Official SBAF facial grooming thread

Discussion in 'Geek Cave: Computers, Tablets, HT, Phones, Games' started by FlySweep, Feb 15, 2020.

  1. Slade01

    Slade01 Almost "Made"

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    Yes, with the Feather blades I know i'm probably still taking aggressive angles at times, and same (issues with microcuts on the neck). I did start DE shaving again, as a point to slow down and take the time to do so, but I still have those bad habits at times from cartridge shaving. With how I am shaving now, the Astra's are very safe in comparison, but not as close of a shave as I want. So being that there are 80-100 different blade choices it seems, hopefully, at least for now I can find a blade that helps mitigate my bad habits until I get even better.

    And you are a total pro with that Boker Straight Edge. I don't have the chops to try that one anytime soon. But for sure, patience is key and vital.
     
  2. Gazny

    Gazny MOT: ETA Audio

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    I've been enjoying the Derby Premium and Iridium super.
    But I found a different soap gave me better results.
    Ill have to try more hard soaps over soap creams.

    I might prefer a tallow soap.
     
  3. YMO

    YMO Chief Fun Officer

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    A blade will act differently on different razors. A Feather blade on my end is solid on my Merkur DE 39C "Sledgehammer" but it is too damn sharp on my Focus RS2 Concave Razor.

    Buy a sample blade pack and pick the one that work for your needs.
     
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  4. Slade01

    Slade01 Almost "Made"

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    That is very good to know, thank you. Like audio, I just gotta dive in and try it to see how it acts with my gear. I've got a basic Merkur 24C, a no frills classic. So hopefully some of the reviews I'm reading on some of the blades are in ballpark of accuracy.

    Yes - I am in the process of putting together a sample blade pack, so I'm just trying to hone in one the ones noteworthy to try out. Really appreciate that tidbit of info though.
     
  5. Garns

    Garns Friend

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    Nacet or Gillette 7 O'clock Yellow. Polsilver also good, but not so easy to find.
     
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  6. miter53

    miter53 Friend

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    The best razor I've found is the Henson AL13, which is an amazing improvement over the Merkur and Jagger razors I was using. Kind of pricey at $70, but worth it. I have the medium version, which is slightly more aggressive. There's also a crazy expensive titanium version if you feel the need.
    https://hensonshaving.com

    I also stopped shopping around for shaving cream after I found Pacific Shaving Co Natural Shaving Cream. Works great for me and it has a mild, kind of grapefruity, scent that I like.
    https://www.pacificshaving.com
     
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    Last edited: May 18, 2023
  7. Slade01

    Slade01 Almost "Made"

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    Thank you both for the recommendations. I've added them to my sampler pack. @Garns you are right, Polsilver is not readily available. But you both have mentioned blades with the Iridium coating - that's something I had not really considered either, I think I've only had Stainless or Titanium coating. Should be interesting to see how the Iridium ones work out.

    Funny you should mention pacific shaving, a buddy of mine recommended the Caffeinated Shaving Cream. I like the concept of shaving cream with a kick. Definitely have to look into them. Thanks![/QUOTE]
     
  8. YMO

    YMO Chief Fun Officer

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    Gillette = Astra

    The double edge blades above are made in the same factory, and will behave the same. In matter of fact I would bet my left nut that any blade made in Russia is from the same factory and thus will shave the same. I tried plenty of Russian blades and they all work the same.

    I did try the new Dovo made in Germany and they are good but not the best for ultra hairy man beard that grows so fast that makes @JK47 be hot for me.

    This is my local guy where I get some of my gear: https://thesuperiorshave.com/

    Downside is Jarrod doesn't get a lot of stuff due to being a small player in the world of Amazon. However, he has a YT page and he has tons of good videos of new products he imports and stuff: https://www.youtube.com/@thesuperiorshave

    This is my main razor: https://thesuperiorshave.com/product/focus-tritok-concave-r52-7-plain/
     
  9. Cspirou

    Cspirou They call me Sparky

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    Took me awhile but I finally figured out how to work a very thick lather from shave soap. I realized that I needed a lot less water than I thought. In fact it’s better to start with too little water and add a few drops if it’s not enough
     
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  10. Garns

    Garns Friend

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    I do the exact opposite, start with a soaking wet brush with far too much water, swirl it around on the soap for about 10 seconds and then have at my face with it. Lathered up and ready to go in about 45 seconds. Soap goes everywhere but the end result is super wet and slick. If I start with a dry brush it always ends up far too dry (sticking to the blade) as I don't have the patience to add water slowly at the end.
     
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  11. Slade01

    Slade01 Almost "Made"

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    So shortly after my last posts a few months back, I went out and got a Henson AL13 Medium. This razor ended up being a game changer for me, and drastically increased my results for a better shave. I found that this razor worked well with some of the blades that I had issues with prior. (Also helps that my technique improved as well).

    I have tried about 30 different brands of blades. The ones that I enjoyed the most ended up being the Polstar (now Wizamet) Super Iridium, followed by the Derby Extra [Blue or Green] are my top choices.

    @YMO was completely on point about Gillette. After trying several of their blades (Minora / Nacets / Platinum / SIlver Blue / Astra etc.) all did work similar as produced by the same factory - just different branding based on region.

    Just wanted to thank you all again. Your advice and experience is always invaluable. I really appreciate it.
     
  12. M3NTAL

    M3NTAL Friend

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    What about some posts for folks growing some extra hair?

    I use the standard beard shampoo / conditioner / oil / brush. I normally supplement with collagen and biotin is in my multi-vitamin. I use a roller to help with blood flow and I also 'cycle' on minoxifil. I have slightly patchy cheeks that fill in with growth.

    Trimming is just with scissors.

    I use the same soap as Claritas (Taylor of Old Bond St.) or I use Professor Fuzzworthys (it's normally one of two shower shampoos I use for my beard.

    Collagen is one of the easiest ways of helping skin / nails / hair.

    Best thing to do for newbies is to be patient. Let things grow and trim to the shortest - keep going and eventually the shortest will be the length you wanted. :)

    Turned 40 and the pigment has started to completely disappear from little sections of my beard and hair. Guess I'll be going white. Kinda hoped it would go that color at least.
     
  13. Gazny

    Gazny MOT: ETA Audio

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    Just moved up to Mitchell's Wool Fat.
    Pretty good, quick suds. Less pasty than the Poraso white I had.

    I feel pretty confident to draw a line in the sand and say milled/cast soaps are much better for me. Just most things about them are better in my opinion. But this is with only trying 2 for shaving.

    The slickness left after a pass and the temperatures I can use make it much better in my opinion than the paste. Those tend to clump and congeal.

    As for blades, I like a feather on a big day, and the Gillette blue while a nice comforting blade feel, it simply doesn’t cut it. Additionally the cardboard box is not worth the price. I much prefer the plastic ones with slots for consumed blades.

    Im still on the Henson but I’m eyeing the local to me Blackland Osprey.
     

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