Shave cream vs. soap?

[xrayzebra]

This seems like a pretty unimportant subject on the face of it - no pun intended, I swear, but how many of you use a canned shave cream as opposed to old fashioned shaving soap?

I'd be willing to bet almost everyone uses the canned stuff. I base this on what I see in the market. If you look in any grocery or drug store section where they have the shaving products, there is a five foot section of two shelves of various brands of canned stuff, and if you are lucky, you will find one or two brands of shaving soap.

When the crap first started with not being able to take liquids on airplanes without emptying your bag for a search, and limitations on container size, etc., I decided to just opt out of that hassle.

I went to a tiny tube of toothpaste I could hide in my pocket, and eliminated all other liquids from my travel bag. As a result, I ditched my shave cream and bought a bar of shaving soap and a brush - stuff that the rules don't require me to package specially and display. It's already hassle enough to take out a computer, take off your shoes and jacket, etc.

I discovered that I LIKE shaving soap better than the aerosol stuff. You do not need an inch thick layer of lather to get a good shave. I think I get a better shave with the thinnest film of soap. It doesn't even have to be worked into a thick lather... just enough for lubrication is fine.

I have since sometimes just left it home and shaved with the face soap in the hotel. No brush, no special products at all. Wet your fingers, rub 'em on the soap, rub 'em on your face, and shave. No problem. Eliminate one more thing I don't need to carry around.

So, I am wondering? Why use all that steel in the cans? Why use a thick volume of lather?

I think it is because, it's been sold to us over the years as companies tried to compete for market share. There isn't much you can say about a thin lubricating film of soap that is exciting - well, okay, maybe if you wanna get sick or twist it into something else - but seriously, what the fuck is the difference between one shaving product and another? Very very little.

And why should it have much cost at all? It's just soap, glorified. Perfumed, packaged, with lanolin and additives that only function to make it seem better when it really isn't.

Men's shaving products represent a huge market and millions of dollars of crap that is packaged up way beyond their essential function. Razors are another one. It's getting harder to find even a double blade razor, let alone a single edge. These companies just have to keep upping the ante, and convincing us we need even more sophisticated blades. You can't keep raising the price on a product that is a simple commodity. Look at where razors have gone since the days of the straight razor.

And there are tons of other stuff that we think we need but don't. Examples are welcome if anyone wants to point out others.

[Tinysd]

And there are tons of other stuff that we think we need but don't. Examples are welcome if anyone wants to point out others.

How about this thread? :thefinger

[Milu]

Shampoo is better for shaving than regular soap. Most hotels provide it. A shaving brush helps though.

[Nathan S]

I agree, I think shaving cream (and a whole lot of other crap, too), is nothing more than a perceived need based on persistent advertising. I have a beard, so I just shave around the edges. I never use shaving cream, and normally don't even use soap. I just rinse my face with hot water to soften up the skin, and then shave.

[zzjake]

I use soap in a mug with a shaving brush. I like hot lather.:firedevil

[Milu]

By choice I use a proper shaving soap in a bowl with a brush. Just hot water is a little too rough for anything more than touching up edges around a beard for my taste.

[Glyndwr]

I used to just wash my face in hot'ish water then shave, but as u get older the beard strengthens and I find I need hot water and a decent shaving gel or my face around my goatee burns and is red for hours.

Cheers,

G

[MadDaddy]

Personally I think what works for one guy may not work for the other.

My face is very sensative to razor burn and irritation. I use a shave gel for sensative skin. I have tried shave soaps and they did not work for me.

With every generation or razor it has become less and less of a tourture test on my face. I used to use the best twin blade I could find. Then when the triple blades came out I used the Mach3 and it was better on my face and a closer shave. Then when the 5 bladed Fusion came out I tried that and it was again a noticable difference in closeness and comfort for me.

I am not just buying into the advertising, believe me I wish I could spend less on razors and shaving gel, it actually makes a difference on my face. Over the last couple years I have developed a routine for shaving that gives me a close shave with no irritation using the newer products.

I will be testing this routine as I plan on getting an old school shave at a local barbor shop soon.

[Clydetz]

Shaving cream in a can. But first wash the face with plain old soap & warm water. Cover your beard with shaving cream (I use cheap old Barbasol); add some warm water to dilute it a little & keep your beard more moister. Let sit for 5 minutes and then shave... works for me.

[MarieLaveau]

I fell for the gimmick and bought one of those women's razors that has the little ring of soap around the blades. Worked ok, until the soap at the TOP of the blades wore away. WTF, did they think we were supposed to turn the damn thing UPSIDE DOWN after that?? Crazy...and ridiculously expensive. The refills are insanely priced.

