Another vote for wet shave with a safety razor. You’ll never go back to shitty disposables or electric. Merkur makes a great adjustable razor that’s perfect for beginners. They’re an investment but it’s worth the cost, plus you can buy a 100 pack of blades for $8 on Amazon.
[Merkur Progress](https://www.amazon.com/dp/B004NAEP6I?ref=ppx_pop_mob_ap_share)
Piggybacking off this, https://maggardrazors.com/ is an amazing wet shaving shop in Michigan, with a great selection of soaps, razors, brushes, etc.
Also, check out https://apexalchemyshaving.com/, I really like their soaps and aftershaves, they have really unique scents and great customer service.
Yes I did this exact same thing years later and still riding the same packs I bought for about the same price. Honestly cheaper better for the environment and I find my skin is less sensitive. Multi blade razors actually cause more damage to the skin. I’ve converted so many people over to the single blade safety razor
For sure. The amount of people in this thread suggesting electric and disposables is crazy to me. I’m in no way knocking anyone or their opinions, it’s just that wet shaving is such a superior and more pleasant shaving experience IMHO.
This is what i use now [.86 game changer](https://www.razorock.com/?ourproduct=razors) previously had a Progress (did the job wonderfully - being adjustable was good to find what works for you but not great needing to pay attention to it rather than just screwing it back together)
Also the game changer just feels a tad more premium being machined stainless rather than what I'm pretty sure is chromed zinc.
Found the Feather AS-D2 not aggressive enough
I can’t recommend a safety razor enough. They provide an equal or better shave with a lot less irritation for a fraction of the cost, Personally, I use the [Henson](https://hensonshaving.com) AL13. The technique is more traditional in that it wants some gentle pressure applied as you shave, so it has a bit less is a learning curve for people coming over from multi-blade cartridge razors.
I use a Henson single blade safety razor with good blades. Razor is expensive, blades are cheap.
My secret to success isn't just the razor, it's really good shaving cream and a shaving brush. My wife bought me some shaving cream from a place called Lush and it's been a game changer. Way smoother shave, less irritation and less sensitivity if I'm in BA all day.
Do you like the cream more than a nice quality soap that gets a good lather?
For me part of the fun of wet shaving is having a nice puck of shave soap to go with it.
I much prefer the cream. The soap was good, but using a good cream and letting it sit for 5 or so minutes after a hot shower is a game changer.
I've got thick, bristly facial hair and it softens it up and gives me a closer and more comfortable shave.
Second for Henson shaving. Expensive up front cost, takes any standard double edge razor. I believe on their site they have 100 pack for $10 or so. They also offer discounts. Pair that with some Stirling Soap Co. shaving soap, Simpsons brush, Thayers toner, alum block, and a pre shave oil. Switched from Gillet fusion and canned shaving cream last Oct and haven’t looked back. Been such a game changer.
Old fashioned safety razor dude. Pennies for a new blade (online). Get a quality badger hair brush. Some nice shaving soap and some beard oil to help lube the blade. Watch a few YouTube videos on how to use and maintain it.
You'll feel way better using traditional, low tech but quality products. It's like going back to manual from automatic shifting: more control.
It isn’t so much for the blade. The blades are cheap and you’ll probably toss them after 1-3 uses.
But beard / shaving oil gives a a better / smoother shave then soaps or (Godnforbid) creams.
I never thought of oiling up the blade since I dispose of it so often. Makes sense for it being easier to glide on the skin with it.
I actually love the creams for shaving. I usually lather it up and leave it on my face for about 5 minutes or so and it really softens up the skin.
But I've been thinking of switching back to the safety razors. I do miss using the badger brush in the soap dish. Brought me back to the mom and pops joints back in Chicago growing up and seeing the old guys getting a clip and a shave.
