Question on the Floris bowl, plus brush and razor questions

96mn12

Not sure if this is the correct subforum, so admins please change if you deem necessary.

I want to pull the trigger on the floris bowl. For those who have it, how long does it last you?

Also, whats a good brush and razor to get? I havent used a straight razor in a long while, so need something a bit on the safer side.

For the brushes I have been looking at eShave and Art of Shaving, all badger silvertip hair. Anyone have experience with these? Which one(s) would you recommend?

Thanks everyone.

screename

Good article of Razors.
http://www.artofmanliness.com/2011/04/22/how-to-buy-and-restore-vintage-straight-razors/

JMac88

It lasts about a year, if not more. Shave soap is a fantastic investment. I got one recently to replace my Proraso soap that I got in April of last year and I've really been enjoying it. I think it's still on sale on the Floris site so act quickly!

I use a Parker safety razor with Feather and Personna blades. I really don't recommend that you just jump right in and get a straight razor as they are a major investment and can also mess your face up quite severely if you don't know what you're doing. Also avoid Art of Shaving, they're not well regarded by the 'wet shave community'. I've never dealt with them personally but I just know to avoid as they're more about marketing and that kind of BS than actual appreciation of wet-shaving and all that.

Check out http://www.reddit.com/r/wicked_edge/ over on reddit, they're into this way more passionately than I am.

96mn12

Thanks for the heads-up. I've heard both ways about Art of Shaving.

96mn12

Did the U.S guys that bought it from the U.K end up paying duties/fees/etc?

thelordflasheart

For someone who is considering jumping into the straight razor world, I'd recommend a shavette first. If you're careful, you can get a surprisingly decent one for $20! And best of all, no stropping (or eventual honing) required, and it's ready to use right out of the box.

96mn12

thelordflasheart wrote:

shavette

Sorry mate, for those of us who don't speak proper English, is this what you mean?

http://www.leesrazors.com/products/Merkur-34C-Heavy-Duty-Safety-Razor.html

JMac88

It's like a straight-razor except you load a double or single edge razor blade into a slot and then use it as you would a straight.

Remember with a safety razor like the one you linked that you angle it a certain way and let the weight of it do the work. DO NOT ADD MUCH PRESSURE, you'll cut your face off. When used properly DE is easy on the skin, but it can take time to get the technique down.

96mn12

Yep, I remember watching my old man almost decapitate himself when he first started. Now it takes him 10 mins and the face is smoother than a baby's ass... a 70 year old baby