Author Topic: Shaving - What is your razor situation?  (Read 8215 times)

BuckeyeFinance

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Shaving - What is your razor situation?
« on: October 24, 2015, 11:18:38 AM »
My electric razor is no longer functioning and I am looking to invest in a quality razor. I have sensitive skin and am open to any type of razor. Any suggestions?

Jmoody10

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Re: Shaving - What is your razor situation?
« Reply #1 on: October 24, 2015, 12:02:57 PM »
I am a big fan of the safety razor! Super cheap way to shave and great quality.

cerberusss

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Re: Shaving - What is your razor situation?
« Reply #2 on: October 24, 2015, 12:37:38 PM »
If you like a stubble, get a three or four inch barber's scissor and just keep it close cropped. It takes some exercise.

Bracken_Joy

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Re: Shaving - What is your razor situation?
« Reply #3 on: October 24, 2015, 12:58:39 PM »
Not sure if you're a guy or a gal. But DH does well with Dorco razors, and I buy whatever is dirt cheapest in bulk (usually ugly pink or blue things from amazon subscribe&save that have coupons that month). For shaving (female), I have found my shaving gel makes a bigger difference than my razor. I use a coconut oil based shaving goo, and it lasts forever. Shortens the life of the razors, but since they're so cheap, I don't care.

I have very sensitive skin, DH does not.

For body hair maintenance, DH uses the Wahl little trimmers (and we use the big Wahl clippers for his hair cuts). We've had them both for going on 3 years, and they're working well. We used to use various brands like Norelco, but found they never lasted longer than a year and a half tops.

llorona

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Re: Shaving - What is your razor situation?
« Reply #4 on: October 24, 2015, 01:06:35 PM »
We got this for DH several months ago and he has no complaints. Replacing the safety blades is really inexpensive and much better environmentally than disposable razors:
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00LC94I8I?psc=1&redirect=true&ref_=oh_aui_detailpage_o04_s00

I'm a lady, and several years ago I nixed razors and went with a Braun epilator. It's a little painful to use on sensitive body parts, but overall I prefer it to shaving. It's saved a ton of money, too.

StetsTerhune

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Re: Shaving - What is your razor situation?
« Reply #5 on: October 24, 2015, 03:14:25 PM »
Obviously not for everyone, but I stopped shaving a few years ago. I use a beard trimmer and go down to stubble every week or two. I believe this is what I have. Bought it 3 or 4 years ago and it's still going strong.

http://www.amazon.com/Wahl-9918-6171-Groomsman-Mustache-Trimmer/dp/B00009RF1E


solo1001

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Re: Shaving - What is your razor situation?
« Reply #6 on: October 24, 2015, 06:49:43 PM »
I can't use any beard trimmers.  Every single one I've used will pull and it's terrible.  I have to bring out the actual head trimmers.

For razors, as has been said, I like the safety razor.  It really does not take too long to get used to and it's old school.  You can get a nice Merkur from Germany and find blades on Amazon for very cheap.  I'd use Gillette safety razor blades.  The store brands in the drugstores are not comfortable and will irritate.  I also found an old Gillette safety razor in an antique store for $10 so I grabbed it too.  Much cheaper way to do things.  You can find creams and soaps inexpensively too or you can just use an aerosol can.

iamlindoro

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Re: Shaving - What is your razor situation?
« Reply #7 on: October 24, 2015, 07:03:32 PM »
I use Dorco Razors and cartridges.  Dorco supplies Dollar Shave Club, so you're getting the same exact product, at even lower price, and no subscription obligation.

http://www.dorcousa.com/

I spent $32 for a razor and a whole mess of cartridges in January, and I'm not even halfway through them yet.  I have relatively sensitive skin, too, but no issues here.

