Sly Bald Guys Forum
Head Shaving, Grooming & Care => Safety Razor Head Shaving => Topic started by: X The Hierophant on October 15, 2007, 09:48:56 AM
-
For some reason I have lately become interested in Double Edge Safety Razors and possibly giving one a try. Unfortunately I know little to nothing about them but am currently been reading up on them. Anyway ... one good article I have come across is:
http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/6886845/
Anyway ... anyone on here have experience with DE shaving? And if so, anyone ever tried shaving your head with one?
-
Have a look here :
http://leisureguy.wordpress.com/2006/07/10/a-guide-to-the-gourmet-shaving-experience/
http://badgerandblade.com/
http://www.shavemyface.com/forum/index.php
I have an old Gillette DE razor have a look on Ebay http://collectibles.search.ebay.com/gillette_Vanity-Perfume-Shaving_W0QQ_trksidZm37QQcatrefZC12QQfromZR40QQsacatZ597
-
Have a look here :
http://leisureguy.wordpress.com/2006/07/10/a-guide-to-the-gourmet-shaving-experience/
http://badgerandblade.com/
http://www.shavemyface.com/forum/index.php
I have an old Gillette DE razor have a look on Ebay http://collectibles.search.ebay.com/gillette_Vanity-Perfume-Shaving_W0QQ_trksidZm37QQcatrefZC12QQfromZR40QQsacatZ597
Very cool. Thanks man. I've been reading on shavemyface.com and got a lot of good info there. I will try the other sites you suggested.
Ever shaved your head with your Gillette DE Razor?
-
I may give it a shot here one day. I have a friend here in the bay that shaves his head with one.
-
Yeah i've had a go with it a few times,its ok just gotta make sure you dont cut yourself
-
I have been recently shaving with a brush and mug soap (on my face). I have not taken the leap to the DE razor yet though.
I am curious as to how well this system works compared to the fusion
I am pretty stoked on my headblade so I doubt I will change up the routine for my head.
-
I have been recently shaving with a brush and mug soap (on my face). I have not taken the leap to the DE razor yet though.
I am curious as to how well this system works compared to the fusion
I am pretty stoked on my headblade so I doubt I will change up the routine for my head.
Yeah ... I agree. Since the headblade does a perfect job (as long as I use Sensor double blades or HB Triples...) I would only try the DE once or twice for kicks. I am planning on switching to a DE for the face though. I've read they give a much better shave and the blades are much much cheaper than cartridges... I just have to work on the initial investment. I just bought a vintage 1954 Gillette Tech off ebay for under $9 w/ shipping (it's usually worth about $15- $20). I've read that it's a good beginner razor and I'm trying to go quality while staying inexpensive at first. Now I've just got to pick up a blade sampler set and a brush and I'm good to go. Also planning on trying the brush on my head (in conjunction with headslick ... I read on another forum that it keeps the headslick from drying out so quickly).
-
X, I just bought a old Gillette off ebay yesterday after reading that article. Its nothing special and was only 9.00. I cant hep but try it as I have forever been on the quest for the perfect shave.
Should be here in a few days and I will try it out on my face.
-
X, I just bought a old Gillette off ebay yesterday after reading that article. Its nothing special and was only 9.00. I cant hep but try it as I have forever been on the quest for the perfect shave.
Should be here in a few days and I will try it out on my face.
Very nice! Same here. I'm also waiting on mine to arrive. I've read that a lot depends on the type of blade that you use and that it's best to try several different blades to see which one works with your face. I'm planning on buying a sampler pack from one of these two websites:
http://www.razorandbrush.com/Sampler.html
or
http://www.westcoastshaving.com/
Once you find the blade that works they are very cheap ... on average $25 will buy 100 blades ... compare that with the cartridge prices... O0
-
Also planning on getting this brush:
http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/tg/detail/-/B000K8FUFM/ref=ord_cart_shr/103-5559566-9084604?%5Fencoding=UTF8&m=ADEOVIRZR6V7T&v=glance
I have read that if you soak the brush in hot (not scalding) water and let the bristles soak up the water ... then put some headslick in the shaving mug and stir with brush ... then apply to head it lathers much better and doesn't dry out like it is sometimes prone to do. Now, I have not tried this, but I thought it is worth mentioning since this is a requirement for DE shaving, but may also be very helpful with use with the HB products...
Another good site for brushes (more $$, but a higher selection with premium quality) is http://store.crabtree-evelyn.com/mens-grooming-shaving-tools.html
For starters I just want a starter's brush and don't want to shell out that much $$
-
Yeah I have a boars hair brush right now that I bout to check out how I would like it. I am planning on moving to a badger hair brush soon since I really dig it.
The brush you have picked out there looks great and you cant beat the price for badger hair.
