i hate shaving so i don't do it. when it gets out of hand i go to the barber and get a straight shave and a buzz cut. problem solved.
Never tried a straight razor but I can vouch for safety razors. Those get you a really close shave and are very economical.
Getting one done by a barber was how I became interested. I loved it, and had been wanting one or a long time. I got one for my birthday that came with a free lesson by a barber. I hope to be proficient at it before too long.
FB, the shaving cream is equally important. Get something good. As a Middle Easterner I endorse this product: http://www.getbarc.com/collections/all/shave-cream As for the blade, I use one of these which makes it much easier: You twist the top off, put the blade in there, twist the top back on. Works nice.
I also use the double-edge safety razors that Mathloom and London are talking about. I think they are a great compromise between the straight razor and throw-aways. They give a great shave but there is much less maintenance than with a straight. Be very careful with straight razors. If they are not sharp enough or you are at the wrong angle you can cause permanent damage to your face. I use a Merkur safety razor, Feather blades, and am always trying new creams. Thayers is nice and Proraso is the best I can get at the drug store. I think the key with either type is the angle you hold the blade. It should be almost flat against your face, in such a way that if you were to turn it up even slightly you'd be rubbing the smooth side against your face. It the blade is pulling or skipping then something is wrong.
Thanks. The cream I've been using for a while even when I was using a Gillette mach 3 was the Art of Shaving cream, and the pre shave oil, which has been amazing. That pre shave oil is as important to me now as the shaving cream. I can never back to not using it. I'll check the link to the cream you mentioned.