Spork

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Re: Shaving - What is your razor situation?
« Reply #8 on: October 24, 2015, 07:40:42 PM »

1. I don't have a heavy beard.
2. I am one lazy bastard.
3. I probably shave once a week.

That said: Any old throw away razor lasts me about 9-12 months.  Since blade refills come in 6(?) packs... that means they last a long ass time.  We buy what's on sale.   That probably means you don't want my advice on this.

davisgang90

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Re: Shaving - What is your razor situation?
« Reply #9 on: October 25, 2015, 04:08:29 AM »
Another Safety Razor convert.  I prefer the Gillette Blacks.  http://www.amazon.com/Oclock-Platinum-Double-Safety-Blades/dp/B00GNEIVGW

BuckeyeFinance

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Re: Shaving - What is your razor situation?
« Reply #10 on: October 25, 2015, 07:15:01 AM »
Thanks everyone. I just ordered the Merkur classic straight safety razor and the blades that davisgang90 suggested. If anyone has suggestions on gels or lotions that work particularly well for sensitive skin, chime in!

sunshine

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Re: Shaving - What is your razor situation?
« Reply #11 on: October 25, 2015, 07:39:01 AM »
We love the dollar shave club razors. $6 Every other month. We have 3 gents in the house and me. Even with every other month delivery we have quite the stock pile of blades.

2Birds1Stone

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Re: Shaving - What is your razor situation?
« Reply #12 on: October 25, 2015, 07:41:01 AM »
$20 clippers every 2-3 days. Been doing this for 7-8 years and have saved thousands on razors.

AlwaysLearningToSave

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Re: Shaving - What is your razor situation?
« Reply #13 on: October 25, 2015, 08:25:29 AM »
I am a big fan of the safety razor! Super cheap way to shave and great quality.

+1 to this.

I have a coarse beard and sensitive skin. I used to hate having because it would leave my neck a bloody mess (literally and in the British pejorative sense), with lots of in-grown hairs. I tried several different cartridge razors, electric razors, etc. nothing worked.

Then by chance I heard about old-fashioned safety razors and wet shaving. The things I read said a safety razor gives a closer shave with less pulling and tugging, and therefore less irritation and fewer in-grown hairs. I was desperate enough for a good shave that I was willing to shell out the $90 start up cost to see if it truly was better. That decision was the best thing that ever happened to my face. No more razor burn. No more ingrown hairs. A much more pleasant shaving experience that I have actually come to enjoy.

The best part? It is way cheaper than any other razor system Ive ever used. I can get 100 of my favorite blades (almost two years worth of every weekday shaving) for $12.00. A puck of shaving soap costs $16.00, and it will likely last more than a year. The startup cost is a little steep, but after the initial expenses, the ongoing costs are a HUGE savings over regular cartridge razors.

This website is a good educational resource, this I for for beginners and product reviews: http://www.shaving101.com/index.php/product-reviews.html

This is the place I bought my first supplies (no affiliation, just a happy customer): http://www.westcoastshaving.com.

To get started, you will need a safety razor, a cheap brush (nothing fancy), a sample pack of blades (there is a lot of variation in brands) and a puck of shaving soap. I bought an Edwin Jagger DE8911 for my razor, Dr. Harris soap, and the cheapest brush I could find. You can use a shaving cream if you'd like, but it is a far less frugal approach to shaving because they don't last nearly as long as a shaving soap.

Then search YouTube for some how to videos. Here is a good channel to start with: https://m.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLebXNeYQp1efKzMZ3Rd7wIXWiRbXkPrU6

Fair warning: using a safety razor may result in you becoming as awesome as the Australian dude narrating those videos!




Rezdent

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Re: Shaving - What is your razor situation?
« Reply #14 on: October 25, 2015, 08:37:15 AM »
I am a big fan of the safety razor! Super cheap way to shave and great quality.

+1 to this.

I have a coarse beard and sensitive skin. I used to hate having because it would leave my neck a bloody mess (literally and in the British pejorative sense), with lots of in-grown hairs. I tried several different cartridge razors, electric razors, etc. nothing worked.

Then by chance I heard about old-fashioned safety razors and wet shaving. The things I read said a safety razor gives a closer shave with less pulling and tugging, and therefore less irritation and fewer in-grown hairs. I was desperate enough for a good shave that I was willing to shell out the $90 start up cost to see if it truly was better. That decision was the best thing that ever happened to my face. No more razor burn. No more ingrown hairs. A much more pleasant shaving experience that I have actually come to enjoy.

