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OT: Anyone use a safety razor?

aTotal360

aTotal360

Heisman
Nov 12, 2009
21,780
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Been hearing a lot of buzz around people swapping to the old school razors and swearing they get a closer and more comfortable shave. I've used a Mach 3 since the 90s and don't really have that problems with it, but I would like to try something new. I got a really nice Art of Shaving Kit (badger brush, soap, shave oil, etc.) for Christmas and want to go next level.

Merkur seems to be the standard for shavers. What about blades? Anyone have any experience with this?

I probably need to talk to the guy that mail in the check...
 
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drt7891

Redshirt
Dec 6, 2010
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Yes, I have a Parker and I love mine. I used a Mach 3 and fusion and both tore my face to shreds. The simplest argument is this... More blades =/= better cutting... It = more friction. A good safety razor decreases friction significantly.

I suggest go completely old school,.. Buy a nice badger hair brush, a small bowl, old style cream (the aresol canned stuff contains alcohol and dries your face out... You'll spend more money for the real stuff, but you'll thank me), and buy a variety pack of blades. Each one is a little different than the next. Once you spend the money, it more than pays for itself after several years. I bought mine 4-5 years ago and buy blades and cream 1-2 times a year (I shave twice a week).

I have shaved with a disposable razor twice since then and you will be amazed at the difference. I suggest watching some videos on YouTube to learn some techniques, but it's easy. It makes shaving much more enjoyable.

ETA: I know you said you got the brush and stuff... But for others who are considering switching, those are my thoughts.

Also, you'll have to find a can or something to dispose of the blades, especially if you have kids. The blades are nasty sharp. I use small cardboard boxes.
 
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notoriousD_O_G

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Apr 1, 2013
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I have used a Merkur for about 2 years now and have really liked it. The best thing about it to me is that on Amazon you can get 100 blades for around 10 bucks. They don't last nearly as long as modern ones but those are so overpriced.
 
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Dawgybag

Redshirt
Aug 23, 2012
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I use an Edwin Jagger DE89 with Astra blades and get a great shave. You can buy a box of 100 blades pretty cheap at an online retailer like west coast shaving. I get about 3-4 good shaves per blade. My first DE razor was a 60's model Gillette Super Speed, and it's a nice razor that you can generally find pretty cheap. Check out the badger and blade forum. There's tons of info there.
 
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treeddeep

Redshirt
Jun 7, 2013
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I probably will when my supply runs out I just got from dorco.
Someone reccomend shave secret shaving oil on this board and I'll never go back to shaving cream again
 
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SignalToNoise

Redshirt
Aug 22, 2012
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Yes, I have a one I scored on Amazon for about $15. It's a Lorde.

Concerning blades, buy a sampler pack on Amazon. Try them all out to find out which brand you like best.
 
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EurekaDog

Redshirt
Nov 10, 2010
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Aoother option for safely disposing used blades...

When my diabetic child used syringes, we'd save and dispose the used syringes in an empty clothing detergent bottle.

Sharps containers are available, but a little pricey.

Any THICK plastic bottle/container, with a spout just wide enough for the blades to pass through, will suffice. This also protects against accidental injuries for anyone handling the garbage sacks.
 
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stinkfoot

Redshirt
Aug 23, 2012
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There was a huge thread on this about a month ago. Some great advice.....

aTotal360 said:
Been hearing a lot of buzz around people swapping to the old school razors and swearing they get a closer and more comfortable shave. I've used a Mach 3 since the 90s and don't really have that problems with it, but I would like to try something new. I got a really nice Art of Shaving Kit (badger brush, soap, shave oil, etc.) for Christmas and want to go next level.

Merkur seems to be the standard for shavers. What about blades? Anyone have any experience with this?

I probably need to talk to the guy that mail in the check...
Click to expand...

but real quick, buy a razor that allows you to adjuster the blade curve to your liking. Go on ebay and find a sleeve of Feather razor blades (the little plastic packages work as blade disposal containers as do most blades). Use a new blade every two days. You should be able to buy them for about .10 a piece so no big deal. Lots of blogs and stuff w/ good advice too.
 
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hydrodawg

Redshirt
Jun 6, 2013
179
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Another option for disposal

They used to make a ceramic jar that looked like a cross between a piggy bank and a slightly oversized salt shaker. Drop the blades in the slot and the container was just big enough for the blades to lay flat. When it was full you just tossed the whole thing and bought a new one. Don't know if they still sell such a thing.

