The Money Mustache Community
Learning, Sharing, and Teaching => Reader Recommendations => Topic started by: frugalfather on July 26, 2013, 05:49:33 AM
-
I am a card carring member of the dollar shave club. Cuts my cost for new razors in half plus they send them to me every month. I have the most expensive plan which is $9 a month which includes shipping. The cheapest plan is $1 a month but you have to pay for shipping. Oh... and no more spending money on gas to buy them at a store. The quality of the razors are great. Plus the commercial on the website is funny as hell. Here is the link http://shaved.by/ezao
-
Have you looked at the cost of buying an electric razor these days? I bought one for 80$ canadian, i'm sure cheaper in the states, and if you the do the math will pay for itself in roughly 8 months...
-
I bought a Panasonic Arc IV electric shaver for $69 over four years ago and only replaced the blades a year ago for $15. I also haven't needed to buy shaving cream for four years.
-
Dorco razors are cheap: http://www.dorcousa.com/
Got a combo box for ~$35 that will likely last the husband (and me sneaking a use every so often...) at least a couple years at the rate he (we) go through them. The July pack says "one year supply," which might be the average mileage on them.
For electric razor users: are they fairly reliable? Any maintenance you have to do on them?
-
Dorco razors are cheap: http://www.dorcousa.com/
Got a combo box for ~$35 that will likely last the husband (and me sneaking a use every so often...) at least a couple years at the rate he (we) go through them. The July pack says "one year supply," which might be the average mileage on them.
Wow- these are amazingly cheap. Is the quality good?
-
Wow- these are amazingly cheap. Is the quality good?
I can't speak for their cartridges or disposables, but Dorco's DE safety razor blades are by far my favorite.
-
Dorco razors are cheap: http://www.dorcousa.com/
Got a combo box for ~$35 that will likely last the husband (and me sneaking a use every so often...) at least a couple years at the rate he (we) go through them. The July pack says "one year supply," which might be the average mileage on them.
Wow- these are amazingly cheap. Is the quality good?
No complaints so far - I'd say they're comparable to Gillette from my own experience.
-
Have you looked at the cost of buying an electric razor these days? I bought one for 80$ canadian, i'm sure cheaper in the states, and if you the do the math will pay for itself in roughly 8 months...
I used to have an electric years ago, but didn't like it. It never seemed to cut close enough for me. But it did irritate my skin pretty good. hehe
-
I read somewhere (on this site I believe) that Dorco is the company that manufactures DollarShaveClub's razors. So if you like DSC, you save by buying them direct from Dorco.
-
21 months ago I switched from razor+cream to electric. I've not looked back.
I don't use the classic electronic replacements, I use what they refer to as a trimmer. Example (http://www.amazon.co.uk/Remington-MB4110-Beard-Trimmer-Stubble/dp/B004GEFC0E/ref=pd_sxp_f_pt)
It leaves you with slight stubble which is socially acceptable at work!
I'm still on my first trimmer and it cost less than £12. I maintain it well though and make sure the blades are clean.
Can't believe I did not switch sooner.
YMMV: I am fair haired and do not have thick facial growth!
-
21 months ago I switched from razor+cream to electric. I've not looked back.
I don't use the classic electronic replacements, I use what they refer to as a trimmer. Example (http://www.amazon.co.uk/Remington-MB4110-Beard-Trimmer-Stubble/dp/B004GEFC0E/ref=pd_sxp_f_pt)
It leaves you with slight stubble which is socially acceptable at work!
I'm still on my first trimmer and it cost less than £12. I maintain it well though and make sure the blades are clean.
Can't believe I did not switch sooner.
YMMV: I am fair haired and do not have thick facial growth!
Yeah, I've been just letting my beard grow for a week, then cut it off with a trimmer. Occasionally, I will get a real shave the next day with my Gillette Fusion.
I just don't like spending the time on shaving. The cost doesn't bother me, but I also use razor blades a lot longer than what I read other people do.
-
DE safety razor. Cost me $40 for the handle (solid billet steel) and costs me $16 for 100 razors. Each razor lasts me 1 month (but I have a beard, I figure about half that if I was shaving my whole face). I change razors roughly twice or three times as often as my old Mach3, but that still gets me a huge cost savings.
Personally, I've never seen the dollar shave club as good math (unless you are the post office).
-
I currently have a beard, but...
I used a double-edged safety razor for years. Each razor ends up costing about a quarter, I would use it for about a week (I have pretty thick facial hair and needed a good shave for my job). The shaving soap is also very inexpensive. Even though I buy a fancy, Italian brand, it ends up costing me about $1/month. I have had the razor handle and badger-hair brush for about 8 years now.
I do not like electric shavers. They irritate my skin and do not get a very good shave. Plus, it is expensive to replace the blades. I know some people will use the same blades for an incredibly long time but, IMO, I cannot get a good shave using the same blade for that long of a period. The safety razor is the best option for me because it is very inexpensive and gives me a good shave.
