# Good Men's razor and shave cream?
**URL:** https://boards.straightdope.com/t/good-mens-razor-and-shave-cream/958760
**Category:** In My Humble Opinion
**Created:** [February 1, 2022, 7:55pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/good-mens-razor-and-shave-cream/958760 "2022-02-01T19:55:05Z")
**Posts on this page:** 20
**Page:** 1
### Author:  [@Bijou\_Drains](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Bijou_Drains)
#### Post date: [February 1, 2022, 7:55pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/good-mens-razor-and-shave-cream/958760/1 "2022-02-01T19:55:05Z")
Now use Gillette for both but I am looking for alternatives. Nothing too pricey. I work at home so I don’t shave every day. Maybe 2x per week depending on where I am going .
---
### Author:  [@engineer\_comp\_geek](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/engineer_comp_geek)
#### Post date: [February 1, 2022, 8:11pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/good-mens-razor-and-shave-cream/958760/2 "2022-02-01T20:11:36Z")
Moved to IMHO (from FQ) so that everyone can give opinions on which ones are better and can share their personal experiences.
---
### Author:  [@DPRK](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/DPRK)
#### Post date: [February 1, 2022, 8:13pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/good-mens-razor-and-shave-cream/958760/3 "2022-02-01T20:13:32Z")
If you don’t want to buy those foamy cans or shaving gels, I’m sure some plain Castile soap would work and be easily packed on trips, if that’s what you are asking about. As for razor blades, I mean they are almost all stainless steel these days, I’m not sure what’s the super cheapest but you can get packs of 5-bladed disposable razors at the drugstore, or double-edged razor blades if you are more old school (but then you need a safety razor holder to insert them into). There is no difference between “men’s” and “women’s” razor blades, just make sure they are sharp!! If you really only shave occasionally, you are not going to spend a fortune on shaving kit, just get some disposable razors and a bar of hard soap.
ETA or invest in an electric razor, eg Braun, then you don’t need to soap up your face and they are also easy to pack in your luggage.
---
### Author:  [@beowulff](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/beowulff)
#### Post date: [February 1, 2022, 8:19pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/good-mens-razor-and-shave-cream/958760/4 "2022-02-01T20:19:50Z")
I use [Cremo](Cremo Barber Grade Original Shave Cream, Astonishingly Superior Ultra-Slick Shaving Cream Fights Nicks, Cuts and Razor Burn, 6 Oz (2-Pack) [https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07C8XGF63/ref=cm\_sw\_r\_cp\_api\_glt\_i\_SVEZ397TPDPP6J76PFEW](https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07C8XGF63/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_glt_i_SVEZ397TPDPP6J76PFEW)).
ETA- no idea why the link isn’t working.
---
### Author:  [@RitterSport](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/RitterSport)
#### Post date: [February 1, 2022, 8:22pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/good-mens-razor-and-shave-cream/958760/5 "2022-02-01T20:22:36Z")
Mach 3 razors, Edge gel. The razors are pricey, but they lasted like a month when I was shaving daily. No cuts or anything.
---
### Author:  [@kenobi\_65](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/kenobi_65)
#### Post date: [February 1, 2022, 8:26pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/good-mens-razor-and-shave-cream/958760/6 "2022-02-01T20:26:24Z")
> [@beowulff](#):
>
> ETA- no idea why the link isn’t working.
Take out the extra characters after the item ID number (the “ref=”, and all the stuff after that), and it usually works.
[https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07C8XGF63/](https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07C8XGF63/)
---
### Author:  [@WildaBeast](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/WildaBeast)
#### Post date: [February 1, 2022, 8:34pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/good-mens-razor-and-shave-cream/958760/7 "2022-02-01T20:34:06Z")
I second the Mach 3, even though the OP said he was looking for an alternative to Gillette. But the Mach 3 has been out long enough that there are store brand cartridges available that fit the Mach 3 handle, if cost is an issue. I’ve been using the Target brand ones and they seem just as good as the Gillette ones.
---
### Author:  [@Cheesesteak](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Cheesesteak)
#### Post date: [February 1, 2022, 8:35pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/good-mens-razor-and-shave-cream/958760/8 "2022-02-01T20:35:30Z")
I’m mostly an old school shaver, I have a vintage double edged razor, shaving brush and bowl.
I’m using this stuff from [Vikings Blade](https://smile.amazon.com/gp/product/B01GDZC0ZS) It’s a tich pricey at $17, but one tub lasted me over 2 years shaving about 4x a week. Needs a shaving brush to use, but it’s a very nice product, and shaving brushes are more luxurious than foam from a can, even $10 brushes.
To change it up, you can also go double edged safety razor, they’re easily available now from retailers, and even vintage ones through eBay.
If you’re not into that, Harry’s makes good razors at a fair price. They are my go to travel and backup razors.
---
### Author:  [@Fear\_the\_Turtle](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Fear_the_Turtle)
#### Post date: [February 1, 2022, 8:47pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/good-mens-razor-and-shave-cream/958760/9 "2022-02-01T20:47:21Z")
Another happy Mach3/Edge gel user. Although my handle is getting a little gunked up and I’m curious if I should try one of those 4 blade razors
---
### Author:  [@RitterSport](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/RitterSport)
#### Post date: [February 1, 2022, 9:02pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/good-mens-razor-and-shave-cream/958760/10 "2022-02-01T21:02:34Z")
On the subject of more blades: [https://www.washingtonpost.com/archive/lifestyle/magazine/2003/07/20/blade-inflation/837644c0-5d2b-40a5-85ef-d96b27a24b56/](https://www.washingtonpost.com/archive/lifestyle/magazine/2003/07/20/blade-inflation/837644c0-5d2b-40a5-85ef-d96b27a24b56/)
One the subject of Mach 3/Edge, when I used to go to the gym before work (and so shaved and showered at the gym), it seemed like the majority of the folks used that combo. This was before Harry’s, which seem to be cheaper, although I haven’t tried them.