A friend of mine raves about this stuff http://www.kiehls.com/_us/_en/catalog/prod_list.aspx?CatCode=AXE_Face&TopCat=F1_Mens_Shaving
I have not forked out the cash for it yet but he said the pre-shave oil is awesome, much better than KOS. I guess the rest of their products are supposed to be top notch as well.
If the DE razor works out, that will save me a ton, those cartridge blades are outrageous.
-
Yeah I have a boars hair brush right now that I bout to check out how I would like it. I am planning on moving to a badger hair brush soon since I really dig it.
The brush you have picked out there looks great and you cant beat the price for badger hair.
A friend of mine raves about this stuff http://www.kiehls.com/_us/_en/catalog/prod_list.aspx?CatCode=AXE_Face&TopCat=F1_Mens_Shaving
I have not forked out the cash for it yet but he said the pre-shave oil is awesome, much better than KOS. I guess the rest of their products are supposed to be top notch as well.
If the DE razor works out, that will save me a ton, those cartridge blades are outrageous.
Yeah, I also thought $25 for badger hair isn't a bad cost. Now, it might not be as soft as a silvertipped brush, or as fancy as a wooden handled brush, etc ... but I'm trying to go for the best buy for the least $$. I think it'll be a good starter brush.
Thanks for the website link. I'll give that a look.
Yep ... DE blades are MUCH cheaper than cartidge blades. I still will be buying sensor blades for my headblade though...
-
My razor has arrived ...
(https://www.slybaldguys.com/smf/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi69.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fi67%2Fbgambrell%2FBRIAN%2F45f5_1.jpg&hash=ee18c51d20cd68cbbff0e02013c159c18578afc4)
O0
-
Oh Boy!
Keep me posted on your results and for the love of god avoid the jugular!
Mine is in the mail
-
For those interested I had a good find over the weekend. If anyone is wants to learn the basics of DE shaving check out this link:
http://www.youtube.com/profile?user=mantic59
It's a collection of videos teaching you all you need to know to begin DE shaving. It'll take about an hour to watch them, but it will increase your knowledge a great deal...
-
I got my DE razor this weekend. It needs a good cleaning and I need to get some blade but I will post up my results sometime this week.
-
I got my DE razor this weekend. It needs a good cleaning and I need to get some blade but I will post up my results sometime this week.
Good luck man. O0
I am waiting for the weekend myself so I can take more time with the first shave... I'll be starting out with Derby blades.
-
mark & X.....good luck with the DE razor that u guys recently purchased. looking 4ward 2 your reviews... hopefully it will b all good. O0
WARHAWK O0
-
Marz and X how is the DE shaving coming?
-
I've been exclusively shaving my head with DEs for a year. I use Derby, Feather and Israeli blades depending on the razor. Certain razor prefer different blades.
(https://www.slybaldguys.com/smf/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Ffarm3.static.flickr.com%2F2248%2F1608770698_bc1ebc9f1e.jpg&hash=50e73ec3778dc3b518c9920d838993adf863c2e4) :@`
-
I am awaiting the arrival of my blades.
should be here any time.
-
Well I finally got some blades and gave the ol Gillette saftey razor a try.
I got an immaculate shave although it was a much slower process (most likely due to my fear of slicing my face open). The rinsing is great, it does not get packed with hair like the fusion or Quattro do.
Right under my nose and the ball of my chin were especially tricky but with a good mirror and a steady hand it turned out great.
All in all it was a very clean and smooth shave and although it wasn't as easy as the modern cartridge razors I didn't have to re-shave any spots (other than spots I missed due to my un-honed technique) and I got far less irritation on my neck.
I have also been using a brush and mug soap for some time now, so I am now officially "old timey".
I am going to use this for shaving for awhile and let you guys know how it works out after I am a bit more used to it.
It will definitely be awhile before I attack the dome with this thing but for the face its a winner.
-
Sweet review, thanks Marz.
-
marz.....thanks 4 the review. i hope 2 one day purchase one as well. i guess...the real test is when u scrape that dome. O0
WARHAWK O0
-
Well, I have tried my DE Safty razor several times now and suprisingly I hate it. It gets a very close shave but takes forever and I cut my self VERY often. I do however like the brush and shaving cream for face shaves, but do not use any of that with the head shaves. I found that headslick works much better for me without a brush, so for me I use the following products now:
Face
(1) Gillete Sensor Excel
(2) Shaving cream used with brush
Head
(1) Headblade Sport with Sesor Excel blades
(2) Head Shed
(3) Baby Oil
(4) Head Slick
(5) Head Lube
-
Well I finally got some blades and gave the ol Gillette saftey razor a try.
