New razor

[BudAshes]

my razor has like 75 blades and it still sucks. Shaving is lame no matter how many blades you got.

 

[mugs]

Originally posted by: Fullmetal Chocobo
Doctor's excuse for not shaving FTW.

You need a doctor's excuse?

I bought 3 Fusions (one for travel bag, one for home, and one for the hell of it) and about 40 blades, then I grew a beard. D'oh!

 

[Demo24]

How long do the blades in the DE razors typically last for people? Number of shaves approximately is what I am looking for as I only shave 2 perhaps on occasion 3 times a week.

 

[alkemyst]

Originally posted by: BudAshes
my razor has like 75 blades and it still sucks. Shaving is lame no matter how many blades you got.

I grow a pretty tough beard and have to shave daily...I do it without a mirror in the shower...some gel and a fusion. Easy, fast and smooth.

I can get good results with a DE but you need to be dedicated to the shave and it's can't be 'fast'.

My worst experience is with electric razors. I tried quite a few as a late teen/20's but they all gave razor burn, caused ingrown hairs and made my skin feel wierd.

 

[alkemyst]

Originally posted by: bababooey
straightedge razor + barber, nothing better.

Fixed. Best shave at any cost.

Pro's: Relaxing and close

Con's: takes a while and even the best can nick at times.

 

[jiggahertz]

Originally posted by: alkemyst

Originally posted by: jiggahertz
I don't know anyone who uses a cartridge razor that doesn't use the cheap goo in a can type of shaving cream/foam/gel. Those who get into DEs and traditional wetshaving are more likely to use the quality creams (Truefitt & Hill, Taylor's). Add in quality badger brushes and you're not going to see a significant cost savings. Quality of shave not price is the main advantage.

Shaving soaps last a long time...if you change any of the 3+ blade razors as recommended your costs are going to be a multiple of a DE setup. For most the quality of shave would be better with a cartridge which is why they came to be.

Mach3 blades for a year will run about ~$100/yr. Compare that to a DE razor (~$30), badger brush (~$35), shave cream (~$20) and you're looking at ~$85 for a decent start. Sure if you use the same razor for a few years and get a year or two out of a badger brush you'll definitely come out ahead, but it's a quite a ways down the road for a rather insignificant savings for something you do daily and takes some skill to become proficient at. If you just replace your razor with a DE and don't invest in some of the nicer shave creams/soaps, you'll have bigger savings, but probably won't be happy with your results.

And cartridge razors did not become popular because of the quality of shave they provided. Gillette and the other major manufacturers were loosing money due to the number of companies producing DE blades. They switched to a proprietary blade to be able to control the price of the blades and eliminate competition. Cartridge blades gained acceptance because they are easier to get a decent shave without cutting yourself (and faster), but aren't able to provide the closeness from a DE or SE.

 

[jiggahertz]

Originally posted by: DEMO24
How long do the blades in the DE razors typically last for people? Number of shaves approximately is what I am looking for as I only shave 2 perhaps on occasion 3 times a week.

I change mine once a week, which is about 4-5 shaves for me.

 

[dougp]

I just had my first shave with a DE - it typically takes me around 25 minutes to shave with my Sensor Excel and the DE took an extra 10 minutes. I'm pretty picky about how close I get, so it does take me awhile - but the first shave with the DE has won me over. I have a crappy boar brush, and I didn't realize that I needed hotter water to wash my face - and the DE still was a closer shave with 2-3 swipes over an area. My end results are 2 cuts, 1 minor razor burn, and a closer shave than my Sensor Excel that will net me 2-3 cuts and a lot of razor burn on the neck.

 

[teclis1023]

I used to buy the Mach3s and the replacement razors, and then I realized that the 6-pack Gillette 3-blades last longer and cost less, ultimately allowing me to save money and throw less crap away.

 

[jagec]

Originally posted by: Excelsior
My take on it: One of the best things you can do to improve your shave is to get a fog-free mirror. Put it on one of walls in your shower and then shave while you're taking a shower.

