OT: Your Morning Shave - Straight Razor, Safety Razor, Mach 28?

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westtexman

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It seems like the cost of disposable shaving cartridges (e.g. the current Mach version, etc.) continues to get more ridiculous every few months or so. On top of that I have very sensitive skin and these new-fangled blades don't help.

So, I'm considering going "old school" and investing in a straight razor or a safety razor. Anyone else use either of these? If so, what are your thoughts?
 
The ultimate-but

not every man can pull it off.....just let it grow. I haven't shaved since 1978.

I trim my beard every few months, with a nice Wahl rechargable beard trimmer, but that's it.

Of course, some workplaces do not allow beards, even trimmed ones.

The whole razor blade thing is so well-established as a business model (essentially sell the hardware --the handle, or in a similar case, the blood glucose meter cheaply or almost free, and make the money on the software...the razor blades or the test strips...)that a person could look up "razor blade model" on, say, Wikipedia.....

Good luck.

Lawrence/Maytagbear
 
Well I use a variety of things. Schick handle and cheap cartridges or a very basic 'twin blade and strip' disposable. I have found that the Aldi mens disposable razors here are really very good and in combination with either a 'sensitive gel' or shaving 'oil', they don't irritate me.....

...could be worth a shot at a couple of bucks...
 
Have a full beard... but I shave the stubble between cheeks and eyes, and neck area. I use Gillette double blade dispo razors. I shave in the shower - softens it up real nice. One razor lasts a week or two. Buy the razors at Costco in bulk, not that expensive that way.

Straight razor? If you like lots of cuts, go for it. There's a real art to it, I understand, and you'll need a very steady hand to avoid bloodshed. A safety razor is ... much safer. I used to use one but haven't looked for the double edge blades in a very long time.

Get a fog-resistant mirror with suction cups (I've seen them at Walmart), slap it on the wall of the shower, and after a few minutes in there try using any old razor. You'll be surprised at how much easier it is that way - plus rinsing off the results is a breeze. You won't need any shaving cream either - just shampoo or bath soap or whatever.
 
I use and love the new Gillette Fusion razor. The blades last me quite a long time. My partner on the other hand goes thru a blade a week since he shaves his head. He bought that battery operated razor sharpener that is on tv and in a nutshell...it doesnt work...makes the blade worse. So that went into the trash. Blades are not cheap thats for sure.
 
My partner insists on Mach 3 blades and goes through them fairly quickly. I'm not into shaving on a daily basis so mine last longer. Just recently got two Schick "Quattro" disposable samples in the mail and I have to say they get the job done quicker. I generally have to go over my jaw and neck in various directions with the Mach 3 to get things close and smooth. With the Quattro I'm finding it gets most of the job done with the first pass.

I can't imagine using a straight or even a safety razor. I'd be a bloody mess.
 
When I was working I used the Mach 3 blades. But now I get whatever is the cheapest at Dollar General. I thought about getting one of those battery operated sharpeners, but I decided not to because the probably don't work.
 
I'm too lazy and don't want to take the additional time required for a manual shaver. I use a Braun electric on a daily basis and charge / clean it about every 2 weeks (it's one of those with the cleaning liquid and auto self-cleaning cycle).
 
Gillette Sensor Excel with Edge gel of whatever ilk. Shaving used to not bother me much, but for the last several years I've found it to be a chore. Usually every 2nd or 3rd day, unless I'm going somewhere "important." Hardly anyone sees me so doesn't matter if I'm fuzzy. I typically push a blade much longer than it should go.

I used Jack Black beard lube for a couple years. It's excellent, but expensive. The post-shave gel is also very nice.

 
I've used the same "original" Gillette razor since 1991 (not the same blade, of course). When my brother was still around, he bought the Mach 3 and I threw in a new blade to give it a try. It seemed to "rip" instead of "cut." I even tried purchasing a few more blades from different stores and the results were all the same. Crappy product that took several steps back from their original version, in my opinion. I still use the original version without any problems. A couple of years ago I started using organic shaving soap and haven't looked back. Even with my ultra sensitive skin (thanks, mom) I get a very close shave with almost no irritation. It's also nice knowing I'm not putting 30+ different cancer causing chemicals all over my face anymore that the typical shaving creams contain.

My dad used a very old straight blade razor up through the late 90's. He had a hard time locating replacement blades and switched to the typical throw away razor blades. I never remember him bleeding and he never used shaving cream (still doesn't to my knowledge). Too bad I didn't inherit his skin genes, lol.
 
I prefer a good Norelco razor, I have the one that has the Nivea packs, though I rarely use them. I think the key to a good electric razor is keeping it clean, I clean mine after each use and run hot water over the blades often.

I got my dad one of the Braun razors Kevin mentioned,but neither of us is fond of it. I got it for him since he is one to never clean his electric razor and complain it's "no good". I think we are both used to the rotary action and the straight head feels awkward.

To me using an electric is much quicker and much less mess. I've use both types over the years and electric wins for me, but I do have a fairly light/fine beard. If you have major stubble an electric might not be an option.
 
Guess my preferences are a cross between Maytagbear's and RevvinKevin's: I have a full beard but use a Braun electric for daily touch ups of those upper cheek and lower neck areas. Before growing the beard about 15 years ago I used a Norelco electric and to be honest I believe the rotary blades give a closer shave than the Braun, but the Norelco trimmer is terrible. Higher line Brauns have a very, very good trimmer and as a result I'll use nothing else.

