Re: F...Shaving
 

Had my first shave with my Merkur 180 this morning, kinda have mixed thoughts on it. I got a nice clean shave for the most part, I followed the advice of letting the razor do the work and using no pressure. There's no tugging at all, these blades are super sharp! Amazingly enough for my first time I had zero nicks or cuts.

Obviously there's a bit of a learning curve, I had to keep working on getting the right angle. My chin and upper lip was a bit of a problem area with getting the right angle on the blade. Also, working around my sideburns was a challenge.

I admit when I was done I went back around with my fusion to clean things up. Again, there's a learning curve and you have to be patient and take your time. I can't say I'm sold yet, but I'm going to keep working at it. I can see where it's a different experience, and something that is a skill that requires practice and patience.

Re: F...Shaving
 

It took me around 3 weeks to get to the point where I had a shave I was proud of and had no nicks. Stick with it.

Just remember...NO PRESSURE. Finding your angle will be a great experience. Probably one morning, you'll just have this shave where you yell "YES" (thinking of a scene from Elf) and you'll be hooked.

Glad to hear it went well for a first shave. Sounds like a typical first shave but with no nicks.

How many passes did you do? I've found that doing one pass, then doing a second in the opposite direction will really do the job.

Re: F...Shaving
 

I did one pass, but then switched to the fusion to get things cleaned up. Just gotta keep working on the angle, that's the tough part.

Re: F...Shaving
 

I'm an experienced shaver and 1 pass doesn't do the job, so cleaning up with the Fusion isn't necessary if you do a second pass with the real razor. ;)

Reason is...all hair doesn't grow in the same direction. You have to do WTG (with the grain) and ATG (against) to get all of them.

Re: F...Shaving
 

I'm just a rook, I'll get there. I'm fighting my guts out dammit!

Re: F...Shaving
 

Does anybody else go against the grain the whole time? I've been doing it ATG for like 3 years now and I can usually get everything done in one round, although I usually have to go back and do a couple minor touchups.

Re: F...Shaving
 

I usually go WTG then ATG but I've switched it up. Need both though, but your face is different.

Everyone has to find what works best for them.

There's a thing called face-mapping that can help you figure out which direction to go on different parts of your face by looking at the direction that the hairs grow. The neck is a problem area for most guys so it's most useful there...took me longer to get a good shave on my neck than the rest of my face.

[URL="http://mantic59.blogspot.com/2010/07/interactive-face-map.html"]Mantic59's Shaving Journal: Interactive Face Map[/URL]



This guy is the king of shaving knowledge and he makes some great tutorial videos:

[URL="http://www.youtube.com/shavetutor"]mantic59's Channel - YouTube[/URL]

Re: F...Shaving
 

My facial hair grows in multiple directions and requires at least two passes (ATG and WTG) to get a smooth shave.

Re: F...Shaving
 

Another tip from me...if you find yourself slicing your Adam's Apple when you shave, do this: swallow and hold it as you shave over the apple area. It will keep it "in" and you should be able to go over it without blood loss.

With that said, I nicked mine this morning, wasn't paying attention I guess.

Re: F...Shaving
 

This site will demand that you grow a beard.

[url=http://www.thebeardly.com/]The Beardly[/url]

Re: F...Shaving
 

Im a every other day shaver at most. When i was around 21 i thought i might be able to grow a mustache and gave it a shot for 2-3 weeks. I was waiting tables at the time and they forced me to shave it because of how horrible it looked.

Im real lucky in that a shaving cartridge for my Mach 3 will last me about 4-6 months. I bought a giliet fusion (Redskins edition) about 5 years ago when they first came out but i never used it because it was just way too much for my skin. My Mach 3 cartridge broke last week (thats how long they last me) so i thought id give the old Fusion a try again. So far i like it better then the Mach 3 but i havent really broken the cartridge in yet so time will tell.

Also i shave before showering and it seems like im in the vast minority when it comes to that. I never understood why someone would shave after showering since you would have to wash your face twice. Time is too essential in the morning to be dickin around washing your face twice.

Re: F...Shaving
 

^^ I shave in the shower, FTW!

