Safety razors

[trebor79]

So for nearly a quarter of a century of I've followed the sheep and fallen for the marketing of Gillette and Wilkinson Sword. I had a dalliance with King of Shaves and more recently Harry's and finally Shavekit.
Last week, pretty much on a whim I bought myself a double edge safety razor and a few packs of different brands of blades.
Oh my word. I confess on day 1 I emerged looking like I'd had an argument with Freddie Kruger, but once I realised it's all about the angle and absolutely not being tempted to apply pressure (which is what my muscle memory wants to do) it's a revelation.
Zero irritation or razor burn, no tugging and closer shaves than I've ever experienced.
Best part is the blades are about 12p if bought in bulk and last 4 or 5 shaves, so I've spent that money on some nice shave oils and soaps.
And there's something fun and satisfying about spending a few more minutes doing a decent job than just dragging a creature across my face.
Give it a go if you haven't already!

But I'm wondering why people ever feel for the marketing in the first place? Surely people must have realised the first time they used the cartridges that they weren't as good as the safety razor? Or is it just that most people prefer the slight time convenience?

 

[Bletchleyite]

I use one. The type where you screw the head on are the best as they curve the blade a bit which seems to work better for me. I find Derby Extra blades best. You do have to change them more often than cartridges, but they cost next to nothing so this doesn't matter. Definitely better than 5000-blade expensive nonsense.

 

[trebor79]

I use one. The type where you screw the head on are the best as they curve the blade a bit which seems to work better for me. I find Derby Extra blades best. You do have to change them more often than cartridges, but they cost next to nothing so this doesn't matter. Definitely better than 5000-blade expensive nonsense.

I got an adjustable butterfly one as I want sure how aggressive a razor I wanted. It also curves the blades. In the event I've opted for the aggressive setting after a couple of days on the mild - I found that was making me want to push to get a closer shave.
I think I have some Derby blades. Not tried them yet. Tried Feather to start with and will try again now my technique has improved, but really liking Voskhod blades at the moment.

 

[Butts]

I got an adjustable butterfly one as I want sure how aggressive a razor I wanted. It also curves the blades. In the event I've opted for the aggressive setting after a couple of days on the mild - I found that was making me want to push to get a closer shave.
I think I have some Derby blades. Not tried them yet. Tried Feather to start with and will try again now my technique has improved, but really liking Voskhod blades at the moment.

What's next - a Sweeney Todd style Cut Throat Razor

 

[ComUtoR]

What's next - a Sweeney Todd style Cut Throat Razor

Pure Wood Shaving Razor, Straight Razors, Beard or Moustache Razor (Wood-r5) Pouch : Amazon.co.uk: Health & Personal Care

Pure Wood Shaving Razor, Straight Razors, Beard or Moustache Razor (Wood-r5) Pouch : Amazon.co.uk: Health & Personal Care

www.amazon.co.uk

That's the one I use. (albeit a shavette)

Oh my word. I confess on day 1 I emerged looking like I'd had an argument with Freddie Kruger, but once I realised it's all about the angle and absolutely not being tempted to apply pressure (which is what my muscle memory wants to do) it's a revelation.

I cut myself a couple of times but after about a month I cracked it. It also used to take a fair bit but now I can have a quickie shave in a few minutes.

Best part is the blades are about 12p if bought in bulk and last 4 or 5 shaves, so I've spent that money on some nice shave oils and soaps.
And there's something fun and satisfying about spending a few more minutes doing a decent job than just dragging a creature across my face.

I bought a big 100 pack from Derby. As my razor only uses a single side I have to snap each blade but it gives me 200 blades from a single pack. That's 0.04p per shave. What I would suggest is that although you can get more than one shave out of each blade, change the blade each time. They are super cheap anyway but shaving with a razor sharp blade each time really makes a difference. With a safety blade you really notice it when you have a dull blade. At £7.99 for 100 blades (and a shaving stick), its a no brainer.

I was using a shaving stick + brush for many years as the shaving foams and gel are just as much as a scam as the blades. When I got my blade I did use some very nice oils and soaps. I've downgraded my soaps a bit as I was getting a bit carried away and there is little between the soap other than smells and how foamy they can get.

My current set of soaps : https://www.amazon.co.uk/Proraso-Shaving-Soap-Mixed-Triple/dp/B01KYQMLG0/ref=sr_1_3?crid=1X20YSWA5MC2A&dchild=1&keywords=proraso+shaving+soap&qid=1591951720&s=drugstore&sprefix=prora,drugstore,216&sr=1-3 A lovely set of 3 with the tub used as the bowl. I checked my order history on Amazon and I purchased them on the 26th March 2019 and the first bowl is on its last dregs. Probably about a months worth left (now my son has started using it too)

This guy https://www.youtube.com/user/geofatboy is awesome. I watched a lot of his videos and his advice and product reviews are spot on with little bias for any specific product.

Switching to a straight razor was scary but worth it.

