Thread: The Mach Delivers ?!

Originally Posted by csrund

Please suffer a "noob" to chime in, as this thread is highly interesting.

I'm a recent SR convert, but I've been unable to get the BBS results between neck and jawline with the straight. It's agonizing to make the ATG pass below the jawline--it really tears up my face, and the long SR blade is difficult to manage at that awkward angle. Consequently, I can't get a full BBS reduction with the straight, which has been disappointing.

The closest, cleanest shave for me has been with cheap store-brand, triple-blade disposables with the lanolin strip. About a buck each, no irritation and the shaves are close enough to last two days. Try using them with a guillotine/diagonal stroke, up and down in an X-pattern. Also, try using fingertip control to make a scything stroke. Use a feather-light touch. The reduction you can get is amazingly complete and silky.

HOWEVER... like most of you, I'm addicted to the other aspects of SR shaving: collecting vintage blades, honing, soaps, fragrances, etc., not to mention the indulgence of a 25 minute spa treatment with hot towels, balms, etc. Then, there's the actual act of precisely drawing a bare blade over the face. Makes you feel a kinship to granddad and his pals who came of age when men were men. Gives you a sense of having cultivated a rare skill.

So for me, it looks like I'll have to keep some triple-track disposables around for the BBS finish. But I'll always enjoy shaving with a straight a couple or three times a week.

Sounds not unlike some of the other replies in this thread. Anybody else have a similar experience?

You may wish to start your own thread as it doesnt look like you are getting much of a response on this one. I wish I could see your razor and your routine in action, then maybe we could see what the problem is.

Can't say I remember the last time I shaved with a Mach III. Prior to breaking into straight razors, there was a couple years where I was a SE and DE safety razor user. Prior to that a couple years of no shave at all (i.e. the Bobo the Homeless man look.) And prior to that, I was in the military and used a Mach III so I guess it has been at least six and a half years or so. I have no beef with the Mach III or anyone who chooses to use one but I'm not sure I understand why you would do so knowing that more effective alternatives exist (i.e. Gem 1912, Gillette Fat Boy, or any straight out there.) If I needed a travel razor it would likely be one of my safety razors but hey ultimately it's your shave, your choice.

Hey, there's a reason the Mach 3 is such a good seller - marketing and ignorance come to mind initially, but after that we'd have to admit they do work.

But there's no need to wonder why a straight can produce the best possible shave of any shaving equipment. You are in complete control of every aspect of how that blade touches your face. Pressure, speed, angle in the vertical plane, angle in the horizontal place, length of edge touching the face - every aspect is under your control. No other piece of shaving equipment allows for that, that I know of. I mean, you are even in control of how sharp and smooth it is (if you hone).

I think that is why we enjoy it so much - it is the ultimate test of ourselves. In the end, how good the shave is rests solely on our own shoulders. We cannot blame anyone else. There are no Occupational Health and Safety Officers there to cloister us in cotton wool. Just a man, his face, a sharp piece of steel, and his hard-earned skills. It doesn't matter that it is not life and death. What matters is that it is action/consequence. Something I feel is missing in modern society.

So throw away those namby pamby "safety" shavers, pick up your straight with your left hand, grab your cojones in your right, and get to work shaving your face!!!

James.

nun2sharp,

Thanks for the reply. As far as razors, the ones I've been using regularly include a Clauss 5/8 round, Shumate 5/8 square and a Landers Frary & Clark 5/8 round. I actually had what is probably my best str8 shave to date with the LF&C this morning. I tried a quasi "guillotining" stroke to get an ATG component without a direct ATG attack. A friend explained it to me as drawing the blade on a diagonal "as a knife cutting bread." (I believe that's the quote from a barber's instructional manual.)

I know that some people frown on this type of stroke due to safety concerns, but it did seem to make a difference. Much closer shave, no irritation (and no cuts).

I'm inclined to continue refining this technique, but not if I'm begging for a scar. Much obliged if you'd like to share any thoughts. I'll take your advise and start a new thread as well.

Cheers!

Today was the first shave with the new mach pro glide super whatever and I made sure to do the full prep including towels and proraso:

- Hot Shower with hair conditioner soak
- Proraso Pre while building the lather (my go to)
- Proraso Green Tea For Sensitive Skin (not the most cushion but appropriate for a cartridge and despite that continues to impress me still)
- Plisson Mountain Badger in Horn (luxurious)
- Hot Towel
- 3 Pass WTG, XTG, ATG (usually get WTG & XTG with straight switching to DE for ATG)
- Alum (not a bit of sting)
- Cold Rinse & Dry
- Thayers Unscented Witch Hazel
- Proraso Post (same stuff as Pre)




Turned out my closest most irritation free shave ever. Not even a tingle by the alum in the end. If I can achieve half of this shave someday with a straight I am looking forward to that day. It will be interesting to see how long this cartridge gives a good shave. I suspect 6 shaves over 2 weeks.

you're lucky. 6 shaves barely gets me to the weekend...

Grizli

Originally Posted by grizli

you're lucky. 6 shaves barely gets me to the weekend...

Grizli

LOL, yeah with a name like Grizli I can believe it

I used a Mach III for kicks a few weeks ago and got a wonderful shave myself as well. I feel bad for using one because the shaves I used to have with it was the reason I went to wet shaving in the first place. I guess I've learned so much about soaps and brushes a long with good prep that the tool to get the shave really isn't as important as I once thought....

I still shave with a straight every day and it's because it's just so much more fun to do so!

Originally Posted by Disburden

I used a Mach III for kicks a few weeks ago and got a wonderful shave myself as well. I feel bad for using one because the shaves I used to have with it was the reason I went to wet shaving in the first place. I guess I've learned so much about soaps and brushes a long with good prep that the tool to get the shave really isn't as important as I once thought....

I still shave with a straight every day and it's because it's just so much more fun to do so!

am agreeing more and more with this every day. infact today just arrived a few flea-bay W&B and a Parker so there is a good chance I will never give up on straights. regardless of the quality of the shave they have a host of beauty that the cartridges just can't compete with. now that iridium or whatever it is with sapphire blades, that might throw the mach gauntlet down for good... itching to bite the bullet and put down the $2k on the cheap one.

Originally Posted by Disburden

I used a Mach III for kicks a few weeks ago and got a wonderful shave myself as well. I feel bad for using one because the shaves I used to have with it was the reason I went to wet shaving in the first place. I guess I've learned so much about soaps and brushes a long with good prep that the tool to get the shave really isn't as important as I once thought....

I still shave with a straight every day and it's because it's just so much more fun to do so!

When you think about your past shaves, it's good to remember that Gillette (and Schick, etc.) sells a SYSTEM. Some claim you don't even need a cream, the moisture strip is all you need to shave. When they do promote a cream, it's the canned gel. But in both cases what they're selling is a quick and easy system, no prep needed, no hassle, wipe and go. So I wouldn't feel guilty if I were you (I don't feel guilty!). Prep and lather and stretching will do a lot for any shave. But they're part of the wet-shave system, not Gillette's Mach X speed shave system.

FWIW!

Peace,
Jim