Screw them! I just went back to my old reliable disposables. That and some shower gel are all I need.:thefinger

[Stabber]

That's what there sayin in the locker room:thefinger




I like hot lather.:firedevil

[wild4art]

Heck it's to cold to shave. I'm growing my winter coat. I'll shave in the spring:roxxor:

[ded i]

Heck it's to cold to shave. I'm growing my winter coat. I'll shave in the spring:roxxor:

:bow: Just thinking of you is keepin me pretty warm ... :welcome: sweetie!

[stephanfowler]

That and some shower gel are all I need.:thefinger


You sure about that Hon?????

[Mike Stewart]

I just use Warm Water.

No soap--no shaving Cream.

Just water.

[SZiehr]

I've been using soap and a brush for the last 8 or 9 years. Usually I go with Caswell-Massey soap but recently ran out and bought some Col. Conk at the local mall cutlery store.

[Iceman]

I shave as I wash my face in the shower. :ronl: :ronl: :ronl:

[silenthunterstudios]

I have a beard, and use a trimmer on it. I then use the same trimmer for under the chin. Then I top it off with whatever the cheapest Barbasol and buck fifty bag of 20 razors is out there. Then hot water wash.

[Umberto]

I shave as I wash my face in the shower. :ronl: :ronl: :ronl:

yup.

[24thMED]

no soap - electric razor.....

[*~Chri~*]

I use bodywash, and sometimes conditioner. I always rub shea butter on my skin after each shave.

[Umberto]

I always rub shea butter on my skin after each shave.

I use Land O Lakes.

[*~Chri~*]

I use Land O Lakes.

So, do you eat your skin?

[GODDESS OF VENGEANCE]

I have to shave everyday, I cannot stand them damn stubs:thefinger I like my skin smooth:madaddy:
I either use Bath and Body Works Shower Gel or Body Wash whichever I choose to grab while I am enjoying my hot steamy shower:jdwink2:

[Kalooch135]

I shave in the shower with no shaving cream or soap if my beard is more than 2 days old (it grows fast). Normally I use an electric razor for the one day stubble.

[beergoddess]

.... in the summer.... i wax... but during the colder months... i use my venus razor with whatever bodywash i am using at the time. i dunno.. i dont think shave gels work too good on me. Cri...i love shea butter!! ya know another thing that works great to make your legs really silky? as soon as u get out of the shower... with body still wet... rub baby oil on yourself and then towel the excess off. ahhh... it's great!

[tmik]

I just use Warm Water.

No soap--no shaving Cream.

Just water.

water? water!

No water, just a bucket on my head and a Case trapper knife.....a dull one...

[ded i]

This's gettin scary ... :jdevil: I'm goin home now.

[dfarmerknives]

I use a shaving gel for sensative skin. I have problems with razor burn, too.

[Mr.LaBella]

:welcome: to THE forums wild4art!

winterbush, eh?

:D:

[Rozz]

I fell for the gimmick and bought one of those women's razors that has the little ring of soap around the blades. Worked ok, until the soap at the TOP of the blades wore away. WTF, did they think we were supposed to turn the damn thing UPSIDE DOWN after that?? Crazy...and ridiculously expensive. The refills are insanely priced.

Screw them! I just went back to my old reliable disposables. That and some shower gel are all I need.:thefinger

HAHAHA! Yeah, I use the "Intuition" as well. The trick is...you have to tilt the razor the opposite way a little bit, & It'll work....but you won't use up the whole thing though. It is kind of a waste, but I love that razor.

[inkster]

I used everything, dove soap, shaving cream (just about every kind), electric razors (that I dulled in 4 shaves) Nothing is really to different from the other for me. But there is one thing that wil help every one of you, and this is no bullshit. Witch Hazel is perfect to put on right after you shave. Not Alcohol, Witch Hazel. It may burn for a tenth of a second but than if feels like liquid ice. It will take the burn away and the redness, fo shizzle.

I used it for a long time and still do, every once in a while. Now I can shave with a brick and it doesn't bother me.

As you all try the Witch Hazel, you are going to line up to perform lickie maneuvers on my penis, just to thank me. I have to tell you that I can only receive 4 oral perfmances a day, so please call for an appointment.

Thanks in advance.

Love Chris :ropeman:

[Poolshark]

water? water!

No water, just a bucket on my head and a Case trapper knife.....a dull one...

Hair is scared of Mike. He just waves a knife around his head and the hair jumps off into the sink.

[xrayzebra]

I kinda figured Mike doesn't use anything but water, afterall, he is probably shaving with a Barkie. Just wave it over the face lightly and the hair is gone.