EurekaDog said:
When my diabetic child used syringes, we'd save and dispose the used syringes in an empty clothing detergent bottle.

Sharps containers are available, but a little pricey.

Any THICK plastic bottle/container, with a spout just wide enough for the blades to pass through, will suffice. This also protects against accidental injuries for anyone handling the garbage sacks.
Click to expand...
 
seshomoru

seshomoru

Junior
Apr 24, 2006
5,601
289
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Got a birthday coming up and I'm looking at one of those.

Plus a nice brush and some blades. Damn... I'm asking for shaving stuff for my birthday. Maybe I can get some knee high navy socks and Wal-Mart brand knockoff Birkenstocks, too.
 
The Peeper

The Peeper

Heisman
Feb 26, 2008
15,458
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I recommended it on here awhile back. I got a sample at a marathon several years ago and I tried it on my face. I haven't used anything else since. Shave Secret combined w/ a no fog shaving mirror for use in the shower and you can shave w/ a rusty blade and it wont cut you. Seriously, I buy the cheapest twin blade disposables on sale and one will last me months. I just chuckle when I see spending $10 for razors, I haven't spent that in the last 3 years. Here's Wally Worlds link for Shave Secret:

http://www.walmart.com/ip/10324376?...58217796&wl4=&wl5=pla&wl6=43596224110&veh=sem
 
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civildawg88

All-Conference
Aug 22, 2012
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How's the adjustment period for going old school? I feel like I would slit my throat with those things
 
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colodawg

Redshirt
Mar 3, 2008
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I'm now 72 so I have had a LOT of shaves over the years. Started with a 50s - 60s era Gillette, used a brush, bowl, and shaving soap a couple years, and then many years with disposables. Tried all sorts of electric razors and NEVER got a close shave with any of them. Back to disposables, and then received a handout at the Gator Bowl (the good one) of a Fusion. I love it, and in the 2+ years I have used have yet to nick my face (and I have a thick beard and thin skin). Blades are expensive (use the blue not the orange) but each blade lasts about a week.
 
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drt7891

Redshirt
Dec 6, 2010
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Not bad at all. Learn the right technique and you'll never have a problem. I've never cut myself with one.
 
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bgdog

Redshirt
Aug 21, 2012
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I've always liked feather or gillette 7'0 clock blades but definitely get a sampler pack of blades and see which one fits you best. Art of shaving can be pretty pricey, geo f trumper and taylor of old bond street both put out better products and are cheaper.

Here is a subreddit dedicated to straight and double edge shaving that has all the info you will need plus some.
http://www.reddit.com/r/wicked_edge
 
seshomoru

seshomoru

Junior
Apr 24, 2006
5,601
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Basic navy, or do I throw in some color?

I feel the navy on navy would be sort of dull, but NFL legal if I go half calf socks and leave the pasty white skin for the color break up to the elastic waist banded khaki shorts. And I'm going to need some of those glasses you get after they dilate your eyes. /I feel like I need to at least clarify that I'm making fun of myself for getting older, not for the shaving topic on SPS. I'm about 4 days past cleaning up the neck because my purchased at Sams single blade Bics frighten me. All that awaits me are bloody tissues and ingrown hairs.
 
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codeDawg

Redshirt
Nov 13, 2007
2,102
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A different perspective. I went safety razor a few years ago. At first I butchered myself, then I learned how to use it and yes, I got the closest shave ever. I would still occasionally cut myself, but mostly just did what I did.

Fast forward to starting to travel for a living and I had to go back to disposable for a trip. I could not believe how easy it was to shave with a Mach 3. I couldn't cut myself and my shave was marginally less close. Learning to shave my face correctly made my Mach 3 shave 10x better.

I'm back to the Mach 3 for convenience. It's just faster and easier for me.
 
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hooptydawg

Redshirt
Nov 1, 2007
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I'll chime in again. First, once I used Shave Secret, I haven't used anything else.
And second, if you're a Mach or Fusion user, switch to something comparable from Dorco.
 
HotMop

HotMop

All-American
May 8, 2006
7,773
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I use a butter knife. I heat it in my BGE and burn off the hair...like a man.
 
HD6

HD6

Sophomore
Apr 8, 2003
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AgDawg

Redshirt
May 24, 2006
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I use the Edwin Jäger and use Mitchell's wool fat soap. I will never go back to the Mach razors. I use the blades from Wal Mart that work well in combo with shaving soap

I ordered my soap and semouge owners club brush from west coast shaving

http://www.westcoastshaving.com
 
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