# Upping my shaving game
**URL:** https://boards.straightdope.com/t/upping-my-shaving-game/1028521
**Category:** In My Humble Opinion
**Created:** [March 17, 2026, 2:41pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/upping-my-shaving-game/1028521 "2026-03-17T14:41:22Z")
**Posts on this page:** 20
**Page:** 1
### Author:  [@Larry\_Borgia](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Larry_Borgia)
#### Post date: [March 17, 2026, 2:41pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/upping-my-shaving-game/1028521/1 "2026-03-17T14:41:22Z")
I’ve been using disposables for a while and would like to stop. Do you all have a cartridge razor you would recommend? Also do any of you have experience with shaving clubs like Harry’s and what did you think? I’m not super interested in old school safety razors or straight razors. I shave my head as well as my face.
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### Author:  [@burpo\_the\_wonder\_mutt](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/burpo_the_wonder_mutt)
#### Post date: [March 17, 2026, 2:48pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/upping-my-shaving-game/1028521/2 "2026-03-17T14:48:54Z")
With all that hair on your capybara face, I’m surprised you don’t go through a case of razors a week. 😆
I’m an electric shaver dog. Sorry, no help.
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### Author:  [@Larry\_Borgia](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Larry_Borgia)
#### Post date: [March 17, 2026, 2:52pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/upping-my-shaving-game/1028521/3 "2026-03-17T14:52:41Z")
Yeah, I should have mentioned I’m not really interested in electric razors.
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### Author:  [@ZonexandScout](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/ZonexandScout)
#### Post date: [March 17, 2026, 2:54pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/upping-my-shaving-game/1028521/4 "2026-03-17T14:54:04Z")
I alternate between a Gillette Fusion5 and a Rockwell classic double-edge safety razor. I use the Fusion5 in the shower and the Rockwell at my sink. (Sometimes I shave in the shower and sometimes I shave later in the day at my sink.) I find that I can use the Fusion5 easily when I don’t have a mirror and I get pretty good results. If I’m using the Rockwell, I need to see what I’m doing. It shaves close, but is not as tactile. Just my 2 cents.
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### Author:  [@wguy123](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/wguy123)
#### Post date: [March 17, 2026, 3:22pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/upping-my-shaving-game/1028521/5 "2026-03-17T15:22:24Z")
I’ve been using the same Gillette Mach 3 (handle, not the blades) for about 25 years. As long as Costco and others keep selling the cartridges, I see no reason to switch. I’ve never tried any of the 4-20 blade versions.
> **[MADtv Razor Spishak](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UjAZnGeBcgg%2F)**
>
> Enjoy the videos and music you love, upload original content, and share it all with friends, family, and the world on YouTube.
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### Author:  [@Mollie\_Magill](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Mollie_Magill)
#### Post date: [March 17, 2026, 3:48pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/upping-my-shaving-game/1028521/6 "2026-03-17T15:48:20Z")
I use the Gillette Fusion 5. I find it give a very close shave. I’ve tired Harry’s, and while the price cannot be beat, the shave definitely can, and the blades get dull rather quickly.
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### Author:  [@Pardel-Lux](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Pardel-Lux)
#### Post date: [March 17, 2026, 4:00pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/upping-my-shaving-game/1028521/7 "2026-03-17T16:00:19Z")
> [@Larry\_Borgia](#):
>
> I’m not really interested in electric razors.
I wasn’t either until my mid 40s. If and when you ever reach that stage, remember: Phillips is better than Braun.
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### Author:  [@Thumper668](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Thumper668)
#### Post date: [March 17, 2026, 4:06pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/upping-my-shaving-game/1028521/8 "2026-03-17T16:06:00Z")
I’ve had bad experiences with both DSC and Harry’s, although I confess I do like the Harry’s razors, and I kept the handle because blades are often available at Target. Lately (for the past 2 years) I have been using a Cremo razor and blades, which can be hard to find in stores, but blades are always available on Amazon. I’ve been a fan of Cremo shaving creme since my submarining days (you aren’t supposed to bring aerosol cans of foam or gel on board because of pressurization). My only complaint about the Cremo blades is they are a pain to change, but OTOH they keep a good edge far longer than Harry’s.
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### Author:  [@Mijin](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Mijin)
#### Post date: [March 17, 2026, 4:26pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/upping-my-shaving-game/1028521/9 "2026-03-17T16:26:44Z")
> [@Pardel-Lux](#):
>
> I wasn’t either until my mid 40s. If and when you ever reach that stage, remember: Phillips is better than Braun.
Yes, it may not apply to the OP but for others generally looking at improving their shaving:
I have a trimmed beard, and I use 4 electric razors. The reason for having 4 is that they each serve a different purpose. Yes, all razors claim to be a jack of all trades, but for me I tend to find one trimmer is particularly good for one part of the process, and it’s much quicker to just grab the next one than mess about with attachments.
And the reason I go to this trouble, is I realized that facial hair can be used to both grow and shrink the apparent size of different facial features. So I worked out a beard style that makes my chin look more prominent and my face look less wide.
It’s not vanity, it’s turd-polishing 😃
It’s well worth investing in a bit of time to work out a facial hair look that works best with your face IMHO.