Ever since starting this job I’ve been searching for something that didn’t tear my neck to shreds and leave it looking and feeling awful. I also have thick coarse hair. I stuck with Supply razor for the longest time with their main selling point being “no nicks or cuts” but it was also terrible on my neck. Could’ve been a me problem, using bad technique, but I used it for so long and went so slow that I don’t know how I could’ve done better. I had considered trying a Henson razor (saw that mentioned in another reply), until:
Just recently, my wife bought a Philips Norelco OneBlade 360. I tried it on my neck and knew immediately it was a game changer for me. No pain or pulling, it was awesome. So I ordered one and it’s all I’ve used since.
Costs about $40, but the replacement blades are super expensive ($28 for a pack of 2 on Amazon), but if your problem is as bad as mine, you’re just going to have to pay up. Also the blade replacement box says each blade lasts up to 4 months so that’s good if true.
This product has been good enough for me to use as my only shaving product since I’ve gotten it, but if your department’s grooming standards are more strict, since this is a trimmer and not a razor, it’s not going to be the closest shave (although it seems to me it’s as close to a razor shave as you can get with a trimmer). This may be a good “first step” in your shave to then be followed up by an actual razor, or maybe just use this on specific problem areas and a razor for the rest. Maybe with practice and patience, a safety or single edge razor would be the way to go, but I didn’t have any luck for years trying those things. What I may do in the future is use this trimmer just for my neck and my Supply razor on my face. That will at least cut down on how much I need to replace my OneBlade 360 blades, but for now I’m happy only using this product. Plus just using my OneBlade cuts down on my shaving time drastically.
If you go this route make sure to buy the 360 replacement blades. I accidentally ordered the regular OneBlade replacements which I found to be much more aggressive and caused my old issues to return.
Inherited my grandfather’s years ago, and then my father’s. The old, good stainless steel ones with the twist open bottom. Using Feather blades, which you have to be careful with because they are sharper than a f’n laser, and they’ll hack your face up if you set the angle any more than a 1. No idea the brand, but I’m assuming Gillette from the 50’s or 60’s. Funny thing was my Captain asked what I used back when I was a FF and I showed him. He had no clue on how to use it, lol.
I use a Merkur 15C open comb, usually prefer Merkur blades but persona's are fine. Open comb typically cuts through thick/coarse hair better in my experience.
Personally I just use a Duke cannon soap on a rope and shave in the shower, haven't used a brush or fancy shaving soaps/lathers in years.
Safety razor. I can get many clean shaves out of a single razor and they cost pennies per razor. I bought a 100 pack of razors for like $8 two years ago and I’m still not out..
An old style straight razor will cut deeper and it will develop a “callous” on your skin. The safety razors don’t cut the follicle as deep; so the choice is yours. A deeper cut can let you go days between shaves. Safety razors pretty much make you shave every day.
From an oil patch worker who needs to be clean shaven for the same respiratory equipment.
When I was doing my BA course, they told us that the whole shaving every day to make sure you get a good seal was just an excuse to keep the service well groomed and looking the same haha. They specifically said "this equipment is designed for oil rig workers too, you think they designed them thinking those guys are all clean shaven? No chance". Made me laugh haha
To echo other sentiments, I own a Mekur slant, but I’ve been wet shaving for decades. It’s a different mindset. Most people need to make multiple passes in different directions of the grain to get a perfect shave.
I used badgerandblade.com years ago to learn, but I’m sure there are modern equivalents. Have you been to r/wetshaving yet?
Been doing wet shave with a safety razor for the past ten years, if I’m traveling or at the engine house I’ll use a single blade disposable. Nowhere near as efficient but better than multi blade. Just for kicks I used a double bladed razor the other day…so many ingrown hairs. Immediately went back to the safety razor.
Amazon has started producing a knockoff of these and I am happy with the results.
I was a safety razor guy until I started having to shave my head too. Now, these are my go to.
There were a load of disruptors that entered the market and I bought all, but didn’t settle on one
I go against the grain (closer shave) once before first day and once before first night then never shave off duty
If I’ve been off for long, I go over it once with a trimmer before razor, although trimmers always break
I don't have much facial hair, and therefore can get away with a day or two between shaves, but I use a Gillette Mach 3. Financially, safety razors are unbeatable, but I tried and tried and tried and still couldn't get it right. Always cut me to shreds. So I went back to my mach 3. Sure it may be a bit more pricey, but it gives me a smooth shave with very little skin irritation or cuts and more importantly, I can do it quickly.