[MJ]

For the bottom half of the legs, a disposable razor and body wash. Must have lotion right after though. Must be Vaseline intensive care, the yellow one. :spin:

The top half of the legs I use a creme hair remover usually, I get razor burn on the top pretty bad from the razors out there. :woot:

[Hawaiian-Stylan]

I tried the crap they sell at walmart, razor burn up the ass.

I'm using some large volume lather from a can right now, but I'd be interested in trying some good soap.

[MadDaddy]

oddly enough.....as sensative as my face is to shaving, razor burn and irritation (see my post)....I can shave my nuts while in the shower with just soap and water and whatever razor the wife has in there at the time, without irritation or razor burn......I have a tough sac I guess :bwah: :spin: :deadevil:

[Komodo]

I never thought much about shaving, it's just one of those things you have to do every day.
I used to use Bic disposable razors, and whatever the cheapest shave cream was at the time. It did the job, and I was happy with it.

Then one day, I received a Gillette Sensor Excell razor in the mail, along with a coupon for a free can of shave gel. Started using that, and haven't gone back to the cheap stuff since!

I don't know HOW I got on their mailing lists, but both Gillette & Schick are constantly sending me new razors. Every time either company comes out with a new model, I get one sent to me. I have razors with 2, 3, 4, & 5 blades. My favorite? The Gillette 3 blade. Gives a closer shave than the 1 or 2 blade models, and I don't see a difference between that and the 4 blade one, except the cartridges are cheaper.

When it comes to the shave cream, I now ONLY use Gillette shave GEL. It doesn't matter which one, so long as it's Gillette Gel. I have found a markedly superior performance from it, compared to ANY other product I've tried, and I've tried a LOT!

[MarieLaveau]

oddly enough.....as sensative as my face is to shaving, razor burn and irritation (see my post)....I can shave my nuts while in the shower with just soap and water and whatever razor the wife has in there at the time, without irritation or razor burn......I have a tough sac I guess :bwah: :spin: :deadevil:

:ropeman:

[ded i]

I only use Gillette to shave between my toes - Dirty Grrl for everywhere else :jdwink2:

http://www.jerzeedevil.com/gallery/files/1/0/8/1/dirtygirllogo.jpg

[Mike Stewart]

water? water!

No water, just a bucket on my head and a Case trapper knife.....a dull one...

I thought they all were Dull

:bobert:

[Stabber]

:ropeman: Must want them to look like a Spaldine instead of a Tennis ball:bwah:
:ropeman:

[G3]

Nothing, hot water and a razor. Never used creams or soaps. Go with the grain, then against for the stubble. (Thankfully) I have only nicked myself maybe 5 times since I started shaving.

[MJ]

oddly enough.....as sensative as my face is to shaving, razor burn and irritation (see my post)....I can shave my nuts while in the shower with just soap and water and whatever razor the wife has in there at the time, without irritation or razor burn......I have a tough sac I guess :bwah: :spin: :deadevil:


I'm SOOOO glad to hear you have a nicely shaven sac!!! And it's a tough set of nutz too boot!!!:bwah:

My day is now complete. :yesman:

[MadDaddy]

I'm SOOOO glad to hear you have a nicely shaven sac!!! And it's a tough set of nutz too boot!!!:bwah:

My day is now complete. :yesman:

I aim to please....anything else you ever wanted to know about me????:bwah:

[Mr.LaBella]

shaving is for wimps.....................or is it? :idunno:clickerthinger (http://www.jerzeedevil.com/forums/showthread.php?t=18086)

[ppc6mm]

I use a silicone / dimethicone lubricant, my face is smooth without irritation or ingrown hairs, it only takes a few drops each shave, & my blades remain sharp. I rarely cut myself, only if I get careless or in a hurry. I get a very close shave & it seems to take longer before I get a shadow, normally my beard is heavy & grows fast, but with this method I shave less often, cheaper, & without blood leaking out of my face.....

[tubtar]

I got an old razor from my Dad......it was his Dad's.
The kind that you twist the handle and the top opens to insert a blade.
Crank her down and commence to scraping.
Water only for a long time , but I have to soak a wash cloth in uber hot water , wring it out and lay it on my face to soften the bristles.
I started using Edge shave gel and it seems to lubricate the whiskers so it takes more time to clean them off.........the power of effective advertising.
I got an electric for Christmas this year and it is as useless as tits on a boar.
I am now sporting the facial insulation that the season requires.
I don't particularly like a full beard , but I like being cold even less.
J.S.