 

[trebor79]

Thanks @ComUtoR for the pointers. I stretched a Voskhod to a 3rd or 4th shave today and it wasn't as good. Or it might have been the lather was a bit dry (first go with brush and soap, just cheapie Wilkinson Sword stuff from the supermarket, and it was definitely feeling "tight" on my face by the time I was halfway through).
Anyway, 100 of Russia's finest are on their way to me for the princely sum of £7.79, so I shan't be so parsimonious with blades in future.
Also got some Tiger blades and another Feather to try out.

I'll leave the straight razor for now. I don't think I've got a staff enough hand, and my 6 year old is very curious and would definitely slice his hand open at since point if we had one in the house.

 

[ComUtoR]

Definitely buy some decent soap. The cheap sticks aren't great and are a pain to apply. Geofatboy had a good technique of applying the stick directly to the face but that didn't work for me. I'm enjoying the Proraso. I choose it because that's what my Barber uses, same with the Derby blades.

Taylor of Old Bond Street Sandalwood is superb but on the more expensive scale but you can really tell the difference. I've tried various oils and Somersets Maximum Glide is shockingly good. Avoid shopping in the supermarkets as its either junk or overpriced branded stuff. Also ask at the Barbers as to what they recommend as they go for good value for money and reliability. Never buying the Wilkinson Sword stuff ever again You can still get sucked in with good branding and now beards are de-rigueur there are some heavy brands being marketed.

A decent brush is a good investment and my first one lasted for a good 10yrs before the wood handle finally cracked. My current one is about 5yrs old but I'm looking at getting a new one as I changed to the Shavette a couple of years ago and now fancy something more luxurious.

Get your face nice and warm to open the pores.
Some oil or pre shave to soften the whiskers.
A good and warm lather. Keep the brush a little wet with warm water to hold some moisture.
Really brush the hair with the brush. It will build more lather and help soften the beard and tash.
Shave with the skin pulled tight for a closer and nick free experience.
Reapply lather when needed (hence having a bowl full of it) or do half and half so it doesn't dry.
Cold splash to close everything up
Post shave balm is essential

When I'm in one of those days where I go full out. I like to clean up and then do an 'oil pass' No soap or lather, just the Somersets oil. I can see much clearer when not covered with lather and I can feel the face with my fingers.

I'm still a newbie to using safety blades so I'm all ears when it comes to recommendations etc. I'd certainly be interested in your thoughts on the different blades if your trying them out. Feather are super sharp and last a few shaves (I always use new) but are high on the price scale (even at circa 20-30p per blade.....) I haven't used them so can't comment on performance.

 

[thejuggler]

My barber uses a straight cut, always a few quid well spent. He'll have a challenge next time I see him as I've not bothered shaving since lockdown started.

 

[PeterC]

What's next - a Sweeney Todd style Cut Throat Razor

Saved me a fortune in blades over the last 20 years.

I have a vintage Myers, sadly no longer in business, which is brilliant and a German made Dovo.

 

[westv]

Gillette disposable "sensitive" razors and gel works for me.

 

[eMeS]

Back in the 1940s I can remember barbers singeing gents necks etc. At the time, I was so young that I didn't understand the adverts in the Gents Barbers... (Crofts Bank Road, Urmston, if anyone remembers it; not far from Urmston Station.)

 

[Bevan Price]

Well - everyone has their personal favourite technique. but years ago I decided that I preferred an electric razor. Quicker, less messy, and don't even need a mirror. And somewhat clumsy me less likely to cut my face to pieces.......

 

[Ashley Hill]

I use the cheap disposable razors from Poundland with the Gillette foam. I understand they should only used once and then binned,however I use each one everyday for at least a month without problems.

 

[Bletchleyite]

Well - everyone has their personal favourite technique. but years ago I decided that I preferred an electric razor. Quicker, less messy, and don't even need a mirror. And somewhat clumsy me less likely to cut my face to pieces.......

I've tried a few, and never come across one, cheap or expensive, that gives me an even vaguely adequate shave.

 

[Ashley Hill]

Well - everyone has their personal favourite technique. but years ago I decided that I preferred an electric razor. Quicker, less messy, and don't even need a mirror. And somewhat clumsy me less likely to cut my face to pieces.......

I tried an electric razor once but I didn't get on with it. I've also tried an expensive razor but found the moving head hard to use.

 

[robbeech]

I went down the turbocharged 17 blade monstrosity route several years ago, made no difference, and blades were a fortune so i quickly gave up with that. I did buy some blades whilst i was out in the far east once, they looked the same as the ones you get here, i can assure you the are not. I looked like i had been jogging behind a gritter. It seems they'll copy anything and razor blades is just one of those things. A friend i was in a band with worked part time in a factory making blades once so i got a sack full which lasted me around 15 years. I'm on the "reasonable" disposables now because they are more than adequate for my needs.

 

[westv]

I used a Bic razor once.
Never again!

 

[Butts]

I used a Bic razor once.
Never again!

Did it leave half your face in the sink !!!

 

[trebor79]

I used a Bic razor once.
Never again!

