Thread: Gonna shave my mustache for the first time. Any tips?

Originally Posted by rhensley

That's just one of the many small razors I saw. there are ones even smaller but I thought the WB would be a good one. Don't know. I have a mustache and have had it for almost 45 years or so and don't really have any intention to shave it off. That would mean more face to shave and I'm too lazy for that. Take care and have a good day.

I have a 2/8 Vita Style. A ladies razor made in France. Shem said it for shaving their legs.

Originally Posted by Cangooner

Just shave the thing!

Make sure your prep is good as rolodave mentioned, and shave it. For the last five years or so I've shaved mine at the end of Movember and every time I've been left living how the razor just whips through the mo with no drama at all. Since it sounds like it has been a long time since you've shaved that area, the suggestion to do one pass is likely a good one. But try it out, and see how it feels. With a properly honed razor and good prep, I think you'll be pleasantly surprised.

EDIT: re blade width. I have used everything from a 5/8 Wheatley Bros to a 17/16 FBU. They all work. Just use what you're comfortable with.

That's almost exactly the post I wrote before my phone died just prior to posting. Even down to the razor sizes. You have just saved me rewriting it.

I agree entirely, just shave the bloody thing off, i don't know of anyone that uses a special razor for their stache

Originally Posted by rhensley

That's just one of the many small razors I saw. there are ones even smaller but I thought the WB would be a good one. Don't know. I have a mustache and have had it for almost 45 years or so and don't really have any intention to shave it off. That would mean more face to shave and I'm too lazy for that. Take care and have a good day.

I haven't shaved mine for many years either. In fact I had a beard until 1.5 years ago. I'm OCD about knife sharpening and I wanted to start honing razors so I chose straight razors when I started shaving. If I didn't want to learn to hone them I probably would have gotten a safety razor or electric maybe. Anyway, glad I chose straight razors because I'm enjoying it. When I started I took the advice of the pros and only shaved my cheeks and down. I left the beard on the chin at first. Been shaving the chin for a year or so now. I suppose it's time to go for the stash but after I keep it shaved long enough that I know how real well I may grow it back. Who knows? I think I will start looking for smaller razors on the internet. I never have been a collector of anything. Not interested in collecting razors either. But "little razors" sounds like something that may be interesting. I've almost bought a 6/8 or 7/8" razor before but never could see how that would be beneficial to a shave. The smaller ones though could make it easier to get into tight areas like trying to shave sideways on the neck. That's all I need though. Something else to spend money on.

Jack

Originally Posted by Jack0458

But "little razors" sounds like something that may be interesting. I've almost bought a 6/8 or 7/8" razor before but never could see how that would be beneficial to a shave. The smaller ones though could make it easier to get into tight areas like trying to shave sideways on the neck. That's all I need though. Something else to spend money on.

Jack

IMHO it's entirely a matter of personal preference. The big ones work, the little ones work, and the in-between ones work. I like bigger, heavier blades, but lots of guys like very small ones with light grinds. It's partly what works best for you and your beard, but mostly (again, IMHO) a matter of aesthetics, taste, and personal preference. Get the razor *you* want, make sure it's a well-made one that's properly honed, and you'll be happy. But whatever you do, don't get a big honkin' wedge-y razor just because that's what I or someone else like.

Originally Posted by Cangooner

Just shave the thing!

Make sure your prep is good as rolodave mentioned, and shave it. For the last five years or so I've shaved mine at the end of Movember and every time I've been left loving how the razor just whips through the mo with no drama at all. Since it sounds like it has been a long time since you've shaved that area, the suggestion to do one pass is likely a good one. But try it out, and see how it feels. With a properly honed razor and good prep, I think you'll be pleasantly surprised.

EDIT: re blade width. I have used everything from a 5/8 Wheatley Bros to a 17/16 FBU. They all work. Just use what you're comfortable with.

I thought it was strange that the 6/8" razors weren't called 3/4". Now you say there is a 17/16"??? Oh well, I'll use the same terminology. Truthfully, it would be easier if we switched to the metric system. Been used to fractions for wrenches, tape measures all my life but still have to scratch my head sometimes to figure which fraction is larger.

Jack

I think a short smiler would be more useful than a skinny razor personally

Originally Posted by Cangooner

IMHO it's entirely a matter of personal preference. The big ones work, the little ones work, and the in-between ones work. I like bigger, heavier blades, but lots of guys like very small ones with light grinds. It's partly what works best for you and your beard, but mostly (again, IMHO) a matter of aesthetics, taste, and personal preference. Get the razor *you* want, make sure it's a well-made one that's properly honed, and you'll be happy. But whatever you do, don't get a big honkin' wedge-y razor just because that's what I or someone else like.

I got a big one on ebay when I first started looking. Now I'd just use it for now would be as a wedge when splitting logs for the fireplace. But the fireplace is gas so I don't know what I'll use it for. Maybe it would make a good tool for the workbench? It might be useful for something.

Originally Posted by Jack0458

I got a big one on ebay when I first started looking. Now I'd just use it for now would be as a wedge when splitting logs for the fireplace. But the fireplace is gas so I don't know what I'll use it for. Maybe it would make a good tool for the workbench? It might be useful for something.

Depending on its make and condition, that may be worth a few bucks. Nothing wrong with throwing it back on ebay.

I have wondered why a standard of 3" blades became standard. I like the 2.5" razor I have a lot. There's not much of my face that ever sees more than 2" of the edge at a time. Cheeks maybe but that would be all.

Had a handlebar for some time and decided I was tired of the waxing. Just clipped it with good scissors and picked a razor out of my rotation...thing it was a Greaves wedge....agree with everyone....just clip and shave....I don't see the point of not clipping.....but it is your mustache....funny, now I have gone back to sort of a pencil mustache with a space shaved out in the middle and shaving below and above the stache proper......I use any razor I grab for that also.