-
There is also Harry's (http://www.harrys.com) a startup from the creators of Warby Parker eyeglass store.
Their razors run $20 for 12 and are a of pretty high quality. Since I change blades about once a month, it's a cheap option compared to the usual suspects
-
I bought one of these. Read about it on The Simple Dollar.
http://www.amazon.com/RazorPit-Razor-Blade-Sharpener-Black/dp/B004W2UMDW/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1376259258&sr=8-1&keywords=razorpit
Amazing! I reuse disposable razors I bought at Target and I haven't looked back. I can use the same razor for several months. Feels great and saves mega bucks.
-
To give a woman's perspective, I save tons of money by purchasing a bar of shaving soap, rather than the ridiculously overpriced women's shaving gel. I could probably use regular soap, but I like things that smell pretty. Also, since women's body hair is generally sparser and finer than men's facial hair, no shaving brush is needed.
Like frugteacher, I also reuse disposable razors for ages. I probably buy a pack of 10 or 12 to last me about a year.
-
To give a woman's perspective, I save tons of money by purchasing a bar of shaving soap, rather than the ridiculously overpriced women's shaving gel. I could probably use regular soap, but I like things that smell pretty.
Not a woman's perspective, but I've found there is a big difference between shave soap and facial/hand soap. Normal soap is made to rinse cleanly, which means after one pass with a razor it is gone. Double Edge safety razors require two passes, one with the grain, one against, leaving the second pass soap (and thus lubrication) free. Proper shave soap has stuff in it so the second pass is still lubricated (but still rinses cleanly). I learned this when I tried using bits of old hand soap with my brush in place of proper shave soap. It isn't worth it, especially when proper shave soap cost $1.50.
-
I've always used a Braun foil type electric razor. The last one has lasted me well over 5 years.
Now that I have a full beard, I only use the Braun on my neck...take 2mins every other morning. I love not having to waste time shaving my face... I'm lazy like that I guess.
-
Another DE shaver here. I use a vintage Gillette usually. cost me $20 and a year's worth of blades is $20-30. I buy great shaving soap from Mama Bear Soaps for $5 a puck that lasts several months. Shaving is fun now!
-
I think the idea that they constantly try to sell these new fangeled 14 bladed razors is kind of silly.
Check out this story.
http://money.msn.com/now/post--hipsters-are-killing-american-razor-sales
Yeah, the penchant for reclaimed and sustainable goods just happens to be a hipster stereotype that's true.
Fine, I'll be a hipster then.
-
I read somewhere (on this site I believe) that Dorco is the company that manufactures DollarShaveClub's razors. So if you like DSC, you save by buying them direct from Dorco.
Hoopy's memory is good. I.P. Daley first turned me on to Dorco here:
If you want to go the DSC route and their equipment, it's far cheaper buying from Dorco directly:
http://www.dorcousa.com/
...or you could just grow a beard and not have any shaving costs at all.
I'm very happy with the combo pack I purchased from Dorco and my wife likes the pack I bought for her, too. I think I spent about $35 total on the combo packs in March and we have tons of blades left (way more than a year's worth each).
-
Since I started couponing, we haven't spent more than $1 per razor (with 3-4 blades) or $.25 per shave gel can. Actually, I went a little overboard a few years ago, getting a shoebox full of blades for free or less than $1, and we haven't bought blades in 3 years. You can get great deals in-store, all summer, on razor blades.
-
To give a woman's perspective, I save tons of money by purchasing a bar of shaving soap, rather than the ridiculously overpriced women's shaving gel. I could probably use regular soap, but I like things that smell pretty.
Not a woman's perspective, but I've found there is a big difference between shave soap and facial/hand soap. Normal soap is made to rinse cleanly, which means after one pass with a razor it is gone. Double Edge safety razors require two passes, one with the grain, one against, leaving the second pass soap (and thus lubrication) free. Proper shave soap has stuff in it so the second pass is still lubricated (but still rinses cleanly). I learned this when I tried using bits of old hand soap with my brush in place of proper shave soap. It isn't worth it, especially when proper shave soap cost $1.50.
Thanks for the insight. I'm glad I'm not wasting my money.
-
I was using the middle of the road Dollar Shave Club system but am punting it for the cheap one. 4 blades on a head is too big to maneuver around my nose and face, leaving huge areas of unshaved idiocy.
If the small ones are good i'm gonna pull the trigger @Dorco - thanks for the tip!
-
I've had electrics in the past, they don't work well for me. Pricey electrics or cheap electrics, didn't matter, none shaved as close as a blade.
Been using cheapo disposables and shaving cream from the Dollar store. But switched recently to an old school Safety Razor. The razor was $2.50 from Amazon and a pack of 100 double-sided blades was $6, also from Amazon. Coupled with my dollar store shaving cream I figured out I'll be spending around $5-$6 per year on shaving. and the safety razor shaves much closer than disposables or an electric.
