Injectory razor the happy medium for me? Please advise!

[ryanwex]

Gentleman:

Having spent tons of money on trying different razors/shaving techniques/products, etc.. over the years I've come to the conclusion that I will never find a perfect set up but I know I can be better than what I'm currently doing.

Despite trying a D/E and liking it I constantly come back to the Gillette Fusion or Shick Titanium. Why-because they give me a relatively quick and close shave and I don't like handling blades and all of that which goes with D/E shaving. I will be the first to admit multi-blade cartridges are not ideal however I have a very dark, coarse beard and can not get a close shave with a single or double blade cartridge in my experience. On top of this I have sensitive skin. I have my shave routine down and use expensive but good quality clinical line shaving products (Murad Men shave cream, after shave, alcohol free witch hazel toner, moisturizer)

My question is:

I know that D/E shaving is best however I don't like switching the blades, etc.. This is a lifelong psychological issue with not wanting to handle sharp things, the issue isn't going to go away, I'm not going to "get over it" etc..

I'm wondering if I can get as good as a shave with an injector type razor? Are there any cartridge type razors that I can get a good shave with- Mach 3, Sensor etc... they don't give me a close enough shave because of the thickness of my beard and just irritate my face.

If anyone has any thoughts or suggestions as to what I can do to get a close shave (a necessity with a dark, coarse beard) please let me know.

Thank you for your help,
Ryan

[Wil Dorenbos]

Injectors give me great shaves. I would try one. As of cartridges: perhaps the Schick Hydro 3 ? Check the reviews / posts on that one here on B & B.

[ryanwex]

Thanks-so can you get as close as a shave with an Injector as you can with a DE?

[Wil Dorenbos]

Thanks-so can you get as close as a shave with an Injector as you can with a DE?

Yes, (at least) as close. A Schick J works best for me, but an L is great too. You can find them easy and they are still quite inexpensive. In the States you might even find the blades locally.

[Blondie]

Thanks-so can you get as close as a shave with an Injector as you can with a DE?

Most definitely. The earlier injectors, I would argue, can be closer than a DE. Things like "E" types, and "G" types.

[Disburden]

IMO injectors give a better shave than a DE anyway, matter of fact the shaves are just like my straight shaves but more agressive.

[ryanwex]

Thats great to hear, can you please reccomend a razor and blades? Thanks, Ryan

[_JP_]

I just discovered that you have your question posted here and in the General forum as well. It really helps to create the post only once so that the discussion is contained in a single thread. One of the mods here might combine the two threads, so don't get upset if one of them disappears on you.

[Wingnut]

If your problem with DE shaving is not wanting to handle the blades AT ALL, using an injector will only solve half of it: once you "inject" your new blade into the handle, it displaces the old blade out - and onto whatever surface you happen to be over. You will still have to handle a (single edged, but still exposed) razor blade at least a bit if you decide on an injector.

Don't know if this is a deal-breaker for you or not, but if you weren't aware I thought you might like to know before spending cash.

[SUNA]

I tried an injector last night for the first time. I found it slightly inferior to cartridges...but much quicker than DE's.

[Luc]

What they said!

[rawface]

I preferred the injector also, but blade availability is pretty dicey now. I still have a shick adjustable and vintage blades I bought new.
'Having learned on a DE, I went to the str8 and at 3 mo, can't go back.
Learning curve on a str8 is much steeper, but the shaves can't be believed.

[AmishFury]

If your problem with DE shaving is not wanting to handle the blades AT ALL, using an injector will only solve half of it: once you "inject" your new blade into the handle, it displaces the old blade out - and onto whatever surface you happen to be over. You will still have to handle a (single edged, but still exposed) razor blade at least a bit if you decide on an injector.

you can always line the other end of the head up with the slot on a blade bank

also using a blade from a dispenser i can load and unload a blade from a super speed (with the notches of course) without ever touching it... just wiggle the razor a little and the blade will dangle off the notch and you can slide it right into the used blade slot on the back of the dispenser