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Safety razors?

wdinc01

wdinc01

Nov 19, 2005
2,791
44
Jacksonville, FL
#1
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.
 
#3
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!
 
#4
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.
 
#5
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#6
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.
 
#9
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#10
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.
 
#12
ulrich said:
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.
Click to expand...

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.
 
#14
wdinc01 said:
I also like to shave in the shower. So I'm starting to think that I should stick with a cartridge razor.
Click to expand...

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.
 
#20
wdinc01 said:
Is there much of a difference/advantage with the double sided safety razor? Or is it just more convenient to have to blades?
Click to expand...

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.
 

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