A thread for all men reading this forum except PF11....

[Posturedoc]

who couldn't grow a whisker to save his life and, therefore, isn't actually a 'real man' at all.

After boning up on the options out there - would you believe that there are multiple forums dedicated to shaving and they are just loaded with posters passionate about the process - I just bought a double edged (DE, for the initiated) safety razor, a badger hair shaving brush and a nice shaving cream you whip up in a bowl with the shaving brush. I've shaved twice with it and agree with what I've read, shaving with a DE razor gives a much closer shave than shaving with a cartridge razor, likely what most of you have been using since you grew your first whisker. It's too early for me to comment on the comfort of shaving with a DE, as my technique needs lots of work and I need to find which manufacturer's blade works most comfortably for me in my particular razor, but my first shave was much more comfortable than my typical cartridge razor shave and my 2nd shave was less comfortable, due, I think, to excessive pressure placed on the razor by a rushed Posturedoc.

I'm interested in hearing how many of you have used a DE or have gone whole hog and use a single edged razor (SE), something I doubt I'll ever try. Some of you old codgers have, no doubt, used and may still use a DE, but anybody younger than about 50 has likely only used a cartridge razor. I recall emulating my father as a child of maybe 7 or 8 by using his empty DE to shave my face clean of the shaving cream, but by the time I was ready to scrape real whiskers, cartridge razors were the norm.

Interestingly, cartridge razors were developed not because they offered a closer and more comfortable shave (some may argue that), but because they allowed the razor manufacturers to patent their cartridges and sell them at ridiculous mark ups. All those commercials showing how "the first blade pulls the whisker while the second through 56th cut it off below the skin" (as if that's a good thing) are a bunch of unproven marketing gibberish. DE razor manufacturers couldn't make much money off of blade sales because there were no patents on the blades and lots of companies made them, keeping prices down, so they developed new razors with patented blades, gin up the marketing spiel and the shaving public buys in.

Personally, I've shaved and been ignorantly happy with the Sensor Excell, a double-edged cartridge razor, for a couple of decades as my experience with a couple of triple-edged cartridge razors left me feeling like the blade escalation wars were just a scam. When they finally phased my razor out of production and replacement blades became scarce and even more expensive than the already stupid-expensive price I'd been paying for years, I decided to research other options. You pay more up front for a DE setup, but if you're a bit lucky and find a setup (razor, blade type, shave brush, shave cream and aftershave balm) that works for you, you'll eventually save money because the replacement blades run as low as 10-12 cents per blade and sometimes lower rather than the $3-5 per cartridge for cartridge blades. Each DE blade should last about as long as any cartridge blade once you've found the blade(s) you like best and developed your technique. The safety razor/shave money danger apparently lies in all the shaving options out there, from multiple brands of luxury shaving creams and soaps to pre and post shave treatments and a need to try different razors, shaving brushes and other stuff on the outside chance that you might find a combination of equipment/supplies that gives an even better shave than your current setup.

For those interested in investigating further, here is a link (http://leisureguy.wordpress.com/2006/07/10/a-guide-to-the-gourmet-shaving-experience/) to a pretty comprehensive blog on DE shaving.

For those of you who aren't certain what the heck I'm writing about here, this is a photo of my new DE razor.

http://www.greatpersonalcare.com/images/Edwin-Jagger-De89bl-Double-Edge-Safety-Razor-Chrome-Plated-Lined-Detail-Chrome.jpg

[Packfan11]

Only you could start, and hijack your own thread with your first post........... Sheesh you're something else.

[Posturedoc]

Only you could start, and hijack your own thread with your first post........... Sheesh you're something else.

I'm uniquely talented in that regard.

[Packfan11]

Don't forget around the edge..........

http://img.walgreens.com/dbimagecache/63899500192_450x450_a.jpg

[Posturedoc]

Don't forget around the edge..........

http://img.walgreens.com/dbimagecache/63899500192_450x450_a.jpg

Wouldn't go near 'em. You'll have to ask Slappy about how well they work 'down there'.