I got an immaculate shave although it was a much slower process (most likely due to my fear of slicing my face open). The rinsing is great, it does not get packed with hair like the fusion or Quattro do.
Right under my nose and the ball of my chin were especially tricky but with a good mirror and a steady hand it turned out great.
All in all it was a very clean and smooth shave and although it wasn't as easy as the modern cartridge razors I didn't have to re-shave any spots (other than spots I missed due to my un-honed technique) and I got far less irritation on my neck.
I have also been using a brush and mug soap for some time now, so I am now officially "old timey".
I am going to use this for shaving for awhile and let you guys know how it works out after I am a bit more used to it.
It will definitely be awhile before I attack the dome with this thing but for the face its a winner.
Congratulations; Once you've mastered shaving your face with a Real razor you'll start to become dissatisfied with the head shave your getting from your cartridge razor.
By then you will be in control of the blade not depending on the pivoting head to maintain proper blade angle. Once you shave your head with a DE there will be returning to plastic razor and their expensive cartridges. O0
Bob
-
I had one when i was a teen and it hurt a lot.... i was always in pain never had a clean face and they hurt so much mind you i didn't know how to use it properly i'm sure
-
I had one when i was a teen and it hurt a lot.... i was always in pain never had a clean face and they hurt so much mind you i didn't know how to use it properly i'm sure
Check this out for information on the proper use of a DE razor.
http://www.shavemyface.com/forum/viewforum.php?f=17&sid=1cb503dcd0fa5f35b0f60252386dcbac
Bob.
-
Cool, thanks for the link Cooncatbob!
-
quote author=X The Hierophant link=topic=3201.msg64256#msg64256 date=1197239645]
Well, I have tried my DE Safty razor several times now and suprisingly I hate it. It gets a very close shave but takes forever and I cut my self VERY often.
[/quote]
Besides the above, I also feel it is much more time consuming with an old DE razor.
I'll stick with my trusty Atra or Sensor double or Mach III.
And as for the dome, why even consider this in this day and age, when we have a perfect tool for the job?
The HeadBlade does the job smoothly and easily, as it was intended to do.
-
quote author=X The Hierophant link=topic=3201.msg64256#msg64256 date=1197239645]
Well, I have tried my DE Safty razor several times now and suprisingly I hate it. It gets a very close shave but takes forever and I cut my self VERY often. And as for the dome, why even consider this in this day and age, when we have a perfect tool for the job?
Kinda like an Automatic transmission in a car. Let it decide when to up shift and down shift. But they still make Manual Transmissions for those of use that prefer the decission of when to shift to be ours.
Likewise some of use prefer to be in control of the blade angle of our razors.
Now as far as the Headblade being the perfect headshaving tool. Most men (almost all) still require a 2nd razor to shave around their ears and to shave their face. Not a very elegant solution needing 2 razors and their different cartridges. BTW. I own several Headblades including the the deluxe stainless jobber and if a person isn't careful the Headblade is perfectly capable of carving a patch of flesh out of ones head. Don't ask how I know that.
DE shaving especially headshaving isn't for everyone, it requires skill and the dedication to learn stick with it and learn that skill.
Bob.
-
DE shaving especially headshaving isn't for everyone, it requires skill and the dedication to learn stick with it and learn that skill.
Bob, I hope my post didn't come off as negative to you. I was trying to state that shaving with a DE is an art (a lost one, unfortunately), and time and patience is exactly what you need to perfect it. Time constraints these days do not lend a hand to developing your skills with the blade. I do believe once you do get it down, it is probably the best way to shave.
I always thought when Gillette kept adding blades to the cartridges after the Mach III, what will come next?, one day would we end up with six blades?, and then sure enough here comes the Fusion. It's just overkill.
I use two razors, but I now have gotten so good with the HeadBlade that I can get in closer around the ears, and my touch up is mimimal. I've used the Atra or Sensor double and the Mach III for shaving my face for many years. The less blades, the better, in my opinion. I have never cared to try the Quattro or the Fusion, and I have an unopened one sitting in my bathroom cabinet.
Any skill takes time to develop, and that's why when I recommend the HeadBlade to newbies, I tell them to be patient, go slow and stick with it. I would love to be able to have the time to get into the DE shaver, but for me it's only going to add way too much time to a routine I am now finally paring down.
I think it's great that you can do it, and more power to you. That's quite an awesome collection you have, by the way O0
Joe
-
xnewyawka
I felt the same way about DE shaving. What I have found works best is shaving with a DE before bed. yeah, i stand in front of the mirror for 20 minutes, but i find the DE shave to be relaxing. it wines me down from the stress of the day, and my G/F loves the smell the shave cream leaves behind.
I also have found that a DE gives me a MUCH closer shave. I honestly can go about 2 days without shaving, but that is pushing it
-
No offense taken.