The best part? It is way cheaper than any other razor system Ive ever used. I can get 100 of my favorite blades (almost two years worth of every weekday shaving) for $12.00. A puck of shaving soap costs $16.00, and it will likely last more than a year. The startup cost is a little steep, but after the initial expenses, the ongoing costs are a HUGE savings over regular cartridge razors.

This website is a good educational resource, this I for for beginners and product reviews: http://www.shaving101.com/index.php/product-reviews.html

This is the place I bought my first supplies (no affiliation, just a happy customer): http://www.westcoastshaving.com.

To get started, you will need a safety razor, a cheap brush (nothing fancy), a sample pack of blades (there is a lot of variation in brands) and a puck of shaving soap. I bought an Edwin Jagger DE8911 for my razor, Dr. Harris soap, and the cheapest brush I could find. You can use a shaving cream if you'd like, but it is a far less frugal approach to shaving because they don't last nearly as long as a shaving soap.

Then search YouTube for some how to videos. Here is a good channel to start with: https://m.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLebXNeYQp1efKzMZ3Rd7wIXWiRbXkPrU6

Fair warning: using a safety razor may result in you becoming as awesome as the Australian dude narrating those videos!

+1
DH and I switched last year, two more very happy converts!

However, I bought our last pucks at a local drugstore for about $3.  These work better than any can of gel, with no scent.

I melted DH's puck down and added some of his cologne to it.  Makes us both very happy.

Bracken_Joy

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Re: Shaving - What is your razor situation?
« Reply #15 on: October 25, 2015, 08:40:29 AM »
We love the dollar shave club razors. $6 Every other month. We have 3 gents in the house and me. Even with every other month delivery we have quite the stock pile of blades.

If you want even cheaper, order Dorco directly. It's the supplier for Dollar Shave Club, so everyone says. We've been impressed- DH likes his Dorco better than he liked his fancy gillette

sunshine

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Re: Shaving - What is your razor situation?
« Reply #16 on: October 25, 2015, 11:57:41 AM »
We love the dollar shave club razors. $6 Every other month. We have 3 gents in the house and me. Even with every other month delivery we have quite the stock pile of blades.

If you want even cheaper, order Dorco directly. It's the supplier for Dollar Shave Club, so everyone says. We've been impressed- DH likes his Dorco better than he liked his fancy gillette

Thanks! I'll check that out!!!

bauhauss

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Re: Shaving - What is your razor situation?
« Reply #17 on: October 25, 2015, 01:08:41 PM »
I'm using a chinese safety razor, bought some months ago (around US$ 6.00). It's above my expectations, it's a very good and solid safety razor. I'm using russian blades (Wilkinson), because - shockingly - Gillette gives me a lot of in-grows, mainly in neck.

I'm a cold water shave guy.
Very good purchase.

Link to Ali Express: http://goo.gl/GkaoRi

spokey doke

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Re: Shaving - What is your razor situation?
« Reply #18 on: October 26, 2015, 06:20:28 PM »
One of the things I really don't like about the 3,4,6+ blade offerings from Gillette and Schick (besides $$$) are that there is so much space between the blades and the edge of the cartridge that it is hard to be precise (side burns and goatee), and shaving under my nose is a bit awkward too.  How are traditional safety razors on this score?

I'm deciding between going with the Dorco Comfort Thin II (a cheaper cartridge that gets some good reviews of precision), and a traditional safety razor.

I'm also a bit hesitant on the safety razor front, as I read tons of similarly glowing reviews about the best shave ever with a straight razor, but even with a great deal of commitment, practice, education, persistence, and a good razor, that was just way too harsh...going back to cartridges was wonderful
« Last Edit: October 26, 2015, 08:20:38 PM by spokey doke »

Kernel Fielding

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Re: Shaving - What is your razor situation?
« Reply #19 on: October 26, 2015, 08:36:01 PM »
Another safety razor/wet shave fan here. Been doing it for a few years now.

