Added: 5 years ago
From: mantic59
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  • I am new to wet shaving/wet shaving. I am using merkur 180 and merkur blades. The blade only seemed to cut the hair when i started from the bottom on my neck up. Again this was my first shave but i couldnt get it really close and had to finish touching up with regular shaver. Any tips? Thanks!!

  • it's 2am and I'm learning how to shave...

  • Any pointers to a good razor blade for a sensitive skinned person?

  • 21 people did not get the idea...

  • ive been using a DE for about a month now, and i have a very hard time getting my neck smooth.

    the hair grows from left ear to right ear up to the right corner of my mouth, then from right ear to left ear. (hope that makes sense) i can get it smoot, but i usually end up with some nicks and its quite miserable. i do WTG, XTG, XTG (other way) and finally ATG. could it be i need a different blade? i use derby extra now. i know i need a sampler pack...lol

    Thanks in advance, these videos are great!!

  • What is the brand of shave Soap or Stick you have used in the video?

  • @jackmad007 that one is from QEDUSA(dotcom)

  • @mantic59 Thanks Very much for this reply and all the videos. Your channel answered most of my shaving question boiling in my mind.

  • Mantic, I have something to run by you for and what you think... I used my dad's DE razor a couple of times under his guidance and still ended up getting mad irritation for over a month... I was wondering if it's because my face is too sensitive or if I used the wrong techinique even though I had my dad there and he has the same problem with sensitive skin... Please help. Thanks

  • @MegaBullfrog09 I think the first thing you should do is try another brand of razor blade. You also need to be very careful to use NO PRESSURE on the razor!

  • Ever try it with cold water? I found cold water to be better with disposable razors (closer shaves with less irritation), but I don't know if it transfers over to safety and straight.

  • @synesthetically yes it can work with cold water too.

  • Was that really your O-face, Mantic?

  • jimmy kimmel?

  • Shit, I'm not too excited about starting to shave.

  • @cubeface21 You can use electric razors and it's easy as fuck.

  • @ mantic59 im trying to learn about the history of the non electric razor can you help me out. all i got so far is first the straight razor, then the safety, then disposable razors and i think theres what you call cartrige and then theres the whole thing is disposeble

  • @f0ckt you can build a good kit for under 150.

  • I am ready to transition over to using safety razors but can't afford to spend 150$ on everything, i can afford to get the razor tho, but I would be just shaving using barbasol shave cream and my safety razor, no brush, no fancy soaps, etc. until i'm more flush with treasures. is this a better option than just going out and buyin some crappy mach 3s and waiting until i can get the whole set? Any thoughts?

  • Hi, I've just recently started DE shaving (I dove in with a Feather Stainless Razor and couldn't be happier!) I do want to try other razors and would like to know what you suggest. I'm thinking of a Merkur or even the Pils. Your suggestions would be greatly appreciated.

  • awesome video...

  • Fortunately I have a goatee so I don't have to deal with those hard-to-shave places.

  • 頑張れ!にっぽん!頑張れ!東北!

  • Love your videos. I'm a rookie when it comes to safety razors, so this is a great source for info. Thanks!

  • My first attempt i looked like I just escaped a knife wielding maniac with cuts and nicks everywhere, so carried on with the Hydro 5. I did not give up and after a week tried the Safety razor again. This time I got a better brush, better cream and produced a better lather. I did not put any pressure on the razor and slowly shaved. I made 3 passes and ended up with 1 small nick and a close shave. It felt rewarding. The trick is lathering and no pressure on the razor. Thanks for the great tips.

  • hows the Diamond Edge Classic razor? im trying DE shaving for the first time. (i got a brush and real shaving co cream and mug !)