I'm really not a morning person so can't imagine using a straight razor on my face at that time of the day!
 
In recent history, I've used cheap grocery store disposable razors. I hate the idea of throwing so much away, but they are (for me) the cheapest option. I hate spending money on throw away items.

Previously, I used a double sided safety razor. I started using this system simply because of cost. The razor had I had been using had relatively expensive blades, and the blade life seemed like it was getting worse. (Maybe it was my imagination. Maybe it was so they could sell a new system.) Generic blades weren't satisfactory, except for one brand, which I used for a long time...until it ceased to be available in the stores I shopped. So it was off to safety razor world.

I don't recall safety razors being any cut-prone than more modern razors. But it may have been good luck.
 
For me it's Gillette's Good News double-blade disposable heads/blades on a real metal reusable "stick" (handle). Cuts amount of throuen-away plastic. There is a white lubrication strip that dissolves slowly over time.

There is also a version that is all-plastic (fuly disposablem handle-and-all )that I use for travel or for guests.

Yes for me the cheap razors(like BIC) are an excercise in self-mutilation and the expensive three-bladers(like Mach 3) are heavy, gimmicky and just plain ineffective if one is looing for an improvement in performance.

Shaving in the shower with Edge gel shave-cream makes for a much smoother "ride". I must be having a long-lasting past life bleed-thrugh; my first part of the daily shave is downwards with gel. The second "act" of the "show" is upwards with soap. Don't ask me why I do this with soap. Can't explain it and can't stop it. Of course shaving both ways in one session increases smoothness.

Look at it this way. Life costs money. Get used to it. That is what money is for, to live well and comfortably (i.e. with various conveniences).

If one thinks a man's cosmetic and maintenance costs and need are high, think of what women spend for the EXPECTATION/EMOTIONAL FEELING that XYZ product will make her pretty/desirable/lovable/wanted, etc. That is a mental and emotional void that is very hard to fill.

As much as I LOVE facial hair on myself and others, I shave every day because it is easier than trimming face pubes, gives me a more youthful appearance (grey beard is not the image I want to portray) and is just less itchy!
 
I have a heavy beard, and if I shave every day (which is rare), my Norelco does an adequate job. For more than 2 days growth, the Norelco takes forever (newer models use slower motor speeds and are crap), so I use a Good News safety razor (plain, no lube strips etc) and regular Barbasol shaving cream. I've mastered the art of shaving against the grain without nicking my skin, and with those shaves I'm good for at least two days.

After either kind of shave, I use Nivea Extra Soothing Balm, let it sit a few minutes and rinse it off lightly with cool water. Great stuff.
 
Dollar General!

I'm with Jim (autowasherfreak) - Dollar General's "clones" of Gillette blades are very good, and a tremendous buy compared to the original. They make cartridges for three generations of Gillette razors - the Atra, Sensor and Mach 3. Gillette wants around five bucks for three Sensor cartridges - Dollar General's version is $3 for six cartridges. The Sensor works best for my peculiar combination of beard/skin - heavy tough beard, sensitive fragile skin. The Dollar General cartridges have the same lube strip found on the Gillette version; the lube strip helps the blades glide over your skin, protecting it.

With the Dollar General cartridges, I use Barbasol shaving gel (not the traditional Barbasol foam) in the Sensitive Skin formula. The shaving gel is also available at Dollar General, as well as Big Lots, at about $1.25 per can. Gel protects your skin much better than foam.

I get a super-close shave with almost no irritation. And cheap! P.S.: While this varies from individual to individual, I find the best time to shave is the moment I'm done towelling off after a shower. The beard is soft and "set up" perfectly at that point. If I try a "free-standing" shave (meaning washing just my face and then shaving), it doesn't work nearly so well, because the beard hasn't been exposed to hot water as long.
 
Used to use an electric (vintage Schick) but for some reason gave it up to use lather/blade. I find that the cheap disposable razors do nothing but slice my face to shreds.

Been using a Schick Quattro and really like it, as it's the only one I've tried where I don't leave the house a bloody mess. I got the first one for free (Schick often offers freebies to get you hooked) and never looked back. Of course, the price of the cartridges is nothing short of outrageous, so I look for sales, "bonus packs" (2 free with 4) and coupons. Generally keep a cartridge going for about 6 weeks.

Keith uses a Gillette...something. The one with five (count 'em!) blades, and he really likes it, though I don't think he's crazy about the vibrating handle part. Those cartridges are even more expensive than the Schicks.

Been using Barbasol gel lately, but it's no huge deal. Personally, I like Noxzema foam with the original scent.

veg
 
When I went to college, I shaved the way my dad did--old-fashioned Gillette safety razor and blades. More often than not, I'd cut myself up, but on a good day they did the job.
Then my sister gave me a cartridge blade system for Christmas one year, and it was a revelation. My shaves were just as good and I cut myself far, far less.
I've never found a disposable razor that did the job well for me, so I stick to my trusty Sensor razor--but I use Personna blade refills (cheaper that Gillette) or off-name brands when they appear at the dollar store.
I've always heard it's better to shave in the shower (and so many of you seem to agree), so I may just get myself a fog-free mirror and give it a shot.
 
BTW those no-fog mirrors lose that ability the minute one cleans them with a bit of force. Must be a top-coating that is somehow removed.

Mine fogs like hell. (And I've changed to new ones many times.) I just wipe it clear between every stroke.
 

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