right at the risk of being dull here is the solution
you still need the mach 3's - ive been there and there is no alternative - just dont buy the 4 blade turbo nutter orange new version

its pish

get the most basic 3 blade job that fits that gillete razor - the vibrating handle one does actually make a difference

here is the SECRET TO MAKING THEM LAST TWICE AS LONG

invest in a proper badger (good) or hog (less good) bristle shaving brush - you can get a decent one for under a tenner

do not use foam or gel from a can - use alphaglide gel from king of shaves (or ANY of their products designed to lather)

shave in the shower - lather up well, push the bristles against the grain of your beard

shave SLOWLY once with then against the grain

the simple addition of a brush will soften the stubble - which is what fucks your razors

do this every day and you will double the life of your razors and drastically reduce amount of red splotches and goose flesh on your skin

and women will want to have your babies

!
( spimf ™ is whoever you want him to be, Sat 25 Oct 2008, 19:06, 1 reply)

you're so right
I'm an equally tedious pub-bore when it comes to shaving.

The secret to soaps/gels is to use something glycerin based, not silicon based. Read the ingredients and you can't go wrong. Also check the ingredients for anesthetics. Most brand gels are full of novocaine or lidocaine or some sort of caine to hide the fact that they are crap products which cause irritation. How scary is that?

I recommend www.trumpers.com/product_detail.cfm?ProductID=111547312

That will last ages so is actually cost effective. It's also the finest stuff money can buy!

Slight contradtiction though... don't shave against the grain. Shave with it, then across it from left to right, then right to left. Only then go against if you really want to and really know what you are doing. 99% of razor burn and ingrown hair is caused by shaving against the grain.

Agree with badger brush - no substitute.
Lots of hot water too. The soap is primarily there to hold water, not to replace it. Water water water and lots of it! I'm not a fan of KoS oils for this reason. They don't hold water like a lather does. Also, just because foam from a can looks like lather, does not make it lather. Glycerin soap is best.

After shaving splash with cold water to close pores and the use a skin food (again, glycerin based). Don't use anything alcohol based. Ever. It instantly evaporates the moisture from your face. Your aim is to lock it in.

I like this: www.trumpers.com/product_detail.cfm?ProductID=111547341

A good shave is such a pleasure, but who has ever been shown how to do it properly?

Check out the youtube link I posted up there ^ somewhere...
(pootermunky unlurked on, Tue 28 Oct 2008, 17:50, closed)