The Case for DE Shaving

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I have been debating on getting a good ole straight razor for quite some time now. Just can't beat that old fashioned straight razor! Sure I got the Mach 500 that takes batteries and such, but come along now.....what happened to a blade and some soap! LOL
 
The sample pack has allowed me to try a bunch of different blades and I have to admit they are all very similar. I noticed the Feathers cut better on the second use but are pretty much done after that. The Walgreen brand gives a good, steady cut for 3 shaves, I do not use a blade more then 3 times. The Gillette 7 O'Clock (green) and Derby's are my favorite. I used the Derby 3 times and was very happy with the results. Smooth and no weepers. I tried the Astra SP's and thought they were horrible but I've been rethinking their performance, it was probably do to my prep before hand. I've been using COLD water with excellent results but I had used warm/hot water with the Astra and my face was light up like a Christmas Tree (Ishtar pole for the good Puritans reading this).

I'll try the Astras again.

j
 
I can't use Astras in any fashion. Even the first shave is atrocious. I am wondering if Feathers have changed. I have old stock. They can last more than a week routinely. I normally trash any other blade in a couple of shaves. I have a very tough beard.
 
How long does the up keep take on the blade? I've seen guys on the net take 20 min. or more, then shave. That's about 30 min. just for the shave.
 
I thought I'd update, since the thread I opened on this topic is now closed (two months having passed), that my husband is officially addicted to DE shaving, too. Per some of your recommendations I got him a Merkur long-handled razor along with the very basics (cheap badger brush, soap, and bowl, and one of those cool sample packs of different razor brands). It took him some time to figure it out, chiefly because someone had assembled the razor incorrectly after loading it with the blade...! Just call me Mrs. Mechanical. Anyway, once he got that straightened out and watched a couple videos, he was hooked. He loves that it's a sort of relaxing ritual, rather than just one more thing he has to do in the morning while rushing to get ready. He's just ordered some high-quality aftershave and is talking about upgrading the brush. Apparently this is quite catching. :) Thanks for all the advice.
 
Thanks for the update Laura, it's good to hear your hubby enjoys his new gift.

Has your husband started looking for another razor for his "rotation?" :lol: I now have 6 razors.

Here's the newest one. My mother found it at a yard sale and bought it for a $1 dollar.

View attachment 2270

I'm having one replated in a gunmetal finish. :D
 
My razors came in about a week ago. My DE razor is a Merkur "1904" classic safety razor. The straight edge is a Parker SR 1, that requires replacement blades. It is like the ones they use in the barber shops. I did not feel like investing in a real nice straight razor until I knew I would like one. I absolutely love the DE razor. It is most definately the closest shave I have ever had. I will never go back to the cheap modern razor! I will have to admit that it took me a few days to build up enough gumption to use my straight edge. I only cut myself a few times, which is less than I had imagined. I liked it. My DE gave me a closer shave, but it is probably because I am not use to using a staight razor. Also, I missed a few spots. It is definately an art worth learning. I think I will stick with my Merkur for everyday use, and improve my straight razor skills with the occassional shave. ;)
 
reformedminister said:
My razors came in about a week ago. My DE razor is a Merkur "1904" classic safety razor. The straight edge is a Parker SR 1, that requires replacement blades. It is like the ones they use in the barber shops. I did not feel like investing in a real nice straight razor until I knew I would like one. I absolutely love the DE razor. It is most definately the closest shave I have ever had. I will never go back to the cheap modern razor! I will have to admit that it took me a few days to build up enough gumption to use my straight edge. I only cut myself a few times, which is less than I had imagined. I liked it. My DE gave me a closer shave, but it is probably because I am not use to using a staight razor. Also, I missed a few spots. It is definately an art worth learning. I think I will stick with my Merkur for everyday use, and improve my straight razor skills with the occassional shave. ;)
Click to expand...

I'm now about 2 weeks in, and love my DE (a Merkur 34C HD). It is DEFINITELY closer than ever - whether I've shaved with Trac II, Mach III or Fusion. One clean blade is FAR better. My wife has already remarked (as have my kids) multiple times that it's a substantial improvement. Add to that the fact that DR Harris is the BOMB in terms of soap performance (and scent - Arlington is great as a summer scent... not sure what I'll add for the fall. Bay Rum of some kind I think but I've yet to choose)

Anyway, again, thanks for turning me on to DE shaving... it's revolutionized my mornings (great time to listen to a sermon or some psalms as I take my time shaving) and made me actually want to get up and shave.
 
Isn't real shaving great?

Andy, those replaceable blade straight razors are tough to shave with. Learning on one of those is very different from using a regular razor. They have a whole different feel and blade angle than a properly honed razor. If you want, I will keep my eyes peeled on a regular razor for you.
 
LawrenceU said:
Isn't real shaving great?

Andy, those replaceable blade straight razors are tough to shave with. Learning on one of those is very different from using a regular razor. They have a whole different feel and blade angle than a properly honed razor. If you want, I will keep my eyes peeled on a regular razor for you.
Click to expand...

Thanks Lawrence. I wondered about that. That would be great, just let me know.
 
...no love for the GEM G Bar? This razor is over 50 years old and the plating is amazing. I've read that most G Bars are still looking brand new with the odd one in bad shape. If you are considering a foray into traditional wet shaving do not over look the single edge razors.

Start up costs to think about:

SE* - starting at .99 cents (ebay)

DE - starting at $10 (Lord Razors)

SE Blades - 10 for about $3.00 or buy 100 for $20 online

DE Blades - about the same

Shaving soap - a puck of VDH will cost about $3 bucks and last a long, long time. I've had one puck last a year with daily use.

Brush - The first brush I bought cost me a $4 bucks...that was 5 years ago and it's just now that I'm thinking about buying the more expensive $20 dollar boar.

Aftershave - whatever you want to spend

Add up all the cost, keeping in mind many guys get 3 or 4 shaves a blade and compare it to what you're now paying for the cart razors. You could shave a bundle and save your face some irritation.

:cool:

________________________________________________________
* If you buy an SE you will have to pick up some barbicide to clean it. I got a bottle for just under $10 bucks and I've cleaned 6 razors so far and have a little over half a bottle left.
 
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