Shaving with a DE isn't that more time consuming.
On a head shaving forum that I frequent most of the guys said that they were going to pass on the Fusion and that 5 blades were ridicules. When the fusion did come out they all bought it and claim it's the greatest thing since sliced bread (can you say the best a man can get) I have one and find that it shaves the same as a Mach 3 except with it's bulkier head it's harder to get the tight spots.
I'm convinced that Gillette is more concerned about $$$ then making better razors and I guarntee that in 4 or 5 years they will come out with a new shaving system and the blades will be more expensive then the present ones.
BTW. I pay between $.16 and $.25 per blade.
Bob.
-
OK GUYZ, way earlier in this thread ONE of the MAIN pluses about the D/E razors was the savings, correct? WELL after you buy this handle and that handle and then this type brush and that type bristle brush and then this brush and this type mug soap and the other type mug soap and you try blade a, then blade b, then blade c which you like but it wont fit in handle c so you have to buy a DIFFERENT handle , HOW can you HONESTLY say , youve SAVED ANY $$$ ? And then MOST of the guyz STILL dont try to do the DOME with the d/e razor, ya have a DIFFERENT one for that . I WANNA HEAR from ANYBODY , that has the testicular fortitude to STILL/AGAIN be shaving face and OR dome with the CHEAPEST razor , the ol' straped straight blade , COME ON GUYZ, IMPRESS ME !!!
-
I would try the straight razor although they are very expensive.
-
You're a brave man, Gunga Marz. Would you do it even if you had a bad hangover?
-
You're a brave man, Gunga Marz. Would you do it even if you had a bad hangover?
If I have a bad hangover, there is little chance I will be shaving but I would probobly leave the straight razor in the boot and go for the DE.
-
I would try the straight razor although they are very expensive.
As will be your hospital bills, bro, lol. ;D ;)
-
DE shaving is not that expensive...
- Most vintage handles can be had for $10 - $15, just like most modern multi-blade handles.
- Blades are generally a buck or 2 for a pack of 10. that beats $10 for a pack of 8 that you would pay for mach 3 carts. As for a beginner finding the correct blade for their face... there is a 125 blade sampler pack where you get blades a total of from 18 manufactures for $25.
- the holes in a DE blades are standardized , so if a blade does not fit a handle, the handle is broke.
- A badger hair brush is personal preference. good ones can be had for around $30, and that brush will last for YEARS!
- most commonly used shaving soaps & creams can be had for $3 - $10, and last 3 - 6 months!
- you just need a bowl or mug, nothing special. I use an old cereal bowl that has a chip in the lip.
-
I use a $3 rice bowl I got at Target. I get my blades off E-Bay for under $20 for 100.
A good brush is a luxury item, decent brushes start at about $30 and you can spend well over $100. A good brush can last over 10 years. Creams and soaps, you can buy Williams at any drug store for about $1 and it will last you several months or you can buy luxury English shaving creams for over $20 for a 5.8 once tub.
BTW. Fancy brushes creams and soaps work just as well with multi blade cartridge razors.
Treat yourself for Christmas, you deserve it. Make shaving an enjoyable experience instead of a chore by treating yourself to some luxury shaving products.
Bob.
http://www.classicshaving.com/Home.html
-
I just want to jump in here...
I've been a Mach III guy for years...face and head.
I'd become dissatisfied with the closeness of my shave on my face. The head was never a problem. I wanted to kick it up a notch, and started reading, researching, etc.
Ended up that I decided that shaving was a very enjoyable experience for me, and that, by taking a little more time, I could use a DE on my face, and one pass with the DE on the head, and finish up ATG with my Mach III.
I picked up a nice 1963 Gillette adjustable on ebay. A pack of blades, and a couple of C&E shaving soaps, plus a nice $28 Badger brush from C&E.
Now, my daily shave is closer on the face, and more enjoyable overall. I get nicked a little more, but I'm still new at DE shaving. I can say is this. Most of you enjoy shaving. Treat yourself to some nice shaving soap and a brush. It's wonderful. It beats the hell out of the stuff out of the can.
And don't discount a DE shave. If, like cooncatbob said, you really enjoy shaving, treat yourself to a great shaving experience with some good shaving supplies.
-
I wrote a brief review of DE razors in the "Products Review" section of the site.
-
My dad mde an interesting remark about razors once. He said he couldnt imagine why anyone would use a straight razor at home after the DE came out. He thought the DE was one of the greatest inventions mankind ever caame up with. The safety razor saved a lot of throats. For me, its hard to improve on the schick extreme.
-
New user.
I've been shaving my head with DE safety razors for years. No nicks and fairly quick shaves.