[TorzJohnson]

I used to use Barbasol, then I started using various gels. For years I used a Trac-II, but I heard they're not being made any more. Who knows how much longer the cartridges will be available. So anyway I recently started using one of those double-edge razors that open up like trap doors to put the blade in. I have a Merkur HD on the way now so I guess it's only natural that now I should start looking into badger brushes and shaving soap.

[Clydetz]

I got an old razor from my Dad......it was his Dad's.
The kind that you twist the handle and the top opens to insert a blade.
Crank her down and commence to scraping...


...I recently started using one of those double-edge razors that open up like trap doors to put the blade in...

If memory serves me correctly, that type of razor is called a 'safety' razor. It's what I started shaving with many, many years ago... it's also the only razor that I used that sliced off a nice hunk of my chin! :bobert:

[xrayzebra]

Damn... I never thought this thread would go past 4 or 5 replies.

[tubtar]

If memory serves me correctly, that type of razor is called a 'safety' razor. It's what I started shaving with many, many years ago... it's also the only razor that I used that sliced off a nice hunk of my chin! :bobert:
And just why they are called that is a mystery to me as well.
They will carve you up like a Cinco de Mayo gone horribly wrong........the only way to remove more flesh while shaving is with a straight razor.
Back in my Army days , I had a sergeant who shaved with a sliver butter knife that was honed to a razor edge.
I always thought that this showed a bit of class , but I have never tried to shave with a straight blade and have no intention of seeing how much blood I'd lose if I tried.
J.S.

[Chisel]

I despise shaving. I get razor burn on my neck regardless of what the fuck I use. So, I grew a beard, which I trim up only once a week and on special occasions. Usually on the weekend so my wife won't look like she's married to a homeless person when we go out.

I'm in the same boat with MadDaddy. My face gets horrible razor burn and I've used the best shit you can buy. However, I shave my nether regions with a fucking bic, soap, and it's fine. Oh yeah, my armpits too.

[silenthunterstudios]

You don't shave your face with the same razor as your taint, do ya?:jduh: :devilzeek

[Jilly]

Venus razors all the way. I used to use the cheap disposables. They dont shave worth shit. Luv my Venus! For soap, i just usually use body wash. Shaving cream is nice when i have it, but body wash works fine.

[Chisel]

You don't shave your face with the same razor as your taint, do ya?:jduh: :devilzeek

Nah, I use my wife's razor for the dirty parts.

Oops, did I type that out loud?

[MadDaddy]

Nah, I use my wife's razor for the dirty parts.

Oops, did I type that out loud?

same here...but then she is using it on her "areas of interest" as well, so I don't feel guilty....I never did try shaving my pits, doesn't seem like a good idea, as certain deoderants cause my pits to burn, so I can just imagine what shaving them would be like :cry:

[Chisel]

same here...but then she is using it on her "areas of interest" as well, so I don't feel guilty....I never did try shaving my pits, doesn't seem like a good idea, as certain deoderants cause my pits to burn, so I can just imagine what shaving them would be like :cry:


To be honest, it doesn't really burn at all. I won't go into detail but I started shaving them by doctors orders, and I kinda liked it. It leaves less for B.O. causing bacteria to cling onto. So, even when I've been working outside all day in the middle of the summer, I don't smell like a rotten burrito.

[Mr.LaBella]

:bump: for Ken "Necropost" Brock:shockedevil:

[falcon125]

I shave as I wash my face in the shower. :ronl: :ronl: :ronl:


yup.

Yup with bar soap. Dove or Ivory.
I'm not very hairy, just shave chin and cheeks.

[Clydetz]

I've started to use just sandpaper... found out I could save $$$ by not buying soap or shaving cream.

[xrayzebra]

I disavow having started this thread, but I am STILL using the same freaking first bar of shaving soap I bought when I started it. Of course, I only shave about once or twice a week, and go around looking like a bum most of the time.

[TacoMan5000]

I'm going to get a bar of shaving soap now. I tried shaving dry once. Only once. And never again. For the love of God, never again.

[Ken Brock]

I use soap from Co. Ichabod Cronk's company, as well as a badger hair shave brush and one of the mugs from that company

my razor is like a Mach 4 or something


as far as anywhere else I shave, I ain't above a little manscaping

[tubtar]

I ain't above a little manscaping

And never below it either I hope.
Just for clarity , is that a " little man - scaping " , or " a little manscaping " ?
It's the nature of the relationship that has many of us concerned.
We've walked down that path too , my friend.
And there is a broken heart and shattered dream at the end of it.:jdwink2::bwah::bwah::bwah::bwah::bwah:

[Ken Brock]

And never below it either I hope.
Just for clarity , is that a " little man - scaping " , or " a little manscaping " ?
It's the nature of the relationship that has many of us concerned.
We've walked down that path too , my friend.
And there is a broken heart and shattered dream at the end of it.:jdwink2::bwah::bwah::bwah::bwah::bwah:


to clarify for brother tubtar, Janet prefers that I manscape so that she doesn't have to spit out pubes


clear enough?


