Safety razors?

[wdinc01]

I've been thinking about getting a new razor and have been looking at safety razors. I know there have been a few threads about shaving on here, but its mostly just people trying to kill themselves with straight blades. I'm not that hardcore.

Right now I use a Mach3, which does the job for the most part, but I left that in Pensacola and won't have it for a few weeks. So what can you tell me about safety razors? How do they compare to cartridges? Would you recommend one over the other?

Edit: I also realize that it would just make more sense if I pick up a pack of disposable razors for the next few weeks, which I'll probably end up doing. I'm still curious about safety razors though.

[ulrich]

I use a 1940's Gillette, 3 piece, when I'm not using a straight.
The safety:
Gives little nicks sometimes, but not more than a man can handle.
Very comfortable shave.
Nice close shave. (straight is closer)
Blades are dirt cheap. (about US$10 for 50)

I tried a cheap eBay twist to open safety, but it sucked 'nads.

[LiquidMidnight]

I remember my dad used one for a while. I tried using it, but couldn't get the hang of it. It did get a really close shave, and I'm always in search of the closest shave possible. Perhaps I should give it another try, especially since Mach 3 cartridge prices seem to be more susceptible to inflation than gasoline!

[wdinc01]

Couldn't get the hang of it? Is there a learning curve to them? I don't want to carve my face up.

I'm not extremely worried about prices (for now), but I'd consider switching to them if they'll work better than cartridges, or at least easier to care for.

[ulrich]

It's different. You can't just hack away with max. speed and pressure, like with a cartridge razor. Take your time, use little or no pressure, and you'll be fine.

http://wiki.badgerandblade.com/index...ted_wetshaving

For the full experience - you gotta ditch the can of goo, for a mug, and brush.

My favorite shave soap: http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll...=STRK:MEWNX:IT

[seanm]

I don't get quite as close a shave with the safety razor. But I quite often don't shave for a week. It is much easier to shave with a safety razor since I can loosen it up and wash the stubble out. The cartridge type razors just plug.

[wdinc01]

I also like to shave in the shower. So I'm starting to think that I should stick with a cartridge razor.

[Floyd Eye]

Buy the 3 pack of disposable Mach III razors. They're about $8. I have thick facial hair and I'm on the second razor out of the pack I bought 2 months ago.

[champbassist]

Originally Posted by ulrich

My favorite shave soap: http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll...=STRK:MEWNX:IT

That's so cool. We don't get that stuff here anymore. Do you use shave soaps exclusively?

My dad used to use these when he was younger (in the 1970s-80s).

FWIW, I use a Mach III too. A cousin of mine has become a fan of one of those 5 blade monsters (Gilette Fusion, IIRC) since he's returned from the US

[uethanian]

i use a parker 90R, set me back about $30. well i'm growing a beard at the moment so shaving isn't much of an issue...anyways, i would absolutely recommend getting a double-edge razor. it will cost you less in the long run, and your shaves will be better and more comfortable if you shave correctly.

but don't let the 'learning curve' deter you, it's not a difficult thing but you have to pay attention while you shave.

1) use a brush and shaving soap for lather (i use colonel conk's bay rum, but there's tons of others out there)
2) use good razors (feather or shark brand)
3) shave with the grain
4) keep the blade at approximately a 30 degree angle, and be sure to set the blade correctly on your skin before each stroke
5) most importantly, apply no pressure to the razor, let the weight of the instrument make the stroke. this is why buying a quality razor is important, because they have a weight to them that cheaper razors lack.
6) go back over areas multiple times to achieve desired closeness, re-lathering if necessary

otherwise it becomes automatic after a while, and you find what does and doesn't work for you personally based on irritation and closeness.

[ulrich]

Originally Posted by champbassist

That's so cool. We don't get that stuff here anymore. Do you use shave soaps exclusively?
:

Yes. I have four different soaps going, so I can use whichever I feel like.

Some decent safety's are being made in India. My disposable blade straight razor (half a DE blade) was made in India, but has Arabic text on it.

[wdinc01]

Originally Posted by ulrich

Some decent safety's are being made in India. My disposable blade straight razor (half a DE blade) was made in India, but has Arabic text on it.

So you're saying that the least likely I'm able to read the language, the better the razor?

Anyway, thanks for the advice so far. I think its something I may experiment with in the future and kind of ease my way into, if I like it. I take it this would be something I need to do over the sink and not in the shower.

[dj150888]

Always been a Gillette Fusion guy myself. Closest shave I can get without risking hacking my face off.....because trust me, I would with a straight razor.

[Stumbo]

Originally Posted by wdinc01

I also like to shave in the shower. So I'm starting to think that I should stick with a cartridge razor.

I shave in the shower also. No mirror needed. My shaves come out ultra-close with old school disposable twin blades.

I do not wash my face first. I do wash my hair first, letting the hot water open my pores. I use a bit of the shampoo suds to clean my face. Then, using Oil of Olay or Camay bar soap directly on my stubble, I rub it in pretty good. I do lather the soap a bit as I go because I shave by touch(using my other hand).

I wet the shaver and then (key step) using very small strokes, work my way around by face, washing out the razor a few times along the way.

I'll then use different angles to clean up any remaining light stubble. Near perfect smooth shaves, even with a blade a few days old.

Btw, I need to shave every day to keep a clean shaven feel and look. Even my 5 o'clock shadow feels rough. Sometimes I'll use an electric razor in the afternoon to clean up.

I don't think the cost/benefit for a straight razor(for me) would be very high.

[DwaynieAD]

my beard must be more manly than urs, it destroys a mach 3 in 2-3 shaves

[L-A]

My beard must be more French than yours, it surrenders when I take the razor out.

[DwaynieAD]

Originally Posted by L-A

My beard must be more French than yours, it surrenders when I take the razor out.

tb posts need a like button

[wdinc01]

Is there much of a difference/advantage with the double sided safety razor? Or is it just more convenient to have to blades?

[billhilly66]

I've been using a safety razor for several years now. It has completely eliminated ingrown hairs along the neckline. That and it's cheaper.

[ulrich]

Originally Posted by wdinc01

Is there much of a difference/advantage with the double sided safety razor? Or is it just more convenient to have to blades?

Double Edge, Safety V newfangled septuple blade.

Razor $20-$150----------------Free-$150
Blades $ 0.20------------------~$3.50
closeness&comfort. To close to call; opinions vary; you decide
Clogging little to none--------A lot, and always
cleaning easy-----------------difficult
nicks it happens----------very rare
coolness ice nine-------------bassless band lame.

I enjoy the whole retro shaving experience. The "spice" and bay rum aftershaves, from the barber supply store. The mugs & brush, the horsehide strop, the apothecary bottles of witch-hazel, and alcohol...

From a purely practical standpoint, I'd still go DE safety, others prefer their septuple blades.