Slys tradional shave thread.

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Only ever shave my scalp, the skin up there can handle it better and the hair cuts without issue. Shave anywhere else and blades are dead, I get ingrowns/infections, or itch like crazy or get horrible breakouts (and this isn't from the shave gel/soap/creme). I also hate having a baby-smooth face (scalp doesn't matter though). Instead of shaving I just sculpt it with a beard trimmer, and I can easily cut it down enough where it looks like I shaved without the nasty side effects (or wasted water) and is much cheaper in the long run.

Sorry i know this is a late reply but i just discovered this post. I only shave about once a month . Usually i just use my groomer to trim my beard.i tend to get razor bumps and skin irritation when i shave.ive tried shaving with the grain
It doesnt work.even shaving with a electric razor gave me razor bumps and irritation.

I've used both safety razors and a good quality electric shaver.

The electric shaver was good for quite a few years and still works beautifully. It was convenient to have a quick shave while the water for the shower was heating. No need to wet the skin or apply lubricant. The last few years I've gone back to the hot water and slippery stuff technique with a good quality 2 blade safety razor out of personal preference. I like the feeling after having just shaven with a blade, it scrapes off loose skin cells and grease and leaves a very pleasing feeling. I also shave my head because I like the feeling of being clean and smooth all over.

My tips for a good shave with a blade:
Always, always go with the grain. Not sideways, not against it in an attempt to get rid of prickles. Good technique makes going against the grain for whatever reason unnecessary.
Skin prep is paramount. Try to soak the hairs with hot water for several minutes. Hot wet cloths or frequent wetting in a hot steamy shower. Aim for 5 minutes of pre-wetting for best results. This makes the hairs swell and lose strength.
Use a decent quality blade, not necessarily particularly expensive. I find the Gillette and Schick 2 blade safety razors the best. Plain label "home brand" "budget" razors are the worst I've ever used, followed closely by Wilkinson Sword 3 blade ones which were nearly as bad and had a tendency to "bite".
Blades last a lot longer than you think! I think most people throw them away too soon because they seem blunt after they get gummed up with oil and skin flakes. A good rinse under hot water gets rid of most of this gunk, a rub against the grain of an old towel gets the stubborn gunk out and brings the razor up good as new. I get about a month out of a blade, that's being used for both face and top of head.
I find lathered up soap and also hair conditioner better than shaving cream. Less is more or it will just clog up the blade as well.
Long smooth slow strokes causes less skin irritation than short stabbing like movements. One pass is usually enough.

Electric is too expensive

I've since got another razor and s French soap. And yesterday I got a new head for one of my razors that I didn't sue because it was too agressive. Thinking of ordering another soap and brush though I'm also on the wait list for a $90 custom brush :s

The last image looks like a 1970s disco where everyone had poodle perms. Hehe!

I own a Merkur razor, but it hasn't ever been used as I don't want to lose my beard.

Anyone notice that shaving in a warm climate is easier? I found shaving on holiday a bit easier. Maybe due to the rate I was shaving, I was making an effort however I was more relaxed about it.

I didn't bother with wet shave the though, just tidied up with a disposable.

I have done the damp flannel in the microwave trick. However I wonder how effective these hot towels are they are hot, but cool down quickly. I wonder if it would be easier to heat up the skin with a hair drier.

I bought a better trimmer. Still Whal, but with better blades, seems to work better. The reviews on any trimmer are not great so it is hit a miss I think. This trims it to an even level I can use my Braun on. I changed the cassette (foil and blade unit) for a new one. It had one area that snagged when I first used it, but appears to be working well now.

Anyway sorry if this is not so traditional. I'm not that convinced that traditional lubricants are better on "wire wool" stubble, and skin like mine. I have tried some a while back, not much better than regular soap.

I think it is also to do with the skin, follicles and hairs. I'm no expert, but it changes the proprieties. The skin is more elastic, lest likely to get cut (plus the lubrication mentioned), the hairs tend snag less.