Heres some tips.
- Use duller blades. The razors on a DE are very sharp and are designed to shave a very coarse beard hair. Your head hair is not that coarse and doesn't require as sharp a blade to get the job done. In fact a sharp blade on your head will probably slice you pretty good. Once a DE blade gets too dull for my face it goes into another DE razor I have just for my head.
- If you don't or can't recycle your blades, you can cork a DE blade. Corking means you purposely dull the blade by grabbing it with a set of pliers and making one pass through a piece of cork on each side of the blade.
- Unlike cartridge razors, DE razors require very little pressure to get the job done. If you mash a DE razor into your head, you will bleed. Just grab it by the back end and move it across your head from front to back. Let the weight of the razor do the work.
- Avoid using canned gels/foams. All of them have a mild anesthetic effect. Though its nice of Colgate and company to add things to deaden the potential pains of shaving, when shaving with a DE you need to feel whats happening. By using a brush and soap on your head, you will know if you go overboard on the pressure and press too hard, you'll feel it.
Benefits of using a DE razor.
- They never clog and clean up is easy
- The blades are dirt cheap
- The razors themselves are fairly cheap
- You get a smoother shave and since you're not mashing the hair into your scalp, you avoid in-growns.
How to hold a DE
(https://www.slybaldguys.com/smf/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fimg110.imageshack.us%2Fimg110%2F7517%2Fshave1xf5.th.jpg&hash=f655942c9f274c31dfa2d59db3e82cef7b071deb) (http://img110.imageshack.us/my.php?image=shave1xf5.jpg)
My setup
(https://www.slybaldguys.com/smf/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fimg101.imageshack.us%2Fimg101%2F9813%2Fshave2ti8.th.jpg&hash=1291489fb5cec0506f502b29efcfe6a4f769a81b) (http://img101.imageshack.us/my.php?image=shave2ti8.jpg)
-
OK GUYZ, way earlier in this thread ONE of the MAIN pluses about the D/E razors was the savings, correct? WELL after you buy this handle and that handle and then this type brush and that type bristle brush and then this brush and this type mug soap and the other type mug soap and you try blade a, then blade b, then blade c which you like but it wont fit in handle c so you have to buy a DIFFERENT handle , HOW can you HONESTLY say , youve SAVED ANY $$$ ? And then MOST of the guyz STILL dont try to do the DOME with the d/e razor, ya have a DIFFERENT one for that . I WANNA HEAR from ANYBODY , that has the testicular fortitude to STILL/AGAIN be shaving face and OR dome with the CHEAPEST razor , the ol' straped straight blade , COME ON GUYZ, IMPRESS ME !!!
Boars head brush = $10
DE Razor new = $20 (you can get an old one cheaper off the bay)
Soap = you already have soap
Mug = you have a coffee mug
Razors = $2.5 for a pack of 10
So for an initial investment of $30 - 40 you have:
- A razor that will out last you
- You no longer have to spend money on gels and canned creams
- Since most people get one week of shave from each side, you basically spend $.50 a month to shave your face and head.
- Once the razor become too dull for your face its PERFECT to shave your head. No need for extra blades.
In my previous pic, the Black Handled Gillette super speed DE I use to shave my dome is probably the cheapest razor you can buy off ebay - around 2 - 4 dollars.
-
Great advise brooklynlou, I have been having fairly good luck with DE shaving on my face.
I have a gillete simular to the one you have pictured and use mug soap and a brush.
I am getting a bit better at it and it does give me a great shave although I am not ready to give up my headblade for DE. The headblade works faster and better than any other I have ever used so I am quite happy with it, especially after taking the extra time it takes me to DE shave my face.
I will attack the skull with the DE after the holidays and see if there is any improvement over the HB.
-
I will attack the skull with the DE after the holidays and see if there is any improvement over the HB.
Definitely give it a shot. Its a lot easier to shave your head with a DE than your face. Those Gillette Super Speeds are very gentle razors. Like all DE's they have a personality. They have a small blade exposure and really can't hurt you and only work right within a certain narrow angle range. Too shallow, or too steep? You get a mediocre shave, but no nicks. Figure out the angle? Great shave all the time.
The way people get mangled with the Super Speeds (and DE's in general) is that rather than change the angle and let the weight of the thing do the shaving, they try to get a close shave by adding more pressure to the razor or holding it with clenched fingers. End result being the compressed skin gets stuck in the area where the blade is exposed and then "ouch".
Just lather up your head and drag the thing (holding it with your finger tips) lightly across your dome. You'll swear nothing is happening, but when you look down at the razor, it will be full of hair.
-
May have to try also! Have the cup and brush but no razor!
I even have the old DE blade sharpener! Nostalgic!
