/r/Shaving Frequently Asked Questions

Frequently Asked Questions: Can we help you get a better shave? Short answer is yes. First of all, everyone is different. Everyone has their own unique hair growing at different angles and speeds and thickness and coarseness and curl out of their own peculiar skin. Many things might work for some people and not for you. One person might shave ATG (against-the-grain) on the first pass, dry, with an SR (straight razor). Another might need hospitalization if he tried.

The goal for us here is to find the best shave for you and your needs. You may have sensitive skin and want long, relaxing meditation over scented soaps. You may have an invincible leathery face and want the quickest and most efficient shave possible.

Electrics: Generally the most convenient and cost effective if your face can take it. Many can't, here's why. That's an electric on the right and single edge blade on the left. Electrics work by hacking and ripping out your whiskers. They are suggested for those not irritated by them who want an efficient means of shaving and are willing to sacrifice closeness.

Multi-blade cartridge/disposable: Referred to as "carts", probably the most common type of razor. Carts can lead to over-shaving and ingrown hairs for some. Single cutting edge blade; DE, SE, SR, and disposable single are recommended in that case. Carts are easily the least cost effective way of shaving and are not recommended for those on a tight budget. Convenience factor is high, however. For more economical carts than are in your local drugstore, try Dorco.

Disposable single: Little known alternative when wanting the convenience of a cart with the benefits of single edge shaving. More economical than carts too. Also a good alternative for wet shavers flying without checked luggage. See Bic Sensitive, Bic Metal, and Gillette Guard.

Wet shaving: See this handy poster from u/mmosh and this display of terminology. To spend more money on soaps and razors than you ever thought possible, simply visit the enablers at r/Wet_Shavers.

Double/single edge safety razor: Old school like your grandpa. Very beneficial to skin and wallet. 100 blades, good for 3-5 shaves each, can cost under $15. When compared with carts, it's a no-brainer. Less convenient than carts, however, and can often lead to acquisition disorders involving hardware and/or soaps and creams.

Straight razor: For hundreds and even thousands of years until the invention of the safety razor, shaving with a straight razor was known as shaving. There is nothing to fear here. Cost efficient and pleasurable but time consuming with a long technique learning period. Straight shaving requires much stropping and maintenance and is considered by many a hobby as well as a method of whisker removal. Ladies love them too.