-
I've been using a straight razor exclusively for the past 5 years and never want to use anything else. The initial cost is high. I spent $120 on the razor (a Dovo), $30 on a high-quality strop, $30 on a high-grit hone, and $80 on a lower grit diamond plate. However, unlike the DE which I used to use, I never have to worry about buying blades again. As long as I don't break/lose anything, this setup will likely last the rest of my life. I also like how there aren't any disposable parts. I usually hone it once or twice per year and don't need to do any more maintenance. A DE may still win in ease of use and total lifetime cost, but the straight razor is way more fun!
Besides, my SO thinks I'm a badass for dragging an open blade across my face :P
-
I've had electrics in the past, they don't work well for me. Pricey electrics or cheap electrics, didn't matter, none shaved as close as a blade.
Been using cheapo disposables and shaving cream from the Dollar store. But switched recently to an old school Safety Razor. The razor was $2.50 from Amazon and a pack of 100 double-sided blades was $6, also from Amazon. Coupled with my dollar store shaving cream I figured out I'll be spending around $5-$6 per year on shaving. and the safety razor shaves much closer than disposables or an electric.
I use disposables and normally just shave after a shower or splash hot water on my face and I don't use shaving cream. If I got one of these, do you need to use shaving cream?
-
I've also been wondering how well a DE would work for female legs? My disposables last forever (can you tell we are just coming out of winter :P), so I'm not sure it would be that economical but they just look pretty baddass!
-
I'm on my second Norelco electric (~$50 IIRC) in about 15 years. I use it to shave my whole head (well, except for eyebrows). Eliminates having to pay for haircuts, shampoo, razor blades, shaving cream, bandaids for when I cut myself, and a plumber every 5 years to unclog the drain from all the hair I used to wash down it. :)
-
+1 for DE or straight. I have both depending on the free time available. The good shaving cream is all I buy now and it shaves up so much nicer than the gel crap.
-
I've also been wondering how well a DE would work for female legs? My disposables last forever (can you tell we are just coming out of winter :P), so I'm not sure it would be that economical but they just look pretty baddass!
They work great on my dude legs, and I assume lady legs would be similar. More control + higher quality blades = I cut myself less than I used to with disposables or cartridge razors. The Lady Gillette (http://wiki.badgerandblade.com/Gillette_Lady_Gillette) has a longer reach than most regular DE razors, but I just use a normal shorter one (Gillette Tech (http://wiki.badgerandblade.com/Tech), standard cheapie vintage razor) and it's still been great.
-
I use conditioner for shaving cream, must better as it softens the hairs, and doesn't irritate like normal shaving soap does. I don't have to use moisturiser or anything after.
-
I picked up a vintage Gillette DE off ebay for ten dollars. Then a shaving brush and bowl. Then a couple of soaps and cremes. I haven't put a pencil to it, but it will take a while before the savings over the fancy Mach 3 blades surpasses the start up costs for the DE, but in the mean time it is a fun ritual. I enjoy a good shave and the DE does it better.
-
I picked up a vintage Gillette DE off ebay for ten dollars. Then a shaving brush and bowl. Then a couple of soaps and cremes. I haven't put a pencil to it, but it will take a while before the savings over the fancy Mach 3 blades surpasses the start up costs for the DE, but in the mean time it is a fun ritual. I enjoy a good shave and the DE does it better.
I figured about 2 years even with fancy soaps.
-
I've been using a DE for years, replacing the $.10 blade every month or so. I've talked it up at work so often that I got a second cheapo handle ($2 on amazon (http://www.amazon.com/Silver-Double-Shaver-Nonslip-Handle/dp/B0050HO9MI)) so I can convert others. The $2 handle works great by the way.
-
I've been using a DE for years, replacing the $.10 blade every month or so. I've talked it up at work so often that I got a second cheapo handle ($2 on amazon (http://www.amazon.com/Silver-Double-Shaver-Nonslip-Handle/dp/B0050HO9MI)) so I can convert others. The $2 handle works great by the way.
Now that is an awesome deal - I way overpaid for a handle last year. I bought a 100 count batch of Dorco blades for about $6. After all the talk (on shaving forums) about DE awesomeness I find it no better than my first kit 40 years ago. The shave takes twice as long and the results are about on par with a Panasonic electric I own. I will still use them but not for everyday shaving.
I find the Mach III cartridge superior. Unfortunately that is costly at $2 minimum per cartridge. I just bought a years worth of Dorco 6 blade cartridges (34 count total) and a handle at their online store for $31 shipped. I bought extra cartridges to get the free shipping. Thank you to the earlier poster who provided a link.
-
I've been using a straight razor exclusively for the past 5 years and never want to use anything else. The initial cost is high. I spent $120 on the razor (a Dovo), $30 on a high-quality strop, $30 on a high-grit hone, and $80 on a lower grit diamond plate. However, unlike the DE which I used to use, I never have to worry about buying blades again. As long as I don't break/lose anything, this setup will likely last the rest of my life. I also like how there aren't any disposable parts. I usually hone it once or twice per year and don't need to do any more maintenance. A DE may still win in ease of use and total lifetime cost, but the straight razor is way more fun!
