A couple of people mentioned in another thread that they saved money by switching from cartridge to safety razors. I did the math, and… wow.
So, where to begin? What’s the best model for a woman? The best blade? Do you have to use a different kind of shaving cream?
Do you have to learn how to shave all over again? How long does it take to adjust? How long do they last?
Tell me your story!
Thanks,
Christy
Moved MPSIMS --> IMHO.
twicks, who can’t answer your questions because she’s never used anything but safety razors because cartridges are effin’ worthless.
What model/blade do you use?
Thanks for starting this tread, Olives! I am very interested in this topic as well.
Buy a Parker butterfly model. You can upgrade later, but the Parkers are (now) perfectly well made and butterfly openings are cool and have less risk of nicking your fingers. I personally use a Merkur, but I bought a Parker for a gift recently and was impressed how nice it felt, since it was less than half the price of mine.
Learning to shave with one really isn’t much of a transition. My wife and I share a razor, and neither of us had a hard time moving from cartridges. It’s the same motions, you’re just holding the razor at a slightly different angle and need to learn to use less pressure.
Safety razor fans will load you up with cream/soap recommendations. My preference is definitely not mainstream opinion, but I use Dr Bronner’s Magic Soap (peppermint). It’s relatively inexpensive, forms a light lather very easily, and lets the razor really glide over my skin.
Have you read the post I made in the Old technology thread?
http://boards.straightdope.com/sdmb/showthread.php?p=15220997#post15220997
Best model for a woman: I don’t think double edge safety razors come in those wide, unorthodox shapes common in women’s razors. As far as I know, they all pretty much look like this: http://coinsandmoreonline.com/images/Razor345-GilletteSlimH3-1962-Good.jpg In any case, if what you’re looking for is an effective, cheap and comfortable hygiene product, you’ll have difficulty finding it in the women’s section. Whatever the model, it’s best for it to be adjustable.
“How long do they last?”
The Gillette Slim I’m using was made in the mid 60s.
“Do you have to use a different kind of shaving cream?”
You don’t have to but you can greatly benefit from using high quality shaving soap or shaving cream with a badger hair brush.
“Do you have to learn how to shave all over again?”
Not really. If you use an adjustable razor, you’ll have to learn which setting works best in particular circumstances. You’ll have to learn the proper amount of water when making foam using shaving cream/shaving soap.
“How long does it take to adjust?”
About 5-10 shaves.
“The best blade?”
For me, Astra, Personna and 7 O’Clock. Buy a sampler pack to know what works best for you.
Cheap ones will murder your face.
Good thing I don’t have to shave my face.
I was pretty close to starting this thread. Based on some of the ringing endorsements in the linked posts, I am going to switch as well. My father uses his father’s magnificent old safety razor, so when I mentioned switching the other day, he was certainly enthusiastic and offered me a box of his blades.
I’m going to finish out my box of cartridges and take the plunge in a week or two.
According to my calculations, in 1.5 months it will have paid for itself.
I’m kind of irritated with myself for spending so many years buying overpriced and terrible cartridges. Sunk cost, oh well.
The only thing I have to figure out is disposal. I have a 2-year old running around my house, so obviously I need to be a bit disciplined in making sure I don’t leave a used blade sitting on the sink or whatever.
You can still occasionally find the Schick injector razor and blades on Ebay. They quit selling injector blades at local retail about 10 years ago. But there’s a few online places that sill stock blades. I bought two injector razors off Ebay a couple years ago. sanitized them in boiling water.
imho the humble Schick injector razor was the best ever manufactured. They were made from the 1930’s until mid 1990’s. I’ve used one for 33 years.
I just use Barbasol shaving cream and it seems to work fine. I do switch out the blades almost every time I shave: it’s the super-sharp razor that is so wonderfully effective. The downside to cartridges is that they cost so much you are tempted to keep using a blade long after it’s dulled.
You could use an empty pickle or mayonnaise jar with a slit cut in the lid, and just toss whole (maybe tape the top) when done. This article on LiveStrong.com suggests cutting a slit in the top of a large tin can (like a large broth can) and dumping out the contents and using that as a receptacle.
The blades come in a little plastic box – new blades wrapped in paper slide out the top and used blades slide into the bottom.
The $ savings isn’t the only benefit – you also get a better shave.
Does anyone remember metal flush-mount (in-wall) medicine cabinets with a slot in the back? I always assumed that was for “no muss, no fuss” disposal of used safety razors… and felt bad for whomever had to demolish the house, eventually, and deal with a pile of festering, rusted-out still-dangerous razor blades sitting in the bottom of the wall.
Yeah. The packaging that accepts back the old blade as it dispenses the new is much better.
What type of razor and blades do you use, if you don’t mind me asking?
I’m liking the Butterfly model best so far. Planning on getting a sampler pack for the blades.
Not sure if I’m ready to invest in shave cream and a $40 brush.
It appears that butterfly is a type of razor, as opposed to a make or model. Any idea which make/model you’re interested in?
OK - so I think the ladies are covered. How about for us guys - best model for the face?
