Going Mcguyver or go Commando?

I recently moved to a third world country permanently and have no access to the exclusive fancy brands. On top of that my third world salary wont suffice for international purchases.

I shave with a dovo disposable straight razor. I had a strop and a fancy black acrylic straight razor. I got the strop technique down and everything, but I simply like the disposable blades better.
I got the sickest brush too, silver tip badger hair, so the tools are of no issue.

Ive thought of myself as a mcguyver and used a sensitive skin shave cream and lotion for after shave, since we technically shave our skin off leaving it vulnerable. But i feel this isnt good enough. Ive heard of just water like all commando, ive done that before but i dont feel its healthy. Ive been straight razor shaving for some years now.

What im asking is, how do i mcguyver this?

Pre shave
Shaving cream
Aftr shave

Olive oil? Random shaving cream? vodka as after shave?

Thanks in advance!

I look to things that serve 2 or more purposes. Preshave - Noxzema and warm water; shave soap- what do you use for a shampoo?(may be a shampoo stick); aftershave... During the Depression(not this one, the other) Listerine Mouthwash., the original with alcohol, was used as an acceptable aftershave.

(If you're any where near a store that sells shave products or soaps from India, I find most to be very very reasonable in price and have excellent quality)

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Originally Posted by Johnus

I look to things that serve 2 or more purposes. Preshave - Noxzema and warm water; shave soap- what do you use for a shampoo?(may be a shampoo stick); aftershave... During the Depression(not this one, the other) Listerine Mouthwash., the original with alcohol, was used as an acceptable aftershave.

(If you're any where near a store that sells shave products or soaps from India, I find most to be very very reasonable in price and have excellent quality)

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Ok that sounds to me more like commando. There is a solid franchise grocery store, nivea and gilette are somewhat available, as well as listerine. With these options, perhaps something more humane?

Wow. What Country, pray tell? I would imagine, some of the locals may shave. Find a clean shaven person, and ask them. If they say anything about milking the glands of some monkey for pre shave, ask another guy.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by donv

Wow. What Country, pray tell? I would imagine, some of the locals may shave. Find a clean shaven person, and ask them. If they say anything about milking the glands of some monkey for pre shave, ask another guy.

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Armenia. Everyone here is well shaven, having facial hair is considered unprofessional. Most of the products come from russia, so the major name russian brands are available.

Are there none of the cheapo but good quality products out there like Palmolive shave sticks or cream for that matter?

preshave:MWF
Shave:MWF
Aftershave: Water
post aftershave:dry towel, aluminum foil, paperclip, and some chewing gum?

Hmm... from what you say is available, I'd suggest:

Pre-shave: shower or hot towel. Lots of folks (myself included) never use anything else prior to lathering
Shave: I haven't used it, but I know Nivea makes a shave cream. Can you get that?
Aftershave: I like your vodka suggestion, but what will you put on your face? :)

I know there are a couple of Russian guys kicking around SRP - perhaps they can chime in on some advice re the Russian products?

Good luck!

On a serious note. If you have a local small rug dealer. Stop by to look a half dozen times. Buy a small rug for your house. Make friends, stop by for coffee and small talk and he'll be able to get you what ever you need.

Pre shave: Shower, soap, water

Shave soap: 'Irish Spring' bar soap builds great lather and smells good.

After shave: Real commando style after shave . . . 50% water, 50% apple cider vinegar. It works.

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Originally Posted by thieve

. . . Most of the products come from russia, so the major name russian brands are available.

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It's _soap_, for crying out loud !!! There's aren't many secrets that the West kept from the Communists, about making soap.

If there's a local barber, find out what he uses, and buy that. It's worth a try -- "Russian" doesn't always mean "badly made".

. Charles

If you can find it Noxzema may be your best bet. It can be used as a pre shave on par with poraso pre shave, it gives a very slick shave but works best when applied with hands versus a brush, and it will sooth the skin after a shave. If you want you can then add a bit of olive oil ,not EVOO just plain olive oil, for all day moisturizing post shave.

Wow, when you said third world I thought you meant Ethiopia or Somalia or someplace. There HAS to be something available and cheap in Armenia, especially with a population of clean shaven folk....