Shaving - classic double edge razors

[Kevoffthetee]

Afternoon from a sun lounger in a very hot and sunny Porthmadog

Is anyone using, or recently moved to on the the classic double edged razors which seem to be coming back into fashion? I get dense stubble and suffer really bad razor bumps and burn and have been told and read about how they are supposed to be a better way of shaving once you have mastered the technique.

I'm now 32, been shaving for best part of 18 years and I've tried every modern razor out there and every pre and post shave regimes going but so far all have proven to be expensive gimmicks

Cheers, Kev

 

[glasgowcyclist]

Afternoon from a sun lounger in a very hot and sunny Porthmadog

Is anyone using, or recently moved to on the the classic double edged razors which seem to be coming back into fashion? I get dense stubble and suffer really bad razor bumps and burn and have been told and read about how they are supposed to be a better way of shaving once you have mastered the technique.

I'm now 32, been shaving for best part of 18 years and I've tried every modern razor out there and every pre and post shave regimes going but so far all have proven to be expensive gimmicks

Cheers, Kev

Double-edged razors are the best and it'll take you all of two minutes to master the technique. There's no smoother shave (except maybe from a cut-throat razor) in my opinion.

As for creams and foams, they're not necessary; just wet your face at least two minutes before you need to shave and the hairs will be soft enough to cut easily. After a bath or shower is ideal.


GC

 

[Amanda P]

Yes.

It's well worth getting Feather blades from somewhere like Shaving Shack. Way sharper and longer-lasting than anything I've ever bought in a shop. I've got a Merkur razor and used it for years.

 

[JoeyB]

I converted straight after the last shaving thread on CC. I love my DE razor, I went for the Merkur 34C and I use mostly Feather blades although I'm still working my way through a mixed sample pack from eBay. I get most of my stuff from here http://www.shaving-shack.com/

 

[LCpl Boiled Egg]

Merkur 34C for me too, with a mixed bag of eight or different types of blade that I'm working through. Feather are incredibly sharp!

 

[swee'pea99]

I use (and love) a Merkur too, along with the bizarrely-branded (but perfectly good....made in India) Wilkinson Sword Gillette blades that are sold for pennies on ebay. I would second the tip on a good pre-soak - I get the best shave after a shower. Oh, and go the whole hog - get a badger brush & some shaving soap - it's so cool!

 

[JoeyB]

I got my badger brush from here http://newforestbrushes.blogspot.co.uk/2014_04_01_archive.html

Website looks shonky but the seller is perfectly legit. Can't remember what brush I ordered, think he has changed the lineup since.

 

[tyred]

Definitely far superior than any of the Gillette cheese graters on sale in the shops today.

I use a 1950s Gillette Tech, Wilkinson Swords Blades, a cheap boar brush (Badger is supposed to be better but I get along fine with the one I have from Tescos) and I use a variety of soaps but the Palmolive shaving stick is as good as any - 59p from Tescos. Erasmic soap, stick or cream (in metal tube) can be nice if you find it but they keep messing with the formula. Wilkinson Sword in the blue bowl isn't a bad soap either. Otherwise, things like Trumpers can be bought online. Might seem expensive but they last for ever and they are lovely to use.

 

[Booyaa]

I usually use a cut throat razor, been tempted to get a safety but quite like the low maintenance of the straight.

 

[surfdude]

you lot are all so lucky shaving every day . i am 48 and still only need to shave twice weekly . my razors go rusty before they get blunt

 

[JoeyB]

you lot are all so lucky shaving every day . i am 48 and still only need to shave twice weekly . my razors go rusty before they get blunt

Oh I don't shave daily, not if I can help it anyway!

 

[EltonFrog]

I bought a Merkur as a result of the last discussion, and to be honest I ain't that fussed about it, its ok, its no better than the Gillette I used before it, no worse either I guess, a bit of a faff changing the blade but the blades are a lot cheaper and seem to last but I don't think the shave is any closer or better. To be honest I wish I hadn't bothered with it, but now I've got it I'll keep using it.

I use an expensive badger brush and soap (which were gifts) and they are lovely, especially the soap which is lasting ages, I was using these before I got the Merkur

 

[Profpointy]

i bought an Edwin Jagger for £25 - which seemed a bit pricey, though it is nicely made from heavy chrome plated brass. Now I've bee using it a while I realise I now very rarely cut myself, get a good shave and new packs of blades are very cheap compared to the various patent dual or triple blade nonsense I'd previously used. I don't bother with lotions and potions, just normal bar of soap and a badger brush - and if I'm away just use soap and my hands rather than brush. A good buy all round

 

[yello]

i am 48 and still only need to shave twice weekly

Ditto... ish. I'm a bit older and shave less frequently. Once a week and/or special occasions for me. I use supermarket own brand disposables and they're fine, last ages too. I can't remember when I last bought some.

As a teenager, I felt no need to embrace adulthood (and little need fortunately as I was fine/fair haired) like some friends did. I didn't shave at all until I was in my 20s.

I feel my reluctance/lack of need to shave when younger is paying dividends now because I'm no fan of shaving. It's a maintenance task, akin to strimming, that I do only when I have to.

 

[KneesUp]

I started using them when I got disgusted at the price of blades for Gillette ones. I was living abroad at the time, and you still got them wrapped in tissue, in a little cardboard box.

I digress. I have my late grandfathers handle for them, and although he was always neatly shaven I just cannot get it right, although it's nice to take your time. I now use the double blade ones from Aldi. No-one needs more than 2 blades.