Reddit reviews Col. Conk Bay Rum Glycerine Shave Soap

I'm not sure about straight razors, but I switched to double edged safety razors and it is so much better than Gillette crap. I bought this Merkur Safety Razor, 100 Derby Blades, Shaving Soap, And a shaving brush.


I spent a total of $60 and the only thing I've spent money on since is different soap. I bought these things over two or three years ago and I'm not even close to running out of razor blades. I get a closer more refreshing shave and I don't spend anywhere near the money I used to spend on shaving. Also, I thought it would take me longer to shave, but I spend about the same amount of time shaving.


I've never used an old school straight razor, but I'd like to at some point. However, it would be a considerable investment initially. At least $120ish for a nice blade, you gotta buy sharpening stone, probably also on a special strop for finer sharpening. So there is more time in preparation and conditioning before and after shaving. I would imagine that it could be very satisfying if you're willing to spend the time and money.

$2.27 Razor,
$6.00 Shaving Soap,
$7.49 Brush from Walgreens
$15.76 plus shipping for the Amazon stuff. Add some blades and you're good to go.

Ok, here is what I recommend to start with. This is basically what I started with to. None of these items are the best quality, but you can get a feel for the shave technique and you'll know if you want to spend more money on better stuff quickly.

Razor

Blades note you'll want to try other brands eventually, but these are not harsh, they're inexpensive, and thus a good first purchase.

Bowl & brush note toss this puck of soap, it's shit.

Shave soap



This will get you going for gear. You can sub out stuff for better quality if you want, but I'd keep it cheap to start. You'll also want to learn how to use all this stuff. This is what I used to learn how to shave the first time. You'll find there are many techniques and schools of thought, but this is the best basic guid to learn and develop muscle memory.



Good luck, and if you need help pm me or check us out at /r/Wicked_edge/

Seriously, take a look at Leisureguy's book. It'll help you decide if wet shaving is for you (it's not for everyone).

Bought/read his book?

Good! Now go out and buy some things.

If you're one to go off the beaten path, look on ebay for vintage Gillette razors or check out your local antique shops. You should be able to get a "vintage" razor for between $5-$15 if you look hard enough.

Next get yourself a good, yet cheaper brush, a blade sampler pack, some soap and/or shaving cream, and an alum block. Have a Bath & Body Works nearby? Pick up this.

At this point, going for a pricey brush/soap doesn't make as much sense, IMO - you're just testing the waters here. There will be plenty of time later to buy a fancier brush (*cough*). The trick here will be to see if you like it more than using a multi-blade cartridge/electric razor.

Cheers, and good luck!

I use the same razor and the same blades. I also get about 3 shaves (3 passes each) per blade.

I use Col Conk's Bay Rum Shaving Soap though, it smells great and makes a great lather.

Practicality? Maybe.

Cost? Not really...if you're buying the expensive end, yeah....I've always bought in the cheap end and been very happy, and gotten a decent shave and a lot of lather from it. You don't need to be in the 20$ range. A puck lasts longer than a can, so that 1.29 goes in repeatedly before you use up a puck, which could (at least with the soaps I use, I'll list them below) even out in costs.

On top of that, canned stuff is worse for your skin and health, that's been shown.

Soaps I've used and use:

Lightfoot's Pine for 7.08

Swedish Dream Sea Salt, avg 6.20

Conk's Bay rum 6.00

Van der Hagen 2.50 (This one I find for about 2 at local stores too)

These are just my soaps that I've used. Not to mention there are other options out there as well!

Not to mention using a brush and lathering has benefits. You mention hassle? Seriously? I can do a full face work ready shave in 5 minutes and I have the shittiest grain pattern imaginable. I can do my neck in 3 minutes (shitty neck grain pattern). That's lathering, shaving, cleaning up, etc. I use a badger brush, so I don't need to soak it, I guess.

Arko sticks are kinda a hassle, I won't argue that because I understand that. But not all soaps and shaves are also hassles because...I mean...come on, if I can do my face with that little hassle, you ought to be able to pull off something.

I'm saying this and bringing up the cost because I switched because of cost alone. Comfort a bit. I don't collect razors. I'm kinda overstocked at the moment with three, and some guys around here have dozens. I'm not a hobbyist, I use a brush and DE because of the cost vs. rattlecans and razors.

Barbasol is cheap, so the cost difference may be small, but to the best of my knowledge, is still there.

If being proven that it at least breaks even, and at best can improve from there, is not enough....at least use this sort of barbasol. The Aerosel and rattlecans are terrible for your skin.

I also see you've posted below about how you know that it's your technique and have decided that you're going to ignore that you have erred in your technique and ditch it anyway. If you're lazy, it won't help you in trying things to the best of their abilities!

However, if after all this you're still going to ditch brushes and soaps, creams, etc, /u/shave_bazaar allows you to post your supplies up and you can give them up for shipping costs alone to newbies who want to try their hand at wet shaving, rather than canning them.