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### Author:  [@Mean\_Mr.Mustard](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Mean_Mr.Mustard)
#### Post date: [March 17, 2026, 4:32pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/upping-my-shaving-game/1028521/10 "2026-03-17T16:32:54Z")
> [@Maus\_Magill](#):
>
> I use the Gillette Fusion 5.
Same here, very satisfied with it. I change the blade just once a month.
mmm
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### Author:  [@DPRK](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/DPRK)
#### Post date: [March 17, 2026, 4:35pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/upping-my-shaving-game/1028521/11 "2026-03-17T16:35:50Z")
If you want to shave your head with a cartridge razor, there is the HeadBlade, but you will have to make sure you have the right adapter to fit your Gillette cartridges, if that is what you are using, because that is definitely not a given.
Electric razors should be able to do it, too, though (how hairy are you??)
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### Author:  [@FlikTheBlue](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/FlikTheBlue)
#### Post date: [March 17, 2026, 4:37pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/upping-my-shaving-game/1028521/12 "2026-03-17T16:37:46Z")
> [@Thumper668](#):
>
> I’ve had bad experiences with both DSC and Harry’s, although I confess I do like the Harry’s razors, and I kept the handle because blades are often available at Target.
Add my vote for being a fan of Harry’s. I get the cartridges sent to me in the mail, and find them to be of high quality. That’s the way I would go if I were the OP.
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### Author:  [@running\_coach](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/running_coach)
#### Post date: [March 17, 2026, 4:48pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/upping-my-shaving-game/1028521/13 "2026-03-17T16:48:21Z")
> [@Mijin](#):
>
> It’s well worth investing in a bit of time to work out a facial hair look that works best with your face IMHO.
\< looks at avatar \>
I would suggest not getting your trimmers at PetCo.
😃
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### Author:  [@Pardel-Lux](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Pardel-Lux)
#### Post date: [March 17, 2026, 4:49pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/upping-my-shaving-game/1028521/14 "2026-03-17T16:49:05Z")
> [@Mijin](#):
>
> It’s not vanity, it’s turd-polishing 😃
If we compare the OP’s, your, and my avatar we all have a challenge to overcome.
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### Author:  [@JohnGalt](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/JohnGalt)
#### Post date: [March 17, 2026, 5:01pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/upping-my-shaving-game/1028521/15 "2026-03-17T17:01:20Z")
Like @Mean_Mr.Mustard, I use Fusion5. I also try to change them only once a month, mostly due to the cost, but the last batch have a problem where ends of the “lotion strip” separates and curl up. Maybe a bad manufacturing batch?
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### Author:  [@jnglmassiv](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/jnglmassiv)
#### Post date: [March 17, 2026, 5:52pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/upping-my-shaving-game/1028521/16 "2026-03-17T17:52:58Z")
> [@Maus\_Magill](#):
>
> Gillette Fusion 5.
Plus one on the Fusion 5.
> [@Pardel-Lux](#):
>
> ever reach that stage, remember: Phillips is better than Braun.
I researched and waffled and hesitated before settling on a Braun S8 about three years ago and it’s, like, flawless. I’d instantly get another if I lost this one.
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### Author:  [@Toxylon](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Toxylon)
#### Post date: [March 17, 2026, 5:59pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/upping-my-shaving-game/1028521/17 "2026-03-17T17:59:47Z")
> [@wguy123](#):
>
> I’ve been using the same Gillette Mach 3 (handle, not the blades) for about 25 years. As long as Costco and others keep selling the cartridges, I see no reason to switch. I’ve never tried any of the 4-20 blade versions.
My shaving life matches that 100%.
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### Author:  [@Dinsdale](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Dinsdale)
#### Post date: [March 17, 2026, 6:10pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/upping-my-shaving-game/1028521/18 "2026-03-17T18:10:21Z")
I use a Trac II. Does just fine for my not terribly heavy beard.
You could go all the way like my son and go with a straight razor! 😃
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### Author:  [@Telemark](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Telemark)
#### Post date: [March 17, 2026, 6:26pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/upping-my-shaving-game/1028521/19 "2026-03-17T18:26:06Z")
I’m using the Mach 3, but I only shave once or twice a week. I sometimes get a bit of razor burn on my sensitive skin.
I suspect skin prep (warm shower, clean and exfoliate, proper shaving cream) is just as important as razor.
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### Author:  [@bump](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/bump)
#### Post date: [March 17, 2026, 7:03pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/upping-my-shaving-game/1028521/20 "2026-03-17T19:03:49Z")
> [@Larry\_Borgia](#):
>
> I’m not super interested in old school safety razors or straight razors. I shave my head as well as my face.
How about a modern safety razor? I’ve been a ‘wet’ shaver for 15 years now, and have used a variety of single edged, double-edged, and cartridge razors in my lifetime, and this one is by far the best combination of close shave, no cuts/scrapes, and inexpensive blade changes.
[The Single Edge SE | Supply Razor](https://supply.co/products/the-single-edge-se) ~~They’ve got some disposable versions if you want to try before you buy, although they take 2-3 shaves to feel right, IMO)~~ (they used to; I don’t see them on their website anymore)
(not paid by them, just a very happy customer).
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