Single (safety) Blade Razors - Rockwell 6S

[TheHeadhunter]

I've wet shaved forever. Since covid. I only shave maybe twice a week, I don't mind the stubble look.

But....I've only ever used multi-blade cartridges, and now fancy upping my game.

I like and value the quality in theatre in daily/weekly habits. I make a proper coffee with a Rocket Machine when an automatic would suffice. I make a Negroni from scratch when premix is available. I cook from scratch wherever possible.

And so to move shaving into the same area.

I've just ordered a Rockwell 6S to start that journey, and about to order a Proraso 'kit'.

Any long term single blade shavers got any tips? Or blade recommendations?

Thanks

[DaveA8]

Yes if I understand, the old fashioned blade. I use a brush to put the soap on got both from Amazon and use good quality blades. I found it much easier and so long as I don't rush never nic myself. Keep the blade clean and rinse in warm not too hot water each time otherwise it starts dragging.

[Sycamore]

You can't go too far wrong with a "safety" razor.

Safety is in quotes because if you have a wife with a tendency to drop heavy things, or dogs who enjoy a random bark, you'll still cut off your bks or head.

[Wheel Turned Out]

I too enjoy the little bit of personal theatre in it, using the brush to lather up etc is a nice little personal routine.

Proraso is good stuff, readily available too. I've found blades to be much of a muchness between Wilkinson, Shark, etc. They're so cheap you might as well change them after every shave. (Make sure you do it with dry hands!)

Just let the weight of the razor do the work, take your time, use lots of water - you'll wish you started years ago. Much cheaper than cartridges, and when you get used to it you'll have a much better shave too.

[Landlubber]

A semi decent safety razor works fine, get some decent soap and a badger hair brush to lather up. I occasionally use my dad's old 'RollsRazor" it's, an experience.

[Tango13]

I use a 'King C Gillette' handle and whilst the Gillette blades were good my nephew gave me the heads up on these...



These are on a whole new level of sharp so be warned!

[Sway]

As mentioned, feather are by far the best blades.

Remember, prep is everything and never apply any pressure at all on the razor!

[Chimune]

I moved to safety razor 15 yrs ago.

Never looked back and ingrowing hairs are 90% reduced.

After a bit of reading I went for Merkur M34c

https://www.theenglishshavingcompany.com/merkur-34...

Tried loads of creams but eventually settled on Taylor Old Bond St Sandalwood and badger brush:

https://traditionalshaving.co.uk/products/pure-bad...

For blades head to eBay and get a mixed order and try some.
Derby green to learn on. Feathers as above as your skin toughens up, once you feeling confident - try Israeli blades. They are insane.

Final advice get a £1.50 perspex brush stand. Increased brush life by years. Yes years.

[TheHeadhunter]

Thank you all, I knew PH would have the answers!

It's a theatrical routine I'm excited to try.

On blades, someone mentioned Feather to be as well. Also Nacet and Perma-Sharp? All better than the ones that comes with Rockwell?

[gregs656]

I used to use Feather blades but switched to Gillette Blue some time a go.

If you really want to get into the theatre of it all then straight razors are a much more interesting skill to learn. I straight razor only shaved for maybe 7 or 8 years before switching to DE razors. Occasional use thing for me now.

[LordGrover]

Finding the right combination of products and technique is a process not to be hurried.
Rockwell is a fine starting point, one of my favourites that I turn to more often than not. I pair with Gillette 7 o’clock sharp edge for a decent consistent shave. I prefer synthetic brush to badger, but ymmv. Soaps are as much about the smell as anything, they’re mostly pretty good; I usually have a few on the go at any one time, though proraso sensitive is good for quick and dirty face lather.

For my shiny bonce you can’t beat headblade moto.

[Dermot O'Logical]

I use Feather blades in a Feather DE razor. A fantastically sharp blade in a "mild" razor. I tried several razors (and many different blades) before settling on the Feather/Feather combo, but it's all down to personal preference.

The Feather blades are so sharp because they are triple-honed, which is also the reason they "go off" after a maximum of three shaves (for me, anyway).

I use Truefitt and Hill shaving creams, and a badger brush. Derby blades are a bit like playing Russian Roulette in my experience.

There's a whole world of shaving experience out there, and an infinite variety of razors and blades, to say nothing of the "software". Some will advocate a pre-shave treatment, some say they're a waste of money. I like Truefitt and Hill's pre-shave oil.

One absolute essential (again, other views are available) is a good after-shave balm, and I'm very happy with Pecksniff's, available at TK Maxx, either as a stand-alone tube, or in a "gift set" with shower gel.

This is what works for me, but go with whatever works for you. We're all different, after all.

[TheHeadhunter]

Thanks again everyone.

So my Rockwell 6S arrived, along with a brush and a bunch of Proraso kit (Pre-shave, soap, Alum Bar & post-shave balm.)

First shave on the '3' setting using a blade that came with the razor and I was really pleased with the result. I've wet shaved for ever, but only using cartridges.

This was so much more enjoyable and elicited a far closer shave. No nicks, no burn. Really nice feeling and it was at least an extra day until shadow appeared. Definitely a winning move!

Next up is to move to a '4' setting and try the feather blades.

Thanks again. I'm a convert.

[WestyCarl]

Dermot O'Logical said:

I use Feather blades in a Feather DE razor. A fantastically sharp blade in a "mild" razor. I tried several razors (and many different blades) before settling on the Feather/Feather combo, but it's all down to personal preference.

The Feather blades are so sharp because they are triple-honed, which is also the reason they "go off" after a maximum of three shaves (for me, anyway).

I also use a Feather/Feather combo. I assumed the sharpness was due to being made just outside of Nagoya which has a deep history of Samurai weapons and swords

[Armitage.Shanks]

Chimune said:

I moved to safety razor 15 yrs ago.

Never looked back and ingrowing hairs are 90% reduced.

After a bit of reading I went for Merkur M34c

https://www.theenglishshavingcompany.com/merkur-34...

Tried loads of creams but eventually settled on Taylor Old Bond St Sandalwood and badger brush:

https://traditionalshaving.co.uk/products/pure-bad...

For blades head to eBay and get a mixed order and try some.
Derby green to learn on. Feathers as above as your skin toughens up, once you feeling confident - try Israeli blades. They are insane.

Final advice get a £1.50 perspex brush stand. Increased brush life by years. Yes years

I could have almost written that myself word for word as I use the same products except I use Derby blades as the 6 settings on the razor will tailor the cut, although a new blade can be lethal! I bought a packet that contains about 20 of the 5-blade containers. I m only half way though them!

Post balm I use Refinery after shave balm but it s hard to get hold of at a cheap price, sold in their Mayfair clinic or Amazon at £37!

I think there’s a lengthy thread on DE safety razors in The Lounge?

[Magic919]

Huge one https://www.pistonheads.com/gassing/topic.asp?h=0&...

I went on Artist Club blades and ES Claymore a while back.