Multi-blade razors
Discussion
ecsrobin said:
Eleven said:
IanMorewood said:
Yep rushing and shaving is a poor combination.
I've been DE shaving for a few weeks now.I enjoy the ritual, but I think it's the shaving equivalent of driving a classic car. It doesn't give me a better shave, is more dangerous and takes longer.
When I am in a hurry I still use a Mach 3, get as good a shave in a fraction of the time and never cut myself (or get razor burn).
I am using Personna blades, which are OK aren't they?
People also seem to recommend multiple passes, which isn't necessary with a Mach 3.
When I use a Mach 3 and goo, I take huge sweeps down my face with impunity. I then feel for any remaining hairs and whisk them off without foam. It takes a fraction of the time DE shaving does.
As I said, I enjoy DE shaving but I don't think it gives a better shave and it certainly ain't quick.
You need to try different blades. What works for one person will not work for the next, I also used a plastic Gillette DE handle for 2 years and enjoyed the results finally moved to a Edwin Jaeger DE metal handle and it's just taken it up a whole new level really happy with the results and don't know why I held off for so long.
Eleven said:
I find that difficult to believe.
I am using Personna blades, which are OK aren't they?
People also seem to recommend multiple passes, which isn't necessary with a Mach 3.
When I use a Mach 3 and goo, I take huge sweeps down my face with impunity. I then feel for any remaining hairs and whisk them off without foam. It takes a fraction of the time DE shaving does.
As I said, I enjoy DE shaving but I don't think it gives a better shave and it certainly ain't quick.
From stepping out of the shower I can do 3 passes with a DE in 10 minutes. 10 minutes is hardly ages, especially when shaving becomes fun, rather than a chore.I am using Personna blades, which are OK aren't they?
People also seem to recommend multiple passes, which isn't necessary with a Mach 3.
When I use a Mach 3 and goo, I take huge sweeps down my face with impunity. I then feel for any remaining hairs and whisk them off without foam. It takes a fraction of the time DE shaving does.
As I said, I enjoy DE shaving but I don't think it gives a better shave and it certainly ain't quick.
The only way I could get a comparable close shave with a Mach 3 is to really push hard against the grain, and of course that results in irritation & also some ingrown hairs, neither of which I get using a DE razor.
It's horses for courses though. Some people will just be better off using a cartridge compared to a DE razor.
zygalski said:
Eleven said:
I find that difficult to believe.
I am using Personna blades, which are OK aren't they?
People also seem to recommend multiple passes, which isn't necessary with a Mach 3.
When I use a Mach 3 and goo, I take huge sweeps down my face with impunity. I then feel for any remaining hairs and whisk them off without foam. It takes a fraction of the time DE shaving does.
As I said, I enjoy DE shaving but I don't think it gives a better shave and it certainly ain't quick.
From stepping out of the shower I can do 3 passes with a DE in 10 minutes. 10 minutes is hardly ages, especially when shaving becomes fun, rather than a chore.I am using Personna blades, which are OK aren't they?
People also seem to recommend multiple passes, which isn't necessary with a Mach 3.
When I use a Mach 3 and goo, I take huge sweeps down my face with impunity. I then feel for any remaining hairs and whisk them off without foam. It takes a fraction of the time DE shaving does.
As I said, I enjoy DE shaving but I don't think it gives a better shave and it certainly ain't quick.
The only way I could get a comparable close shave with a Mach 3 is to really push hard against the grain, and of course that results in irritation & also some ingrown hairs, neither of which I get using a DE razor.
It's horses for courses though. Some people will just be better off using a cartridge compared to a DE razor.
I emphasise, however, that I DO enjoy DE shaving and on days where I have time to myself I like doing it. It's a bit like why I like wearing an automatic watch, when a digital would do a better job.
I timed myself with the Mach 3 this morning.
New cartridge, face already gelled, 35 seconds for a shave as good as my DE provides and no nicks or misses.
I wasn't rushing especially either and I reckon I could knock 10 seconds off that with a bit of effort. Though I am not sure that there is merit in trying to excessively speed up the process of scraping razor blades over one's face...
Eleven said:
I timed myself with the Mach 3 this morning.
New cartridge, face already gelled, 35 seconds for a shave as good as my DE provides and no nicks or misses.
I wasn't rushing especially either and I reckon I could knock 10 seconds off that with a bit of effort. Though I am not sure that there is merit in trying to excessively speed up the process of scraping razor blades over one's face...
That's fine, but as I said, multi-blade carts give me ingrowns & irritation no matter how long I take over the shave. Not sure of the mechanics, but I think it's because the blades pull up the hair from under the skin line, cut it & then it springs back down below it. Then it grows again from below the skin's surface. New cartridge, face already gelled, 35 seconds for a shave as good as my DE provides and no nicks or misses.
I wasn't rushing especially either and I reckon I could knock 10 seconds off that with a bit of effort. Though I am not sure that there is merit in trying to excessively speed up the process of scraping razor blades over one's face...
If you hate shaving, it's a chore & you want it done & out of the way ASAP then nobody will try to persuade you that DE shaving is better for you. Certainly not me.
