Using regular shaving cream?

[razoredgeknives]

hey guys, i'm new to straight razor shaving. i just ordered a straight razor (off of these forums) a badger brush, and some shaving soap to get me started... but I was wondering if i could use regular shaving cream (the gel from a company like gillette or something)... does it not work the same way (softening up the skin and beard)? thanks for all the help.

[Trevorxgage]

I have never used it myself, but I have heard more then a few that have with very bad results.
Because of the way it made and the chemicals it has in it, it's not at all good for you skin.

I will say that some of the brushless shaving creams around do work fairly good with straights, but as alwasy YMMV.

[jeffegg2]

Well, Much of the "experience" of straight razor shaving is learning the old ways, and that includes learning to lather up a brush and take it to your face.

Yes, you could continue using the shave goo in a can, but you would be missing out on a lot more.....

.

[danbrew]

This will sound kind of stupid, but I kind of like not using a can any longer as I don't have to put all the cream in my hand and rub it on my face. I know I could just rinse my hands in the sink, but there's something relaxing and refreshing in using a brush and experiencing a much "neater" shave.

I've only been using a SR for a few weeks, but have been using a brush for well over a year and it's fabulous. Much cheaper too.

[Genesis]

hey guys, i'm new to straight razor shaving. i just ordered a straight razor (off of these forums) a badger brush, and some shaving soap to get me started... but I was wondering if i could use regular shaving cream (the gel from a company like gillette or something)... does it not work the same way (softening up the skin and beard)? thanks for all the help.

You can use it, but it's nicer with soap or cream as opposed to foam or gel. Made the switch and used my old stuff on half my face... just wasn't the same. And I've only been doing it a couple of weeks.

More importantly, just wanted to mention it, did you get a strop as well? You didn't mention it, and it's required, so if you don't have one you'll need to get one ASAP.

Happy shaving!

[technika1]

Part of the enjoyment of wetshaving is to get your brush, a nice cream or soap, build up a lovely lather and applying it to your face, a canned gel or foam will do, but your only doing it half right.

[Stubear]

That stuff from a can just isnt as good IMO. The lather doesnt provide as much glide and the scent is nowhere near as nice as a good shaving soap.

[razoredgeknives]

More importantly, just wanted to mention it, did you get a strop as well? You didn't mention it, and it's required, so if you don't have one you'll need to get one ASAP.

Happy shaving![/QUOTE]

Yea, I did get a good strop... I actually own a knife sharpening business and have just recently started sharpening straight razors, this is actually what peaked my interest in straight shaving! I have a double sided paddle strop from thiers issard, and am using a .25 micron paste on one side and leaving the other side un pasted.

Thank you all for the advise...i will probably try both, but I do have a shaving soap like I said... I was just trying to find a way to shave that is cheaper than using the mach 3 blades all the time, but some of the shaving soaps and creams are so expensive! Does anyone have any suggestions about where and what I should get that is for a good price and will last for a long time?

[ReardenSteel]

Welcome to SRP. It's true some soaps and creams are a tad expensive, but they do last a long time as you only need a little bit to make enough lather for your shave. A great and inexpensive cream is C.O.Bigelow and you can get it at Bath & Body Works. The large tube is $10 and I think if you buy 2 you get one free.

[leadingedge]

... I actually own a knife sharpening business and have just recently started sharpening straight razors, this is actually what peaked my interest in straight shaving! I have a double sided paddle strop from thiers issard, and am using a .25 micron paste on one side and leaving the other side un pasted.

... I was just trying to find a way to shave that is cheaper than using the mach 3 blades all the time...

Well, you're off to a good start then with a lot of honing experience! Just remember that the honing is a very light touch with a razor, as opposed to knives, but I'm sure you know that already.

If you're just after a cheaper way, why don't you try out Double Edge (DE) razors. The blades are very cheap, and most of us do a bit of DE shaving as well as straight razor shaving. It's not nearly as rewarding as straight razor shaving, but it is a cheap and easy way.

If you ask some guys about shops in your area, you might just be able to buy some supplies directly from a shop, in stead of waiting for an internet order. One of the most commonly used creams & soaps is by an Italian company called "Proraso". They have a nice range of stuff, and is very cheap. (Actually the exact same stuff that is made for C.O. Bigelow) Most shaving shops will carry Proraso.

Btw, the Thiers Issard paddle strop is a brilliant piece of kit, well done on your purchase! Wish I had one!