skin likes the DE razors more.
Working on those angles indeed!
 
kyomoto;720852 said:
Exactly. I found myself wanting to get started and learn because I want to shave all the time since I want a clean look. I'll have to investigate a bit more before proceeding to get started.
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there are more than a few other forums and subreddits dedicated to it and tons of youtube showing technique so you can learn. If your looking for a started kit to get going there is a few to choose from and are all pretty cheap to get you going for a month or two.
 
seeking8.5x6;720870 said:
there are more than a few other forums and subreddits dedicated to it and tons of youtube showing technique so you can learn. If your looking for a started kit to get going there is a few to choose from and are all pretty cheap to get you going for a month or two.
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Yeah thats where I've found out about it on a subreddit, im really into electric shaver though ever since my father bought one, it works well for me when my hair is short and doesnt cut me much, I use it dry when possible.
 
Op is it true that you never have to sharpen your straight razor only strop ? Do you have to use stropping paste or just piece of cloth/leather? They invented kevlar initially for making tires but they turned out so durable that traditonal tire companies's sales hurt so they suppressed kevlar tires. They did the same for straight razors like they did for red yeast rice which cures cholesterol, trust your government. It doesnt matter i still shave with a 1000° knife its so satisfying
 
templnite;720943 said:
Op is it true that you never have to sharpen your straight razor only strop ? Do you have to use stropping paste or just piece of cloth/leather? They invented kevlar initially for making tires but they turned out so durable that traditonal tire companies's sales hurt so they suppressed kevlar tires. They did the same for straight razors like they did for red yeast rice which cures cholesterol, trust your government. It doesnt matter i still shave with a 1000° knife its so satisfying
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Always strop, if you don't it shortens your sharpness lifespan because your edge wont stay true. I use a nylon then a leather strop before my straight shave, no paste at all but thats just me, there are lots who use paste.

Honing is usually a once every 6 months or so thing, when your blade stops being effective with good technique its time to get it honed.
 
Oh I see pretty good longevity to the edge then, I thought you only had to send I off for resharpening if you jacked up the blade by dropping it or some other abuse. And that you could just strop forever as long as you only shaved after letting it straighten its micro burr overnight. I still wanna buy one because it seems like a very masculine way to shave. Which is better your straight or your kamisore or what's the difference?
 
I always thought straight razor shaving looked cool as fuck from seeing it in movies like Rio Bravo, The African Queen, Lawrence of Arabia, and the tv show Archer but when I saw that scene in Skyfall (huge Bond fan if you couldn't tell) I finally decided to buy one.

Needless to say, in my experience it's a lot cooler seeing someone else do it. It's really really hard to use a straight razor well. It also takes forever and you can't even go against the grain in certain places like the upper lip because it's so dangerous. Some people still do it though.

So I bought a Merkur DE/safety razor and I love it. I might break out the Dovo straight razor again sometime just for fun though. I'm sure with more practice I could get good at it.
 
Yeah its cause you have to pull the skin where you're shaving if going against the grain or with , seeing riddick shave in pitch black also had me sold. I guess shaving your cock with a blade is risky but pe has many risks.
 
I love using a DE razor on my face, but I do not recommend using this for your manscaping. That's really aggressive shaving, and the skin down there is super thin and sensitive. Good luck to those who do it.
 
tbone, I think it has to do with a razor and blade setup. You are right about the skin being thinner and sensitive down there. Personally I've noticed that a light touch and sharp blade yield good results for me.
I've also used Mach 3 and Fusion ... So many different kind of razors. Taking my time and using a light touch with a DE razor I haven't noticed more or less issues than with Mach 3 for example. At times I think using a DE has been more beneficial for my skin health down there.

But yes, of course one must pay good attention and perhaps try shaving just a small part, reviewing the results. After all, we're individuals and our skins will react somewhat differently.
y
 
arkailija;721004 said:
tbone, I think it has to do with a razor and blade setup. You are right about the skin being thinner and sensitive down there. Personally I've noticed that a light touch and sharp blade yield good results for me.
I've also used Mach 3 and Fusion ... So many different kind of razors. Taking my time and using a light touch with a DE razor I haven't noticed more or less issues than with Mach 3 for example. At times I think using a DE has been more beneficial for my skin health down there.

But yes, of course one must pay good attention and perhaps try shaving just a small part, reviewing the results. After all, we're individuals and our skins will react somewhat differently.
y
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Some people have better reaction to shaving than others so its another part of why some of us can use the razors we have.
 
kyomoto;721088 said:
Some people have better reaction to shaving than others so its another part of why some of us can use the razors we have.
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to address the aggressiveness, you can purchase different head configurations for the DE to make it a mild or heavily aggressive shave. More so if you buy an old school adjustable one then you can really dial it in for your skin type.
 
seeking8.5x6;721106 said:
to address the aggressiveness, you can purchase different head configurations for the DE to make it a mild or heavily aggressive shave. More so if you buy an old school adjustable one then you can really dial it in for your skin type.
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But but they don't have moisture strips and the bitch razors are priced higher just for being pink that's why I let my bitch stay hairy.
 
templnite;721121 said:
But but they don't have moisture strips and the bitch razors are priced higher just for being pink that's why I let my bitch stay hairy.
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preshave oil then use a nice aftershave balm will trump out any of those moisturizing strips that the other razors have on them ;)
 
templnite;720958 said:
Oh I see pretty good longevity to the edge then, I thought you only had to send I off for resharpening if you jacked up the blade by dropping it or some other abuse. And that you could just strop forever as long as you only shaved after letting it straighten its micro burr overnight. I still wanna buy one because it seems like a very masculine way to shave. Which is better your straight or your kamisore or what's the difference?
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They are each a different shave, IMO the kamisori is a better blade to get in and do your upper lip and neck areas as well as the whole face because its smaller and more manueverable. I do like my western straight as its also fun to use.
 
Shaving for me caused much irritation but that only lasted for about 2 weeks. After that is was as easy as shaving my face. After shaving be sure to apply some Hydrocortisone so it does not cause irritation, redness and itchiness.
 
doublelongdaddy;721148 said:
Shaving for me caused much irritation but that only lasted for about 2 weeks. After that is was as easy as shaving my face. After shaving be sure to apply some Hydrocortisone so it does not cause irritation, redness and itchiness.
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To avoid the irritation caused by shaving, I don't remove the hair completely, I just remove it drastically.
 
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