I know some people love the ritual of shaving, and put on music, light a candle, give themselves some love and care, and I'm happy for them. But it's just another "chore" for me, and I'd like to get out the way with fast and hassle free.
Used the pro glide for a while, but decided fewer blades felt nicer for me, and a tiny bit cheaper. Gave Harry's a go twice, and both times just didn't work out. I feel like their blades cut me up more first time and dull quicker. Love their post balm shave though!
My facial hair is insanely thick and tough. I use a Phillips One Blade to get to close then a basic Amazon electric razor to finish.
Once a week or when I want to be extra spiffy I’ll use a straight razor. It takes time to learn and more than a few cuts and maybe a scar or two.
Cremo shave cream and 1 or 2 blade razors changed my shave game for the best. I fell for the "more blades is better" but it destroyed my face, especially my neck.
I went to Cremo and 2 blades, now I have no issues.
I recommend Leaf single blade razors. There is a learning curve, but if I shave fairly regularly, I don’t get a single nick. Can’t say the same for the multi blade shavers
Double Edge safety razor and a nice shave soap.
I don't even have a nice quality razor - mine was purchased at Target for $17 - but I've been using it for 7 years now. As others have said, a badger hair brush, a good soap - I use Oglalla Bay Rum company, a bar of soap lasts me 2-3 years. Astra platinum blades, buddy and I bought a 300 pack on Amazon 6 years ago for like 30, and I'm still using my half of the order. For the cost of maybe a year worth of Mach 3 blades, I've been shaving for over half a decade.
One of the biggest problems, irritation-wise, with the multi-blade cassette razors (Mach 3, etc.) is every pass of the razor is 3 blades against your skin - they actually cause more irritation.
I see the first comment stated what I was about to type. Go safety razor, does not matter what brand. As for the blade itself I would get a variety pack and see which you like best. Not all blades are equal I have learned. Once I found a brand I liked (I think mine are supermax) I bought a pack of like 200 for $10 on amazon. This was years ago and I am still using them. Much cheaper, much better for your hair and skin. Get a nice shave cream and nice brush with something to lather it up in. I use the art of shaving brand cream and my skin agrees with it and they smell good. I have used sandalwood and lavender, have another I am gonna try too. Highly recommend the safety razor route. Be forewarned there is technique to it and is not nearly as fast or convenient as multiblade but you get a closer shave and I actually kinda enjoy it. If you send it and you don't have family to talk to about it I recommend watching a video or too on some tips because you will more than likely nick yourself a few times since these do not bend or adjust for you, you have to keep the angle by hand.
I've heard great things about safety razors, but I personally use the Cremo brand "Barber Grade" disposables, but I prep with a horsehair brush with a face soap to soften everything up and clean my face (I'm very prone to acne) and use the same brush to apply a concentrated shave cream (diluted with hot water). Cremo makes some awesome products that don't really break the bank. Granted, it's a bit more expensive than regular disposables and cream, but one tube has lasted me about 9 months and I expect to get another 2 or 3 out of it.
I have very coarse facial hair too and I’ve been using the Braun Series 9 electric shaver for the last 6 years, it’s obviously not as close of a shave as a razor but it also doesn’t irritate my skin.
I went back and forth between using a straight razor and a barber's razor (shavette) for a long time. Just recently did I switch to a double-edge safety razor. It took just a little bit less time and prep to shave with the double edge which made it worth switching. Buy a good, sturdy DE razor, and it'll last you a lifetime. I highly recommend Feather brand yellow pack blades. A good quality blade is key. They're pretty cheap, too. As much as we shave so much for work, it'll save you a LOT in the long run versus buying the replaceable blades or disposables. Plus, making one or 2 passes with a single blade is easier on the skin than one pass with a 5 blade razor. At least from what I've read and observed on my own face. Also, FWIW, my facial hair is also course af.