[BustNChops]

Don't forget around the edge..........

http://img.walgreens.com/dbimagecache/63899500192_450x450_a.jpg


NOW THAT IS FUNNY. (good luck PostureDoc)

[Posturedoc]

What, nobody shaves on this board? While I can believe that many of the faux tough guys on this board have far more peach fuzz than bristles, I'm sure there must be a few who have can chime in on your experiences with a safety razor vs the modern crop of mediocre to poor cartridge razors of today. Out with it!

[justintime]

Most of the men on here are far too manly to shave. They're busy growing lumberjack beards.

I've been considering making the jump to a DE razor. I've been switching between Fusion (5 blades!) and Mach 3 for the past year. I like the shave of the Fusion better, but it clogs horribly- I think it takes twice as long as the Mach3 just due to the rinse time. Neither has been all that satisfying for shaving the dome, which I do once a week, so I'm in the market for something that would work well in that regard.

[Posturedoc]

Most of the men on here are far too manly to shave. They're busy growing lumberjack beards.

I've been considering making the jump to a DE razor. I've been switching between Fusion (5 blades!) and Mach 3 for the past year. I like the shave of the Fusion better, but it clogs horribly- I think it takes twice as long as the Mach3 just due to the rinse time. Neither has been all that satisfying for shaving the dome, which I do once a week, so I'm in the market for something that would work well in that regard.

Like most devotees to a knew (though old - and that just makes it worthier of devotion) process, I think you should make the move to DE shaving. It's only been three shaves for me now and I'm already certain I won't ever go back to cartridge razors.

I'm still adapting to the learning curve; I applied force to the razor during shave #2 and ended up with a pretty irritated face for a day. Unlike a cartridge razor, which you have to press against your face, you let the weight of the DE razor do the work. It leads to a longer shave, as you have to re-lather once or twice to get your face baby butt smooth, but the end product is a far, far closer and, if you don't press the razor to your skin, more comfortable shave than anything I've ever had before.

I'm not sure how well DEs work for shaving one's head, probably just fine, but that may be an area where cartridge razors do a better job.

[nmsuspurts1]

Like most devotees to a knew (though old - and that just makes it worthier of devotion) process, I think you should make the move to DE shaving. It's only been three shaves for me now and I'm already certain I won't ever go back to cartridge razors.

I'm still adapting to the learning curve; I applied force to the razor during shave #2 and ended up with a pretty irritated face for a day. Unlike a cartridge razor, which you have to press against your face, you let the weight of the DE razor do the work. It leads to a longer shave, as you have to re-lather once or twice to get your face baby butt smooth, but the end product is a far, far closer and, if you don't press the razor to your skin, more comfortable shave than anything I've ever had before.

I'm not sure how well DEs work for shaving one's head, probably just fine, but that may be an area where cartridge razors do a better job.


Knew??? Hahahaha you suck at english and speling you old coot.


Maybe if you just pluck your leg hairs you could ride youre bike faster girly man!!!

[Posturedoc]

Knew??? Hahahaha you suck at english and speling you old coot.


Maybe if you just pluck your leg hairs you could ride youre bike faster girly man!!!

If you had a copy of the Posturedocese to English Dictionary, you'd understand that knew is the correct spelling for both 'new' and 'knew', making the interpretation situational, eliminating homonyms from the overly complicated English language and streamlining communication around the world. Unfortunately, I haven't figured out a way to make all of it understandable to the slow witted.

[Slapdad]

Wouldn't go near 'em. You'll have to ask Slappy about how well they work 'down there'.

I don't wax or pluck down there.....I'm lasered for life. As for my face, I actually have a DE and badger hair brush, circa 1950, that my dad bought in Europe when he was in the Navy. It has a screw that changes the exposure and angle of the blade so that it is somewhat adjustable. I have an arsenal of devices depending on how late I am. An electric, which I hate, if I'm super late...a cartridge if I'm a little late, and the DE if all is going well that morning. I love the closeness of the shave, but it's pretty easy to nick yourself when you first make the switch.

[wolf_chatter]

work just fine for me.

I have tried the electric... irritates the shi* out of my neck and face.

I have tried the high end disposables - they dull too quickly

I have tried the higher end one that you have PD and I cut the crap out of my chin 2-3 times per week.

Seriously figured i was going to lose a lip sooner or later so I went back to the cheap ass disposable.. not the best shave but good enough.

[Slapdad]

work just fine for me.