  • @arbinka2007 sorry, i've never tried a diamond edge classic

  • i know ive left some dumb comments im 17 idk anyting about shaving but after an hour looking at a braun series 3 razor i went to price grabber found a merkur for 20$ cheaper and the blades are so cheap which will save me money im gunna get 1 and im gunna burn my proglide its so damn expensive

  • How long does a de razor usually last? I have a 1960 something gillette de razor and it just started to have some rusting on the inside, i've had it for about 2 years. I haven't tried to get it off but is this rust probably from the blades or the handle itself? Is there any specific things that you have to do to prolong the life of a razor? Thanks

  • @roblox84 properly taken care of an all-metal DE razor will last many many years. There are numerous examples of people using razors from the 1950's and even further back.

  • Your videos gave me the confidence to buy and use a DE. I even went on to start using a straight razor. The things i've learned from watching... awesome. OH and as much as i HATE your SuperLather intro i can't help but hear it in my head every damn time i use the technique you taught me LOL. "Its a bird, its a plane..."

  • Mantic i found these razors ther surgical razor the blade is stainless steal their used to shave bod hair they Look exactly like a DE razor but the handle is plastic do u think i wud get the same shave i would with a real metal handled de razor or does it not realy matter

  • @kantelier generally speaking plastic razors are not as good as metal ones, at least while you are learning to shave with a DE. After you get good at it using a plastic razor might be ok.

  • thanks for the tips but im sticking with my electrical.

  • where's that from? the guy that pulls his skin.

  • @EuropeanLegend

    It's the bad alien from Men In Black.

  • Thanks this helped me a lot

  • Thanks for these videos. I've just ordered my first safety razor and I'll be studying your videos closely this weekend to avoid any bloody accidents next week :)

  • I find your videos very informative and makes me want to get a Safety Razor. The only thing that is stopping me are the reviews for The Merkur 34 and 38. What do you think I should get? I know the 38 has a longer handle than the 34 with the same type of shaving head. I use a Gilette Sensor Excel and I thought that the Merkur 38 would be easier to switch b/c of the handle. What do you think?

  • @Anniyan86 the 34 and 38 are almost identical, shave-wise

  • laughing my ass off at 1.20 !!!

  • saftey razors are all about technique i agree modern day razors are better shick hydro blows em away

  • @rbtupper modern razors might give you a faster shave, but when used properly a safety razor can give you an as-good or better shave.

  • @mantic59 they might be a little bit slower than modern razors, but with modern razors you can never achieve the close shave you get from safety razors.

  • @rbtupper Serious? Yes. I started with modern razors but I simply couldn't shave every day, it was a real chore. I switched to DE razors a few months ago and, now, I can shave every day. Each time, I got a confortable and much better shave than with modern razors. And the blades are so affordable! So safety razors are not junk for everyone...

  • thanks a lot for these tips. I am learning.

  • Appreciate the tips; I just ordered a Merkur 180 and a sampler set of razors. My main reasoning was because I'd recently switched to manual shaving, but it felt really wasteful to be throwing out so much plastic with disposables. After some research, almost everyone seems to agree that a DE will get the best shave and for cheaper, so it's win-win. So thanks for the shaving vids to help me mentally get ready for this new 'adventure'!

  • Wow.. All these people worrying about whether or not they're shaving correctly.. It doesn't matter, aslong as you cut the hair and don't cut YOURSELF, then why worry? :S It's a pretty simple thing to do..

  • it's very odd to me that a person would need instruction on the use of a safety razor

    i found one rattling around in a box of pocketknives my grandpa left when I was 13 or 14 years of age

    never saw him shave with it, nor anyone else for that matter. I bought some blades, rubbed some soap on my face, and shaved with it until i was about 30 years old and someone gifted me a fancy brass disposable holder

    why would anyone need instruction in this??

  • i shave and im eleven

  • when he moves his nose aside its funny lol not in a bad way of course lol

  • Youtube is an amazing place. I knew next to nothing about what a shave brush or safety razor was just a few hours ago, and now I know how to use both (in theory). If I ever shave my beard off, I'm getting these.

    Excellent videos, Mantic!

  • You've inspired me to change from an electric razor to a merkur! I'm tired of painful shaves!

