What is THE most important factor for you in getting a good shave?

I know that all components in shaving matter and that you can't really leave one out as the others would fail - but if you had to use 'generic' products for all components apart from ONE where you could pick THE best tool/product, which would it be?

a) The razor?
For sake of simplicity don't compare across 'types' of razors (SE vs DE vs Straights) - but think of how important a razor is for you w/in the category of razors you normally use.
Is a big, knurly handle the key part for you in a great shave, an OC vs safety bar, etc - or...can you get a great shave with any razor w/in a certain category and for you it comes down to lather for instance..

b) The Lather
Are you ok with using run-of-the-mill products for everything but the soap/cream?

c) The Brush
Maybe this is the key part for you when it comes to shaving.

d) The Blade
Are they all 'kinda the same' or do you need that special blade or it will completely ruin the experience?

e) Pre- and Post shave
You can get by with any products really...but what matters the most to you is pre- and post shave products. This will include A/S, ASBs, splashes, etc.

f) The bowl
May not be the most important thing if you're a face latherer..but if you're a die-hard scuttle user..maybe this is the one thing for you you could never sacrifice.


And yes, I know a shave is like an orchestra where everything needs to come together to create that great shave...but if you had to call out one part as the most important which one would it be?

 

I chose pre & post as it includes prep & finish.
Give me enough time to do a good prep and follow-up, I can get a good shave with most any razor, soap, brush, etc.

 

For me it would be the razor, followed by Preparation but they are extremely close for me.

 

Prep.

 

I think it's the combo coming together. One star can't make a team

 

For me it's the lather not only do I like the lingering smell but once I started to get the lather good I've never had a problem getting a good shave.

 

I went with razor, because if I'm using one that's too aggressive, the rest of those don't matter. I'll still cut my face like nobody's business. Second would be the blade. For me, the proper razor with a new blade, and I'm golden. I can make the rest of it work.

 

I am going with the razor. There are so many out there that I still want to try. The lather is a close second. Without a good lather the shave just is not enjoyable.

 

Prep then razor then blade then lather

 

I'm going to say lather. All my SE razors work great- sure there are some that are better than others but I can tolerate to use all of them. Lesser soaps don't provide enough cushion or there are great soaps whose scent irritates my skin. I'm much more picky about soaps.

 

I would say lather too. I find absolutely no benefit in pre-shave oils. Up here we have pretty hard water so using a bit more cream is essential in getting a smooth shave. I find lathering up a few minutes ahead of time is infinitely better than rubbing an oil on your face. Shaving after a shower is one of the best strategies though.

 

Howdy! Shaving after a hot shower is one essential for me. I think it is the combination of all of the things previously listed that makes a great shave instead of a mediocre one. Always, Gene

 

So to re-iterate the last sentence from the opening post:
"And yes, I know a shave is like an orchestra where everything needs to come together to create that great shave...but if you had to call out one part as the most important which one would it be?"

 

To be honest I'd be hard pressed to say when I last had a shave that wasn't at least good. Probably some time during the first Reagan administration.

But I'm going to go with "software" over "hardware" and say that patience is probably the most important precursor to a good shave. Patience and clarity. Slow down, pay attention and you're basically guaranteed to figure out how to have a great shave just about every time.

Then again if you believe that you're getting a superior shave because of a chosen product or three...then you probably are.

 

I have to agree. I find that if I use a good pre-shave before I use my razor I very seldomly get any Nick's or Weepers if I prepare my face to shave.

 

I would have to say that the amount of time I have is the most important factor for me personally. My worst shaves are the ones where I am in a hurry!

 

The blade for sure. My recent discovery of Feathers has made DE shaving for me .... to the point where I have given all my other blade away to a newbie.

 

After gaining some experience and getting my beard growth figured out well, I'll have to say Pre and Post Shave.
I like all of my DE razors. I can use any of them effectively and I've found at least two blades that work well with each.
I like all of my brushes, and even though I have preferences among them depending on my beard condition, they are all very good.
The same for my soaps. I rotate through them generally, but I have certain soaps that are better on cold, dry, windy days for instance.
I have a favorite bowl, (actually a soup mug) and I don't substitute for it often, but I can just as easily use a cereal bowl
from the kitchen cabinet and get very good results.

There is no messing with preparation, it is absolutely essential.
I must wash my face using warm water and either a badger brush & moisturizing soap, or a boar brush and my shave soap.
If I've had long hours at work I sometimes wash twice before shaving.

Post shave is equally as important.
I've got two excellent AS balms, Thayers Witch Hazel, and CeraVe moisturizing cream.
My choice of which to use (or which combination) depends on where I'm going and what I'm doing,
the temperature and weather, and my time outdoors vs. indoors.
But I always use at least one.

 

Lather. If my lather is slick and cushiony my blade will glide across my face without any irritation, nicks and weepers.

 

Out of the options it would be pre/post shave. However, the top things that all seem to be just as important for me are having a hot shower before, letting my beard grow for 2-3 days between shaves and taking my time.