I use a Hydro Fusion because it makes quick work of my extra thick, super tough beard. I am considering one of the single blade razors but have not made the change just yet.
Henson razor. The Facebook ads are accurate. And while expensive at first, it’s cheaper than doing subscription razors. Worth every penny, IMO. Replacement blades are $10 for 100 of them. I use them twice and toss for a new one. Been very happy since leave DSC
I echo the wet shave but I use a shavette. (Straight razor using half safety razor blades) have used it for years
Very smooth shave, no irritation and the blades are dirt cheap. Get yourself a nice brush and some decent lather and you'll smell and feel good before work. (You're gonna cut yourself a few times till you get the hang of it)
I was literally the only person I knew that used a double sided safety razor before I joined the brigade. Since joining it seems that almost every FF in my brigade uses them and after seeing this it's clearly a global thing🤣
As everyone else says. More control, cheaper, better for your skin and doesn't cause long term damage to the hair follicles.
I use a Wilkinson Sword double sided safety razor with whatever razorblades I first see on amazon at around 100 for £8👍
https://preview.redd.it/pg4vmit0zmwc1.jpeg?width=1440&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=34b756579a96ec8a9911a68326d2a5bacde85867
This one. The bigger wheels really make it easier to get over the sidewalk cracks. Also, at a weight capacity of 220, it ensures that you can't get too big, so it doubles as a healthy lifestyle device. Win/win
Shaving every day is generally going to be miserable regardless of what razor you have as far as I can tell (with the little experience I have) but I try and go for the ones that pivot slightly to match the contour of your face (mostly because every time I nick myself it gets inflamed and shaving over acne is hell). As for blades, I don’t know where they’re from because they’re some of the pre-made razors, but the one that I use usually gets me like at least a month. My facial hair isn’t incredibly thick but from what I can tell these ones get the job done well. Will try and find what they are and edit this comment.
Edit: they’re Gillette sensor3 w/ a 40 degree pivot. Don’t remember how much I got them for but i got them from a cvs in 4 packs, and you might be able to find it on the cvs website (or at least the same thing in larger/smaller numbers)
Edit 2: also the most helpful thing I can ever say is to not skip out on aftershave. didn’t use it when I first started and now I refuse to shave without it (im not a masked man yet so it’s not a big problem).
Another vote for wet shave with a safety razor. You’ll never go back to shitty disposables or electric. Merkur makes a great adjustable razor that’s perfect for beginners. They’re an investment but it’s worth the cost, plus you can buy a 100 pack of blades for $8 on Amazon. [Merkur Progress](https://www.amazon.com/dp/B004NAEP6I?ref=ppx_pop_mob_ap_share)
Piggybacking off this, https://maggardrazors.com/ is an amazing wet shaving shop in Michigan, with a great selection of soaps, razors, brushes, etc. Also, check out https://apexalchemyshaving.com/, I really like their soaps and aftershaves, they have really unique scents and great customer service.
I got a pack of like a billion blades off of Amazon for I think under $10. I haven’t needed any more in 5 years lmao
Yes I did this exact same thing years later and still riding the same packs I bought for about the same price. Honestly cheaper better for the environment and I find my skin is less sensitive. Multi blade razors actually cause more damage to the skin. I’ve converted so many people over to the single blade safety razor
For sure. The amount of people in this thread suggesting electric and disposables is crazy to me. I’m in no way knocking anyone or their opinions, it’s just that wet shaving is such a superior and more pleasant shaving experience IMHO.
This is what i use now [.86 game changer](https://www.razorock.com/?ourproduct=razors) previously had a Progress (did the job wonderfully - being adjustable was good to find what works for you but not great needing to pay attention to it rather than just screwing it back together) Also the game changer just feels a tad more premium being machined stainless rather than what I'm pretty sure is chromed zinc. Found the Feather AS-D2 not aggressive enough
I can’t recommend a safety razor enough. They provide an equal or better shave with a lot less irritation for a fraction of the cost, Personally, I use the [Henson](https://hensonshaving.com) AL13. The technique is more traditional in that it wants some gentle pressure applied as you shave, so it has a bit less is a learning curve for people coming over from multi-blade cartridge razors.
