I had to shave off my beard after a year because my O2 mask wouldn't seal tight when I was asleep. What recommendations for someone who is going to have to do this on a daily basis? Electric? Good brand to get or stay away from. Razor with blades or throw away. I'm in US so it needs to be available here. John - maybe I can trade the Creator for head hair if I go without a beard
IMO, you can't beat a wet shave; the easiest and cheapest way is a razor with replaceable blades, unless you're mad enough to use bic disposables. Try a few out, most companies will sell a razor with a few blades (Gillette Mach 3?) that should give you an idea what's available.
Electric shavers are great if you've got allot of facial hair, but they don't cut quite as close to the skin as blades. if being slightly edgy doesn't cause problems for your O2 mask then you should try it. very quick, and no irritation after shaving. also, no need for foam or aftershave. I can't recommend a model/brand but in my 3 years in the army I've noticed it doesn't really matter. just get one that'll last. If you're not too hairy then blades are the nicest, smoothest shave you can get. don't buy all that "Mach 3 Fusion Power" stuff. The simple Mach 3 works just as well and costs half as much.
Electrics are fun, though I feel manlier wielding a Gillette. They really are the best a man can get. I bear a personal preference for the older M3 blades, over the current 'Fusion' line (allows for more control). Be sure to stock up on older shaving supplies as well. A nice steaming towel, a shaving brush, and oils and balms for before and after. Believe me it helps - leaves you feeling 9 years old again. (Unless you're aged under 9, in which case you shouldn't have a beard).
My lady/wife Marilyn just returned with an assortment of manual shaving gear. Mach 3, Fusion,etc. and she even found a bowl with shaving soap and a brush. My beard is very thick and all white. Stiff and hard to get a close shave. Marilyn said that when I used to shave, it was like someone skinning an Albino rabbit in the sink. This should be fun! Shaving every night before bed will probably get old. But the alternative is worse. John
I have a Gillete Fusion, used to have a Mach 3 but never had anything else. I shave every day, the Fusion does a fine job, it used to vibrate which was even better but I managed to break that (to do with the battery, long story). The most critical thing for me is a good moisturiser afterwards. I use Nivia for Men balm most of the time, but if it's been a tough day (or night) then I use Loreal Hydra Energetic, which is probably what God himself uses to feel more godlike.
A close shave would be to use a hand razor... the number of blades actually depends on your facial hair type. You have to try 2, 3, 5 blades and see which best fit your needs. Most people prefer the 3 or 5 blades. I like 3, and my brother needs a 2 blades. If you decide this method, do not get the disposal razors, they suck. They hurt more then they cut. Also, make sure to wet you face with warm water before shaving, else it will hurt when you shave. The best shaving is after your shower (that is, if you take a hot or warm shower). Manual shaving is fast. From my experience it takes about the same time as an electric (I include the time to wet your face put the shaving cream and shave for the manual razor). Fun fact: Gillette Mach 3 razor can take the Turbo edition blades. Fun fact2: the electric manual razor, is nothing more then a vibrator. It does nothing other waist battery. Fun fact3: If you cut yourself, your blades are done and needs to be changed. Fun fact4: Avoid soap on the razor blades, this will rust your blades. It won't be visible, but you will cut yourself when you shave. Fun fact5: In general, a razor blade last more then a month. (I can push mine to 2months, however this depends on the shaving cream, how often you shave, and your facial hair type) Fun fact6: For the first few times it is normal to cut yourself with the razor, as not only your skin is not ready, your technique is may not be perfect. Fun fact7: Shaving cream is pretty much all the same for the average consumer, unless you have a particular type of hair or skin. I use sensitive skin shaving cream. Fun fact8: Shaving cream bottle, (about 350ml, last several months) Fun fact9: It is normal to feel a strange sensation after you shave with the manual razor for the first few times. Fun fact9: Follow the hair grain when you shave. Going on reverse, will cut closer, but won't be comfortable after you shave and is bad for the hair and your skin. Fun fact10: Last one. If you are out of WD40, you can use shaving cream instead... works great with plastic and does not stain! (no joke!, In fact I fixed a my old CD-ROM drive tray problem, and the plastic doesn't crackle when you bend it... yea scary I know!)
I have inhumanly tough facial hair. I got a razor for my birthday when I turned 12 (I kid you not). I never had a satisfactory shave in my life until the Mach3 came out, and the M3 Power made it even better. I haven't tried the Fusion, the M3 is good enough and more cost effective.
If you use a razor to shave every day, which is highly unlikely, you will want to use aftershave with alcohol. And use one with a balance of # of blades: more blades make shaving more comfortable but make razors ridiculously big and cumbersome. I use a Schick Quattro Titanium
i use a Gillette Mach 3 Power or something like that. It has that stupid vibrator in it. (why have that on a guys razor?) I dont bother with shaving cream. I just shave in the shower and use a little soap. I dont shave upwards as then all the hair is completely gone and i get a rash. so i just do downward strokes (dont think liek that you dirty people!) I shave once a week usually. if your beard is reallllllly long then cut it with scissor a little first so you dont lose the razor in it. lol
I tend to use a Gillette fusion power razor but i buy the non power blades for it, used to use the wilkinson diamond razor, though to be truthful I just buy whatever is on offer in boots. Don't use a shaving cream or aftershave but I do use King of shaves shaving oil, 5 drops of oil per shave cuts really close and extends blade life to about 3-4 months.
Occam's razor: All other things being equal, the simplest solution is the best. Gillette's razor: Now with five blades on the front and one on the back. I actually find the convenience of an electric shaver outweighs the extra closeness of a traditional razor. I use one of those waterproof-with-it's-own-gel-dispenser thingys. However, I'm frequently be-bearded, or at least heavily stubbled, so a little extra closeness doesn't really bother me.
electric razors are good for every day usage, their reliable and simple. however, a wet shave just feels about a million times better. i think it's worth the effort. having said that, i shave about once every 3 months cuz i got a face like a babies arse. still go for a wet shave. a regular replaceable blade is good. they're all at a pretty high standard.
I use some awful disposable razor and I have never ever had a satisfying shave. Either a lot of hair remains, or no hair remains but I have to go against the grain and it becomes quite painful. Don't do it.
I use a Mach 3 about once a month and see off about three blades, if I shave daily I go through two blades a week (I'm assuming I must be doing something wrong). Either way, not cheap for me. The Mach 3 is nice, and I use whatever shaving foam I get my hands on first, doesn't seem to make a huge difference. Never bothered with after shave, just makes my skin dry and flakey, which seems to be the exact opposite of the point, but hey.
electrical all the way, much less hassle. recommend a specific one? well, I'd stay away from the ultra cheap ones, they will just fall apart (like all the cheap rubbish) but other than that they are pretty much all the same.
Be a man. Cut-throat straight razer for the win. Or do what I do when camping and take a Ray Mears bora knife to the whiskers...carefully.
I have had the same blade on my fusion for 7 months now, and a shave every other day money saving cheesecake