Re: F...Shaving
 

[quote=mlmpetert;846514]Im a every other day shaver at most. When i was around 21 i thought i might be able to grow a mustache and gave it a shot for 2-3 weeks. I was waiting tables at the time and they forced me to shave it because of how horrible it looked.

Im real lucky in that a shaving cartridge for my Mach 3 will last me about 4-6 months. I bought a giliet fusion (Redskins edition) about 5 years ago when they first came out but i never used it because it was just way too much for my skin. My Mach 3 cartridge broke last week (thats how long they last me) so i thought id give the old Fusion a try again. So far i like it better then the Mach 3 but i havent really broken the cartridge in yet so time will tell.

Also i shave before showering and it seems like im in the vast minority when it comes to that. I never understood why someone would shave after showering since you would have to wash your face twice. Time is too essential in the morning to be dickin around washing your face twice.[/quote]

The steam from the hot shower softens up your face and more importantly, the whiskers. Closer, better shave, less irritation.

I wash my face when I'm done shaving, after the shower. I don't use body wash on my face. :D

Re: F...Shaving
 

I've always shaved after showering too.

Is splashing some water on your face after a shave really that much of a hassle?

Re: F...Shaving
 

[quote=mlmpetert;846514]Im a every other day shaver at most. When i was around 21 i thought i might be able to grow a mustache and gave it a shot for 2-3 weeks. I was waiting tables at the time and they forced me to shave it because of how horrible it looked.

Im real lucky in that a shaving cartridge for my Mach 3 will last me about 4-6 months. I bought a giliet fusion (Redskins edition) about 5 years ago when they first came out but i never used it because it was just way too much for my skin. My Mach 3 cartridge broke last week (thats how long they last me) so i thought id give the old Fusion a try again. So far i like it better then the Mach 3 but i havent really broken the cartridge in yet so time will tell.

Also i shave before showering and it seems like im in the vast minority when it comes to that. I never understood why someone would shave after showering since you would have to wash your face twice. Time is too essential in the morning to be dickin around washing your face twice.[/quote]

I shave before shower too, mainly because I've never thought twice about doing it during or after the shower. Maybe they're right, maybe it does "loosen up" your face or w/e but I've never tried, probably because I like watching myself in the mirror to make sure I'm not missing any places.

Re: F...Shaving
 

[quote=Mattyk;846821]I've always shaved after showering too.

[B]Is splashing some water on your face after a shave really that much of a hassle?[/B][/quote]

Dickin around, plain and simple.

@mredskins, I might try and start shaving in the shower, but the few times ive done it i just didnt like it; i need a mirror and im not trying to leave a razor or shaving cream or anything else in the shower.

Like mooby the thought of shaving post shower never even entered my mind until i noticed that most people seem to do it that way. When i started shaving it just felt more logical to shave pre-shower although i have a pretty light beard so maybe i dont need to loosen my whiskers up as much as others. Also i dont like foggy mirrors or taking the chance of breaking out in a slight sweat in a steamy bathroom after a shower, particularly during the summer.

Re: F...Shaving
 

[quote=mlmpetert;846955]Dickin around, plain and simple.

@mredskins, I might try and start shaving in the shower, but the few times ive done it i just didnt like it; i need a mirror and im not trying to leave a razor or shaving cream or anything else in the shower.

Like mooby the thought of shaving post shower never even entered my mind until i noticed that most people seem to do it that way. When i started shaving it just felt more logical to shave pre-shower although i have a pretty light beard so maybe i dont need to loosen my whiskers up as much as others. Also i dont like foggy mirrors or taking the chance of breaking out in a slight sweat in a steamy bathroom after a shower, particularly during the summer.[/quote]

I hear ya, that's why I shave at night. I roll outta bed in the morning and have just enough time for a shower, grab a cup of coffee, and I'm out the door.

If I shaved at night I'd have a beard by morning. I shave in the shower in the morning. Sometimes even sans mirror

Re: F...Shaving
 

[quote=SmootSmack;846960]If I shaved at night I'd have a beard by morning. I shave in the shower in the morning. Sometimes even [B]sans mirror[/B][/quote]
.....no need

Re: F...Shaving
 

I am a woman but I grow less hair. And shave once every three weeks!