Besides, my SO thinks I'm a badass for dragging an open blade across my face :P
Seconded. I have almost the exact same setup.
https://forum.mrmoneymustache.com/share-your-badassity/get-rich-with-the-universal-shaving-device/msg7965/#msg7965
-
Electric is a way to go for sure. I don't know how much exactly my Philips shaver cost because it was a Christmas gift from my father about five years ago, but knowing him probably the most expensive model in the shop. In any case it has worked great and I haven't had to replace any parts yet. It's true that it doesn't shave quite as closely as the most fancy razors, but that's fine with me. I might even look better like that. Have had no problems with skin irritation.
My shaving costs are pretty much zero unless you count the electricity. I shudder every time I notice a package of fancy razors in the story for 50$.
-
I tried the 6 blade dorcousa.com shaver I just got on their black Friday sale. The shave was close and smooth.
The sent the code 1013SHAVE8PS for 5% off this Month (December 2013) I won't need it, having bought plenty of cartridges.
-
I have been using a Panasonic wet-dry rechargeable shaver for 2 years now, and I will never go back to anything else considering the savings in blades and the quality of the shave. I had to replace the foil because I was careless and never used the cover for the head, but now I know how fragile it is so I put it back after each shave. I use the shaver dry, but once in a while I use whatever body cream or conditioner I have left from my thousands of hotel stays when I was a flight attendant. I am actually so cheap that I recharge my razor at my office.
-
I use a dual setup: manual mondays and thursdays to kickstart the week with a close shave, electric every other day for convenience.
The electric one I got for $40 on sale a few months back, and the cartridge blades are left over from... I don't even remember when. One blade lasts me much longer that most people however. Will be trying the fancy DE shaving techniques once I run out of the cheapo cartridges.
-
I use a Remington F2 electric (MSRP $25; I got it for I think $10). I got it maybe a year or two ago, only because my old electric (which I had used for 6 years or so) had a battery that would no longer hold a charge and could not be used while plugged in. This one can be used while plugged in, so I don't expect to replace it for at least 10 years.
Short of not shaving at all, I think y'all will have a hard time beating $1/year. : )
-
I haven't shaved anything in over a year.
Glorious ladypit hairs, indeed.
I know most posters in this thread wouldn't consider not shaving an option, but why not? I'm proud of my hairy ladylegs in summer skirts and winter trousers.
-
I don't shave anything either. When recovering from a knee surgery, it was too painful to shave my legs, so I didn't. And I haven't shave anything since then. That was more than 10 years ago.
-
I don't shave anything either. When recovering from a knee surgery, it was too painful to shave my legs, so I didn't. And I haven't shave anything since then. That was more than 10 years ago.
*highfive*
-
After 30 years of having to shave daily while on duty in the military, I am currently going through a Tom Hanks Castaway-like refuzzification of my face. When I get over that I will go back to either clean shaving or a trimmed beard twice a week using an electric razor/trimmer. I tried blades when I was a youngun, but my pimply face at the time made it a bloody affair, so I switched to electric and haven't changed back.
-
Another technique that really works and I adopted about a year ago is drying your disposable razors after each use:
http://www.clarkhoward.com/news/clark-howard/clarks-bargains/clark-reaches-12-month-mark-using-single-disposabl/ncxf/
Now you don't have to go a year (unless you are trying to prove a point), but the fact is that most of the dulling of the razor is due to rusting/corrosion causing micro-pitting from water and salt(from skin) left on the razor.
When I first tried this I dried them with a bit of TP after each use and noticed that a blade would comfortably last 3-4 weeks instead of just one. More recently I started dipping my razors in rubbing alcohol after rinsing in water. This works even better, the alcohol rinses the blade and evaporates away any left over water. A bottle of isopropyl alcohol costs a buck and will do this for at least a year. My current razor is going on 2 months with this technique and still shaving really well. The best part is you can choose to use inexpensive or "fancy" disposables per your comfort level and get 5x or more the life out of each.
On a similar note you can air dry your bar soap for a few weeks before using and it won't dissolve away nearly as quickly in the shower. Try it!
-
I personally have DSC (smallest one) and am still on my first one. I let the orders keep coming even though I'm on my 2nd razor. I use a trimmer. As a software engineer, I don't need to be clean shaven, so the trimmer works for me. I'll have to check out some of the other options raised in this thread though.
-
8 months ago I ran out of my costco stock of mach5 blades.
I bought a 'starter' safety razor set, 50 razor blades, a nicer brush (the first one fell apart) and some nicer soap for $60.
I should run out of the soap in roughly 4 months, the razors should last me years, since I tend to shave 2x a week. When the razor gets a bit dull, I use it to shave my arm that is tattooed.