:mack:

[tubtar]

She's a lucky woman to have a man who cares !:thumbsup::manganr:

[Bobert]

She's a lucky woman to have a man who cares !:thumbsup::manganr:




:bobert:


I'd green you if I could!

I haven't laughed that hard in a while!

[jfever311]

Hmmm......

Finally, I found a shaving thread!! Good thing, because I was about to start one.

I am a firm believer in using whatever works best for YOU! In my case, that is a 1964 Gillette "Slim" adjustable loaded with Astra Superior Platinum blades.

For lather, I use a variety of soaps and creams, but mainly stick to creams like The Body Shop (the old, discontinued, sandalwood formulation which I stocked up on when the had their big clearance sale a few months back!!), Noxzema Lather Shave (the stuff in the metal tube, which is also now discontinued! Luckily, I have enough stocked up to last for decades), and a few small vendor products. One of which is made by a moderator at The Shave Den, named JoAnna. She makes creams, soaps, and aftershaves. All of which are top notch products, especially her soaps and aftershaves!

The only brushes I use anymore are ones that I have made using silver-tip badger hair knots that I get from here: http://www.thegoldennib.com/index.php?main_page=index&cPath=5_9 I even turn my own handles using genuine Lignum Vitae.

[TacoMan5000]

I got some Wilson's shaving soap on sale at the store a couple months ago. I tried applying without a brush, to some small success. It works great; don't need much, and gives a much closer shave. Problem is, it leaves an unpleasant residue that is a bitch to get off.

[j-son]

i am a shaving cream fan vs the shaving soaps...easier to whip up a nice lather with the creams. Taylor old Bond Street makes some super nice ones. badger brush helps the whipping. Old gillettes do the scraping and i do like the Astra SP blades too.

[stdlrf11]

Where do you get your blades?

[Str8ShooterEsq]

Merkur safety razor, Feather blades, Vulfix shaving brush, and whatever soap happens to be available.

The razor and blade make all the difference in the world.

[Str8ShooterEsq]

By the way, I purchase my shaving stuff from Classic Shaving, which also carries straight razors by this Harner guy. Some of you might have heard of him.

[El Gringo]

Merkur HD, Gillette Slim '63, Merkur 180.. the HD is my fav right now.
I get Feather blades... if I score another 150 I'll be set for life.:thumbsup:

Creams- C.O.Bieglow...can be found at Bath & Bodyworks I've heard. Its made by Proasso; same stuff, different lable. Got a tube of Real Shave Co cream wondering around somewhere.. it smells funny; I told the wife to use it.

Soaps- dont count out the VDH pucks sold at Walmart... good stuff.
Got Mikes Naturals; one is coconut, one is orange- cedarwood- black pepper... really good soaps.
Ordered an Ogallala bay rum soap, good soap but it gave a burning sensation when I first used it.. gotta man up.

[Stu]

Ive never used shaving soap but I use Gillete Series 5 irritation Defence shaving foam & (usually) gillete Sensor blades.

The foam makes your face tingle & feel cold as soon as you put it on & though I usually use the Sensor blades, I was forced to buy Sensor Excel blades as I couldnt get the ordinary Sensors.

Now, Ive always said that the Excels are a waste of the extra £2.00 per 10pack (£11.99) but having used ONE blade cartridge for nearly 2 weeks and STILL getting a good shave - ive changed my mind.

Id love to find a good old fashioned barbers where I could go for a "proper" shave, you know, the hot towel, the cut throat razor etc, just to see what its like.

[senseicharles]

1) I used shaving cream when I was young because it's what my father taught me to use.
2) I gave up on that and started using soap, shampoo or whatever was handy with the same or better result.
3) It does not seem to matter how many blades on the razor I use. I get the same close shave from a good razor but, The multi blades seem to last longer, so that's what I use.
4) I got a hair cut once and the barber used a straight razor around the ears and on the back of my neck. When I got home, my wife was pissed because he left some pretty good cuts around my ears. Since then, I can collect all the blades I want but she better not catch me using them on my face :bwah:
5) In recent years, I have gone with the men's bady wash/shave soap and with shaving in the shower, I get a great smoothe shave and no cust.

:manganr::thumbsup: