Since I first got those sparse, wiry hairs on my chin and had to start shaving, I’ve hated it. Once my beard came in more and I started having to shave my neck, I hated it even more. As soon as I started shaving my neck, on came the razor bumps and I have not been without them since. I get them if I shave too closely and I get them if I let my beard grow out. On top of that, when I try to let my beard grow out, my skin gets all flaky and it itches so badly that I eventually go running for the shaving cream and razor.
I’ve tried all kinds of different things for the razor bumps, with minimal success. Not too long ago I had read that multi-blade razors were not good for people who get razor bumps and that I should try a single-blade razor. I hadn’t shave with one of those since I used disposable razors back in college. I was like the typical guy now….shaving with the Mach3 or 4 or 5 with whichever shaving cream happened to be on sale when I was at the store. One day at lunch I was looking for something to read on the net when I did a search for single-blade razors and came across this story. After reading it, I was pretty pumped and ready to go out and get some of my own products. I read Corey’s “ShaveBlog” and that added even further to my enthusiasm. I found a cheap old Gillette safety razor on eBay, a cheap badger hair brush and Prorasso Italian shaving cream elsewhere on the net, and an antique shaving mug that was used by my Great-Great Grandfather way back in the day. I was all set.
Switching from the new multi-blade razors that are made so you can just quickly and carelessly run them all over your face to a single-blade safety razor took a bit of getting used to. The first few times I shaved I nicked myself up pretty good but after some practice I have gotten pretty good at it. The razor bumps have not completely gone away but I am definitely getting the closest shave of my life and am actually enjoying shaving now. I have tried some other nice shaving creams such as Taylor of Old Bond Street’s Rose, which is an awesome English shaving cream. I asked for and received a Merkur HD safety razor for Christmas and I must say that it is amazing! I didn’t think I could get a closer shave than I was getting with my Gillette, but I was wrong!
Guys, you owe it to yourself to give this a try….especially if you use the Mach X razors and you hate to shave. I have a treasure trove of information on the subject, so if you are interested and want more info, let me know.
I have to say that new (old) razor you got me is very cool. It works wonderfully and yes it is just fun to use that brush in the cup, etc. I did also nick the tar out of myself that first time but I know I will get used to it. I am sure it will be more fun when summer rolls around & I remove my beard.
Comment by LeBlanc — January 9, 2008 @ 3:20 pm
Be sure to check out the traditional shaving sub-culture at http://www.shavemyface.com, http://www.badgerandblade.com, and my youtube shaving channel!
Comment by Mark — January 9, 2008 @ 10:57 pm
Mark, you are so right! I apologize. I forgot to mention that I did watch your videos on Youtube before trying to shave with the safety razor for the first time and they were extremely helpful. Seeing it done before trying to do it myself made it so much less intimidating. Thanks so much for the advice and for stopping by!
Comment by g.peaceburton — January 10, 2008 @ 1:10 pm
How long does a double edge blade last? How good of a shave will a blade give?
As with a “cut-throat” razor it depends on the sharpness of the blade and the durability/hardness of the steel.
Has anyone looked at the edge of various maker’s double edge blades under a 10 power magnifying glass, or, better yet, a microscope, to see if they can see a difference in the blade edges?
I looked at a Schick, and a Merkur, under a 10X glass. The Merkur, even at only 10X, has a rough edge. The Schick has a much smoother edge.
I checked this out after using one of each blade. The Schick gave me 25 good shaves before it started pulling,
The Merkur blade gave me a worse (it pulled more) shave on the first shave than the Schick did after 25 shaves. (Was the Merkur a counterfeit??)
I used to get 60 good shaves out of the Gillette Blue Blade. Now I am doing good to get 30 out of stainless steel, platinum, etc.
Seems the blade makers are just not putting as good of an edge on their blades just so they will get duller faster.
I have not tried the Feather Blades yet, but have ordered some, as they have a reputation for sharpness.
A person should be able to tell just how long, comparatively, a blade will last just by looking at its edge under a microscope.
The whole thing seems to be a “sting” operation though, as sharp blades could go out for weeks and then start sending out less sharp ones.
Comment by Ronald — March 31, 2008 @ 7:43 am
also, a good way to extend the life of the blade is this stuff called razor rinse, just do a search for it. it cleans your blade and stops razor burn by killing the staph on your skin and blade.
Comment by mcqtip19 — May 15, 2008 @ 2:14 pm
Sweet! Thanks for letting me know. I’ll have to check that Razor Rinse stuff out.
Comment by g.peaceburton — May 16, 2008 @ 1:39 pm