-
I will attack the skull with the DE after the holidays and see if there is any improvement over the HB.
Definitely give it a shot. Its a lot easier to shave your head with a DE than your face. Those Gillette Super Speeds are very gentle razors. Like all DE's they have a personality. They have a small blade exposure and really can't hurt you and only work right within a certain narrow angle range. Too shallow, or too steep? You get a mediocre shave, but no nicks. Figure out the angle? Great shave all the time.
The way people get mangled with the Super Speeds (and DE's in general) is that rather than change the angle and let the weight of the thing do the shaving, they try to get a close shave by adding more pressure to the razor or holding it with clenched fingers. End result being the compressed skin gets stuck in the area where the blade is exposed and then "ouch".
Just lather up your head and drag the thing (holding it with your finger tips) lightly across your dome. You'll swear nothing is happening, but when you look down at the razor, it will be full of hair.
Thanks for the tips! And welcome to Sly Bald Guys!!
-
I too have been shaving my face with a DE for a while now and I love it. I haven't tried it on my dome yet but perhaps one day. I have also been experimenting with straights but the learning curve on them is higher than with the DE and I haven't put in enough practice time yet to become proficient. I usually end up doing one or two passes with the straight and then finishing up with the DE.
Shaving with a DE or a straight can be either very expensive or very inexpensive. If you stick with the basics you will end up saving a lot of money. What often hapens is you browse the forums and develop one or more of the various "Aquisition Disorders" (Razors, Soaps, Creams, Brushes, Etc.) and that is when it gets expensive.....and starts eating up valuable bathroom real estate.
P.S. As stated before there is no reason you can't use a brush and a nice soap/cream with a cartrige razor. Lathering up with a nice hot brush is just a wonderful experience. I personally like Colleens at The Gentlemens Quarter but there are many brands to choose from and even the Williams you can get for a buck at the drug store gives a really good shave.
-
I have been DE shaving for about 2 month now and at first I did not enjoy it. I started out with a Merkur HD and Merkur blade. This combination was very rough and cut me alot. I bought several vintage Gillette off of Ebay and fell in love with them.
I now use a Gillete Tech and Personna blades. It is so soft and smooth and I never cut even on the neck. I use a badger brush and alot of different kinds of British creams. I used to totally dread shaving but now I look foward to it. There is nothing better than rubbing hot later on your face that smells like rose, lavender or lime.
DE shaving take concentration and more time than regular shaving. But IMO the rewards from it are soo much better.
-
I'm using a Tech and Personna blades also. One of these days I'll get a sample pack and experiment with some other brands. I got these because the were $11 shipped for 100 on Ebay.
-
I'm using a Tech and Personna blades also. One of these days I'll get a sample pack and experiment with some other brands. I got these because the were $11 shipped for 100 on Ebay.
Steve, I have tried many brands of DE blades. I bought a sampler pack and for some reason nothing is as gentle as Personna blades. Everything else seems way to aggresive and lead to nicks. have you tried DEing the head yet? I was going to last night but got scared :*))
-
I haven't tried the DE on the head yet. I did try about half a pass with the straight this morning. No nicks but it was pretty painful so I swithched back to the headblade. That learnin curve on the straight can be painful until you get the angles etc down.
-
here is some info i found on DE shaveing. i found it pretty informative. it gives some great info for double edge shaving and web sites to buy brushes and shave creams that seem pretty reasonable yet high quality.
www.msnbc.msn.com/id/6886845 (http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/6886845)
-
good article sparkster. I enjoyed reading it.
-
Another DE shaver here. DE on the face, Mach III on the dome. It's a great combo for me.
Quick story. Yesterday, I was rushed in the morning, and cut my normal shave routine into a shortened version. I used the Mach III on the face and dome.
By midday, the stubble has started.
If affirmed my belief that the DE is a better way for me to go on my face. Gives me a significant closer shave. Plus it adds to the enjoyment I get from the creams, soaps, and badger brush.
-
I gotta get into these magical creams and soaps you guys are using. I just use williams and it works good but sounds like there are some better ones out there I should try.
-
I gotta get into these magical creams and soaps you guys are using. I just use williams and it works good but sounds like there are some better ones out there I should try.
Dude there are amazing soaps and creams out there to use. Everything from Proraso, to Geo F Trumper, Taylor Of Bond Street, Billy Jealousy ect...
-
I gotta get into these magical creams and soaps you guys are using. I just use williams and it works good but sounds like there are some better ones out there I should try.
Marz, yes you do. Take your shaving to the next level: Sly2
Williams is a fine shaving soap. But if you're already using a brush, get yourself a scuttle (a big coffee cup, or latte cup is fine), and try a shaving cream.