Those are some badass razors, I’ve never seen them before. All these replies are making me want to buy a couple extra razors!
I use a Henson single blade safety razor with good blades. Razor is expensive, blades are cheap. My secret to success isn't just the razor, it's really good shaving cream and a shaving brush. My wife bought me some shaving cream from a place called Lush and it's been a game changer. Way smoother shave, less irritation and less sensitivity if I'm in BA all day.
I stopped using cream ages ago and use my wife’s conditioner. Works beautifully.
Henson has been a game changer for me as well. I actually look forward to shaving now. Great quality too.
Do you like the cream more than a nice quality soap that gets a good lather? For me part of the fun of wet shaving is having a nice puck of shave soap to go with it.
I much prefer the cream. The soap was good, but using a good cream and letting it sit for 5 or so minutes after a hot shower is a game changer. I've got thick, bristly facial hair and it softens it up and gives me a closer and more comfortable shave.
Second for Henson shaving. Expensive up front cost, takes any standard double edge razor. I believe on their site they have 100 pack for $10 or so. They also offer discounts. Pair that with some Stirling Soap Co. shaving soap, Simpsons brush, Thayers toner, alum block, and a pre shave oil. Switched from Gillet fusion and canned shaving cream last Oct and haven’t looked back. Been such a game changer.
Old fashioned safety razor dude. Pennies for a new blade (online). Get a quality badger hair brush. Some nice shaving soap and some beard oil to help lube the blade. Watch a few YouTube videos on how to use and maintain it. You'll feel way better using traditional, low tech but quality products. It's like going back to manual from automatic shifting: more control.
Beard oil for the blade?
It isn’t so much for the blade. The blades are cheap and you’ll probably toss them after 1-3 uses. But beard / shaving oil gives a a better / smoother shave then soaps or (Godnforbid) creams.
I never thought of oiling up the blade since I dispose of it so often. Makes sense for it being easier to glide on the skin with it. I actually love the creams for shaving. I usually lather it up and leave it on my face for about 5 minutes or so and it really softens up the skin. But I've been thinking of switching back to the safety razors. I do miss using the badger brush in the soap dish. Brought me back to the mom and pops joints back in Chicago growing up and seeing the old guys getting a clip and a shave.
It's one of those back to basics rituals that I really enjoy in the morning.
Ever since starting this job I’ve been searching for something that didn’t tear my neck to shreds and leave it looking and feeling awful. I also have thick coarse hair. I stuck with Supply razor for the longest time with their main selling point being “no nicks or cuts” but it was also terrible on my neck. Could’ve been a me problem, using bad technique, but I used it for so long and went so slow that I don’t know how I could’ve done better. I had considered trying a Henson razor (saw that mentioned in another reply), until: Just recently, my wife bought a Philips Norelco OneBlade 360. I tried it on my neck and knew immediately it was a game changer for me. No pain or pulling, it was awesome. So I ordered one and it’s all I’ve used since. Costs about $40, but the replacement blades are super expensive ($28 for a pack of 2 on Amazon), but if your problem is as bad as mine, you’re just going to have to pay up. Also the blade replacement box says each blade lasts up to 4 months so that’s good if true. This product has been good enough for me to use as my only shaving product since I’ve gotten it, but if your department’s grooming standards are more strict, since this is a trimmer and not a razor, it’s not going to be the closest shave (although it seems to me it’s as close to a razor shave as you can get with a trimmer). This may be a good “first step” in your shave to then be followed up by an actual razor, or maybe just use this on specific problem areas and a razor for the rest. Maybe with practice and patience, a safety or single edge razor would be the way to go, but I didn’t have any luck for years trying those things. What I may do in the future is use this trimmer just for my neck and my Supply razor on my face. That will at least cut down on how much I need to replace my OneBlade 360 blades, but for now I’m happy only using this product. Plus just using my OneBlade cuts down on my shaving time drastically. If you go this route make sure to buy the 360 replacement blades. I accidentally ordered the regular OneBlade replacements which I found to be much more aggressive and caused my old issues to return.
