Still using a DE?

[JM]

The experiment is going well, I'm still using a double edge safety razor and placed an order for 100 blades online this morning. It's more economical to order in bulk and I save about .40 cents a blade by doing so.

After placing my order I started to wonder if the folks on PB, who started with a DE, are still using it...are you?

 

[toddpedlar]

The experiment is going well, I'm still using a double edge safety razor and placed an order for 100 blades online this morning. It's more economical to order in bulk and I save about .40 cents a blade by doing so.

After placing my order I started to wonder if the folks on PB, who started with a DE, are still using it...are you?

Yup... never going back. My skin has never been in better condition, and shaving has actually become something I enjoy, rather than a mere task to check off the day's list. (The only way forward is straight razor, but I'm not quite to the point of wanting to venture out that way yet)

 

[BobVigneault]

I've started haunting the antique and second hand shops looking for a DE. I found one but I haven't been able to find blades yet. Where did you get your DE? They are quite pricey for a new one.

 

[toddpedlar]

I've started haunting the antique and second hand shops looking for a DE. I found one but I haven't been able to find blades yet. Where did you get your DE? They are quite pricey for a new one.

Depends on what you're looking for. $40 for a DE razor isn't too bad given that it should never need to be replaced, and given that good quality blades that'll get you 4-5 shaves can be had for pennies each (compared to the ridiculous $15 for 5 cartridges).

You can get a Lord L6 online for under $10 if you want to cheaper... but I have a Merkur HD 34C that I got for about $40, and I love it - the Jagger DE89 is also a very good DE and can usually be had for a titch under $30.

 

[SolaScriptura]

I'm sitting here trying to understand - how is a DE razor better than my Fusion Power?

 

[Herald]

I'm curious. Until you became proficient using a DE, how many times did you nic or cut yourself? Are nics and cuts simply par for the course and to be expected?

sent from the wonderful world of Android.

 

[GulfCoast Presbyterian]

I have been curious to try a DE safety razor. However, I am somewhat timid, having feared that I had filleted my face off with a straight-edge razor in college.

 

[toddpedlar]

I'm sitting here trying to understand - how is a DE razor better than my Fusion Power?

Well, at least from my experience, comparing to shaving with the same razor as you use:

1) closer shave than ever achieved with the FP
2) Much, much less irritation typically than with the FP
3) Much less expense (over the long haul)

Some of the other benefits of going to a DE could perhaps be replicated with a Fusion Power. I suppose I could take time and shave
more thoughtfully and slowly with the FP... but it seems superfluous. I have far better skin condition because I'm using much better
products than the usual canned goo - I could use those products with an FP.

That said, numbers 1 and 2 are simply facts (in my experience) and I'm not sure doing anything else to augment a multibladed razor
can give me quite the same performance on those two items... or even if they did, then number 3 kicks in. The fact that I can get 3 years
worth of blade supply for $15 is a huge advantage for DE shaving over the latest multibladed gadget and canned goo.

 

[Edward]

and placed an order for 100

Think you are still going to be shaving a century from now?

---------- Post added at 03:11 PM ---------- Previous post was at 03:10 PM ----------

good quality blades that'll get you 4-5 shaves

You're doing something wrong, if that's all you're getting out of them.

 

[toddpedlar]

and placed an order for 100

Think you are still going to be shaving a century from now?

---------- Post added at 03:11 PM ---------- Previous post was at 03:10 PM ----------

good quality blades that'll get you 4-5 shaves

You're doing something wrong, if that's all you're getting out of them.

Beg to differ on that - 4-5 shaves is about the norm for anyone using DE blades... just check any online forum. It's a choice, by the way - the performance degrades noticeably by the end of a week's use.

 

[Edward]

Beg to differ on that - 4-5 shaves is about the norm for anyone using DE blades

I used DE in college. I took the blade out, cleaned it, and wiped it. Good for another week.

 

[SolaScriptura]

I'm sitting here trying to understand - how is a DE razor better than my Fusion Power?

Well, at least from my experience, comparing to shaving with the same razor as you use:

1) closer shave than ever achieved with the FP
2) Much, much less irritation typically than with the FP
3) Much less expense (over the long haul)

Some of the other benefits of going to a DE could perhaps be replicated with a Fusion Power. I suppose I could take time and shave
more thoughtfully and slowly with the FP... but it seems superfluous. I have far better skin condition because I'm using much better
products than the usual canned goo - I could use those products with an FP.

That said, numbers 1 and 2 are simply facts (in my experience) and I'm not sure doing anything else to augment a multibladed razor
can give me quite the same performance on those two items... or even if they did, then number 3 kicks in. The fact that I can get 3 years
worth of blade supply for $15 is a huge advantage for DE shaving over the latest multibladed gadget and canned goo.

Thanks for the response, Todd. I agree that the financial savings would very quickly add up. Regarding the closeness of the shave... I began using the FP because compared to other razors I've used it gives an incrediblly close shave. Additionally, I never knick myself with it. I guess I'm just confused as to how a DE (with one blade) can shave closer than the FP without greatly increasing the risk of knicks and cuts.

Regardless, I like what you point out about using better quality shaving cream. I may go that route. I've always wanted to use one of those badger fur brushes...

 

[JM]

Where did you get your DE? They are quite pricey for a new one.

I got mine from Amazon.ca, free shipping and no tax...$13.99 with blades. My mother picked up a Gillette Slim for $1.00 at a yard sale, I soaked it in barbicide and it was good to go. A few months back I found a mint GEM G Bar for $17, it's finish is mirror like and shaves great.

You can get a Lord L6 online for under $10 if you want to cheaper... but I have a Merkur

The L6 head is a copy of the Merkur. There is a difference in finish and weight of the handle. I'm normally don't show off my razors so the cheap finish works for me.

I'm sitting here trying to understand - how is a DE razor better than my Fusion Power?

Cart razors with multiple blades can irritate sensitive skin. I use to get a lot of irritation on my neck, just one side and it was painful and embarrassing. I couldn't do my top button up when wearing a tie. If you don't have sensitive skin or if you don't mind paying more for the cartilages you probably won't see a benefit.

Until you became proficient using a DE, how many times did you nic or cut yourself? Are nics and cuts simply par for the course and to be expected?

I started with a 1912 GEM Micromatic single edge, the dreaded razor of the traditional wet shaving world. (lol) I was shaky at first but managed to make it through my first few shaves without any nicks or cuts. When I thought I could zip through it I ended up cutting myself. I take my time now, use cold water and make three passages in under ten minutes without any nicks or cuts.

---------- Post added at 11:12 PM ---------- Previous post was at 11:08 PM ----------

I'm just confused as to how a DE (with one blade) can shave closer than the FP without greatly increasing the risk of knicks and cuts.

The closeness of the shave depends on the blade exposure. If you get a nick or cut you have bad technique. If you are patient and listen the first few times you use a DE the razor gives you audio feedback, you can hear the hair being cut so you know you're doing it correctly.