Talk to me about Razors
Discussion
Here you go, enjoy.
I feel that razors are one of those products which was pretty much perfected decades ago, and all manufacturers have been doing since is desperately seeking ways to build in some level of gimmickry and planned obsolescence so that consumers will have to repeat buy shaving heads and handles.
I felt the same way you do. The Mach 3 was the first razor I used and all the razor I felt I'd ever need. Even that had the colour change 'moisturising' strip or whatever it was supposed to do which I felt only existed to encourage the user to replace the head prematurely. The cartridges got hard to find at a reasonable price and I started to resent the spend and the amount of disposable plastic. For some unfathomable reason the new model had an electric battery and even more expensive cartridges.
I then found the 'Multi-blade razors' thread and decided to go the way of double edged razors, using a design which pre-dates me. I liked the idea of cheap blades and less waste. I imagined that I'd need a blood transfusion and a skin graft after my first attempt at using a DE but found it enjoyable and only picked up a handful of small cuts in my first few shaves. Now I am still enjoying the shave, I'm not cutting myself and I wouldn't go back. It must've been two years now and I have basically used the same £6 pot of shaving soap, the same razor and the same brush throughout. I have spent less than £15 on blades.
I feel that razors are one of those products which was pretty much perfected decades ago, and all manufacturers have been doing since is desperately seeking ways to build in some level of gimmickry and planned obsolescence so that consumers will have to repeat buy shaving heads and handles.
I felt the same way you do. The Mach 3 was the first razor I used and all the razor I felt I'd ever need. Even that had the colour change 'moisturising' strip or whatever it was supposed to do which I felt only existed to encourage the user to replace the head prematurely. The cartridges got hard to find at a reasonable price and I started to resent the spend and the amount of disposable plastic. For some unfathomable reason the new model had an electric battery and even more expensive cartridges.
I then found the 'Multi-blade razors' thread and decided to go the way of double edged razors, using a design which pre-dates me. I liked the idea of cheap blades and less waste. I imagined that I'd need a blood transfusion and a skin graft after my first attempt at using a DE but found it enjoyable and only picked up a handful of small cuts in my first few shaves. Now I am still enjoying the shave, I'm not cutting myself and I wouldn't go back. It must've been two years now and I have basically used the same £6 pot of shaving soap, the same razor and the same brush throughout. I have spent less than £15 on blades.
Bought my Edwin Jagger DE89 in 2014 and haven't looked back since. Bought a box of 100 Astra Platinum blades in June last year and have most of the box left, cost £9 with shaving soap included and i get around 3 shaves a blade for face and head (took some practice!) so far cheaper than these multi blade razors.
Get a good brush and good soap or cream and you cant go wrong. Much closer shave with no rash etc
Get a good brush and good soap or cream and you cant go wrong. Much closer shave with no rash etc
I got fed up of paying for blades and picked up a Wilkinson sword safety razor for about £10...
I have realised it needs more regular blade changes but they are very cheap.
Works well.
I just use regular shaving gel, less clutter than brush and soap etc
I did have some fancy lime soap and a brush but there was not enough space in the shower Really.
I have realised it needs more regular blade changes but they are very cheap.
Works well.
I just use regular shaving gel, less clutter than brush and soap etc
I did have some fancy lime soap and a brush but there was not enough space in the shower Really.
anonymous said:
[redacted]
If using traditional soap or cream then you need a good brush to whip up a good lather to last the shave. I use the Omega 48 which uses boar hair but some prefer softer badger hair brushes. The instant stuff in a can still does the job, but i prefer the brush and cream method
Something of a thread revival, might have some useful info for you though OP.
In Feb I made the transition from Mach 3/4 to traditional wet-shaving, and haven't looked back. My shaves are very comfortable, reasonably fast, I get very few cuts and no longer suffer with ingrowing hairs - which was a frequent occurrence on cartridge razors. I don't use a DE razor personally so can't advise on those, however there are forums (like Badger and Blade) which will have all the info you need and more.
The Merkur and Edwin Jagger razors mentioned seem to be a popular choice. But it's worth doing a little research as DE razors can vary a lot in how 'aggressive' they are, which will impact your comfort. It's worth keeping in mind that too mild a razor can be uncomfortable - especially if you have a tough beard - as you'll need to do more passes.
A quality brush is essential, as a poor one won't build a decent lather. You don't need to spend lots, just wisely. In my opinion boar brushes such as the Omega are excellent, however work best once they're broken in and the ends are nicely split (you can accelerate this by repeatedly dipping the tips in very hot water then rubbing on a towel). Badger brushes tend to work well out of the box, would recommend super or silvertip though. If you don't want to use animal brushes there are some synthetics now such as Plissoft and Muhle which are arguably as good as the traditional types.