I picked up an $8 one from Target and I have been very pleased...and I am just using a cheap two-blade disposable Schick.

I agree. Shaving while taking a shower is MUCH easier and more comfortable. Especially for the against-the-grain pass.

Originally posted by: jiggahertz
Mach3 blades for a year will run about ~$100/yr.

I dunno, I can get a LOT of shaves out of a Mach3 cartridge before it's no good. Maybe I just have thinner hair or something. I'm always surprised by how often other people buy replacements.

 

[nocash]

I use the cheapo bic single blades. My face hair is way too thick for double blades or they clog up. Have had zero luck with electric razors. Thinking about going with a straight razor but fear of slitting my throat is to much to think about at 6am.

 

[mrSHEiK124]

Heh, again, I love my CoolSkin 8060X.
BUY ONE!

I thought I'd hate an electric shaver, but it jizzes all over your face (really, the stuff looks like it) when you push a button and I went from having a red bumpy face to so far zero nicks and zero irritation.
BTW, the above sentence is completely open to ATOT "fixed" quoting.

 

[jiggahertz]

Originally posted by: dreadpiratedoug
I just had my first shave with a DE - it typically takes me around 25 minutes to shave with my Sensor Excel and the DE took an extra 10 minutes. I'm pretty picky about how close I get, so it does take me awhile - but the first shave with the DE has won me over. I have a crappy boar brush, and I didn't realize that I needed hotter water to wash my face - and the DE still was a closer shave with 2-3 swipes over an area. My end results are 2 cuts, 1 minor razor burn, and a closer shave than my Sensor Excel that will net me 2-3 cuts and a lot of razor burn on the neck.

westcoastshaving sells sampler packs of razor blades which are great to figure out which blades work best with your razor/face. The forums over at badger and blade are a good resource too.

 

[alkemyst]

Originally posted by: jiggahertz

Mach3 blades for a year will run about ~$100/yr. Compare that to a DE razor (~$30), badger brush (~$35), shave cream (~$20) and you're looking at ~$85 for a decent start. Sure if you use the same razor for a few years and get a year or two out of a badger brush you'll definitely come out ahead, but it's a quite a ways down the road for a rather insignificant savings for something you do daily and takes some skill to become proficient at. If you just replace your razor with a DE and don't invest in some of the nicer shave creams/soaps, you'll have bigger savings, but probably won't be happy with your results.

And cartridge razors did not become popular because of the quality of shave they provided. Gillette and the other major manufacturers were loosing money due to the number of companies producing DE blades. They switched to a proprietary blade to be able to control the price of the blades and eliminate competition. Cartridge blades gained acceptance because they are easier to get a decent shave without cutting yourself (and faster), but aren't able to provide the closeness from a DE or SE.

Which is why we are not shaving with the same cartridge systems anymore.

A nick/burn free shave is a quality shave to most people. Your fees above are one time fees for the safety razor. Once that initial $100 is out of the way, blades are the only difference.

You do realize you can use exotic soaps/brushes/creams with a cartridge razor and cheap cream/gel and your hands with a safety razor right?

 

[jiggahertz]

Originally posted by: alkemyst

Originally posted by: jiggahertz

Mach3 blades for a year will run about ~$100/yr. Compare that to a DE razor (~$30), badger brush (~$35), shave cream (~$20) and you're looking at ~$85 for a decent start. Sure if you use the same razor for a few years and get a year or two out of a badger brush you'll definitely come out ahead, but it's a quite a ways down the road for a rather insignificant savings for something you do daily and takes some skill to become proficient at. If you just replace your razor with a DE and don't invest in some of the nicer shave creams/soaps, you'll have bigger savings, but probably won't be happy with your results.

And cartridge razors did not become popular because of the quality of shave they provided. Gillette and the other major manufacturers were loosing money due to the number of companies producing DE blades. They switched to a proprietary blade to be able to control the price of the blades and eliminate competition. Cartridge blades gained acceptance because they are easier to get a decent shave without cutting yourself (and faster), but aren't able to provide the closeness from a DE or SE.

