What's The Most Important Aspect Of A Close Shave? The Razor, Blade, Lather, Prep?

Just curious about everybody's thoughts on this. Are any of these things considered more important than the other for a good, close shave?

Probably razor/ blade combo

Fayiz D.

(09-19-2021, 08:35 AM)Mike Distress Wrote:

Just curious about everybody's thoughts on this. Are any of these things considered more important than the other for a good, close shave?

IMO the answer is all of those items must come together at a consistently high standard in order to produce a "great shave", a results each shaver judges for himself.

The fundamental elements of virtually all aspects of civilization - cooking, sports and avocations, music, shaving, entrepreneurship, etc., etc., etc. - are 1) tools, 2) preparation, 3) execution, and 4) completion/presentation.  When all these elements combine harmoniously excellence is achieved.  If one element is deficient excellence is not likely to be achieved.

"Perfection is not attainable, but if we chase perfection we can catch excellence." - Vince Lombardi (The coach)

In my opinion everything is important for a good shave, but for me the main thing is the blade.

A sharp blade.  Without that the best products and  technique won't get you an optimal shave.

Prep and a sharp blade.

In order of importance:

1. Blade
2. Prep
3. Lather
4. Razor

With gossamer separation.

I'm gonna say tie on prep and blade.   After that razor and then lather.  Of course, even with great gear, lousy technique will scuttle the whole deal.

I vote for the blade/razor combo.  Finding the right blade for the right razor has been a big step for me to realize consistently great shaves!  For me, the other stuff has a lot more leeway and can still do the job.  But if the razor/blade combo is goofed up, the shave will surely suffer, no matter how awesome the lather and prep might be.  :-)
- Bax

If I had to pick one thing that's most important, I would have to go with pre-shave prep followed by using a very light touch.  Though as others have said, a lot of things need to come together.

I’m going with “the desire to get a good shave, and willingness to do all that’s necessary to get there.”

For some, that’ll be entirely technique - for others, equipment. For me - it was grit.

(09-20-2021, 08:11 PM)mike_the_kraken Wrote: mike_the_kraken
I’m going with “the desire to get a good shave, and willingness to do all that’s necessary to get there.”

For some, that’ll be entirely technique - for others, equipment. For me - it was grit.

I like your answer here Mike