Use a high quality traditional soap / shaving cream: there's loads of brands out there. Personally I like Nanny's Silly Soap and Castle Forbes, although Tabac and Palmolive are good options from the high street. Taylor of Bond Street also has a good rep. Spend a little time learning how to build a lather - most people find a slick lather with a yoghurt kind of consistency to be most comfortable; it should be rich in product and water, and slide easily off the razor when rinsing. Prep your skin and beard with lots of hot water. Use light pressure with the razor - most people find just letting the razor rest against skin and allowing gravity to do the work, results in a comfortable shave.
Traditional wet-shaving sounds like hard work, but it's surprisingly easy to build up a simple routine over a few weeks. It's also quite meditative, and eventually you will get very comfortable and hopefully enjoyable shaves. Then it's just a case of deciding just how many more new razors / brushes / soaps / aftershaves you think you 'need'
In Feb I made the transition from Mach 3/4 to traditional wet-shaving, and haven't looked back. My shaves are very comfortable, reasonably fast, I get very few cuts and no longer suffer with ingrowing hairs - which was a frequent occurrence on cartridge razors. I don't use a DE razor personally so can't advise on those, however there are forums (like Badger and Blade) which will have all the info you need and more.
The Merkur and Edwin Jagger razors mentioned seem to be a popular choice. But it's worth doing a little research as DE razors can vary a lot in how 'aggressive' they are, which will impact your comfort. It's worth keeping in mind that too mild a razor can be uncomfortable - especially if you have a tough beard - as you'll need to do more passes.
A quality brush is essential, as a poor one won't build a decent lather. You don't need to spend lots, just wisely. In my opinion boar brushes such as the Omega are excellent, however work best once they're broken in and the ends are nicely split (you can accelerate this by repeatedly dipping the tips in very hot water then rubbing on a towel). Badger brushes tend to work well out of the box, would recommend super or silvertip though. If you don't want to use animal brushes there are some synthetics now such as Plissoft and Muhle which are arguably as good as the traditional types.
Use a high quality traditional soap / shaving cream: there's loads of brands out there. Personally I like Nanny's Silly Soap and Castle Forbes, although Tabac and Palmolive are good options from the high street. Taylor of Bond Street also has a good rep. Spend a little time learning how to build a lather - most people find a slick lather with a yoghurt kind of consistency to be most comfortable; it should be rich in product and water, and slide easily off the razor when rinsing. Prep your skin and beard with lots of hot water. Use light pressure with the razor - most people find just letting the razor rest against skin and allowing gravity to do the work, results in a comfortable shave.
Traditional wet-shaving sounds like hard work, but it's surprisingly easy to build up a simple routine over a few weeks. It's also quite meditative, and eventually you will get very comfortable and hopefully enjoyable shaves. Then it's just a case of deciding just how many more new razors / brushes / soaps / aftershaves you think you 'need'
Edited by MurderousCrow on Saturday 7th December 10:30
EarlOfHazard said:
I use Harry's- have done for months after moving from a Mach 3.
I think the blades last longer tbh, and the case provided means the blade is protected when travelling. Also there is a little blade on top that I use for any whiskers just below my nose.
Wouldn't go back to Mach 3 ever.
How does cost compare?I think the blades last longer tbh, and the case provided means the blade is protected when travelling. Also there is a little blade on top that I use for any whiskers just below my nose.
Wouldn't go back to Mach 3 ever.
CopperBolt said:
Another vote for the Wilkinson sword safety/DE razor. I got mine in Tesco for £15 earlier this year. Comes with 5 or maybe 10, blades.
Nice, heavy, metal, bit of kit.
Wilkinson seem to do razor blades that should fit it for £4 for 10 so I will try those when I run out.
Have a look at https://www.pistonheads.com/gassing/topic.asp?t=93...Nice, heavy, metal, bit of kit.
Wilkinson seem to do razor blades that should fit it for £4 for 10 so I will try those when I run out.
Though
before DE head shave may not be a good idea 
I moved from cartridges to DE over 5 years ago. Had an Edwin Jagger DE86, lost that and bought a DE89.
Edwin Jagger Best Badger brush works great.
Taylor of Old Bond Street for some lovely smelling soap. The Cedarwood and Sandalwood are my favourites.
May change to a stiffer Boar brush as the next purchase.
No idea what razor blades I'm using, but they're all super cheap.
ETA, I've just started my 4th pot of cream after 5 years, lasts forever.
Edwin Jagger Best Badger brush works great.
Taylor of Old Bond Street for some lovely smelling soap. The Cedarwood and Sandalwood are my favourites.
May change to a stiffer Boar brush as the next purchase.
No idea what razor blades I'm using, but they're all super cheap.
ETA, I've just started my 4th pot of cream after 5 years, lasts forever.
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