Which is why we are not shaving with the same cartridge systems anymore.

A nick/burn free shave is a quality shave to most people. Your fees above are one time fees for the safety razor. Once that initial $100 is out of the way, blades are the only difference.

You do realize you can use exotic soaps/brushes/creams with a cartridge razor and cheap cream/gel and your hands with a safety razor right?

For me, the most important factor for quality of shave is closeness. With a DE, I can achieve a closer shave with less irritation but with occasional nicks. It is worth it to me.

Traditional wetshaving is using a DE/SE with quality creams/soaps/brushes. You can pick and choose whichever you like. Most people aren't thrilled with the results of using a DE/SE with drugstore foam or vice versa. I originally looked into DEs due to the price of blades. Like many others, I found myself trying new creams, brushes, etc. negating some, but not all of the savings. While there is a cost savings, it's really the closeness and reduced irritation that kept me with it. I would have switched back to a cartridge in no time if blade price was the only advantage.

 

[alkemyst]

Replace God with Safety Razors and this is how the argument goes.

You probably only drink microbrews too with an extensive background in testing all the mass produced beers out there.

carry on.

 

[UnatcoAgent]

I have about 200 schick quattros sitting in my storage cupboard, they were giving them away at my old school and I got a garbage bag full of them.

I still use my Mach 3, and recently the 5 blade one - the quattors are awful.

 

[Rock Hydra]

Originally posted by: mh47g
Shick quattro. Works great for me, blades last forever, and... they're cheaper than the competition

I've noticed the same.

 

[Xavier434]

If you are like me and never have any desire for a beard again then start saving for laser treatment. No razor or shaving method can match that.

 

[Night201]

>3 is too many for me.

I like my plain old Mach 3 Turbo razor. Keep the batteries away.

 

[AbsolutDealage]

Originally posted by: Xavier434
If you are like me and never have any desire for a beard again then start saving for laser treatment. No razor or shaving method can match that.

Have you actually looked in to this? As far as I have seen, laser treatment will only get about 80% of the hair (at best). You probably don't want to be walking around with a 20% patchy-ass beard all the time... so you'll probably have to shave anyways.

 

[Xavier434]

Originally posted by: AbsolutDealage

Originally posted by: Xavier434
If you are like me and never have any desire for a beard again then start saving for laser treatment. No razor or shaving method can match that.

Have you actually looked in to this? As far as I have seen, laser treatment will only get about 80% of the hair (at best). You probably don't want to be walking around with a 20% patchy-ass beard all the time... so you'll probably have to shave anyways.

Yes I have. I know a technician who works at a clinic. It isn't that you will have 80% removed leaving 20% behind. It's that this treatment is meant to be done in several sessions. The first session removes between 60-80 percent. Most clinics also give a lifetime guarantee in writing that none of the hair will grow back and if any of it does then they will take care of it for free.

 

[Homerboy]

4 or more suck
the hair gets stuck between the blades themselves and are just bitch to keep clean. Razor3 is all you need

 

[alkemyst]

I have tried a lot, but I like my Fusion better than the powered mach 3. I haven't tried a non-powered Fusion though. I definitely get a much more comfortable shave with the power on. I will get razor burn without it on my neck. My whiskers are very coarse.

 

[FrustratedUser]

Originally posted by: dreadpiratedoug
I just had my first shave with a DE - it typically takes me around 25 minutes to shave with my Sensor Excel and the DE took an extra 10 minutes. I'm pretty picky about how close I get, so it does take me awhile - but the first shave with the DE has won me over. I have a crappy boar brush, and I didn't realize that I needed hotter water to wash my face - and the DE still was a closer shave with 2-3 swipes over an area. My end results are 2 cuts, 1 minor razor burn, and a closer shave than my Sensor Excel that will net me 2-3 cuts and a lot of razor burn on the neck.

LOL dude!! How many acres are you shaving?

Mach 3 and it takes me 10 mins tops.