Keep in mind it really gets rid of ALL your hair if you do it right, so if you look like a boob without fuzz you might want to go the clipper route.
-
[...] if you look like a boob without fuzz [...]
...you should carry a pocket mirror.
-
I need to look into a different type of razor because it gets expensive constantly buying from the store.
-
For most of my life I've been using Gillette cartridge razors and after I had to buy a refill pack once I knew it was going to be too expensive in the long run.
I ended up buying a Merkur safety razor online for maybe 50 bucks, a few different shaving creams/soap, a brush, mug, some aftershave and razors. The initial investment was probably around 100 dollars but now that I have found that I actually prefer the cheaper shaving cream, my monthly cost has gone done significantly. I might go through 2 razor blades a month while shaving 2 or 3 times a week. Bear in mind I don't grow much hair at all. I've since bought a 100 pack of razor blades and I know this is going to last me a couple years.
-
I have found the best razor for shave quality and price is the pivot plus 2-blade razor by Good News. They sell at Walmart for $8.50 for 12. Electric does not give a close enough shave. I tried the old fashioned safety razor thing and it is very cheap and gives the closest shave I ever got but I kept cutting my neck all up. I couldn't get the hang of it.
The regular 2 blade razors cut me too, the pivot gives a great shave though with not cuts. I dont even use lotion or cream, just wet my face with warm water and shave.
-
I change to a straight razor and I'm never going back my face and pocket are really happy I bought a metal Straight Razor on ebay it cost about $9 and the blade was $20 for 310 safety razor blade but the straight use half of the blade so I ended with 620 blade I use one blade per week do the math I have almos 12 year of shaving supplies for $20 nothing beat that price. It have a learning curve but you face will thank you
-
I agree the price cant be beat but I just couldn't get the hang of it. After a few tries I got tired of having cuts all over my neck for the week. Maybe I will try again someday. The shave was awesome when it didn't cut.
-
So I scanned through the above posts but didn't see some of the things that I do to save on shaving. First of all, I think that if you are someone for whom the MMM approach of using a hair trimmer in lieu of shaving works, you are probably really saving the most money. However, if you do love the coo of your significant other when they feel your shaven flesh, or you work in an oppressive environment where grown up hairs are not allowed then you will need to shave.
First, I really haven't optimized the razor acquisition side of all of this. I think I bought a pack of razors quite like this 2 years ago. http://www.costco.com/Schick-Hydro-5-Blade-Razor-with-15-Refills.product.100087764.html
I also use soap for my shave, which is a significant savings.
That said, I am only on my 7th blade (In 2 years) thus far, if you count the one in my travel kit as being used. Note that I shave only twice a week, because I am a grad student and I try not to spoil my wife too much :) The longevity really comes from two things.
First, keep the razor that you are actually using in olive oil between shaves. This appears to suspend the rusting process due to keeping water and oxygen from coming into contact with the metal. I have found that olive oil really does work well for this, and because it also tastes good on salads you probably have some in your house already. No need to buy anything fancy. Don't use canola oil though, that fried one of my blades.
Second, before each shave rub the blade against you palm in the opposite you would to shave. YOU SHOULD NOT BE CUTTING YOURSELF WHEN YOU DO THIS. I have never cut myself doing this, and I do it twice a week. I do this 20 times on each palm to make sure they are even. What this does it flatten out the blades of the razor, so that the cutting surface has no ridges or valleys. This allows the blade to continue to provide an even shave, and makes it less likely to slice into your skin.
That's it really. I think I picked those up in a reddit thread a while ago, and it really has payed off. So much so in fact that I am a little bummed that I have such an abundance of razors preventing me from trying out all of the cool suggestions previous posts have mentioned. Hope these help. Even if you have a silly expensive set up right now, finding a way to work these two things in can really create a lot of longevity for your shave.
-
I agree the price cant be beat but I just couldn't get the hang of it. After a few tries I got tired of having cuts all over my neck for the week. Maybe I will try again someday. The shave was awesome when it didn't cut.
The key is the preparation of the face, some hot water first, use a brush to apply the latter this help a lot and finally you need to stretch the skin to avoid cut and stop using canned shaving cream, if you still getting cut try a pre shave oil. At first I use the oil now I only use soap and the brush to create the latter. the hot or warm water is key here.
-
I posted in another thread but wanted to add here: Maggard Razors (http://www.maggardrazors.com/) is a great little company with good prices and fantastic customer service. I got my DE from them and a big variety pack of blades.
Also, check out reddit.com/r/wicked_edge
-
After years of painful, bloody, not-especially-close shaves with disposables and cartridges, I finally switched to an old-fashioned Merkur safety razor a few years back. It was an improvement, but I didn't really find my groove until I started shaving in the shower. Turns out I can get a very close and very comfortable shave that way with that same Merkur. Don't even need shaving cream or soap! And I can use a single blade for weeks or perhaps even months. (The quality does decrease noticeably after the first week or so, but it's still better than the best shave I could get without a safety razor!)