If you like menthol, head over to a local Bath and Body Works store (they are in most malls) and look for CO Bigelow shaving cream. It's in a green box. Located in the men's area of the store. Around $10. It's Prorasso (from Italy) repackaged for CO Bigelow. Shave with that, throw on some Aqua Velva, and you'll be smooth, cool, and Sly2.
-
DE shaving is really a learned type of shaving. it reminds me of when i started using the head blade how it just didn't work until you got the hang of it thrue trial and error. after you got the hang of it nothing else worked nearly as good or gets as close as the head blade. and it really is easy. now i am finding it is the same thing for me with DE shaveing. i think once i get it mastered totally it is going to be great.also useing high quality products is the key to the ultimate shave and over the long term it seems a very economical way to shave.
-
well i received my badger brush and shaving creams from that article i posted. i have to say there is a whole lot of difference using quality products compared to the rather inexpensive boars brush and mug shaving cream i bought at walmart. the badger brush was softer and lathered up twice as much as the cheap boars brush. the shaving cream also left a good thick shaving cream and really helped moisten my skin.
it also smelled good and left my face feeling soft and smooth not to mention it seemed to make the DE shaving get closer i feel by more lather and also held more water. I'm really enjoying this double edge shaving not to mention it is a whole lot cheaper to shave once you have made your initial investment of quality product. which really isn't that bad and will repay itself in a year
50.00 for DE adjustable shaver
40.00 for a quality badger brush
12.00 for Taylor of bond shave cream
1.50 for 10 personna double edge blades at walmart
---------------------------------
103.5 initial investment
maybe add 20 bucks for shipping and handling. O0
-
well i received my badger brush and shaving creams from that article i posted. i have to say there is a whole lot of difference using quality products compared to the rather inexpensive boars brush and mug shaving cream i bought at walmart. the badger brush was softer and lathered up twice as much as the cheap boars brush. the shaving cream also left a good thick shaving cream and really helped moisten my skin.
it also smelled good and left my face feeling soft and smooth not to mention it seemed to make the DE shaving get closer i feel by more lather and also held more water. I'm really enjoying this double edge shaving not to mention it is a whole lot cheaper to shave once you have made your initial investment of quality product. which really isn't that bad and will repay itself in a year
50.00 for DE adjustable shaver
40.00 for a quality badger brush
12.00 for Taylor of bond shave cream
1.50 for 10 personna double edge blades at walmart
---------------------------------
103.5 initial investment
maybe add 20 bucks for shipping and handling. O0
Now you just need to get a quantity of good blades (Derby & Israeli) off e-bay.
About $17 for a 100 blades.
BTW. What razor did you get? Merkur Progress?
Bob.
-
that is exactly the DE i bought. the merkur progress. its the one on a video i saw and the guy said it was his favorite. i wouldn't know if its the best as its the only one i have. works great though.ill check into those blades.
man this DE shaving is cheap compared to cartridge razors.
well cooncatbob i bought both types- derby and israeli blades for the prices you said. with these blades and the ones i have already purchased i figure i wont have to buy anymore for 3 yrs unless i think i have to try another brand.
-
that is exactly the DE i bought. the merkur progress. its the one on a video i saw and the guy said it was his favorite. i wouldn't know if its the best as its the only one i have. works great though.ill check into those blades.
man this DE shaving is cheap compared to cartridge razors.
I thought so from the price as the Futur and Vision are much more.
There's a guy "Mer/Eric" over at
http://badgerandblade.com/vb/index.php
He modifies the Progress by cutting off the plastic knob and replacing it with one he makes in his home machine shop. They are very nice.
I replaced the knob on mine with a wooden knob, it was a pain as it reall easy to break the knob when it so small. My progress is one of my favorite razors.
Bob.
(https://www.slybaldguys.com/smf/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Ffarm1.static.flickr.com%2F223%2F467676663_534707d45b.jpg&hash=e4bd23129a7e0b72a516a368a0df8154c7c24e1d)
-
wow that is cool. so would you suggest that i change mine. i like the looks of yours a lot better. do you think it will last as long as the original knob. i am going to check out the web site. i also post up i purchased the blades both types and am looking forward to trying them.
-
wow that is cool. so would you suggest that i change mine. i like the looks of yours a lot better. do you think it will last as long as the original knob. i am going to check out the web site. i also post up i purchased the blades both types and am looking forward to trying them.
There's nothing wrong with the plastic knob, it molded right onto the metal so it's never going to break or fall off. Mer has folks send him their razor and he does the mod, he does a couple different style out of Stainless steel or brass. You can do a search over at B&B or here
http://www.shavemyface.com/forum/index.php
search razor "mergress" and you pull up some post with pictures of his work.
