Original Users?

[lamontqsanford]

I was wondering how many members originally had DE safety razors when they first learned how to shave. I am interested in knowing what years, brands, etc. If you did start out DE shaving, did you switch to the cartridge style and why?

[poppi]

I started with a DE since the only other thing available where I grew up was a single edge Schick back in the 1960's. So I started with a Gillette Adjustable, not sure of the model since it was so long ago with Gillette Blue Blades. Used whatever canned foamy goo was on sale (Mom bought it & was a tighwad) usually Babersol

Switched to cartridge razors when in the Navy. Easier/safer to shave with when the ship is bouncing around out there in the ocean. Got to be a habit that lasted for far to long.

Have used brush/mug for a long time though, not really sure how long maybe 20-25 yrs but switched back to a DE when the cost of Mach 3 blades made me cringe. No looking back now and will never change if I can help it

[rickw]

I still have my '64 Slim and a 70's Super Adjustable. Set them aside when I started using Bics. They have come back into service. I think that I also have an Old Spice mug floating around someplace.

[Bflobill 1125]

I started shaving in 1970 with a gold Gillette Tech my Dad gave me. I used Barbasol or Colgate shave cream.Sometime in the late 1970's or early 1980's I switched to a succession of cartridge razors. I came back to the DE because of the crazy cost of cartridges and the shave with a DE done properly is FAR better!

[DanOK]

Ok, I sat down and did the math. I started shaving in 1966 with a Tech my Dad gave me. Six months later (still 66) I purchased a slim adjustable for myself. I used his Old Spice mug, soap, and brush till he got one for me. I continued to use his aftershave and cologne till I got to college. I don't know why he put up with me. I miss him a lot.

[cactusbrush]

Started shaving seriously in 1959 with an EverReady SE my dad gave me. Got SuperSpeed and a long-handled adjustable a few years later. Mostly used a brush and bowl, but did use canned goo and a Trac II while in the military; convenience. Used a Sensor for a while, but never got into the Machxxx series or the Schick multiblades. Also used an injector for a long time, and still use one now and then (along with a SE). Pretty much always had a DE and blades around, and use them now almost exclusively.

[wksimple]

I started shaving in 1968 using my dad's SS, Mennen Brushless cream in a tube, and Skin Bracer. Somewhere during the early 70's I switched to cartridge razors and Foamy. Don't know why. I guess it was new and cool.

Anyway, by 1976 I was working in a Sav-On Drug Store and noticed on one of the shelves an Old Spice mug, soap, and brush. The rest is history as they say. I have been wet shaving ever since, but it did take until last May before I tried a DE again.....and I still have my dad's 1964 SS! :biggrin:
I get my best shaves with a Tech, VDH Deluxe soap, and a Dorco blade (really!). And I still use Skin Bracer. Love the menthol blast, the scent, and memories of dad.

[BroJohn]

I started shaving in '63 with a Gillette TTO of some sort, Super Blue blades, and a can of Rise shaving lather. Over the next few years, I had both a Techmatic and a Schick injector of some sort. Reverted to a Gillette TTO when I was in the Army, '68~'72. Adopted the TracII cartridges shortly after they were introduced in '72 or '73 or so.

Didn't return to the DE until a couple of years ago.

-- John Gehman

[lamontqsanford]

I with you on the Dorco blades. I like them the best of all. I am currently using some of the 301's. They are different than the 300's but only a little. The seem to be a little sharper but gentle at the same time. All of these stories are great. Keep em coming.

[homh]

I started shaving in the mid-60's. I didnt like the look or feel of the Gillette DE razors at the time but did like the Shick Injectors and that was my razor of choice. When the Trac II came out I didnt really like it, the multiple blades would clog and quickly become useless. I didnt like the way the razor felt in my hand either -- plastic and too light. Tried other 2 and 3 bladed razors as they came out but they all had the same problems. Started to go with electric shavers, Norelco/Phillips and Braun, but they didnt really shave close enough and would irritate the skin. I wasnt really satsified with any shaving system. Then I discovered this website and picked up a vintage Gillette DE razor on ebay and started having great shaves, smooth and close.