I have tried the electric... irritates the shi* out of my neck and face.

I have tried the high end disposables - they dull too quickly

I have tried the higher end one that you have PD and I cut the crap out of my chin 2-3 times per week.

Seriously figured i was going to lose a lip sooner or later so I went back to the cheap ass disposable.. not the best shave but good enough.

If a disposable works for you, who are we to argue?

http://freediscountcouponscode.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/05/venus.jpg

[NVinVA]

Did you buy your DE in town? If so, where? I used to work at the Tinder Box (a cigar shop) and they had a pretty decent range of shaving supplies, including soaps and blades. I bought a DE which I still use from time to time. I definitely havent mastered the art, but it's well above a Mach 3!

They also have plenty of straight razors, if you ever want to try something new! I bought one, but felt like I had no clue what I was doing. If you ever decide to try Tinder Box for supplies, ask for the manager, Rod. As of the time I graduated and moved away, none of the other employees knew too much about it, but Rod is super friendly and knows a great deal.

[tru-believer]

I use a Fusion to keep this trophey of a head looking good,if I go too many days between shaves it is a pain in the ass.I might try the DE and maybe a trip to Tinder Box is in order,kill two birds with one stone and maybe buy some fine cigars...

[Stuck in Seattle]

Shaving is for functioning members of society.

But when I find the energy I generally use an electric. My hair is very fine so it works fine for me, plus blades irritate me when used too often. I do enjoy shaving with a blade occasionally and would consider the older style of razor. Hell I'm using an ancient 2 blade razor for the times I want a really close shave.

[Posturedoc]

Did you buy your DE in town? If so, where? I used to work at the Tinder Box (a cigar shop) and they had a pretty decent range of shaving supplies, including soaps and blades. I bought a DE which I still use from time to time. I definitely havent mastered the art, but it's well above a Mach 3!

They also have plenty of straight razors, if you ever want to try something new! I bought one, but felt like I had no clue what I was doing. If you ever decide to try Tinder Box for supplies, ask for the manager, Rod. As of the time I graduated and moved away, none of the other employees knew too much about it, but Rod is super friendly and knows a great deal.

I just checked TB's website and it appears that all the sell now is tobacco-related. I would love to give a local business my money, but finding one that sells the type of things I was/am looking for has been difficult. I tried several online searches for shaving supplies in Reno and struck out. After doing some price comparisons and looking at things like shipping costs and the ability of one site to meet all of my shaving equipment/supply needs in one shipment (remember, I'm a tree hugger, so fewer delivery trips means less fossil fuel burned), I went with Amazon.com. They have a distribution facility in Fernley, so it all worked out great.

For the pathetic, reality show lovers among you who have a sick, voyeuristic interest in my progression as a DE shaver, one week in and my shaves are getting better and better. After four shaves with one type of blade (two blades, two shaves each) I tried a different blade (same manufacturer, different blade name). I made a mistake during my 2nd shave and pressed too hard with the razor and irritated the hell out of my face for a day or two, so the biggest lesson so far is breaking the cartridge razor habit of pressing down as I shave. You only use the weight of the razor to do the work with a DE.

I've shaved three times with the current blade and like it better than the first type I used. My face isn't quite smooth as a baby's butt yet, but my shaves are getting closer, are definitely closer than any shaves I had with a cartridge razor and my mug hasn't been irritated as much as it was with most of my shaves with a cartridge razor. I've also had very few nicks - more than with a cartridge razor, but far fewer than I expected and none at all today. I'm completely sold on it at this point.

[Slapdad]

I just checked TB's website and it appears that all the sell now is tobacco-related. I would love to give a local business my money, but finding one that sells the type of things I was/am looking for has been difficult. I tried several online searches for shaving supplies in Reno and struck out. After doing some price comparisons and looking at things like shipping costs and the ability of one site to meet all of my shaving equipment/supply needs in one shipment (remember, I'm a tree hugger, so fewer delivery trips means less fossil fuel burned), I went with Amazon.com. They have a distribution facility in Fernley, so it all worked out great.