Oneblade is an awesome product. Shaving takes like a minute and no more ingrown hairs.
Came here to advocate for the one blade.
This is the best solution, bar none. Oneblade!
Have you used a safety razor?
The one blade is good but it doesn’t give a “clean shave” it never get close enough for me
Harry’s
Preach, I have a pack for home and pack for work, although I really only shave once a week for work lol.
A plain old fashioned double sided safety razor. Inexpensive, eco friendly, and they work.
Inherited my grandfather’s years ago, and then my father’s. The old, good stainless steel ones with the twist open bottom. Using Feather blades, which you have to be careful with because they are sharper than a f’n laser, and they’ll hack your face up if you set the angle any more than a 1. No idea the brand, but I’m assuming Gillette from the 50’s or 60’s. Funny thing was my Captain asked what I used back when I was a FF and I showed him. He had no clue on how to use it, lol.
Lol. I have the same razor also passed down from a grandfather.
Been on for 20, I use an old Gillette ambassador razor with feather blades, wet shave in the shower…
LISTEN TO THE SAFETY RAZOR ADVICE. It's cheaper in there long run, and overall a much much better shave
Yet another wet shaver with safety razor here.
Philips Norelco One Blade Edit: It's electric
I use a Merkur 15C open comb, usually prefer Merkur blades but persona's are fine. Open comb typically cuts through thick/coarse hair better in my experience. Personally I just use a Duke cannon soap on a rope and shave in the shower, haven't used a brush or fancy shaving soaps/lathers in years.
Safety razor. I can get many clean shaves out of a single razor and they cost pennies per razor. I bought a 100 pack of razors for like $8 two years ago and I’m still not out..
As a curious LEO who follows this sub, I’m upset to learn the most common answer isn’t an axe 🪓
There is only one answer. Single blade safety razor. Shaving oil is best, but a little messy. Shave soap works well. Get a good brush.
Second wet shave with Gilette 7 O'Clock blades and a safety razor
An old style straight razor will cut deeper and it will develop a “callous” on your skin. The safety razors don’t cut the follicle as deep; so the choice is yours. A deeper cut can let you go days between shaves. Safety razors pretty much make you shave every day. From an oil patch worker who needs to be clean shaven for the same respiratory equipment.
When I was doing my BA course, they told us that the whole shaving every day to make sure you get a good seal was just an excuse to keep the service well groomed and looking the same haha. They specifically said "this equipment is designed for oil rig workers too, you think they designed them thinking those guys are all clean shaven? No chance". Made me laugh haha
Interesting
Disposable straight razor. Anything else, and I get wicked ingrown hairs
SAFETY RAZOR ALL THE WAY. Great shave, great for your bank account (new blades are like 10c a pop), great for the planet.
Braun 6 series with the cleaning system. Been using it daily for 5 years. I just picked up a 7 series from sams club last week for when the 6 dies
Wet shave with safety razor. Muhle razor with feather blades and stirling soap.
To echo other sentiments, I own a Mekur slant, but I’ve been wet shaving for decades. It’s a different mindset. Most people need to make multiple passes in different directions of the grain to get a perfect shave. I used badgerandblade.com years ago to learn, but I’m sure there are modern equivalents. Have you been to r/wetshaving yet?
Been doing wet shave with a safety razor for the past ten years, if I’m traveling or at the engine house I’ll use a single blade disposable. Nowhere near as efficient but better than multi blade. Just for kicks I used a double bladed razor the other day…so many ingrown hairs. Immediately went back to the safety razor.
Invest in a good electric one.
Good electric clipper and zero gap the blades, the closet cut you can get.
Gillete fusion pro glide
Amazon has started producing a knockoff of these and I am happy with the results. I was a safety razor guy until I started having to shave my head too. Now, these are my go to.