Haha yes I tried one of those once when I'd forgotten my razor. I had to buy a bag of 5. Binned them all after the first attempted stroke and just made do with the swarthy look for a weekend.

I use the cheap disposable razors from Poundland with the Gillette foam. I understand they should only used once and then binned,however I use each one everyday for at least a month without problems.

Crikey! you must have skin like rhinocerous hide

 

[Islineclear3_1]

Bic razors always work for me with normal bath soap

Cheap 'n cheerful...

 

[Bletchleyite]

Bic razors always work for me with normal bath soap

Cheap 'n cheerful...

I find if I use normal soap (which I've tried when I've run out of gel, which I prefer over foam) they glide too well, i.e. they smooth the hair down and don't cut it.

 

[MotCO]

I prefer the blades made from recycled HSTs rather than Pacers.

 

[Jamesrob637]

I prefer the blades made from recycled HSTs rather than Pacers.

Comment of the day!

I use a Braun electric thingy but will soon buy a manual shaver too as electric doesn't give the smooth look of manual at times. Doesn't really matter at the moment as stuff like date nights aren't on the cards but once they are I'll wanna look good!

 

[Ashley Hill]

Haha yes I tried one of those once when I'd forgotten my razor. I had to buy a bag of 5. Binned them all after the first attempted stroke and just made do with the swarthy look for a weekend.

Crikey! you must have skin like rhinocerous hide

No,just short arms and deep pockets. Honestly they don't cause me any issues!

 

[Barn]

I moved to a double edge safety razor just over a year ago and it is indeed significantly better than either cartridge razors or electric shavers. Edwin Jagger razors are good value.

At the moment I'm on a subscription from The Personal Barber which is quite fun. (Referral link here: http://thepersonalbarber.refr.cc/jonathanb) Different blades, soaps, oils and other accessories are sent every six weeks. I will probably discontinue it when I discover my favourite combination, but it's a nice way to get into this type of shaving.

My favourite blades so far are Feather. Definitely on the sharp end! Sharper blades are more likely to cut if the technique isn't quite right, but less likely to cause irritation as one pass is often all that is needed. As @ComUtoR says the experience is not complete without a nice brush. Painting the soap on your face with the brush is actually a highlight of the morning!

 

[mmh]

I've never tried a safety razor, being far too scared of them, but I'm intrigued by the claim that they're massively cheaper than "ordinary" razors. The blades I use from Wilko cost 60p each, the packet of safety blades they sell work out as 40p each. I'll generally use a blade for up to a fortnight or so, while people have suggested using a fresh safety blade for every shave...

 

[Bletchleyite]

I've never tried a safety razor, being far too scared of them, but I'm intrigued by the claim that they're massively cheaper than "ordinary" razors. The blades I use from Wilko cost 60p each, the packet of safety blades they sell work out as 40p each. I'll generally use a blade for up to a fortnight or so, while people have suggested using a fresh safety blade for every shave...

If you're content with cheap cartridge razors, they're probably cheaper. But I tend to find those rip my face to bits.

 

[Barn]

I tend to use two safety blades per week: one for Monday and Tuesday and one for Wednesday, Thursday and Friday. I don't tend to shave over the weekend, which is why I only subject my first blade of the week to two shaves. They could probably last a little longer than this (perhaps one per week).

They probably would not beat your Wilko 60p blades but are certainly far cheaper than Gillette / Wilkinson Sword blades!

 

[ComUtoR]

I'll generally use a blade for up to a fortnight or so, while people have suggested using a fresh safety blade for every shave...

I paid £8 for 100 Double edged blades. As I use a 'Shavette' each blade gets snapped in two giving me 200 blades. £8 / 200 is 4p per shave or 8p for those using double edged safety razors. I'd say that's pretty cheap and you can get them cheaper too.

Plenty of people will use them more than once. Especially those who shave daily, have fair hair or barely a whisker. At 4p per shave why not just use a fresh blade each time. Sure a pack of Bic's will do the job and they are just as relatively cheap too. From the trusty Bic to the insane Gillette Mach 9000 !!! Using a fresh blade just out the packet makes a difference.

Something else to consider and again; this is personal experience. The other week I had a full beard. The shavette does something I have never experienced with any other razor. it goes through a full beard with zero trouble. No clogging or need to hack away first, just a good lather and it was down to the skin in a single swish.

Shaving is a very personal experience my change to a shavette was because I was bought one for Fathers day. I hated shaving, hated paying the Gillette prices or a cheap shave that sliced my face apart. Now I truly enjoy it.

@Barn cheers for the link I'll have a butchers in the morning.

 

[johntea]

I found a traditional electric razor (the ones with the circular blades) irritated my skin and left it looking rather red and sometimes even in a rash for a few days, now I just use a body groom trimmer which works great, I can at least make myself look half presentable in a rush!

Raided my bathroom cabinet during lockdown and started tidying the remaining stubble up a bit with a manual Gillette Razor afterwards, noticed the shaving foam looked and felt a bit 'weird' - then I checked the manufacture date of the Gillette set I had randomly found - 1993!