  • now that's a man's shave

  • this is a great video! I just got my merkur 33C. Do the shave creams give a decent lather or do I have to use a brush and bowl? Also, my water gets so hot that it scalds, should I rinse after every stroke in this scalding water? (I rinse and then wait a few seconds for the razor to drop a few degrees, I think the hotter the water the better for some reason, is this wrong?)

  • I don't know if you realize, but you're a hero among MANY shaving forums. Almost every one I see mentions to check your videos, and now I see why.

    I'm just getting into wet shaving with a DE razor, and your videos are the most helpful thing yet. Thank you for your time and effort, it's very much appreciated.

    CHEERS!

  • Any plans on shaving with a straight "cut throat" razor?

  • chillrasta12- As a matter of fact I just bought a straight razor and I'm learning how to use it. But a video is about a year off.

  • @mantic59 - Cool. What kind of straight razor did you end up getting, mantic?

  • @johnnytastetest it is a gold dollar razor

  • I'd be blind but happy. :)

  • This guy is pretty funny.

  • Funny Voice when you moved your nose :-D

  • Hey Mantic...love your series as I've found them truly helpful.

    I've been shaving with a badger brush and safety razor for almost 2 months now. Everything is great except for my chin...I'm still having some difficulty in that area. Any suggestions?

  • ManoKard- for the chin use very short, light strokes. Sometimes it helps to curl up your lower lip slightly.

  • just found this channle good work and nice tips i want to get a safty razor but dont know where to get one please respond

  • I got mine on ebay for $8.00. Look for a Gillette Super Speed. There are many on ebay, and they are not expensive. It is a mild razor, and great for beginners. 

    For soap, there are a million, but the best cheap soap is VDH at Wal-mart. Really great for $1.50.

    For blades, go to ebay and get a "sample" lot. Blades are all slightly different, so you want to try a few and find a favorite. Good Luck!

  • thanks

  • I have an extremely noticable cleft chin.. any tips on conquering that?

  • OldSkoolObbie - I dont have a cleft chin but here is a comment from someone who does: "I simply place a finger on either side of the cleft and flatten it out as best possible, usually with my hand below my chin. Then I take the razor and give it a swipe. For me, I go both with and against the grain... "

  • Thanks for reposting the comment.. I have a heck of a time shaving the cleft with those big disposable 5 blades.. I never get all the hairs.. usually pluck what I can't get.. and that hurts! lol

  • how often do you change your blades

  • roblox84- I can get about a week of multi-pass shaves out of a blade.

  • I have a goatee... do you have any training video on how to maintain and shave around a goatee... i always end up with some asymmetry and in the process of making it even sometimes end up with nothing

  • thiz tutorial smash ballz...

    hahaha

    btw, this safety razor You show is Merkur??? some like 150$?? lawl....

  • No Merkur's are only like $30 except for the fancy adjustable Vision model which is like $100

  • Great video.

  • 4:56 is this a mistake? Otherwise, 5 star video...

  • Since I started shaving with an older Gillette safety razor about two months ago, I've had one very minor nick but otherwise the best shave of my life. Safety razor blades seem to last a lot longer too.

  • wat if a person had pimples? (me) would it be safe to shave with these kinda razors? lol

  • Good question. You know, some safety/single blade razors are adjustable so you can decide on the blade depth. They seem more expensive but they might work for you.

  • holding the swallow works great thanks

  • Help.... what kinda of steel are single razors and Gillete double and triple razors made of? What would be a good shaving cream? And aftershave lotion??

  • For a close shave buy this pre-shave lotion called Lectric Shave. Apply to a dry clean face and allow a few minutes. It will make the hairs on your face stand up. Apply shaving cream and shave as normal with your razor. Youll get a close shave!.

  • I would recommend getting an ointment called Shave Secret. Apply it to a wet face or on your razor blade in wich it reduces nicks and cuts. I bought this at Wal-Mart.

  • If you get a cut, tear up little pieces of toilette paper and put them on the cut. The longer its on the cut the less of a scab youll get. :)

  • Just picked up a Parker 65R non-adjustable. Came with Shark blades. It seems that the blade barely touches my skin. Is it normal for the blade to be so small when seated in the razor, or are all blades about the same width? Is it a matter to tightening the head too much? Or am I just not finding the correct angle? I am new to the DE after all...

