My husband is teaching our son how to shave...

[cyberswede]

I can hear him through the window...he sounds so kind and patient.

The kid is only 11 (well, 12 in a month), but he's got a pretty obvious 'stache. My baby boy!

[seabeyond]

1. i know. been there, done that and it is so precious.

i loved it, too, when hubby talked it thru with both sons not that long ago.

[cyberswede]

4. The kiddo is growing up so quickly! Ack!

I decided that I wasn't going to make a big deal about the shaving, in case he wanted to be low key about it (and it goes against my nature NOT to say something about a big event like this, believe me!).

After they were done, my son came outside and asked me to feel his hair (he's used a fancy new conditioner), then he casually said, "...and feel my lip!" He seemed pretty tickled - and I was happy he decided to share his moment with me.

[seabeyond]

6. ya. i hear ya. we want low key. and the boys are really proud.

they do want recognition. i acknowledge with checking out the underarm hair, lol. the.... oh, i see some lip hair. though they turn red, they love it.

AND

the conditioner thing brings me to, those boys are primpin' as much as any girl i see and looking in the mirror. i dont see the oldest walk past a mirror he isnt sitting his face in masculine pose and checking himself out. lol. youngest hasnt gotten into that yet. that, i keep quiet and say nothing.

[HopeHoops]

2. My dad just let me experiment. The razors had replaceable blades then so he just took it out.

I couldn't cut myself with that thing if I wanted to, but it let me imitate what he did (with shaving cream and all). In the few years where I did shave, I was very proficient at it. For the most part, I have no interest in shaving - like now for example. I don't shave and I don't cut my hair and I probably never will again.

[cyberswede]

3. I remember those - "safety razors" right?

Practicing with them without blades sounds like a great idea.

I'm sure the kiddo will get tired of shaving once the novelty wears off. For now, I think he was very self-conscious about his mustache - he's developed a lot sooner than his classmates (he's 5'8" and has hands and feet larger than his dad's). He starts middle school next week, and I don't think he wants to be too different than his peers and stand out any more than he already does.

I don't think he'll need to shave very often yet - but I think he looks better - I've always kinda hated the "pubestache" that boys get.

[HopeHoops]

5. I was like six the first time, and yes it was a "safety razor".

Not so safe when the blade was in!

[Xyzse]

7. "How To Shave Like Your Grandpa"

http://artofmanliness.com/2008/01/04/how-to-shave-like-your-grandpa/

I haven't found a straight razor to try shaving with that yet...

[cyberswede]

8. My husband used a shaving brush for years

I hope he introduces that to our son once his whiskers become more robust.

Straight razors freak me out. I remember a skit on a show when I was a kid where a "barber" was practicing with a straight razor on balloons with faces painted on - he was all jittery, and of course hilarity ensued, to the horror of the customer, who was waiting to be next.

[Xyzse]

9. I actually had to learn how to shave myself.

I was never taught.
I didn't start shaving till I was 15 though, so I rocked the pubestache for a good 2 years.

[geardaddy]

10. I use a brush from time to time.

It really makes a difference. I've had straight razor shaves from barbers. They are very relaxing. I did try shaving with straight razor once, but I couldn't get the angle right.

[Xyzse]

13. That's so cool

I don't get much of a moustache or beard due to my heritage.
I do want to try to get a razor shave one day though out of curiousity.

[Major Nikon]

15. I've tried every shaving technique known to man at one time or another

I have quite a few shaving brushes for whatever reason. I used them for years. I prefer using a hot lather machine, but those bastards clog up after a while and they are impossible to clear the clog. I'm on my 3rd one and it's on its last leg, so I may go back to using the brush. I've done the straight razor shaving thing both from a barber and doing it myself. I don't recommend it, but I have a very thick beard and it's just impossible for me to get a close shave with a straight razor. I'm sure it would work better for someone who didn't have such a thick beard. I wouldn't hit a dog in the ass with an electric razor, but again due to my beard thickness they just don't work for me. I never have found a disposable razor I liked. I used a double sided safety razor for many years. They are cheap and they work fine, but they certainly aren't my preferred method anymore. I love the gillette fusion shavers. They are the best shaving instrument ever invented as far as I'm concerned. Yes the cartridges are expensive, but I can get them on flea-bay for about $2.50 each in bulk and each one lasts me a month, so my overall costs aren't all that high at $30 per year. It's well worth it as far as I'm concerned.

[Xyzse]

17. Wha?

Where do you get the cheap replacements for the Fusion?

I can't find them for any less than $12.

My pitiful stache, does not need shaving for a good 3 days before it bothers me.
However, if I try to grow it, I would look like a Chinese Hobo.

[Major Nikon]

18. Generally the more you buy the cheaper it gets

Here's a deal for 40 of them for $80 plus $9 for shipping ($2.23 each):

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Gillette-Fusion-Blade-10packs-of-4-/221106761572

[Xyzse]

19. HOLY!!!

See, I don't think I shave nearly as much as many other people. That would probably last me 10 years.

[Major Nikon]

20. I don't buy that many

It was just a quick example I found. The smaller packs usually run around $3 each or so. Still beats the hell out of paying full retail.

Amazon has them for $2.75 ea for an 8 count.
http://www.amazon.com/Gillette-Fusion-Manual-Cartridges-8-Count/dp/B004B891MA/

[Xyzse]

21. I see.

Thanks for the info.
I've always paid retail.

[Enrique]

11. we have facial hair for a reason

[cyberswede]

12. !

[Major Nikon]

16. Exactly. You can store popcorn in it for later enjoyment.

[AnneD]

14. My newly widowed sister was lucky....

Our brothers were not around but we had a good friend that helped her teach my nephew how to use the restroom like boys do when he was young. He was so sweet and kind and thought it was an honor to fill in any time Sis needed to teach Mickie the 'guy stuff'. He was a wonderful role model.

Personally, I would have taught him myself even if I were a girl.