Edited by zygalski on Friday 13th March 13:51
Eleven said:
I timed myself with the Mach 3 this morning.
New cartridge, face already gelled, 35 seconds for a shave as good as my DE provides and no nicks or misses.
I wasn't rushing especially either and I reckon I could knock 10 seconds off that with a bit of effort. Though I am not sure that there is merit in trying to excessively speed up the process of scraping razor blades over one's face...
Apart from the quality of the shave (which I think is better), DE shaving is also a very good 10 minute or so peaceful routine in the morning that I rather enjoy. I use a vintage razor, handmade brush and traditional old fashioned hard soap.... It's not how quickly I can shave that counts. New cartridge, face already gelled, 35 seconds for a shave as good as my DE provides and no nicks or misses.
I wasn't rushing especially either and I reckon I could knock 10 seconds off that with a bit of effort. Though I am not sure that there is merit in trying to excessively speed up the process of scraping razor blades over one's face...
I’m new to this game.
Having worn out my last Gillette Fusion Proglide Power cartridge on Monday morning, I nipped into Boots to buy some more and looked at the price: 12 quid for 3 pieces of injection-moulded plastic. I couldn’t bring myself to buy them.
So I thought I’d just get some Sensor Excel ones instead. But they seemed overpriced too…
Then my eye caught the bright yellow packaging of a Wilkinson Sword Classic DE, which included 5 blades, all for under a fiver. It reminded me of sniggering at the geekery of this thread. Ah well, it’s worth a try, right?
Two shaves later, I’m a convert.
The outward result is no big deal - my face feels marginally better, looks the same as normal and the process didn’t take much longer.
But that’s not the point. I now liken the Multiblade to commuting to work in an ABS/TC/ESR equipped auto econobox. It does the job competently and makes no fuss; it’s simply a chore you have to do every day. Conversely, the DE is akin to taking the back roads in the analogue sportscar of your choice. You pick your sight lines along the grain, you negotiate the potholes, choose your apex carefully over the jawbone, try not to get out of shape on the corner exit, or you’ll end up in the bleeding in the hedge. You’re actually driving and it feels good.
If the Wilkinson Sword Classic is the equivalent of an MX5, then I dare not get something like LordGrover’s R41 yet; I’d be like a trackday newbie trying to tame a Caterham R500 and it would not end well. It's something to get better at every day - time well spent.
So, it’s a thumbs-up from me.
Do I now qualify for the cringe thread?
Having worn out my last Gillette Fusion Proglide Power cartridge on Monday morning, I nipped into Boots to buy some more and looked at the price: 12 quid for 3 pieces of injection-moulded plastic. I couldn’t bring myself to buy them.
So I thought I’d just get some Sensor Excel ones instead. But they seemed overpriced too…
Then my eye caught the bright yellow packaging of a Wilkinson Sword Classic DE, which included 5 blades, all for under a fiver. It reminded me of sniggering at the geekery of this thread. Ah well, it’s worth a try, right?
Two shaves later, I’m a convert.
The outward result is no big deal - my face feels marginally better, looks the same as normal and the process didn’t take much longer.
But that’s not the point. I now liken the Multiblade to commuting to work in an ABS/TC/ESR equipped auto econobox. It does the job competently and makes no fuss; it’s simply a chore you have to do every day. Conversely, the DE is akin to taking the back roads in the analogue sportscar of your choice. You pick your sight lines along the grain, you negotiate the potholes, choose your apex carefully over the jawbone, try not to get out of shape on the corner exit, or you’ll end up in the bleeding in the hedge. You’re actually driving and it feels good.
If the Wilkinson Sword Classic is the equivalent of an MX5, then I dare not get something like LordGrover’s R41 yet; I’d be like a trackday newbie trying to tame a Caterham R500 and it would not end well. It's something to get better at every day - time well spent.
So, it’s a thumbs-up from me.
Do I now qualify for the cringe thread?
illmonkey said:
Shaving your face is very much like making love to a beautiful woman...
http://www.jokefile.co.uk/rich/swisstony.html"MAKING COFFEE
Making a cup of coffee is like making love to a beautiful woman. It's got to be hot. You've got to take your time. You've got to stir... gently and firmly. You've got to grind your beans until they squeak. And then you put in the milk.
LAYING A CARPET
Laying a carpet is... very much like making love to a beautiful woman. You check the dimensions, lay her out on the floor, pin her down, walk all over her. If you're adventurous - like me - you might like to try an underlay.
HANGING WALLPAPER
Well, hanging wallpaper is also very much like making love to a beautiful woman. Clean all the relevant surfaces, spread her out on the table, cover her with paste, and stick her up. Then you clean your brush, light your pipe, stand back and admire your handiwork.
PUTTING UP A TENT
Putting up a tent, is... very much like making love to a beautiful woman. You rent her, unzip the door, put up your pole an'... slip in to the old bag.
WASHING A CAR
Washing a car, is very much like making love to a beautiful woman. You've got to caress the bodywork. Breathe softly and gently. And give every inch of it your loving attention. And make sure you've got a nice wet sponge.