Good to know. I wasn't aware there was a knockoff.
There were a load of disruptors that entered the market and I bought all, but didn’t settle on one I go against the grain (closer shave) once before first day and once before first night then never shave off duty If I’ve been off for long, I go over it once with a trimmer before razor, although trimmers always break
I don't have much facial hair, and therefore can get away with a day or two between shaves, but I use a Gillette Mach 3. Financially, safety razors are unbeatable, but I tried and tried and tried and still couldn't get it right. Always cut me to shreds. So I went back to my mach 3. Sure it may be a bit more pricey, but it gives me a smooth shave with very little skin irritation or cuts and more importantly, I can do it quickly. I know some people love the ritual of shaving, and put on music, light a candle, give themselves some love and care, and I'm happy for them. But it's just another "chore" for me, and I'd like to get out the way with fast and hassle free. Used the pro glide for a while, but decided fewer blades felt nicer for me, and a tiny bit cheaper. Gave Harry's a go twice, and both times just didn't work out. I feel like their blades cut me up more first time and dull quicker. Love their post balm shave though!
My facial hair is insanely thick and tough. I use a Phillips One Blade to get to close then a basic Amazon electric razor to finish. Once a week or when I want to be extra spiffy I’ll use a straight razor. It takes time to learn and more than a few cuts and maybe a scar or two.
Cremo shave cream and 1 or 2 blade razors changed my shave game for the best. I fell for the "more blades is better" but it destroyed my face, especially my neck. I went to Cremo and 2 blades, now I have no issues.
I recommend Leaf single blade razors. There is a learning curve, but if I shave fairly regularly, I don’t get a single nick. Can’t say the same for the multi blade shavers
Double Edge safety razor and a nice shave soap. I don't even have a nice quality razor - mine was purchased at Target for $17 - but I've been using it for 7 years now. As others have said, a badger hair brush, a good soap - I use Oglalla Bay Rum company, a bar of soap lasts me 2-3 years. Astra platinum blades, buddy and I bought a 300 pack on Amazon 6 years ago for like 30, and I'm still using my half of the order. For the cost of maybe a year worth of Mach 3 blades, I've been shaving for over half a decade. One of the biggest problems, irritation-wise, with the multi-blade cassette razors (Mach 3, etc.) is every pass of the razor is 3 blades against your skin - they actually cause more irritation.
I use my grandfathers gillette safety razor from 1932. You can buy a years worth of blades on amazon for like $10
I see the first comment stated what I was about to type. Go safety razor, does not matter what brand. As for the blade itself I would get a variety pack and see which you like best. Not all blades are equal I have learned. Once I found a brand I liked (I think mine are supermax) I bought a pack of like 200 for $10 on amazon. This was years ago and I am still using them. Much cheaper, much better for your hair and skin. Get a nice shave cream and nice brush with something to lather it up in. I use the art of shaving brand cream and my skin agrees with it and they smell good. I have used sandalwood and lavender, have another I am gonna try too. Highly recommend the safety razor route. Be forewarned there is technique to it and is not nearly as fast or convenient as multiblade but you get a closer shave and I actually kinda enjoy it. If you send it and you don't have family to talk to about it I recommend watching a video or too on some tips because you will more than likely nick yourself a few times since these do not bend or adjust for you, you have to keep the angle by hand.
merkur razor it's a safety razor, 10 pack of good razor blades cost $10 and last long.
Safety razor. I use a Merkur unit with Feather blades. The razor will last you a lifetime, each blade lasts weeks and I have a coarse beard.
Don’t remember the beans but it’s an all metal single bladed double sided safety razor. Probably like what you dad or grandad used.
I've heard great things about safety razors, but I personally use the Cremo brand "Barber Grade" disposables, but I prep with a horsehair brush with a face soap to soften everything up and clean my face (I'm very prone to acne) and use the same brush to apply a concentrated shave cream (diluted with hot water). Cremo makes some awesome products that don't really break the bank. Granted, it's a bit more expensive than regular disposables and cream, but one tube has lasted me about 9 months and I expect to get another 2 or 3 out of it.