Re: F...Shaving
 

[quote=Mattyk;846821][B]I've always shaved after showering too.
[/B]
Is splashing some water on your face after a shave really that much of a hassle?[/quote]

I always shave after the shower. A warm shower softens your wiskers and opens up your pores. Always a much smoother shave that way. My beard grows in full and fast, so I need to pull out all the stops to prevent razor burn/bumps. One thing I do is after I shave, I rinse my face with the coldest water I can get from the tap. Pulls the pores closed faster so you have less chance of irritation.

[quote=Mattyk;846959]I hear ya, that's why I shave at night. I roll outta bed in the morning and have just enough time for a shower, grab a cup of coffee, and[B] I'm out the door[/B].[/quote]

Not doing the work from home thing anymore?

Re: F...Shaving
 

[quote=JPPT1974;846989]I am a woman but I grow less hair. And shave once every three weeks![/quote]
I just have to ask JPPT. Why does a Colts fan have out in Skins forum?
BTW.....three weeks, your spoiled.........

Re: F...Shaving
 

[quote=SmootSmack;846960]If I shaved at night I'd have a beard by morning. I shave in the shower in the morning. Sometimes even sans mirror[/quote]

Then you need to surrender to the beard! Stop aborting that baby. Own the beard proudly. :)

[QUOTE=Hog1;847000]I just have to ask JPPT. Why does a Colts fan have out in Skins forum?
BTW.....three weeks, your spoiled.........[/QUOTE]

I'm to the point where I only shave once a week since I'm working p/t on the weekends. I would love to grow out a beard though. I grew out my playoff beard for the Caps 2010 run and I loved it, and I'd do it again now but in between work and training to get into firefighter recruit school there's just no time.

Re: F...Shaving
 

[quote=GMScud;846993]I always shave after the shower. A warm shower softens your wiskers and opens up your pores. Always a much smoother shave that way. My beard grows in full and fast, so I need to pull out all the stops to prevent razor burn/bumps. One thing I do is after I shave, I rinse my face with the coldest water I can get from the tap. Pulls the pores closed faster so you have less chance of irritation.



Not doing the work from home thing anymore?[/quote]

I work at home 3 days a week

Re: F...Shaving
 

[quote=JPPT1974;846989]I am a woman but I grow less hair. And shave once every three weeks![/quote]

We'll all thankful you grow less hair than us.

Re: F...Shaving
 

For those looking to start shaving in the shower I found this mirror to be the best. It will eventually fog up just splash it with some water. What is nice about this one though is it actually attaches to your shower unlike most that use the stupid suction cup that always fails and ends up failing.



[url=http://www.showertek.com/heated-fog-proof-shower-mirror-the-original-white-p-195.html]Heated Fog Proof Shower Mirror: The Original - White Heated Fog Proof Shower Mirror: The Orginial - White [WV2] - $19.95 : ShowerTek.com, The Originator of the Fog Free Shower Mirror![/url]


To the Colts fan I beleive that they sell one that attaches to your tub spout, so to help guide you trim any bushes that maybe overgrown.

Re: F...Shaving
 

If you don't want to buy a fog-free mirror, take some Barbasol or your favorite cheap goo-in-a can and lather up the mirror. Rinse with cold water or wipe off with a wet towel...you have an instant fog-free mirror. It will last about 2 weeks before needing done again. I've considered trying Rain-X too.

That's the best use for that crap-in-a-can...it's not suitable for shaving with. (I prefer shaving soap or quality cream).

Re: F...Shaving
 

[quote=Monkeydad;848732]If you don't want to buy a fog-free mirror, take some Barbasol or your favorite cheap goo-in-a can and lather up the mirror. Rinse with cold water or wipe off with a wet towel...you have an instant fog-free mirror. It will last about 2 weeks before needing done again. I've considered trying Rain-X too.