ANSWERING THE PHONE
Answering the phone, is... a little like making love to a beautiful woman. In that you've gotta... lift the receiver, put it to your ear, speak ...loudly and clearly ... oh, yes - and don't forget to state your name.
BEING IN THERAPY
And yet, having therapy is very much like making love to a beautiful woman. You ... get on the couch, string 'em along with some half-lies and evasions, probe some deep dark holes, and then hand over all your money.
BEING IN A CRASH
Going to the brink of death and back, in a nine car pile-up on a dual carriage-way, is ... very much like making love to a beautiful woman. First of all, brace yourself, hold on tight - particularly if it's a rear-ender. And pray you make contact with her twin airbags as soon as possible.
GOING FISHING
Of course, As you know, I'm a very keen fisherman myself. You know, I've often thought that going fishing was very much like making love to a beautiful woman. First of all, clean and inspect your tackle, carefully pull back your rod over, and remove any dirt or gunge that may have built up whilst not in use. Then, extend your rod to its full length, and check that there are no kinks or any wear. Particularly at the base, where the grip is usually applied. Make sure you've got a decent float, the appropriate bait, and that there's plenty of shot in your bag."
Jacobyte said:
I’m new to this game.
Having worn out my last Gillette Fusion Proglide Power cartridge on Monday morning, I nipped into Boots to buy some more and looked at the price: 12 quid for 3 pieces of injection-moulded plastic. I couldn’t bring myself to buy them.
So I thought I’d just get some Sensor Excel ones instead. But they seemed overpriced too…
Then my eye caught the bright yellow packaging of a Wilkinson Sword Classic DE, which included 5 blades, all for under a fiver. It reminded me of sniggering at the geekery of this thread. Ah well, it’s worth a try, right?
Two shaves later, I’m a convert.
The outward result is no big deal - my face feels marginally better, looks the same as normal and the process didn’t take much longer.
But that’s not the point. I now liken the Multiblade to commuting to work in an ABS/TC/ESR equipped auto econobox. It does the job competently and makes no fuss; it’s simply a chore you have to do every day. Conversely, the DE is akin to taking the back roads in the analogue sportscar of your choice. You pick your sight lines along the grain, you negotiate the potholes, choose your apex carefully over the jawbone, try not to get out of shape on the corner exit, or you’ll end up in the bleeding in the hedge. You’re actually driving and it feels good.
If the Wilkinson Sword Classic is the equivalent of an MX5, then I dare not get something like LordGrover’s R41 yet; I’d be like a trackday newbie trying to tame a Caterham R500 and it would not end well. It's something to get better at every day - time well spent.
So, it’s a thumbs-up from me.
Do I now qualify for the cringe thread?
Agree - exactly how I started. Still on a budget but read up on this Lord 'Merkur style' razor. What a massive difference for not a lot. Ordered mine originally from USA via ebay, with some Shark blades. Still use regularly - sure it would be bettered by more established makes but for a budget it's brilliant.Having worn out my last Gillette Fusion Proglide Power cartridge on Monday morning, I nipped into Boots to buy some more and looked at the price: 12 quid for 3 pieces of injection-moulded plastic. I couldn’t bring myself to buy them.
So I thought I’d just get some Sensor Excel ones instead. But they seemed overpriced too…
Then my eye caught the bright yellow packaging of a Wilkinson Sword Classic DE, which included 5 blades, all for under a fiver. It reminded me of sniggering at the geekery of this thread. Ah well, it’s worth a try, right?
Two shaves later, I’m a convert.
The outward result is no big deal - my face feels marginally better, looks the same as normal and the process didn’t take much longer.
But that’s not the point. I now liken the Multiblade to commuting to work in an ABS/TC/ESR equipped auto econobox. It does the job competently and makes no fuss; it’s simply a chore you have to do every day. Conversely, the DE is akin to taking the back roads in the analogue sportscar of your choice. You pick your sight lines along the grain, you negotiate the potholes, choose your apex carefully over the jawbone, try not to get out of shape on the corner exit, or you’ll end up in the bleeding in the hedge. You’re actually driving and it feels good.
If the Wilkinson Sword Classic is the equivalent of an MX5, then I dare not get something like LordGrover’s R41 yet; I’d be like a trackday newbie trying to tame a Caterham R500 and it would not end well. It's something to get better at every day - time well spent.
So, it’s a thumbs-up from me.
Do I now qualify for the cringe thread?
Now available supplied by Amazon - £6.90. Keep Gillete as spare / travel.
Saves loads on Mach 3 / similar cartridge replacements.
Keep trying different small quantity blades to find what suits you - I'm happy with Shark blend of not too sharp and decent longevity for my rather tough hair - each is different though.
http://www.amazon.co.uk/Lord-Premium-Double-Safety...
http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Lord-Premium-Safety-Razo...
I also enjoy the time required for a decent DE shave - makes a change from wife / kids in the bathroom for ages.
Yes I could get almost as good quicker from cartridge, but at much higher cost and not as satisfying, and for me closer with DE.
Edited by jonmac73 on Thursday 19th March 17:39
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