Perhaps someday I'll give the straight razor a shot. It would certainly make you feel hardcore.
-
Two things:
1) Razor blades don't wear out from directly slicing hair- oxidation is what weakens and allows for wear. Dry your razor before putting it away and it lasts a long time. No joke- I used to be able to get a Fusion razor to last 3+ months shaving 4 times a week. I washed it, dried it, and put a drop of oil on it.
2) (Men only) If you stop shaving, you can save even more money. I stopped shaving last November. Now I just keep a short, well-trimmed beard/mustache using an old Remington hair clipper set.
-
Two things:
1) Razor blades don't wear out from directly slicing hair- oxidation is what weakens and allows for wear. Dry your razor before putting it away and it lasts a long time. No joke- I used to be able to get a Fusion razor to last 3+ months shaving 4 times a week. I washed it, dried it, and put a drop of oil on it.
2) (Men only) If you stop shaving, you can save even more money. I stopped shaving last November. Now I just keep a short, well-trimmed beard/mustache using an old Remington hair clipper set.
Women, if you stop shaving, you still have to pay for it, apparently!
-
... I still don't understand whats wrong with a big pack of men's razors from costco (I'm a woman)? 9 monthly on razors?? I shVe everyday (almost)and STILL costco's pack lasts me months!
-
I buy the CVS knock off version of the Fusion cartridges. I am signed up for their mailing list and they usually send 20-30% off coupons via email every week. I occasionally get CVS Extrabucks when I buy multiple packs of cartridges at the same time. After the coupons, I usually get the price down to $6-7 per four pack. I use each cartridge for 2 weeks.
My mom is a coupons and usually has a bunch of shave gel to give me when I see her. She also gives me some Bic 3 blade razors she buys with coupons.
-
I use an electric razor. The shave is not as close but I don't care. I only shave 2-3 times a week anyway. I think it costs me about $15/year.
-
I am running the beard these days. Wasn't a cost saving decision for me, but hey.
Since I ride to work everyday it just makes it easier ( I am a shave every day kind of guy) and it keeps my face warm on the cold mornings on the bike...
AND the ladies love it :)
Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk HD
-
Two things:
1) Razor blades don't wear out from directly slicing hair- oxidation is what weakens and allows for wear. Dry your razor before putting it away and it lasts a long time. No joke- I used to be able to get a Fusion razor to last 3+ months shaving 4 times a week. I washed it, dried it, and put a drop of oil on it.
2) (Men only) If you stop shaving, you can save even more money. I stopped shaving last November. Now I just keep a short, well-trimmed beard/mustache using an old Remington hair clipper set.
Women, if you stop shaving, you still have to pay for it, apparently!
Ya what the hell, Colgate?!
Almost two years of no shaving for me. Maybe I forgot to pay someone along the way.
-
I'm surprised Harry's has only been mentioned once. If you want to pay premium dollar shave club prices for a razor, you will probably like the harry's stuff way, way more. I like it more than any of the gillette stuff I've ever owned. Works great with a bar of dr. bronner's peppermint soap.
-
Merkur long handle, double-edged safety razor: $30, http://www.amazon.com/Merkur-Long-Handled-Safety-Razor/dp/B000NL0T1G
100 pack of blades: $13, www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0077LAJT2 (lasts me 2 years switching blades every week)
A little scary at first but you learn quickly how to avoid cuts. You can buy fancy lather brushes and soap, or you can just use bodywash and a loofah to generate a good shaving foam.
-
Merkur long handle, double-edged safety razor: $30, http://www.amazon.com/Merkur-Long-Handled-Safety-Razor/dp/B000NL0T1G
100 pack of blades: $13, www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0077LAJT2 (lasts me 2 years switching blades every week)
A little scary at first but you learn quickly how to avoid cuts. You can buy fancy lather brushes and soap, or you can just use bodywash and a loofah to generate a good shaving foam.
This! I got a Merkur double edged safety razor for Christmas along with the soap and bristles. I cut myself a couple times the first time I shaved with it because it wasn't as forgiving as my Gillette fusion. I learned really quick your shave lines have to be very straight and you have to rinse it off more. I've never had a shave so close, and I'm still using the same razor it came with. Plus the blades are very cheap as noted above.
Dorco is actually insanely expensive if you are looking at safety razor blades. $16 for 10. You can get 100 for $13 in a few places, Amazon being one of them. I think its safe to say my shaving costs are now under $1/month, maybe even under $0.25/month.
-
I'm really glad I learned about double-edged razors a couple years ago. I knew old school safety razors (the long single blade) existed but that was a step too far for me. Double-edged razors are very similar to cartridge style in terms of technique/skill you need. Plus, slowing down a bit when you've got a blade right on your skin doesn't seem like a terrible idea in any case.
My razor isn't "buy it for life" quality because there's some plating going on near the head. But now that I know I like it, I have no problem spending money on a higher quality one when this one needs replacing.
