Electric Shavers

[Pierre Spies]

I've been using a straight razor (dovo) for more than two years now. I had always been bothered by shaving with astronaut razors adding a new blade every year and cream in a can. So I went straight for the straight, natural soap and bager...

I wouldn't go back to anything else for all the money in the world:

- it's extremely relaxing. I work in a field where it's unusual to not being stressed as hell, therefore I enjoy any way to cool down a bit. Straight shaving needs for extreme concentration, so as to not cut your own throat, and I find these 10 min spent shaving with a the little thread of water making a subtle and quite sound in the sink to be the best time for me to think about nothing worrying...

- you get used to it pretty quickly. Reading many Internet sites about it, I thought it would take me years to master the "art". Trust me, just a few shaves and you wont have any problems shaving (apart from a few minor cuts)

- you become ambidextrous quickly

- your skin feels a lot better: I've always had irritations and beck spots from manual shaving. All gone.

- it's really not expensive. Sur the initial investment is consequent, but I only finished my soap after 2 years and everything else is in pristine condition.

[Costi]

Great report!

I find these 10 min spent shaving with a the little thread of water making a subtle and quite sound in the sink to be the best time for me to think about nothing worrying...

It makes you understand your life really IS in your own hands...

[Rowly]

Thanks Pierre,
I read on the Badger and Blade forum that many feel that the Shavette is sharper than a proper straight and if that's you ultimate aim...better to go straight to it, as you have done. I used the long blade in my shavette , thinking it would be better practice. I realize now, that where I was concentrating on the top of my chin, it was also cutting the bottom part with the longer blade. I just didn't notice the cuts until I had rinsed off...I'll be lucky not to be left with a scar on my chin. The other problem I think, was keeping the 30 degree angle while also keeping the blade parallel with my face. I hate letting anything beat me...so, I'll try again in a few days time. Your report is encouraging, though

[Costi]

I realize now, that where I was concentrating on the top of my chin, it was also cutting the bottom part with the longer blade. I just didn't notice the cuts until I had rinsed off...

Rowly, you must have been completely absorbed to miss the cuts while you made them. Focus is good (and necessary, of course), but I have come to realize that relaxation is actually a key ingredient in this. Mr. Spies understood it, too It takes a steady, but relaxed hand. True, that comes with a bit of experience and my first straight shaves were also a little bloody, but they were just nicks, not real cuts.
It's like playing an instrument - in fact some razor blades are grinded full hollow to the point that the edge "sings" when it cuts the hairs (called a "singing blade"). Practise makes perfect!

[Rowly]

Costi, I was absorbed and focused..I thought better to not go in nervous and half baked, so I was a bit too over confident. I could still feel stubble on my chin and thought I wasn't shaving close enough..but the stubble was still there and the cuts. Next time, I'll use the normal length blades. I think I'll get there. I have managed to get a tune out of a few musical instruments and my muscle memory usually develops quickly. However, I must remember there is a difference between a wrong note and a cut throat. It's one thing having an ear for music, but I would like to retain both ears

[alexeberlin]

If you ever get to try Castle Forbes shaving products I think you'll enjoy using them.

[Pierre Spies]

To "All over the world".
Is the problem "Time Management" or "Scheduling"
If you are fighting for bathroom space and moving, is out of the question, give your friend a make-up table and mirror.

It's not just that, she bathes and then washes her hair separately...

Hand shake is also a problem... Though the idea of a straight blade might be a good thing, any idea where I might find one in Paris? And not an ugly plastic piece if I do decide to go for it.

Hi,

You can try "planete rasoir", near place de clichy. The guys over there are passionate about shaving, that's where I bought all my equipment there.

[cathach]

Cathach,
Let me know how you get on. Rowley

Thanks a million for the tips Mr. Birkin Q.C. I've finally got the razor back re-pinned, polished and honed almost as new. Apparently it was made in Solingen in 1934-9 which fits with the family narrative. I've also gone for Mitchels Wool Fat Soap and resurrected a small shaving bowl from the archives (Its a good thing we never throw anything out). Now as soon as my brush arrives D-Day will be that day!

[Rowly]

Thanks a million for the tips Mr. Birkin Q.C.

Be careful ! Take it easy first time...Never let the blade up straight ( towards 90 deg. ).
And make sure you're not very very drunk ! I'm away for a few days will note your progress when you get back !...Rowly.

[Julian]

Does anyone here have any recommendations for a good electric shaver?

Although my contribution will be far less stylish and interesting than most here, I feel compelled to offer my suggestion for a direct answer to AOTW's question above.

I am in a similar situation, probably worse since I have some peculiar challenges with getting a close shave due to a skin condition. I have used many different shavers, both foil and rotary, during my 30+ years of shaving and the best shaver that I have ever used is the one that I use now, the Philips Nivea HS8440 (http://www.amazon.co.uk/Philips-HS8440- ... B002BA5FC0). It gives me by far the closest electric shave that I have ever had and the conditioner is more than just a gimick, it really works. I usually shave for a minute or two with it as a normal shaver and then, once I've got the heavy stubble off, I go over my face again using 4 squirts of the conditioner (one per quadrant of my face). With the conditioner applied it's as if the blades have been magically set to a deeper cutting setting and I can immediately hear and feel the shaver cutting stubble that only seconds ago, on the dry shave, it wasn't finding.

It's also very easy to clean because it's waterproof so one just dunks the shaver face-down into a basin of warm water, with the shaver still running, and the heads clean themselves quite nicely. In fact, since the heads have open backs, it is advisable to shave over a basin as all the stubble being cut off isn't trapped inside the heads (which is why it's so easy to clean) but falls out of the back of the shaver and, if you're following my advice, into the basin/sink.

If one has been using a straight foil shaver (like the Brauns and Remmingtons) then it can take a few weeks for one's face to adjust to a rotary shaver but for me it was really worth it. About 18 months ago my old Philips Nivea shaver (a previous model) broke so I "upgraded" to the more expensive Philips RQ10xx range (http://www.amazon.co.uk/Philips-RQ1095- ... =pd_sim_d3) which is supposed to be the top of their range. It's an expensive shaver so it took me about a year to bite the bullet and admit that my previous Philips was better. I've now gone back to the Nivea range (the HS8440 linked to above) and I'm delighted that I did.

I have no connection with Philips apart from being a very satisfied customer.

- Julian