Guys, I'm looking for a new disposable Razor. Suggestions?

[Duckster]

@John_Mace

I’ve been using the Gillette Sensor Excel for decades, and I’ve never found anything better. I have a moderately thick beard, and it does the trick nicely. Two blades, teflon strip, swivel head. That’s all a man needs!

I’ve been using the Atra or Trac II blades for years. You can buy a hefty, quality handle on Amazon for $30. I got mine when it was $25. Blades direct from the manufacturerand for what many of you pay for a month of blades will last me more than a year.

[Magiver]

When you’re all talking about the Mach3 are you referring to the electric version of it (mp3)? I so desperately want to change to something cheaper but keep coming back to the damn thing out of necessity. I shred my face with other razors.

[Jormungandr]

You can try Wilkinson Sword’s Tech 3. The start pack with two cartridges is $5 at most Walmarts. The refills costs $5 for a 4 cartridges.

[kayaker]

@medstar

You might want to also exfoliate your face, neck, and whatever else you shave. Just use a product that is made for this purpose, or wash your face with a mild cleanser on a rough washcloth. Rinse thoroughly and go through your regular shaving routine. You’ll get a better result.

Second exfoliating. I use salicylic acid scrub on my face and head before shaving and see/feel a noticeable difference.

[JLRogers]

@Enright3

I wonder if the people who are worried about expensive razors are the same ones that don’t mind paying for coffee at about 6X the standard price with a Keurig versus brewing a 1/4 pot of coffee?

No, because Keurig coffee is disgusting sludge. Ground coffee stays fresh for about 15 minutes whether you put it in a disposable plastic cup or not.

Instead I pay about $6-$7/lb for green single origin coffee and roast it myself. It’s the least expensive way to get good coffee, and I retain near-total control over the process.

In other words, I use a safety razor and apply the same philosophy to my coffee.

ClassicShaving is a decent supplier, by the way. I use a Merkur Classic.

[Magiver]

@JLRogers

No, because Keurig coffee is disgusting sludge. Ground coffee stays fresh for about 15 minutes whether you put it in a disposable plastic cup or not.

Instead I pay about $6-$7/lb for green single origin coffee and roast it myself. It’s the least expensive way to get good coffee, and I retain near-total control over the process.

In other words, I use a safety razor and apply the same philosophy to my coffee.

ClassicShaving is a decent supplier, by the way. I use a Merkur Classic.

Well honestly I don’t have that kind of time to make coffee or shave. I started with safety razors as a kid and routinely shredded my face. Gillette’s MP3 was a minor miracle when it came out and still is. I just don’t like the price.

[Apocalypso]

@davekhps

Every time I try to leave the Mach 3 behind, I end up returning to them. I’ve done the safety razor deal, the electric, the Fusion, the Sensor, the Shick models, and I still can’t beat the Mach 3 for the perfect balance of effectiveness, cost, and durability.

That said, the three most important tips I can offer to get the most out of the Mach 3 remain these:

1. Let your shaving cream/gel/what-have-you soak into your skin for a long time (1-2 minutes). Don’t just slap it on and shave.

2. Never put the razor away wet-- I pat dry and then actually blow on the razor to get the water off of it.

3. Stropping every shave or two helps keep the blades too. A nice hanging strop by the sink is best, but in a pinch just running the blades down the back of your arm works too (backwards down your arm, of course ;).

Great tips here, especially drying the blade, which really extends the life. I was reading somewhere that the blades (esp disposables) take a long time to dull, but most people leave the blades wet and it warps them. I started rinsing the blade in hot water after use, shaking it off vigorously, drying it with a towel as much as possible, then storing it with the blades hanging over the edge of something. I went from a disposable lasting 3 shaves to lasting 4-5 months! I shave every other day and have thick face hair.

[Maeglin]

@MichaelEmouse

Came here to say the same thing. Double edge safety razors are much better than electric, cartridge and straight razors. Close, comfortable, cheap.

An adjustable razor will cost 30/40$ on Ebay. Non adjustable ones maybe 10-20$. The blades can cost from 5 to 50 cents. The ones I prefer (Astra, Personna, blue Gillette 7 O’clock) cost from 15 to 30 cents.

Also, shaving soap and shaving cream you let on your skin for 1-2 minutes are much better than canned foam.

I switched to double edge safety razors over the summer and I would not dream of going back.

[Quimby]

Thanks for all the info. Real food for thought. As far as why I am looking into changing, I have used the same one for many many years and this seemed like a good time to see if something better is out there.

Please feel free to keep suggestions/comments coming.