For the pathetic, reality show lovers among you who have a sick, voyeuristic interest in my progression as a DE shaver, one week in and my shaves are getting better and better. After four shaves with one type of blade (two blades, two shaves each) I tried a different blade (same manufacturer, different blade name). I made a mistake during my 2nd shave and pressed too hard with the razor and irritated the hell out of my face for a day or two, so the biggest lesson so far is breaking the cartridge razor habit of pressing down as I shave. You only use the weight of the razor to do the work with a DE.

I've shaved three times with the current blade and like it better than the first type I used. My face isn't quite smooth as a baby's butt yet, but my shaves are getting closer, are definitely closer than any shaves I had with a cartridge razor and my mug hasn't been irritated as much as it was with most of my shaves with a cartridge razor. I've also had very few nicks - more than with a cartridge razor, but far fewer than I expected and none at all today. I'm completely sold on it at this point.

But it looks about the same as one. :D

I go all out when I shave.....literally. I bought a nice non-fog mirror that circulates hot water behind the glass to keep it from fogging and I shave in the shower when my pores are open. I use a face scrub before shaving and when I get out of the shower, I use a Jack Black post-shave gel (avoid after shaves with alcohol or even citrus) to lessen the irritation of your skin.

In the spirit of Posture's point about those of you with a sick, voyeuristic side, I will be streaming my morning shaves via web cam.

[Posturedoc]

In the spirit of Posture's point about those of you with a sick, voyeuristic side, I will be streaming my morning shaves via web cam.

Linky? (Not that I really care or anything like that)

[Slapdad]

Linky? (Not that I really care or anything like that)

Is this one of those red herring kind of posts to throw people off so that they don't notice you're in the background? Stop running Posturedoc.

[ord_buckeye]

Stick with it, posturdoc. I made the switch two years ago and haven't looked back. Having Truefitt & Hill a 20 minute walk from my house makes the buying somewhat easier, but I still get all my blades from an internet supplier that gives great prices and service. Once you're comfortable with the Merkur, you'll need to give the vintage Gillettes a go. That's all I ever use any more. Today's shave was with this gold plated beauty from the 1930's.

http://leisureguy.files.wordpress.com/2007/05/gillette-new.jpg

[Blueblood]

You've piqued my interest. How well do you think a DE would work if you had to detail around a beard line?

[Posturedoc]

Stick with it, posturdoc. I made the switch two years ago and haven't looked back. Having Truefitt & Hill a 20 minute walk from my house makes the buying somewhat easier, but I still get all my blades from an internet supplier that gives great prices and service. Once you're comfortable with the Merkur, you'll need to give the vintage Gillettes a go. That's all I ever use any more. Today's shave was with this gold plated beauty from the 1930's.

http://leisureguy.files.wordpress.com/2007/05/gillette-new.jpg

Oh, I'm already sold, buckeye. I'm never going back. I almost pulled the trigger on a Merkur but I ended up with a Edwin Jagger razor, similar to a Merkur but, according to the online shaving community, a better piece of equipment at the price point I was searching within. I like it so far but I'm already set on tracking down some vintage razors and giving them a shot. Anything goes in search of the perfect shave.

I wish I had access to any sort of local purveyor of high-end shaving products, whether, as in your case, they manufacture it or just sell it. Maybe there is a shop or two locally that carries a decent selection of shaving equipment and supplies, but I can't find one on the internets. Time will tell.

Where did you locate your vintage razor(s)?

[Posturedoc]

You've piqued my interest. How well do you think a DE would work if you had to detail around a beard line?

Beards are for lazy people, Blue. You need to rejoin the clean shaven crowd.

All funnin' aside, I don't have permanent facial hair, so I can't comment from a position of experience, but the DE cuts my sideburns far more easily and crisply(?) than my cartridge razor ever did. If that's any indication, I'd bet the DE would do a much better job detailing the edges of your beard than any bulky cartridge could.

[ord_buckeye]

Oh, I'm already sold, buckeye. I'm never going back. I almost pulled the trigger on a Merkur but I ended up with a Edwin Jagger razor, similar to a Merkur but, according to the online shaving community, a better piece of equipment at the price point I was searching within. I like it so far but I'm already set on tracking down some vintage razors and giving them a shot. Anything goes in search of the perfect shave.

I wish I had access to any sort of local purveyor of high-end shaving products, whether, as in your case, they manufacture it or just sell it. Maybe there is a shop or two locally that carries a decent selection of shaving equipment and supplies, but I can't find one on the internets. Time will tell.

