(06-29-2014, 03:50 AM)Six Wrote: Using vodka instead of shaving cream.
Having your dog shave you.

(06-29-2014, 03:50 AM)Six Wrote: Going with the grain.

(06-29-2014, 03:50 AM)Six Wrote: Go sideways with the razor.
Circular motions.
Too much pressure.
Too much speed.
Going with the grain.
Using vodka instead of shaving cream.
Using a banana to shave with.
Using a butter knife to shave with.
Having your younger brother shave you.
Having your sister shave you.
Having your dog shave you.
Not shaving at all.

Tada. I compiled a list of common mistakes people make while shaving for you.

(06-29-2014, 04:17 AM)Tarew Wrote: I want to learn how to do a clean shave with a razor blade like old school barbers do.

(06-29-2014, 08:11 AM)Uzinero Wrote: Old school barbers use a straight razor, but just a regular wet razer will work fine, and if you don't know what you're doing it's easy to cut yourself with a straight razor, with a decent regular razor, not so much.
I personally use a Gilette Fusion Proglide Manual Razor, each blade will last me at least a month or two, shaving every couple of weeks (thankfully my beard doesn't grow too fast, so I only shave once every 1-2 weeks) and some Gilette Shaving Gel. Now, you can get either Shaving Gel or Shaving Foam in stores, I always picked up foam originally, not knowing about Gel, but once I asked my sister to get me some and she accidentally bought Gel, and it was a million times better. It lasts longer, you need less, it cuts smoother, and the Gilette Gel I use smells quite nice too. Now, for best results with a manual razor like mine, here is what you do:

Fill up a glass with scolding hot water, just enough the cover the blade of your razor and leave it in there, the heat essentially sharpens the blade so it cuts better.
Get a face towel, drench it in very hot water and wash your face with it, do not dry. This will open all of your pores so that you get a nice, smooth, easy and incredibly close shave.
Apply your shaving gel, be sure not to use too much or it will become harder to reach the hair underneath, but just enough to cover the area and have the blade glide smoothly along.
Now, whilst shaving, if you leave it a week or two between shaves like me, your blade may start to get a little crammed with hair and gel and become a little poor at cutting. Whenever it does this, just rinse it all of with cold water, since you still have the glass of hot water, you can dip it in for a few seconds after rinsing your shaver and it will heat up again and cut well once again.
Obviously normal shaving things apply, shave against the grain, don't use too much or too little pressure or speed. Try to find the right balance for both.
Also, especially with manual shaving, aftershave is a must. Most people seem to think that aftershave is just for smelling nice after you have a shave, but they couldn't be more wrong. Aftershave works as a sort of antibacterial for your face after you open up all of your pores by shaving, by not applying aftershave to every area you shaved, you risk getting spots in those areas.

Another small investment, to make your shaver go further, is to buy a Razorpit Razor Blade Sharpener. They usually range from £10-15 depending on your retailer and model and can be bought on Amazon. I haven't got one myself, but from what I have read they pay themselves off in no time.
Now for a razor like mine, you're looking at around £10 for the original razer with one blade, after that you can buy a pack of 4 blades for around £10. If you shave as often as me you only need to buy a new pack every 3-6 months or more, so it's not much in the long term.

You do of course get the best shave with a straight razor, and I'm on the fence about getting one myself when I have some cash. If you're set on learning how to use one of those instead of a regular manual wet shave, then here's a link that may help you:

http://www.artofmanliness.com/2009/10/06/how-to-straight-razor-shave/

It is quite a long article, but it should tell you everything you need to know about shaving with a straight razor like old school barbers, and even includes a video showing it.

Hope I helped.

And in regards to OP, you should really always use shaving gel or foam, the only times I don't is when I notice a few stray hairs I missed after I wash my face and finish shaving, and I apply aftershave straight after.

(06-29-2014, 09:48 AM)Cake Wrote: lol you look like that one meme.
Chubby with a mullet.
Also if you don't have shaving cream use soap.

(06-29-2014, 08:49 AM)Oni Wrote: Funny you mention straight razors. I have one, but it's meant to be used as a weapon.

(06-29-2014, 10:43 AM)Uzinero Wrote: Planning to go all Reservoir Dogs on someone?