All cartridge razors now seem like a huge ripoff to me. I'm using sharper blades because I have no problem tossing a 13 cent blade out, where I would hang on to the old cartridge ones for way too long because they're so expensive. My skin is also less irritated with fewer blades.
The only downside so far is that you can't fly with double edged razor blades (even when screwed into a razor), so I just keep a single cartridge razor on hand for travelling. I learned that you can sharpen those blades by stropping on a pair of jeans against the threads (look on YouTube for more info) to prolong their lifespan a bit.
-
i looked at DSC a while back after seeing one of their hilarious commercials.
however. once i thought about it. and looked into other options. i ended up buying direct from dorco.
i might pay a little more RIGHT NOW, but i dont use up razors nearly quick enough to get a set of 4-5 cartridges sent to me every month.
maybe its because i am lazy and don't shave very often. maybe its because i have soft hair. maybe its because my job is more IT, than in the public eye... (its all 3 btw ;)... i think i go through a single cartridge in about 3-4 weeks, not sure since i forget to count/pay attention)
i just realized that after a short couple of months i would have extra razors for days if i kept up the subscription.
-
I have used ATRA razors for the longest time. The stores stopped selling them for some reason though, so I found 50 ATRA razor heads on eBay for $14, shipped. That combined with a $4 razor handle shipped from Thailand, and I figure I'm set for the next two years.
I always dry the blade before putting it away. I shave daily, a habit from the military.
-
I am a military member thus requiring a daily shave. While I used to have a very fancy electric razor, the thing chewed my face up. So like you I switched to dollar shave club. It saved me a lot of face ache and only cost about 60$ a year. But then I bought a straight razor from whipped dog for about 50$ (I think it is 43 plus shipping). I have not looked back since. I don't need more razors because I have the strop that sharpens it and every time I use it, the cost per use is reduced. After trying the straight razor, I don't think that I will ever return to a normal razor again. Plus it adds a bit of fun to the every day shave.
This is what I bought:
http://www.whippeddog.com/products/view/sight-unseen-razor
-
Check out the 'How to Shave like your Grandpa' (http://www.artofmanliness.com/2008/01/04/how-to-shave-like-your-grandpa/) article from Art of Manliness. I have been a safety razor convert since I read it and decided to give a try. Blades are about $0.05 each and last longer than conventional razors. Shaves are much better in my opinion and I get much less irritation. I use this one (http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0009ICYHA?ie=UTF8&tag=stucosuccess-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B0009ICYHA), and have nothing but good things to say. Up front price ~$30 but with cheap blades that last longer, it will be much cheaper in the long run. The razor handle is high quality and will last forever.
-
My husband has been a Gillette man all these years, but was willing to give Dorco a try. We picked up the "Frugal Dude Pack" a few months ago (love the name!) and he is a total convert. The blades are lasting 2x longer than the Gillette and the daily shave is exactly the same quality as Gillette.
I'm also using Dorco (Frugal Gal Pack) and love it!
http://www.dorcousa.com
*edit: link fixed, thanks 4alpacas!
-
My husband has been a Gillette man all these years, but was willing to give Dorco a try. We picked up the "Frugal Dude Pack" a few months ago (love the name!) and he is a total convert. The blades are lasting 2x longer than the Gillette and the daily shave is exactly the same quality as Gillette.
I'm also using Dorco (Frugal Gal Pack) and love it!
http://www.dorco.com
We also bought razors from Dorco (correct website: http://www.dorcousa.com/), and we're really happy with the product. Our first purchase was the women's blades for me (Shia) and the men's blade for my husband. I've run out of women's blades, so I'm using a men's cartridge. I actually prefer the men's product, so I'll switch when we order more. We ordered the trial packs, less than $50 total, almost two years ago.
-
DH and I are fans of Dollar Shave Club, we use the four blade razor and have it delivered once every 2 month. He does use cheap shaving cream but I just use basic soap. All in all, we maybe spend $3 a month on shaving supplies, and that is on the high side of the estimate.
-
Another safety razor user here. I still have ~3/4 of the 100 blades I bought 2.5 years ago (for $9). Electric razors chew my skin up too much for me to use them - I will make a rare exception, but then my neck gets angry.
-
What's the best recommendation for a razor if I have very sensitive skin? I battle acne every day and I want a razor that won't exacerbate that.
-
I bought an old shave kit from amazon that uses the double sided safety razors.. they come in 100 packs dorcos or personna and I switch the razors daily when I shave .. it's cheaper than the Mach 5 or the gilette razors
-
Question about the safety razors (Mekur): What kind of shaving cream can you use? Preferably something that will not get into my pores and cause acne (i.e. oil)
-
IMPORTANT INFO:
Most people think that razors get dull from cutting hair. While that's true, it takes 6 months to a year for that to happen. So, what's the deal, you might ask.