  • I enjoy having pie even if shaving cream goes on it it tastes like milk. TRY IT!

  • Nice video. However, as soon as I tried a single-blade razor for the first time, I became a huge fan of Mach3.

  • I just ordered my first safety razor, can't wait to try it! Thank you so much for these videos, I'm sure I'll spend alot of time watching these the next couple of days.

  • First, the MIB thing scared the crap out of me.

    Second, thank you for your safety razor vids. I'm 14 but the hair on my face grows fast. Really fast. And I get razor bumps with a regular multi. So, i'm getting one. Thank you.

  • Haha :P I like his blank face though, after that MiB fragment :P

  • do you have any tips on how to get rid of razor bumps, im only 16 and 17 on july but i get a lot of razor bumps, i tried using the blade and it gave me some and i tried using the machine to shave instead but it still gave me some so the only choice i have is to not shave... do you have tips on how to get rid of them??

  • Clean the blade with water after each stroke, and clean it very thoroughly when ur done.

    Use an aftershave lotion to cleanse the face afterwards.

    If ur still getting razorbumbs you can try using disposable one time razorz since they dont cut as close to the skinand you avoid some skinirritation by that.

  • Along with the other response you have here, one very effective treatment is to make your final rinse after the shave with hot water instead of cold, soak a cotton pad with Witch Hazel and lightly wipe the beard area, then rinse again with tepid water. Then apply a light aftershave "splash" instead of a heavy "balm."

  • thx

  • for razor bumps you have to shave it everyday to stop the hair from growin back into the skin

  • I just got a Merkur safety razor set for christmas. My wife bought me 30 Merkur razor blades and some Col. Conk shaving soap. What can you tell me about the quality of the lather Col Conk shaving soap pucks provide?

  • I forgot to ask, what would you suggest as a decent NON-COMEDOGENIC after shave lotion? I can't use heavily scented products or my face will break out, but I currently use Cetaphil facial moisturizer.

  • cowartm- I'm actually researching aftershaves for my next video. But Cetaphil should work well.

  • I use the cetaphil cream and it does the job for me

  • cowartm- Col. Conk shave soaps are very good.

  • hello sir, can i ask,

    what age do i shave

    i'm 16 going to 17 after jan09

    and i'm a hairy guy, but its too soft

    i never shave it when its come

    so can i shave now, i ask my family but

    none sense (LOL)

    please reply...

  • THEDEXTROUS- You can shave when your face starts to look "scruffy" but just shave one gentle pass and thats all until the rest of your beard comes in.

  • sir thank you so much, damn I'm glad i chose you... thanks again (^^

  • I use Noxzema shave cream for my shaves. Is that a good cream for the safety razor? It seems to work better than all the other creams I have used in the past.

  • rocknrolla81- Sorry, I don't have any first-hand experience with Noxzema.

  • Hi there. I've watched many of these videos and just wanted to thank you for taking the time to make and post them. They've been very helpful. I'm new to DE after years using Mach3s. I've always done a lot of prep and used good quality lathers and lotions (Proraso) and have been trying for a couple of weeks with a Merkur HD but found it rather aggressive in use. I've ordered a Progress to see if that is any better. Thanks again for the advice, it is is much appreciated.

  • Mantic59-

    I'm new to wetshaving also and have had some bad luck. It seems that no matter what I do, I cannot obtain a close shave. After making several passes with the grain, making a new pass against the grain is very difficult, as if I'm tugging at the hair instead of slicing it. I have been using merkur blades in a gillette super speed and I'm going to guess that my problem lies in the canned gillette cream? What difference does a good cream make in the quality of the shave?

  • mgoff5- Yes, poor Gillette cream is playing a major role with your poor shave. It really does make a huge difference: a proper lather saturates the skin and stubble with water and lubricants.