Where did you locate your vintage razor(s)?

I have about 30 vintage Gillette's dating back to 1908 which I've picked up in various ways. There's a small antique store where the guy sells them to me for $3 apiece, and I've bought a few on ebay (make sure you know what a fair price is or you can get ripped off). After an initial buying binge, I haven't really added anything new. When you get them, they need to be cleaned and sterilized, which usually isn't too big of a problem.

One of the shaving websites (www.badgerandblade.com) helped me out when I was starting. They also have a buy-sell section that is very honest and well run. Additionally, you can use their discount code on Truefitt & Hill's website for a 20% discount on anything (BB10--I believe) although I prefer to buy in the shop since I get my hair cut there.

[Posturedoc]

I have about 30 vintage Gillette's dating back to 1908 which I've picked up in various ways. There's a small antique store where the guy sells them to me for $3 apiece, and I've bought a few on ebay (make sure you know what a fair price is or you can get ripped off). After an initial buying binge, I haven't really added anything new. When you get them, they need to be cleaned and sterilized, which usually isn't too big of a problem.

One of the shaving websites (www.badgerandblade.com) helped me out when I was starting. They also have a buy-sell section that is very honest and well run. Additionally, you can use their discount code on Truefitt & Hill's website for a 20% discount on anything (BB10--I believe) although I prefer to buy in the shop since I get my hair cut there.


Thanks for the info. I'm going hit the antique stores down the street next week.

[student4ever]

Beards are for lazy people, Blue. You need to rejoin the clean shaven crowd.

All funnin' aside, I don't have permanent facial hair, so I can't comment from a position of experience, but the DE cuts my sideburns far more easily and crisply(?) than my cartridge razor ever did. If that's any indication, I'd bet the DE would do a much better job detailing the edges of your beard than any bulky cartridge could.

Lazy people? I'll have you know that I haven't used a razor of any sort in over 15 years. Don't hate just because you can't pull the look of true man off.

[Posturedoc]

Lazy people? I'll have you know that I haven't used a razor of any sort in over 15 years. Don't hate just because you can't pull the look of true man off.

....and you hide that fundamental shaving laziness behind a façade of meticulous data analysis. Not that I'm complaining, I don't have to cuddle up to your bristles at night, but you're clearly compensating for a deep seated but psychologically painful (to you) lack of grooming motivation. Pick up that razor and set yourself free, s4e.

[justintime]

I don't believe you can graduate in geology while clean shaven, s4e

[nmsuspurts1]

Oh, I'm already sold, buckeye. I'm never going back. I almost pulled the trigger on a Merkur but I ended up with a Edwin Jagger razor, similar to a Merkur but, according to the online shaving community, a better piece of equipment at the price point I was searching within. I like it so far but I'm already set on tracking down some vintage razors and giving them a shot. Anything goes in search of the perfect shave.

I wish I had access to any sort of local purveyor of high-end shaving products, whether, as in your case, they manufacture it or just sell it. Maybe there is a shop or two locally that carries a decent selection of shaving equipment and supplies, but I can't find one on the internets. Time will tell.

Where did you locate your vintage razor(s)?

You be carful you quack. I would realy hate to see a slip and you cut yore femorel artery.

attention to justintime!!!!! I have reported you to the NMSU true fans you are being freinds with the enemy. trator!!!

[Posturedoc]

You be carful you quack. I would realy hate to see a slip and you cut yore femorel artery.

attention to justintime!!!!! I have reported you to the NMSU true fans you are being freinds with the enemy. trator!!!

Obviously you didn't read the title of this thread: "A thread for all men....". Take a hike, bub.

[ord_buckeye]

Lazy people? I'll have you know that I haven't used a razor of any sort in over 15 years. Don't hate just because you can't pull the look of true man off.

http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_2Td2w2o9gZI/SJIy0M8PujI/AAAAAAAABtA/f_sZFV6MBrg/s400/rage.jpg

[wolf_chatter]

http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_2Td2w2o9gZI/SJIy0M8PujI/AAAAAAAABtA/f_sZFV6MBrg/s400/rage.jpg

But not quite.

S4E ... is larger in carriage. :rolleyes: