Safety Razor vs. Cartridge Razors

#1
headhunter15

headhunter15

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#1
Not sure I’ve seen a shaving thread on VN.

Quick question: I’ve used Bic Flex 3 Razors since I learned to shave. However, I am interested in trying a safety razor out. Does anyone use safety razors and recommend them? I would love to be able to shave everyday instead of every other day.
 
#3
#3
Been using a safety razor for years. The handle will be more expensive up front (around $30 on Amazon I think), but the blades after that will be dirt cheap. It's definitely much more of an art than disposable razors are. My suggestions would be:

1) get a good handle. Butterfly open to secure the blade is common. Make sure it's stainless. If you can apply adjustable pressure to the blade to change the angle it meets the skin, that can be helpful.
2) know you will cut yourself more at first. The blades can be wicked sharp depending on the brand you get. You'll have to teach yourself how to keep tight skin under the blade and not apply probably as much pressure to the blade as you're currently used to. Let the blade do the cutting on its own.
3) Astra blades are cheap and rather sharp off Amazon.
4) learn how to actually shave. One pass will make you presentable, but you'll do better if you think of going in three stages on any area. With the grain, across the grain, and finally against the grain in that order. Reapply cream or lubricant as needed.
5) speaking of cream, look into cremo shave cream. Imo works better than traditional gel or cream, but other people hate it.
6) a good after shave balm like Nivea can help relieve shaving burn that will likely happen early on.
7) done correctly, a safety razor will give you a much closer shave. If you really want to step it up, look into straight razor handles that use the same blades. Those are much harder to master on keeping a good angle to your skin though.
 
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#7
#7


Anyone tried the Wilkinson Sword safety razor? I think this will be the one I’m going to get.
 
#11
#11
MSME Vol said:
I've never seen an electric that could handle how thick my hair comes in or get as close as I want it to.
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Mine is pretty thick but I have to shave every day so its fine. The shave isn't as close but that doesnt really bother me. The convenience outweighs everything.
 
#12
#12
Ya
K-town Vol Fan said:
Mine is pretty thick but I have to shave every day so its fine. The shave isn't as close but that doesnt really bother me. The convenience outweighs everything.
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Ya probably works for the majority. My facial hair is a special kind of ridiculous
 
#14
#14
I've found I like using a safety razor to shave the first pass with the grain and then a cartridge razor from dollar shave club against the grain to get a really smooth shave. My cartridge blades last forever like this.
 
#15
#15
goldenvol said:
I've found I like using a safety razor to shave the first pass with the grain and then a cartridge razor from dollar shave club against the grain to get a really smooth shave. My cartridge blades last forever like this.
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Ever shaved against the grain with a safety razor? My upper lip needs to be shaved against the grain to be really smooth and clean.
 
#18
#18
headhunter15 said:
Crap. May need to keep my Bic Flex 3 around for my upper lip.
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I may not know how to properly use the safety razor.

When I found out I got a great shave using the safety razor first then the multi blade cartridge razor second, I was lazy and kept with that pattern.

Dont let me keep you from trying a safety razor.
 
#19
#19
goldenvol said:
I may not know how to properly use the safety razor.

When I found out I got a great shave using the safety razor first then the multi blade cartridge razor second, I was lazy and kept with that pattern.

Dont let me keep you from trying a safety razor.
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I’ll give it a shot. Mine arrives next week!
 
#20
#20
Is there much of a difference doing something that takes twice as long but you do it half as often?
 
#21
#21
golfballs said:
Is there much of a difference doing something that takes twice as long but you do it half as often?
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Not sure I follow. I go much faster with a safety after I got used to it. Blade is sharper as easier to wash off. It also gets me closer so less often shaving
 
#22
#22
MSME Vol said:
Not sure I follow. I go much faster with a safety after I got used to it. Blade is sharper as easier to wash off. It also gets me closer so less often shaving
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How do you shave your upper lip? That’s the area I have to most go against the grain. I’ve got a Wilkinson Sword coming this week.
 
#23
#23
headhunter15 said:
How do you shave your upper lip? That’s the area I have to most go against the grain. I’ve got a Wilkinson Sword coming this week.
Click to expand...
I don't anymore. For several years I've kept a trimmed beard lol. Nowadays I mainly keep my under chin and neck clean with a razor and trim my beard with small clippers. Beforehand it was the trickiest spot. You'll learn to keep your skin tight and stretched with an appropriate angle. Always go with the grain and then across it before against it on the lip. You may find that is good enough with just the first pass or two
 
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#24
#24
If anyone is into shave soaps, I highly recommend Heritage Hill Shave Company! Everything is American made and they are based out of Jacksonville, Florida.
 
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