I'll give it to you straight. It's the water. Imagine a razors edge. VERY THIN METAL. Now imagine moisture and water sittinging on that edge every day after shaving for a couple of hours. IT CORRODES!!!
So, what do I do about it? Blow it out from the back and pat it on a towel and then blow it from the front (blade side) and rest it in it's cradle upside down. Now, you've got a razor that will last 6 months with no problem.
AND THAT'S NOT ALL!!!!
Right now, when you but a double pack of edge shaving gel at Walmart, they include a BRAND NEW Schick Hydro 5 razor. AND, it's the real deal...not a disposable. So for FIVE BUCKS, you can have 2 cans of shave gel and an $8 razor thrown in for free. That's 6 months of shaving for $5 or less (if you're careful, it will easily go more than 6 months.
-
Question about the safety razors (Mekur): What kind of shaving cream can you use? Preferably something that will not get into my pores and cause acne (i.e. oil)
Instead of using a shave cream or lotion, try using a shave soap. The Merkur site has plenty to offer. If you use a soap though, you'll probably need to get a brush too; I'm not sure you'll be able to get the proper lather without it.
I can't imagine using a cartridge razor for 6 months. I know plenty of people do but I'll follow the cult of those from places like /r/wicked_edge and say it's sacrilege and asking for lousy shaves. Different strokes, I suppose.
-
Still don't know which type of razor I'd be more comfortable with using for my face. I don't want to get cuts, razor burns, or use any creams that would cause acne.
-
Doing a proper wet shave really reduces skin irritation. Hygiene and diet are likely going to influence acne more than your razor.
-
Doing a proper wet shave really reduces skin irritation. Hygiene and diet are likely going to influence acne more than your razor.
So would it be better to go with a safety razor then such as a Merkur?
That's true, but shaving is another factor on top of everything I do for the acne. I want to minimize risks as much as possible.
-
DH and I are fans of Dollar Shave Club, we use the four blade razor and have it delivered once every 2 month. He does use cheap shaving cream but I just use basic soap. All in all, we maybe spend $3 a month on shaving supplies, and that is on the high side of the estimate.
I have tried several things in my move away from the expensive Gillette Mach razors.
Tried Harry's first. Did not care too much for the cartridge blade or the handle. The handle felt like it would slip out of my hand.
Next tried the dollar shave club. Like the handle and blade much better than Harry's.
Finally went back to the DE razor which I had started shaving with a long time ago. I am so happy with this. I get a far closer shave than any cartridge. The stubble I have on my face the next morning is similar to the my 5 'o' clock shadow with the cartridges.
Have tried a couple of DE blades, prefer Shark to Dorco stainless (got 7 days with Shark, 4 days with Dorco stainless). If you go the DE route, get the sampler pack and find what suits your face. Assuming the razor is a BIFL item, the cost of blades is less than $10/year.
-
Saving to read in entirety later. Good info!
-
I have been using cheap one-use razors for a while now but recently discovered a Youtube clip where a guy was drying the blade on his disposable razor after each use, then he ran the blades backwards up his inner arm 10 - 15 times.
I have had 9 shaves now from the "one-use" razor using this method and it looks like it has plenty more shaves in it.
The razors cost around 15p each so have went from being good value to amazing value in the last fortnight.
I have around 20 razors, I'm hoping I can get 6 months shaving out of each of them so they will last until my projected retirement! Happy days.
-
I have been using cheap one-use razors for a while now but recently discovered a Youtube clip where a guy was drying the blade on his disposable razor after each use, then he ran the blades backwards up his inner arm 10 - 15 times.
I have had 9 shaves now from the "one-use" razor using this method and it looks like it has plenty more shaves in it.
The razors cost around 15p each so have went from being good value to amazing value in the last fortnight.
I have around 20 razors, I'm hoping I can get 6 months shaving out of each of them so they will last until my projected retirement! Happy days.
For a little less risk of cutting your arm, you can use a similar trick with an old pair of denim jeans, I've heard you can get months or even years out of one blade... 2 months in so far :)
-
OK, thanks.
I quite like the element of risk though.
Life in the fast lane eh? ;)
-
I've been exclusively shaving with a straight razor for the past 5 years... (long before finding MMM).
Getting into it I bought a whole lot of (good quality, well respected brands) razors from second hand shops and honed/stropped them back to a proper edge. There is a bit of up front cost (especially purchasing the sharpening stones) but it has been well worth it. I buy good quality soap/aftershave which lasts me ~6 months. The results on my face are better also, no longer suffer any irritation and the shave is smoother. Occasionally I get the odd 'nick' but I find my shaves quite 'therapeutic' in the evenings.
-
I use conditioner for shaving cream, must better as it softens the hairs, and doesn't irritate like normal shaving soap does. I don't have to use moisturiser or anything after.
+ 1 Much better!! And I buy the conditioner at the Dollar $tore (of course).
I also like that I can put a little in another bottle for travelling and not worry about something pressurized in my luggage.