Thread: Leg Shaving For Men

Originally Posted by midgho

The one thing I would ask is, hook point vs half-round vs full-round?

I don't think there's much of a difference. I rarely get to the tip of the razor doing my legs, since most of the surfaces are convex or can be made convex by stretching the right way.

I'm a cyclist though not competitive. However, I do ride centuries and I like to ride hard. I shave my legs mostly for hygiene reasons for cuts and because I found the wicking properties of the shorts to be better. I also shave my arm pits for no other reason than wicking on the jersey and I really don't like the dribble feeling going down my arm when I ride.
Also note that having any kind of hair protruding from the shorts when removing them can be a uncomfortable hair pull.
As for shaving I have yet to try the straight as I am still new applying the technique to my face. Follow the advice given by other members for the straight razor application. But I can tell you a good, warm lather and even soaking your legs in warm water for a while or after a shower makes the process a lot smoother and less irritating. Also, I wait about 1 day after shaving before riding because as mentioned the sting is not pleasant with sweating and in some cases can break your concentration.

I hope this helps you out.

Well... I used to shave my legs for sports (Football), but it was long before starting with straights, the hardest part to me was the ankles and the upper part of my feet, yes also my feet needed shaving, they look now like hobbit's feet...

for those who wonder why the shaving?, is just a precaution in case of an injury, the hair makes the bandages slip and is easier to clean an open wound when you sweat, so the medic instructed us to shave...

For what its worth, my wife has shaved her legs with a straight now at least 5 times and each time she used a spike point with no damage.

I do my share of bicycling and always reach for my Gem Featherweight. Works as good as a straight, only more gentle.
Ernest

If I had to shave my legs for any reason - and I do understand all the reasons stated here - I would do so with a DE, not a straight. And this goes to say of my admiration for the ladies who manage to shave their legs with a straight...
Good luck for the marathon!

I'm a guy but I've shaved large leg areas with my straight before having tattoos.
You'll find the hair wipes off extremely easily, but that the longer hairs can sorta gum things up a little (yes, I managed to clog a straight razor )
I think that came about because of the very long strokes that are possible on a leg. I'd maybe go for the widest blade that you have.
If you have hair clippers or a beard trimmer, maybe buzz that over the area first so you're only shaving stubble.

I ran cross country and used to shave my legs for the long races (15 and 20k) The only essential part to shave (for my running stride at least) was the thigh. To repeat others, shave 2-3 days before the race- enough to get used to the sensation, but not enough for stubble.
Chafing is a nightmare, as many of you know. Running with chafed thighs and bloody nipples makes it a memorable experience.