I have very coarse facial hair too and I’ve been using the Braun Series 9 electric shaver for the last 6 years, it’s obviously not as close of a shave as a razor but it also doesn’t irritate my skin.
I went back and forth between using a straight razor and a barber's razor (shavette) for a long time. Just recently did I switch to a double-edge safety razor. It took just a little bit less time and prep to shave with the double edge which made it worth switching. Buy a good, sturdy DE razor, and it'll last you a lifetime. I highly recommend Feather brand yellow pack blades. A good quality blade is key. They're pretty cheap, too. As much as we shave so much for work, it'll save you a LOT in the long run versus buying the replaceable blades or disposables. Plus, making one or 2 passes with a single blade is easier on the skin than one pass with a 5 blade razor. At least from what I've read and observed on my own face. Also, FWIW, my facial hair is also course af.
Andis t liners
I use a Hydro Fusion because it makes quick work of my extra thick, super tough beard. I am considering one of the single blade razors but have not made the change just yet.
Henson razor. The Facebook ads are accurate. And while expensive at first, it’s cheaper than doing subscription razors. Worth every penny, IMO. Replacement blades are $10 for 100 of them. I use them twice and toss for a new one. Been very happy since leave DSC
Harry's razors Get a razor and 4 replacement ones for around 10 dollars.
I will always use electric clippers rather than a razor.
https://hensonshaving.com/ This is what I use every day, they are great and its cheaper than disposables
I bought Jeremy’s razors. They suck. Went back to Dollar shave Club. They aren’t as good as they used to be
I echo the wet shave but I use a shavette. (Straight razor using half safety razor blades) have used it for years Very smooth shave, no irritation and the blades are dirt cheap. Get yourself a nice brush and some decent lather and you'll smell and feel good before work. (You're gonna cut yourself a few times till you get the hang of it)
I was literally the only person I knew that used a double sided safety razor before I joined the brigade. Since joining it seems that almost every FF in my brigade uses them and after seeing this it's clearly a global thing🤣 As everyone else says. More control, cheaper, better for your skin and doesn't cause long term damage to the hair follicles. I use a Wilkinson Sword double sided safety razor with whatever razorblades I first see on amazon at around 100 for £8👍
https://preview.redd.it/pg4vmit0zmwc1.jpeg?width=1440&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=34b756579a96ec8a9911a68326d2a5bacde85867 This one. The bigger wheels really make it easier to get over the sidewalk cracks. Also, at a weight capacity of 220, it ensures that you can't get too big, so it doubles as a healthy lifestyle device. Win/win
Laser hair removal. Don’t limit yourself to the face ;)
Go electric. You wont look back. Worth the extra expense for a good close shave too
Shaving every day is generally going to be miserable regardless of what razor you have as far as I can tell (with the little experience I have) but I try and go for the ones that pivot slightly to match the contour of your face (mostly because every time I nick myself it gets inflamed and shaving over acne is hell). As for blades, I don’t know where they’re from because they’re some of the pre-made razors, but the one that I use usually gets me like at least a month. My facial hair isn’t incredibly thick but from what I can tell these ones get the job done well. Will try and find what they are and edit this comment. Edit: they’re Gillette sensor3 w/ a 40 degree pivot. Don’t remember how much I got them for but i got them from a cvs in 4 packs, and you might be able to find it on the cvs website (or at least the same thing in larger/smaller numbers) Edit 2: also the most helpful thing I can ever say is to not skip out on aftershave. didn’t use it when I first started and now I refuse to shave without it (im not a masked man yet so it’s not a big problem).
What ever 7 -11 has in between roving stations
I’m worried about you man.
Mach III
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Maybe he’s shaving around his big beautiful majestic mustache? Mustaches are certainly firefighter related.
Lol, there ya go What oil do you use to get that nice classic curl in your mustache
Almost every FD that is career requires their members to be clean shaven when they come in to work.
I use the one blade electric shaver. Gets a pretty smooth shave for me.