Multi-blade razors

[ambuletz]

Robbo 27 said:

Cien razor and 20 blades for about £4 from Lidl.

I bought these based on what people said on here. I shave maybe once a week at the most. previously always used gilette multi-blade stuff. this does the job fine. I'll use 1 blade a month or just swap them whenever i feel like it.

[272BHP]

I used to subscribe to Bearded Colonel for my multi-blades but I cancelled recently as to be honest the blades are not as good quality as the Gillette Mach 3 and for my face the razor head does not move across the face as smooth.

Trouble is Mach 3 are prohibitively expensive so I am looking to trial one of the other subscription services:

Cornerstone
Harrys
Dollar Shave Club
etc

What is recommended currently?

[ollie05]

Interested in this too.

I've still not got myself a decent brush, still using my cheap Wilkinson sword one, does the job, but on the lookout for a decent one if anyone sees any offers.

[ambuletz]

I've a request too. Which shaving foam/gel (whatever) that you can buy from a supermarket do you all highly rate?

I used to use soap ages ago. i tried the shaving gel (gilette), IMO i didn't get as close a shave, so when back to using the normal cheap gilette foam. shave is good, but it leaves the skin feeling dry for 1-2 days (even when i moisturize heavily). i went back to normal soap (imperial leather) the other week and I had no problems!

[loafer123]

I will now commit heresy and say that I tried Boldking, but in reality WS Hydro 5 is far better.

I use a tiny dab of Taylor’s of Old Bond Street cream and a badger brush...very economical and a close shave.

[mr mac i]

ambuletz said:

I've a request too. Which shaving foam/gel (whatever) that you can buy from a supermarket do you all highly rate?

I used to use soap ages ago. i tried the shaving gel (gilette), IMO i didn't get as close a shave, so when back to using the normal cheap gilette foam. shave is good, but it leaves the skin feeling dry for 1-2 days (even when i moisturize heavily). i went back to normal soap (imperial leather) the other week and I had no problems!

Pop into your local Super drug (yes, I know) and pick up a tube of Ingram shaving cream for £2.75 or so. Lasts ages and gives a nice shave with good protection - even wet shaving with my double edge razor I get no razor rash... You will need a shaving brush too to work the lather up (bowl or directly onto your face).

[CooperS]

I've used lots of brands over the past 6 months (for 4 years I had some what of a lumber jack beard....)

I'm currently using a hot flanel followed with a dab of shaving oil, then Floris cream. It's then onto Ice cold water with a Keihls aftershave balm. Finished off by an all day face moisturiser (by Keihls too)

Above might over kill but I go to work feeling very fresh and it's better than my routine with the beard haha

[CooperS]

What I would add is im now thinking do I need to venture away from my Mach 3 blade...

Anybody who follows a similar routine made the switch? I'm worried that it will just add time as there's more chance of getting it wrong with a safety razor.

[Bonefish Blues]

This thread really is your friend - it's mostly about DE, despite the title.

[ecsrobin]

CooperS said:

What I would add is im now thinking do I need to venture away from my Mach 3 blade...

Anybody who follows a similar routine made the switch? I'm worried that it will just add time as there's more chance of getting it wrong with a safety razor.

I made the switch about 5 years ago, at that time I was shaving daily as I was in the forces, it took longer initially to master it but still a quick routine in the morning, I then found my skin felt better, my bank balance was certainly lighter and I would never go back!

These days I have a beard but I still need to shave, I think in the last year I’ve spent £0 on shaving. A pack of DE blades lasts me years due to the beard, and my pot of Taylor of old Bond Street and badger brush are at least 2 years old. Compare that to buying and shaving with a Mach15 or whatever the latest model is for a year. Probably in the £100’s.

[ollie05]

CooperS said:

What I would add is im now thinking do I need to venture away from my Mach 3 blade...

Anybody who follows a similar routine made the switch? I'm worried that it will just add time as there's more chance of getting it wrong with a safety razor.

Definitely do it. Start slow, but after a bit of practice, it's as quick as a Mach 100, better and cheaper.

Win win.

[NDA]

CooperS said:

What I would add is im now thinking do I need to venture away from my Mach 3 blade...

Anybody who follows a similar routine made the switch? I'm worried that it will just add time as there's more chance of getting it wrong with a safety razor.

Most of us on here made the switch from cartridge blades to DE razors.

It will add time - but only a couple of minutes at most, once you've found your routine.

The only tricky bit is finding what razor suits you (some are more aggressive than others), what blade suits your skin and stubble. Many (but not all) on here have found Feather blades to be the best and finally what soap or cream works best.

I use vintage Gillette razors (adjustable 'slim' models you can find on Ebay). I use a hard soap in a wooden bowl and have a collection of shaving brushes.

DE shaving makes a pleasing routine out of a daily chore. As it happens the blades are cheap (roughly 20p each) and if you find the right blade for you, then the shave feels better than a cartridge.

The only 'getting it wrong' bit is to not press with a razor (let the weight of the razor do the work) and follow the hair growth rather than going against the grain.

Lots of advice on here if you make the leap.

[anonymous-user]

My 500ml bottle of Trumpers skin food finally went off, after nearly 6 years! It was the part of the initial kit I got after stumbling to this thread and reading all the recommendations.

Have to say though, amazing value for money.A tiny bit went a long way and with amazing performance. I used it as a pre-shave and post-shave balm, Can't recommend it more!

[thainy77]

I've just bought a Dovo cutthroat Ebony, i've never used one before but thought it would be fun. Any tips on using a cutthroat? Decent oils/soaps?

[Bahnstormer]

Been using Harry's for a few months now - the blades are excellent, and the service is great as well - and after you set up the subscription, supplies just arrive.

Nice to find a comapny that gives a great customer experience too

[devnull]

thainy77 said:

I've just bought a Dovo cutthroat Ebony, i've never used one before but thought it would be fun. Any tips on using a cutthroat? Decent oils/soaps?

Don't do what I did and got too excited to try it, so had a go whilst pissed

[gregs656]

thainy77 said:

I've just bought a Dovo cutthroat Ebony, i've never used one before but thought it would be fun. Any tips on using a cutthroat? Decent oils/soaps?

Take your time. Suggest just doing your cheeks to begin with for example. If you have used a DE you will appreciate what you need to achieve in terms of angle and pressure.

They're very satisfying tools to use IME.

What size and grind is it you've got? The heavier grind and sizes were very popular when I was quite into them.

A soap and a brush is the way to go.

[thainy77]

I've never used a DE either, it was a bit of an impulse buy to be honest after a little research. It's a 5/8" carbon steel half hollow grind.

I'll try not to use it pissed

[gregs656]

thainy77 said:

I've never used a DE either, it was a bit of an impulse buy to be honest after a little research. It's a 5/8" carbon steel half hollow grind.

I'll try not to use it pissed

Where did you get it from? Not sure if things have moved on but they didn't used to *completely* ready to shave with from the factory.

Half hollow will have a bit of weight to it. If you have never used anything like this I would search out some videos, it's a bit of a learning curve.

[thainy77]

gregs656 said:

Where did you get it from? Not sure if things have moved on but they didn't used to *completely* ready to shave with from the factory.

Half hollow will have a bit of weight to it. If you have never used anything like this I would search out some videos, it's a bit of a learning curve.

I got it from gents.com along with a strap and oil, apparently they are good to go from the shop, you just need to use the strap as per usual.

I've seen a couple but they all seem to know what they are doing, i'd prefer to see someone slice themselves open at first then over a period of time become competent .