That's the best use for that crap-in-a-can...it's not suitable for shaving with. [B](I prefer shaving soap or quality cream).[/B][/quote]


I never liked using shaving cream. One day i tried some lotion and have been using that ever since. I normally get Lucerne type stuff. I recently ran out but my old roommate left some coco-butter in the bathroom cabinate and ive been using that since. Its pretty good stuff.

Re: F...Shaving
 

[quote=Monkeydad;848732]If you don't want to buy a fog-free mirror, take some Barbasol or your favorite cheap goo-in-a can and lather up the mirror. Rinse with cold water or wipe off with a wet towel...you have an instant fog-free mirror. It will last about 2 weeks before needing done again. I've considered trying Rain-X too.

That's the best use for that crap-in-a-can...it's not suitable for shaving with. (I prefer shaving soap or quality cream).[/quote]

I just tried shaving in the shower for the first time, and it wasn't that bad. I did what Buster suggested and just lathered up the mirror I used, and even though it fogged up on me twice a quick rinse made the fog go away for a few minutes, so it was relatively easy. Not sure whether it's the old mirror I used or the Barbasol, but it wasn't a big pain in the ass.

And whomever suggested shaving in the shower was easier, they were right. I used a cheapo razor that my dad uses and I had no problems with it. When I shaved before getting in the shower, I always used to go semi-slow, and that would lead to a lot of yanked hairs and other spots, but I had no such problems in the shower. I recommend it for anyone who hasn't done it yet, it really makes it easier, at least in my experience.

Re: F...Shaving
 

How long are you guys going to talk about what you do privately in the bathroom?
This thread gives me the willies.

Re: F...Shaving
 

[quote=mooby;852734]I just tried shaving in the shower for the first time, and it wasn't that bad. I did what Buster suggested and just lathered up the mirror I used, and even though it fogged up on me twice a quick rinse made the fog go away for a few minutes, so it was relatively easy. Not sure whether it's the old mirror I used or the Barbasol, but it wasn't a big pain in the ass.

And whomever suggested shaving in the shower was easier, they were right. I used a cheapo razor that my dad uses and I had no problems with it. When I shaved before getting in the shower, I always used to go semi-slow, and that would lead to a lot of yanked hairs and other spots, but I had no such problems in the shower. I recommend it for anyone who hasn't done it yet, it really makes it easier, at least in my experience.[/quote]


The steam from the shower has to make it easier on your skin.

Re: F...Shaving
 

[quote=Alvin Walton;852746]How long are you guys going to talk about what you do privately in the bathroom?
This thread gives me the willies.[/quote]

Wow paranoid much? Talking about shaving facial hair grosses you out? Man up, as they say in the Miller Lite commercials.

@Mredskins: Yeah I think someone mentioned that previously in this thread. It really is true though, it felt much better than doing it the old way.

Re: F...Shaving
 

[quote=Alvin Walton;852746]How long are you guys going to talk about what you do privately in the bathroom?
This thread gives me the willies.[/quote]

Interesting to see what gives you the willies.

Re: F...Shaving
 

[quote=Mattyk;852875]Interesting to see what gives you the willies.[/quote]

I swear AW and First are the same person.

Re: F...Shaving
 

Here this joke on TV last night:

Comedian says:

I heard all the rage now a days is that women shave their pussies bald. Why is it when I finally get to see one it looks like it has been up all night trying to solve a murder case??

LOL made me laugh.

Re: F...Shaving
 

So Matty, you've had the Merkur 180 for about 5 months now, how is it? I just purchased mine off Amazon last night and it should be here by next week, I finally got tired of using cheapo razors, and the electric trimmer I used when I was growing the beard from Dec-Jan doesn't work that well on scrub, so here I am. I'm looking forward to trying it out. I went with the crystal blades as well.

Re: F...Shaving
 

I used it a handful of times, but I'm back to my fusion. Just wasn't a fan.

Re: F...Shaving
 

Ouch. I guess I'll see then.

Re: F...Shaving
 

I found it to be too much work. You have to basically shave twice, and some areas are more problematic than others and take multiple passes. There's definitely a learning curve to it, and I just didn't care to learn it.