The only thing I don't like about the Progress is the fluted barrel, I wish it was knurled instead. If you like your Progress you would also like a Gillette Fatboy adjustable, same size and weight as the Progress. But you might end up like me with a bad case of "RAD" (razor acquisition disorder). ;D
(https://www.slybaldguys.com/smf/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Ffarm3.static.flickr.com%2F2036%2F2095603431_20ae70a9ee_m.jpg&hash=18bd75e2b2889283f7ba768d67aa6cd3abc925e8)
(https://www.slybaldguys.com/smf/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Ffarm3.static.flickr.com%2F2248%2F1608770698_bc1ebc9f1e_m.jpg&hash=d2cf87711266faff1f18666aefbe8d81e267bc08)
-
man you really do take de shaving to the next level. i checked out mers work and it is cool stuff what he does with this adjustable de razor. i wish i knew about him and just purchased 1 from him as it seems he sells them already modified.
if you dont mind me asking where do you purchase a fatboy gillete. ebay didnt have any and i couldnt find any shave shops that did either.
thanks randy
-
man you really do take de shaving to the next level. i checked out mers work and it is cool stuff what he does with this adjustable de razor. i wish i knew about him and just purchased 1 from him as it seems he sells them already modified.
if you dont mind me asking where do you purchase a fatboy gillete. ebay didnt have any and i couldnt find any shave shops that did either.
thanks randy
Gillette quit making Fat Boys "Adjustable razor model Mark I" In 1961 when they came out with the Mark II slim handle. Also a great razor. Thrift store and e-bay are where they can be found. Did you search "safety razors" on e-bay because I just did and saw several fatboys and slims. Try not to pay over $20 and don't go over $30. Put a watch on the razors your interested in and put in a "SNIPE" bid with 20 seconds to go. ;D. You'll miss out on a lot of razors but it's better to be patient then to over pay. Bob.
http://cgi.ebay.com/Gillette-1959-Fat-Boy-Adjustable_W0QQitemZ150205757380QQihZ005QQcategoryZ35989QQssPageNameZWDVWQQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem
-
randy here ya go
http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&Item=150205757380&Category=35989
-
thanks. i have 3 fatboys on my watch list and will take your advice. i was putting the wrong types of words in the search. is there any other types of blades that you like to use?when i get a fatboy i will send my other DE razor and have it modified.leaning towards the longer the longer stainless adjustment but will check it out more.
-
I use an '63 Gillette adjustable for my daily face shave and love it. Picked it up on Ebay.
Over this weekend I picked up a couple of DEs on Ebay:
a 1976 Gillette Super Speed and a 1968 Gillette Knack. Both DEs...both users. I got 'em both from the same seller, for a total of $11. I was happy! Now I have a few others to get into the rotation.
Be patient on the Fat Boy...they are out there. Randy, you're gonna love the DE shaving. The products (creams and soaps) are great.
-
I use an '63 Gillette adjustable for my daily face shave and love it. Picked it up on Ebay.
Over this weekend I picked up a couple of DEs on Ebay:
a 1976 Gillette Super Speed and a 1968 Gillette Knack. Both DEs...both users. I got 'em both from the same seller, for a total of $11. I was happy! Now I have a few others to get into the rotation.
Be patient on the Fat Boy...they are out there. Randy, you're gonna love the DE shaving. The products (creams and soaps) are great.
i am seeing what you mean. i just hated shaving in the past and ever since this DE shaveing it has turned into a enjoyment. the shaving creams and the closeness and how the face feels so much smoother has been great and now am totally addicted.i get my fatboy and then ill be set. OK OK until i think i need another. i think I'm going to have to redo do my bath again and make it bigger this time. O0
-
Other Gillette razors that are in my rotation.
Early 50s Aristocrat.
40's Milord
Super Speed, any era.
Techs.
As for blades I have a large hoard of "Feathers" they can be had at Classic Shaving and on e-bay.
One thing about DE razors, some razor shave better with certain blades.
I like feathers in adjustable razor but find the harsh in my Aristocrat and Milord which prefer Derby and Israeli blades. Your experience may be different but I make a mental not of which razors like which blades so that when I switch razors I use a blade that works well for me in that razor.
I've also found that razors that I didn't like when I first started DE shaving I now really love, like my Aristocrat. I think as one's technique improved they are better getting a feel for maintaining the proper razor angle. ;)
Bob.
-
OK bob i hope you know that you got me hooked on all these different types of DE razors and got my watch list on about half a dozen fatboys and i won a Gillette tech. i won it for 2.50 plus 3 dollars for shipping. could have bid on 1 today but i thought it was a little rough looking. i cant believe how they wait until the last seconds to bid and dont know how i got it as that was my first watch bid.i bid twice in the last 60 seconds. OK done spending money today .