Yet another, slightly different, blade discussion

[jms]

I find the closer shave claim hard to believe. I know from my dad that all the way back to the Trac II they had done all kinds of scientific and microscopic studies showing that the two blade shave was indeed closer. Boy, if he were alive he'd love to jump into this discussion. He could tell you the number of atoms across the width of the sharpened edge of the blade.

I bet he could !!

I can only tell you from my own experience that after much trial and error I have found a combination of safety razor and blade that does indeed give me a closer feeling shave - to the touch - than a Fusion.

Whats even more amazing is that I get the close shave without applying any pressure, the razor does the work - kinda like a saw. With cartridges, the harder you press the closer it gets, and we've kinda gotten used to this.

Probably for the masses, the cartridge does give a closer shave because most wouldn't have the patience to find that right safety razor/blade/blade angle combination that gives them a suppurb shave.

However, if you're ever fortunate enough to go to a very high end barber shop and have your face shaved by a professional with a straight razor, you'd be pretty surprised how incredibly better that shave would be (i.e. BBS) than what you can give yourself with a cartridge. At least, if you have course and tough stubble like I do - I imagine with fine stubble it's easier to get there with any razor.

Again, kinda like sawing, it often comes down to the craftsman's skill !

[cooch366]

I remember growing up and in my first house, built in medicine cabinets with a slot on the back for "used blade disposal". One would send their used blade into the slot into the wall partition.

In my first bathroom remodel when ripping out the walls, yes the pile of blades were sitting on the 2x4 plate between the studs. Had a real chuckle finding them.

[jms]

I remember growing up and in my first house, built in medicine cabinets with a slot on the back for "used blade disposal". One would send their used blade into the slot into the wall partition.

In my first bathroom remodel when ripping out the walls, yes the pile of blades were sitting on the 2x4 plate between the studs. Had a real chuckle finding them.

Ok now thats funny !!

I use this for the same purpose -- holds over a hundred blades before needing to be disposed of ...

https://www.amazon.com/Feather-Styling- ... posal+case

[Ed in Tampa]

I am cheap. The cost of blades are soaring. I was using Gillette Sensor Excell double blade and they lasted me just short of a month. Sam's sold the blades 25 for approx. $50, worked out to $2 a month or so. But they don't carry them in the store anymore. Found the Walmart 5 blade brand. I do not like the width of the cartridge but over time I have forgotten use to it.
Walmart sells the cartridge 15 for approx $15. They are lasting me 2 months per cartridge which has my cost down to $0.50. I can learn to adjust to the wide cartridge.

I shave everyday and if the blades are not very sharp I end up with a heavy five o clock shadow. These new blades are working great but I will admit I am pushing them going 2 months per cartridge. They do 1 month no problem.

[Sazerac81]

Very Cool Thread!

I use a Edwin Jagger DE89 LBL razor. I used to use the shave soaps and a badger brush with a shaving cream cup to mix it up, but found it was just a bit too time consuming for my taste to create the foam needed for the shave. It was a fun ritual at first, but got old eventually and I switched back to shave creams from a can. I use the Aveeno 'Natural' formula stuff which seems to work just fine and is not irritating at all.

Feather blades all the way. There are none sharper and I have tried them all! I just hate the goopy glue they use to package each one into its little paper sleeve.

I actually don't have a big beard as I am Asian and have actually very little facial hair which is largely confined to the upper lip and chin areas. What is there is thick and tenacious and the feather makes quick work of them. Just two swipes in perpendicular directions and things are baby smooth. I get about 7-10 good shaves out of each feather blade, but I have far less facial hair. A pack of 100 that I have is going to last for at least a decade if not longer.

So for me, the blade consumables cost me about 2-3 cents per shave. Now, the only time I use the multi-blade razors is when I travel.

Cheers,
John

[jms]

John -- I agree, using shaving soap to make lather in a cup is a bit tedious - another reason why I use glycerine based shaving creams like Truefitt & Hill -- still applied with a wet badger brush, just wet your brush, dip the tip in the cream, and apply to face where lather is created - in some ways it's faster than using the canned stuff - especially the gel's for example.

I have also used the green Gillette 7 o'clock super stainless blades - but after doing some reading I also just ordered some of the yellow Gillette 7 o'clock "sharp edge" blades. I hear that if you like feather, you'll love these even better so I'm gonna give them a try.

--jeremy

[davebodner]

I'm not sure what I'm doing wrong.

Store-brand disposable twin-blade. Whatever soap happens to be in the shower. Slap some soap on; don't bother with lather. Shave my cheeks and neck (leave the rest to grow). I literally don't know how long before I throw a razor out. Probably 2-3 months.

BTW, I go first with the grain, then against. I'm good for two days.

[jsburger]

I'm not sure what I'm doing wrong.

Store-brand disposable twin-blade. Whatever soap happens to be in the shower. Slap some soap on; don't bother with lather. Shave my cheeks and neck (leave the rest to grow). I literally don't know how long before I throw a razor out. Probably 2-3 months.

BTW, I go first with the grain, then against. I'm good for two days.

I am with you Dave. However I do use a shaving mug/soap and a high quality shaving brush. Being in the Air Force for 24 years, shaving was not an option. After retiring I shaved every day until I retired from the civilian world. Now it is every few days or when we go out of the house.

I use Fusion cartridges and the soap is Van Der Hagen Deluxe. I get way more than a month with the cartridge. WallMart sells the soap for $1.92. I get it in the Commissary for $.60 something. Been using it for years.

I really don't understand the comments about mug soap being tedious and taking too long. It takes me less than 30 seconds to get a nice lather on my face. Seems like much adieu about nothing.

[ChrisNeilan]

I have been using a Braun electric for 12 years. The same one. Changed the screen once!

[Sazerac81]

...versus using chemical-laden foam out of a can that
cost less than a cup of coffee from Waffle House...

You are aware that the cream you're pushing, along with
the stuff "out of a can" AND the cup of coffee ALL are 100%
CHEMICAL, aren't you?

EVERY SINGLE THING YOU CAN SEE, and some you can't,
are ALL chemical!

Since you went there, can you name a single NON
"chemical laden" ANYTHING?

Any single thing at all?

Not counting the interior of your skull, of course!
THAT is a perfect vacuum!

And, I actually HAD a cup (make that 2) of coffee,
from Awful Horse. (Not really, WH was quite good
today!)

steve

Steve,

I don't exactly think he meant 'chemicals' in the strictest sense of the definition. He has just decided he wants to use certain chemicals which he feels are less harmful or abrasive to him. He is merely sharing an opinion. I don't think there was any ill intent or even judgement on those that use other shaving creams.

On another note, maybe tone down the coffee to one cup at the WH because you certainly are amped up in this rant. Berating another member and insinuating he has no brain (NOT in jest) on this forum I imagine is generally frowned upon... at least I would hope. I certainly have little respect for those that launch attacks against others for something as silly as sharing their experiences of their shaving methodology.

I hope you don't treat others in your life like this.

Good day to you Sir!
John