---
### Author:  [@Fear\_Itself](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Fear_Itself)
#### Post date: [February 1, 2022, 9:06pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/good-mens-razor-and-shave-cream/958760/11 "2022-02-01T21:06:13Z")
Walmart’s Equate brand 5-blade razor cartridges, Williams Mug Shaving Soap and a brush & mug.
---
### Author:  [@Dr\_Paprika](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Dr_Paprika)
#### Post date: [February 1, 2022, 9:16pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/good-mens-razor-and-shave-cream/958760/12 "2022-02-01T21:16:10Z")
I like the pricey five blade cartridges and traditional foams. Blades can be expensive even when bought in bulk. But even disposables can be easily sharpened by rubbing them against a flat, dry glass surface before or after use. This simple trick seems to extend their life by perhaps three or four times, and to me justifies buying them rather than looking for a cheaper replacement.
---
### Author:  [@bump](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/bump)
#### Post date: [February 1, 2022, 9:16pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/good-mens-razor-and-shave-cream/958760/13 "2022-02-01T21:16:29Z")
If you’re not going to go full wet-shaving with a double-edged razor, something like a Bic Flex 3 and some kind of brushless shave cream like [Pacific Shaving’s Natural Shave Cream](https://smile.amazon.com/Pacific-Shaving-Company-Natural-Cream/dp/B07HP9T39L?ref_=ast_sto_dp&th=1&psc=1) or [Gillette Pure Shaving Cream](https://www.cvs.com/shop/pure-by-gillette-shaving-cream-for-men-6-0-oz-prodid-2280040) are probably your best bang for the buck and the easiest to use, since they don’t need a brush and aren’t kind of weird, like Cremo Cream.
---
### Author:  [@aceplace57](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/aceplace57)
#### Post date: [February 1, 2022, 10:23pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/good-mens-razor-and-shave-cream/958760/14 "2022-02-01T22:23:32Z")
I used a adjustable gillette injector razor and blades for most of my adult life. Really liked it. They’re hard to find. My last one was lost at the hospital. Used injector razors were $30 and up on Ebay.
I’ve been using the cheapest Bic disposable razors for a couple years. They work pretty well.
My shaving creme is Gillette Foamy. Has been since age 16.
---
### Author:  [@Elmer\_J.Fudd](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Elmer_J.Fudd)
#### Post date: [February 1, 2022, 10:32pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/good-mens-razor-and-shave-cream/958760/15 "2022-02-01T22:32:46Z")
I got a good deal on Harry’s at Costco about a year ago and I’m only now getting to the end of the 18 replacement cartridges. They’re better than the Fusion 5s I used for about 20 years prior and also cheaper, I think. I still use Edge gel for Tough Beards.
> **[Amazon.com: Harry's Razor Blades Refills - Razors for Men - 12 count (Packaging...](https://www.amazon.com/Harrys-12X-5-Blades-Cartridges-Olive/dp/B07B4697TN)**
>
> Buy Harry's Razor Blades Refills - Razors for Men - 12 count (Packaging May Vary) on Amazon.com ✓ FREE SHIPPING on qualified orders
---
### Author:  [@Jackmannii](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Jackmannii)
#### Post date: [February 1, 2022, 10:42pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/good-mens-razor-and-shave-cream/958760/16 "2022-02-01T22:42:53Z")
Given the minute areas I need to trim around my beard, a can of Barbasol lasts for years and works out to maybe .0115 cents worth of lather per shave. I get more use out of twin blade replacements than Winston Smith did with his blades in _1984_.
---
### Author:  [@digs](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/digs)
#### Post date: [February 1, 2022, 10:44pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/good-mens-razor-and-shave-cream/958760/17 "2022-02-01T22:44:24Z")
> [@Cheesesteak](#):
>
> I’m mostly an old school shaver
I’m even older-school. I got used to shaving without cream or foam or any of that stuff.
As long as i can keep my (very thick) beard wet for five to ten minutes (in a shower, or just keeping it wet with a handful of water or a washcloth while I’m getting ready), then it’s soft enough to shave off easily.
---
### Author:  [@erysichthon](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/erysichthon)
#### Post date: [February 1, 2022, 10:51pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/good-mens-razor-and-shave-cream/958760/18 "2022-02-01T22:51:22Z")
> [@Fear\_Itself](#):
>
> Walmart’s Equate brand 5-blade razor cartridges
Seconding this. Amazon sells the same cartridges under their Solimo brand; they’re made by Personna. I used Dorco blades for years, but these are just as good—if not better.
Amazon also sells a 3-blade version (AFAIK, Walmart does not).
---
### Author:  [@thelurkinghorror](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/thelurkinghorror)
#### Post date: [February 1, 2022, 11:01pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/good-mens-razor-and-shave-cream/958760/19 "2022-02-01T23:01:31Z")
I went double edge and haven’t looked back, it’s cheaper in the long run and it seems less wasteful. I don’t mess with a bowl and brush cream or soap, I don’t do my whole face so I’m not sure it’s worth it.
---
### Author:  [@Mean\_Mr.Mustard](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Mean_Mr.Mustard)
#### Post date: [February 1, 2022, 11:08pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/good-mens-razor-and-shave-cream/958760/20 "2022-02-01T23:08:06Z")
> [@WildaBeast](#):
>
> Mach 3
I use the Gillette (sorry) Fusion 5. The blades aren’t cheap, but I only change them once a month. Right now I’m set for blades until fall 2023.
mmm
[Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/good-mens-razor-and-shave-cream/958760.md?page=2)