  • Most wet shavers also give Merkur blades a low mark for quality. A good blade for the money is Derby Extra.

  • Thank you mantic59 for the great videos. As a teen no one tought me how to shave properly and I had to improvise as I shaved. I recently purchased a Merkur saftey razor and will be using your advise. Thank you again!

  • Hello Mantic59. In your oppinion is it really necessary to use a pre-shave oil to lubricate the skin before applying shaving cream?

  • binties- In my opinion, as long as you properly prepare your beard for shaving, pre-shave oils are totally unnecessary.

  • its kinda interesting that here we all are... grown men, seeking shaving advice from other grown men on shaving. to quote Fight Club: "I see all this potential, and I see squandering. God damn it, an entire generation pumping gas, waiting tables; slaves with white collars. Advertising has us chasing cars and clothes, working jobs we hate so we can buy shit we don't need (like 5 bladed razors that vibrate). We're the middle children of history, man." Now we must teach ourselves to survive/shave!

  • great comment

  • Amen brother!

  • Such a true comment.

  • Mantic-

    Love the videos. I just started to wetshave an i have a couple of basic questions. What handle angle is the most effective to shave at? I keep trying different angles but I am wondering what you opinion is. Also I am using American Crew shave soap and brush. I notice that the lather does not get as thick as the ones you use on the videos. Have you tried this brand?

  • Utes11- The most effective angle depends on the brand of razor (actually the head geometry of the razor), but generally about 30 degrees. Try holding the razor handle parallel to the floor and rocking it down until the blade just meets the skin, then going a tiny bit more. You'll have to experiment a little. American Crew is not for use with a brush (and I've had poor luck with it in general).

  • you're like an overall 99 on shaving you should be featured in a videogame

  • especially on runescape!

  • I don't find stretching necessary at all with a straight razor, but working around the chin is still a bit of a trick. Make your first reduction with the direction of the growth, then make the second pass against the grain. I use a shave oil for the second pass as the additional lubrication prevents blade grab for the shorter strokes you will use. Finish with blade buffing or J hooking the remaining patches. (J-Hooking may be tricky with a straight razor)

  • I bought a safety razor last week but now I learned that I need a badger brush because I have a very cheap brush I bought years ago at the market and since I rarely used it over the years, the benefits are not there.

    I am a master with the MACH3, but feel like a kid again learning how to shave from scratch with the safety razor.

    Merkur is the brand of my razor and the same brand of razor blades I bought.

    I am subscribing - look forward to learning more.

    Thanks for the helpful video !!

  • thanks for your advice in shaving tips. very helpful as i dont have a dad to ask....many thanks

  • @sam55blue next time ask your dad its good for bonding

  • Hi Mantic 59.

    I watched all of your videos and decided to turn to safety razors. But the experience was not very good. I am a thin guy with an angular face, the DE razor felt harsh and difficult to keep at the right angle on my skin.

    Now I have a burning face and I feel like I wasted some money.

    Is it possible that some faces are just not apt for the safety razor? Or do I need to suffer for a few months before I experience the benefits of the DE razor?

    In any case Thanks and good job.

  • potionfilms- The short answer is yes, some faces aren't suited to DE shaving very well. However there are a number of things to try before you throw in the towel. I assume you're new to DE shaving, so you need to concentrate on blade pressure and angle. You may also want to try a different brand of blade. In any case it will take several weeks before your technique is good enough for a consistantly good shave. Hang in there.

  • where could i get a safety razor?

  • par1s93- Check out my "Introduction To Single Blade Shaving, Part 2" video for some suggested web sources. You also might try cutlery or knife/sword shops.

  • Thank you for your tips and tricks! They worked very well! I use oneway blades, they give the best results and are the cheapest. Unfortunately not good for environment.

    Electric shaving stresses my skin, wet is relaxing.

  • Is this Jimmy Kimmel?

  • This is outstanding! Thanks for sharing your experiences with a safety razor and being so thorough. I bought a Merkur comb razor and the closeness of the shave is very impresssive. Why did I waste my time with the Sensor for all those years!

