Thinking About Switching to a Safety Razor -Any Advice?

[jpmcwjr]

Whoa. Over 15 minutes on how to shave! I wonder how long the video teaching us how to take a piss will be?

 

[cosmicfolklore]

We can shave if we want to, you can shave your friend's behind.
Cause if your friends don't shave, and if they don't shave...
Well, then their no friends of mine...

Sorry, I couldn't help myself.

 

[olkofri]

Whoa. Over 15 minutes on how to shave! I wonder how long the video teaching us how to take a piss will be?

You haven't seen the shitting vid yet!

 

[puff_not_snuff]

I love my Gillette fat boy.

 

[timelord]

Wow; I'm glad I grew a beard when I went to University... ...I'm now retired.

(apologies to those who have to be clean shaven because of work requirements)

 

[Casual]

Merkur. Solingen steel. German made. Why is that even a decision?

Merkur. Nickel plated pot metal. There’s your decision.

If you want solid stainless safety razors, they’re out there, but you’re going to pay for them. I have a few, they’re good if you like heavy.

 

[brunot]

I use a Mühle R89 with Russian Astra blades. I need to shave everyday and like fresh razors so the economy is good and the shave is always decent.

I splurge on pipes and keep the shaving simple and cheap.

 

[mikethompson]

Well I went and did it:

That should be enough to get me started. Thanks for all the advice everyone. I will be sure to check back in when I rip up my face.

 

[renfield]

Well I went and did it:

That should be enough to get me started. Thanks for all the advice everyone. I will be sure to check back in when I rip up my face.

Sweet. Just like with pipes everyone has a different combination of hardware and software that works best for them. Enjoy the quest.

If you run across some Gillette Silver-Blue blades give them a shot. Very sharp, not as sharp as Feathers but close enough, and they hold their edge a long time. Smooth as well. My personal favorites after trying 15 or more others. YMMV.

Now you can fall into the Soap Acquisition Disorder hole. And the Aftershave Hole. And the Shaving Brush hole. And the Shaving Scuttle hole. . . .

 

[mikethompson]

Just in case anyone searches this thread in the future, or is on the fence about it - do it.

I've only done about 4 or so shaves, but it is fantastically close. I'd also recommend taking a peek at badgerandblade.com as well.

 

[Papamique]

I prefer the open combed 15C with Personna blades. Love wet shaving.

View attachment 20819

Beautiful setup. I do enjoy straight razors and wet shaving in general.

 

[Sloopjohnbee]

I've been thinking for a while about getting a safety razor instead of the disposable plastic ones. Anyone here use one? Any input on models? Any I should stay away from?

The one i am looking at in particular is the Merkur 34C

Do it; That's a heavy one so you'll need to go easy. Did it back in 2008 after 10 years of using a Braun electric and never looked back. People obsess over shaving but it's definitely a good shave andyou can even do it quickly with soap and get a fast close shave. You'll try different blades- I like the Lords but the Feathers are the nicest sharpest bloodiest blades. Merkur makes great adjustable razor and good blades too.

 

[jpmcwjr]

May I suggest folks at least try using Clean and Clear? It lubricates for the shave, but also cleans the face with out soap, which is overly drying.

 

[Sloopjohnbee]

I've been thinking for a while about getting a safety razor instead of the disposable plastic ones. Anyone here use one? Any input on models? Any I should stay away from?

The one i am looking at in particular is the Merkur 34C

Do it; That's a heavy one so you'll need to go easy. Did it back in 2008 after 10 years of using a Braun electric and never looked back. People obsess over shaving but it's definitely a good shave andyou can even do it quickly with soap and get a fast close shave. You'll try different blades- I like the Lords but the Feathers are the nicest sharpest bloodiest blades. Merkur makes great adjustable razor and good blades too.

May I suggest folks at least try using Clean and Clear? It lubricates for the shave, but also cleans the face with out soap, which is overly drying.

Interesting, in Spain they use emulsions which are like a lubricating preparation to shave without a brush. I will buy some clean and clear to shave with.

 

[Gecko]

Well I went and did it:

That should be enough to get me started. Thanks for all the advice everyone. I will be sure to check back in when I rip up my face.

Excellent choice. I use a Merkur 34c myself for the past 10 years. What works for me is hot shower first to soften beard, real badger hair brush, cheap soap, feather blade for less irritation and finish with alcohol after shave.

I switched to safety razors after (what felt like) damn near taking my lip off with a straight razor when I was in a hury.

 

[mso489]

I used a safety razor in the Navy, because I wasn't sure if electric outlets would be available. The military at the time, about 500 years ago, was particular about staying clean shaved. It did the job and worked well. Now I use cartridge razors, not the disposables which I find too light weight. I get about a year out of four or five cartridges. I've tried brush and soap mug, but it was time consuming. Pressurized shaving cream comes out ready to use and a can lasts forever, for about a buck. Gel is a little goopy to me, but it's great for some. Blades are highly personalized. Some nick me; others give razor burn; Gilettes seem just right and a cartridge goes on forever. A recent Harry's set, five blade cartridge and bright orange handle, turned out to be razor-burn city for me. Shaving should be quality time, a way to relax and compose yourself. An electric razor is just okay, not quite as close, and not as peaceful with the buzzing in your ear, but useful under certain circumstances.

 

[Sloopjohnbee]

I used a safety razor in the Navy, because I wasn't sure if electric outlets would be available. The military at the time, about 500 years ago, was particular about staying clean shaved. It did the job and worked well. Now I use cartridge razors, not the disposables which I find too light weight. I get about a year out of four or five cartridges. I've tried brush and soap mug, but it was time consuming. Pressurized shaving cream comes out ready to use and a can lasts forever, for about a buck. Gel is a little goopy to me, but it's great for some. Blades are highly personalized. Some nick me; others give razor burn; Gilettes seem just right and a cartridge goes on forever. A recent Harry's set, five blade cartridge and bright orange handle, turned out to be razor-burn city for me. Shaving should be quality time, a way to relax and compose yourself. An electric razor is just okay, not quite as close, and not as peaceful with the buzzing in your ear, but useful under certain circumstances.

i agree; I was considering carts vs. double edge safety. that can stuff irritates my skin.