Look for a Merkur or Edwin Jagger safety razor, the simpler the better. I like the 3-piece ones (handle and upper/lower head pieces for holding hte blade. Blades are dirt-cheap - I prefer Derby or Feather, and each blade lasts me a couple of months (I shave every other day). Get a good badger-hair shaving brush and find a shaving soap you like, and you should be good to go. Like others, I spent about $90 on my kit a few years ago, and I still have dozens of blades left from my original purchase. Shaving soap is the most replenished item, but I only buy about one of them a year.


jengod

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Re: Shaving - What is your razor situation?
« Reply #21 on: October 27, 2015, 12:06:08 AM »
I've been trying to follow the principles espoused in Bea Johnson's Zero-Waste Home so when I used up my last disposable razor, I tried this safety razor, and so far I love it. I am a lady and only use a razor intermittently, so I can take the time to clean and dry the blade every time, which I am told will extend the life and value of the product.

<a rel="nofollow" href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00E6BQEEA/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B00E6BQEEA&linkCode=as2&tag=postapocaly06-20&linkId=P2HJ6WSECIRP3VJ3">Van Der Hagen Safety Razor</a><img src="http://ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=postapocaly06-20&l=as2&o=1&a=B00E6BQEEA" width="1" height="1" border="0" alt="" style="border:none !important; margin:0px !important;" />

iamlindoro

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Re: Shaving - What is your razor situation?
« Reply #22 on: October 27, 2015, 12:10:13 AM »
I've been trying to follow the principles espoused in Bea Johnson's Zero-Waste Home so when I used up my last disposable razor, I tried this safety razor, and so far I love it. I am a lady and only use a razor intermittently, so I can take the time to clean and dry the blade every time, which I am told will extend the life and value of the product.

<a rel="nofollow" href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00E6BQEEA/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B00E6BQEEA&linkCode=as2&tag=postapocaly06-20&linkId=P2HJ6WSECIRP3VJ3">Van Der Hagen Safety Razor</a><img src="http://ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=postapocaly06-20&l=as2&o=1&a=B00E6BQEEA" width="1" height="1" border="0" alt="" style="border:none !important; margin:0px !important;" />

It's possible I'm the only one who feels this way, but I find it in really bad taste when people post affiliate links without saying so.
« Last Edit: October 27, 2015, 12:15:40 AM by iamlindoro »

JimLahey

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Re: Shaving - What is your razor situation?
« Reply #23 on: October 27, 2015, 01:37:17 AM »
Last summer I switched to a safety razor. I have an Edwin Jagger DE89BL. I use Astra blades that are $10 for 100 on Amazon. I use Arko shaving soap that you can buy a case of on Amazon for around $12. I have a cheap boar hair brush. I just now finished my first pack of blades that I bought last July. I use plastic salsa bowls to build lather. I get a closer shave and less irritation than I did using disposables. It is more environmentally friendly and cheap.

tofuchampion

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Re: Shaving - What is your razor situation?
« Reply #24 on: October 27, 2015, 03:33:21 AM »
I've been trying to follow the principles espoused in Bea Johnson's Zero-Waste Home so when I used up my last disposable razor, I tried this safety razor, and so far I love it. I am a lady and only use a razor intermittently, so I can take the time to clean and dry the blade every time, which I am told will extend the life and value of the product.

<a rel="nofollow" href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00E6BQEEA/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B00E6BQEEA&linkCode=as2&tag=postapocaly06-20&linkId=P2HJ6WSECIRP3VJ3">Van Der Hagen Safety Razor</a><img src="http://ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=postapocaly06-20&l=as2&o=1&a=B00E6BQEEA" width="1" height="1" border="0" alt="" style="border:none !important; margin:0px !important;" />

It's possible I'm the only one who feels this way, but I find it in really bad taste when people post affiliate links without saying so.

You're not the only one.

stlbrah

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Re: Shaving - What is your razor situation?
« Reply #25 on: October 27, 2015, 07:14:33 AM »
I use a sensor XL disposable razor for about a year at a time.

I suspend it in vegetable oil when not in use, and I use an old pair of jeans to sharpen it.

AlwaysLearningToSave

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Re: Shaving - What is your razor situation?
« Reply #26 on: October 27, 2015, 08:27:20 AM »
One of the things I really don't like about the 3,4,6+ blade offerings from Gillette and Schick (besides $$$) are that there is so much space between the blades and the edge of the cartridge that it is hard to be precise (side burns and goatee), and shaving under my nose is a bit awkward too.  How are traditional safety razors on this score?

I'm deciding between going with the Dorco Comfort Thin II (a cheaper cartridge that gets some good reviews of precision), and a traditional safety razor.

I'm also a bit hesitant on the safety razor front, as I read tons of similarly glowing reviews about the best shave ever with a straight razor, but even with a great deal of commitment, practice, education, persistence, and a good razor, that was just way too harsh...going back to cartridges was wonderful

I find my safety razor to be quite precise around sideburns, under the nose, etc.

Regarding straight razors: I see the safety razor as the gateway drug to straight shaving. I think you are right on the money in that traditional shaving enthusiasts say a straight razor is the end-all and be-all of shaving, with safety razors a close second. You get many of the same benefits with a safety razor as you get with a straight razor: a single cutting blade, more control over the blade, far less tugging and irritation, etc.  A safety razor is a bit more user-friendly than a straight razor, though, and is therefore easier for a person switching from modern multi-blade cartridge razors to get the hang of.

Full disclosure: I have never actually shaved with a straight razor but love my safety razor. Maybe you are more of a man than me, but I would not feel comfortable trying my hand at a straight razor without first having mastered the safety razor. I've thought about buying a straight razor myself but have not done so because I am more than satisfied with the quality of my safety razor shaves and I'm betting I can shave faster with a safety razor than I would be able to with a straight razor (at least initially).  While i think I would love the experience of straight razor shaving, my mustachian tendencies keep me from making the unnecessary purchase.

jengod

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Shaving - What is your razor situation?
« Reply #27 on: October 27, 2015, 08:38:30 AM »
I've been trying to follow the principles espoused in Bea Johnson's Zero-Waste Home so when I used up my last disposable razor, I tried this safety razor, and so far I love it. I am a lady and only use a razor intermittently, so I can take the time to clean and dry the blade every time, which I am told will extend the life and value of the product.

<a rel="nofollow" href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00E6BQEEA/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B00E6BQEEA&linkCode=as2&tag=postapocaly06-20&linkId=P2HJ6WSECIRP3VJ3">Van Der Hagen Safety Razor</a><img src="http://ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=postapocaly06-20&l=as2&o=1&a=B00E6BQEEA" width="1" height="1" border="0" alt="" style="border:none !important; margin:0px !important;" />

It's possible I'm the only one who feels this way, but I find it in really bad taste when people post affiliate links without saying so.

You're not the only one.

My bad. I have Amazon Associates enables so you can just copy a formatted link in two clicks and I rely on it as a matter of habit. Apologies for violating community standards.

PS I thought I was side-hustling a little while making a genuine recommendation to an online community I frequent. didn't mean to be tacky. It won't happen again.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
« Last Edit: October 27, 2015, 08:48:28 AM by jengod »

GuitarStv

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Re: Shaving - What is your razor situation?
« Reply #28 on: October 27, 2015, 09:49:20 AM »
DE safety razor for me.  It works better than cheap disposables, and costs next to nothing.  Little bit of a learning curve though.

AlwaysLearningToSave

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Re: Shaving - What is your razor situation?
« Reply #29 on: October 27, 2015, 10:10:25 AM »
that was just way too harsh...going back to cartridges was wonderful

One more thought... Your hard experience with straight razors may also be in part a result of having a razor that was not good for your face.

There is a lot of variation between brands of razors in terms of sharpness of the blade, coating, etc. a safety razor allows you to try many different brands of blades to find the one that is right for you. I have a coarse beard and therefore need a sharper razor. Gillette and Derby brand double edge blades were not right for me but may be perfect for someone with a less coarse beard. But Feather blades, which many wet shavers consider the sharpest and highest quality blades available, were too harsh for my sensitive skin and I got some razor burn. I settled on Crystal blades (aka Israeli Personna or Blue Personna blades) because they were the right balance of sharpness and gentleness for me.

If you get a safety razor, spend the money on a sample pack of blades. Start with the duller razors as you learn to use the safety razor and then move sharper until you find what is right for you. Here is a link that discusses the features of different blades:

http://www.shaving101.com/index.php/education/double-edge-shaving/48-choosing-the-right-blade.html