  • Thanks so much! I just received my first D/E razor and I really enjoyed the lack of pretense and humor you inject into the increasingly over-complicated shaving world!

  • I just came home with my first safety razor, and I'm about to test it out. Thanks for all your tips.

  • i cant seem to master the safety razor... but this is kind of helpful, i just tried to use these techniques to no avail. I really can't get the grip down and how to shave aroudn the chin very well.

  • You are the smartest shaving man ever.

  • My dad had a beard so I never really got shaving instruction, and ended up growing a beard mainly in reaction to the unpleasantness of shaving. I'm stoked to find your series, and to see a general move away from the 10, no 12, no 32 blade... cartridge systems. I'm ordering myself a new razor, should have time to watch a the series before it arrives. Now to see if i can deal with going beardless.

  • This was comforting. I'm tempted to watch the whole series and I'm a girl with a smooth face, lol! Really, I was mezmerized by the simplicity and practicality of the demonstraton. You obviously care about people and what happens to them. Bravo!

  • Supposedly a double edged razor and the same shaving methods, using a brush and a shave cream do a very good job on legs as well. It would seem to me as a guy to be pretty simple since legs are long and fairly flat.

  • So why'd you watch it..?

  • wow

  • excellent tutorial

  • This mean spirited comment was pointless. This guy is just trying to share some knowledge he has with the rest of us, don't be a dick.

  • in order to get like a huge mustache dont you have to shave off the fine hairs and then wait for it to grow or what

  • How bout girls shaving tips. Like for safety razor for legs. I want my legs cute not hairy and no matter what angle it takes only little hairy spots.

  • very good job. my dad never taught me and these were some very good tips. thank you.

  • Wow, your like a pro, your kids are going to be pro shavers, no shit.

    Well good job for the tutorials... when i start shaving i wont be a retard :)

    thanks mate :D

  • never tried a safty razor heard theay are 2nd best to a straight razor I use a mac 3, I think i would cut myself with a safty razor (not so safe) nice vid pop's

  • interesting!!!!!!!!

  • thanks man, some good advice.. i might need to start shaving soon..

  • ..you look very tired

  • andersv20- Yeah, it had been a long day.

  • cool

  • Very informative. Why are you doing these turtorials anyway? Just Wondering.

  • alistairemacrae- Just trying to "spread the word" and let the world know that they don't have to put up with the idiocy that P&G (Gillette) and Energizer (Schick) are trying to foist upon us these days. That and I don't have a son so I feel like I'm a "dad" passing skills along. :-)

  • thanks.

    useful.

    my dad never taught me how to shave so i had to figure it out myself.. but yeah this helps alot thanks

  • thanks for this video!!! Mi face feels better now.

  • dig your videos...always interesting...keep 'em coming!

  • lol...thanks it really help alot.... by the way..i haven't started shaving yet, i'm gonna try

  • does this count for pubes too???? my friend wants to know...do you have a post for it?

  • propaganda010- No, I don't have a post about pubes. The general concepts (reducing the hair, shaving with the grain, using a lot of water, etc.) should apply though.

  • Where do you get safety razors from?

  • Hammama- Check out my "Intro To Single Blade Shaving, Part 2" video for some suggested sources.

  • Oh sure, your FRIEND has questions.

    >_>

  • How Do You Do It With A Wilkinson Sword Quattro Titanium

  • you're awesome.

  • my beard doesnt grew properly wish it did

  • Marc... Awesome as always! Great editing!

  • Hi, just wanted to say thanks, you've made some really good videos, and i've begun to spend more time and effort on shaving since watching them.

    Any chance of a video or even just advice on how to shave skin with imperfections (spots/scars/moles etc)?

    Also, shaving balm/aftershave... what is that actually for? I presume its more than a fragrance?

    I think traditional shaving techniques are slowly being lost :( my dad did'nt even teach me how to shave at all.

  • after shave is also to disinfect/close the pores of the skin(thats why it slightly stings) not only to give a nice fragrance after