First single-blade shave....

[kingfisher]

I've been moving toward true wet shaving one baby step at a time. First I got some Proraso, but I just put it on my face with my hands. I shaved this way for about a week and a half. It was an improvement, so I took the next step, which was to buy a brush and make lather. Again, this was an improvement. I lathered this way, but continued to shave with an M3 or Sensor Excel for about a week, although I had gone to Walgreens and purchased some single-bladed razors (12 of them for $2.79!).

This morning I pulled out the single-bladed razor and gave it a go. Wow. What a great shave! I don't know how the cartridge razor companies convinced everybody that multiple blades were necessary, but the brain-washing is pretty complete. I had seen these cheap single-bladed razors many times before but always thought they were VASTLY INFERIOR to multi-bladed cartridges and were only there for poor souls who couldn't afford a real razor. Boy, was I wrong.

Anyway, thanks to a very kind gentleman on this forum, I have a Gillette SS and some blades in my cupboard. I haven't yet worked up the guts to give it a whirl, but this morning's shave was a step in the right direction. I'll probably continue to use the disposable single-blade for about a week, working on technique and light pressure before taking the plunge, but I can definitely see a DE shave in my future now, thanks to you guys adn this great forum. :yesnod:

[Teiste]

I love my single edge wilkinsons!They do a good job and are so cheap..I use them when I travel!...and yes,its true:marketing brainwashes us by telling that 5 blades helps you to perform the best shave that you can get hahahahaha never got a great shave with a Macth 3! but I can get a really good shave with an SE disposable Wilkison..Definetely I did spend too much money in crap and goo...:eek:

[Dustinl]

Congratulations on the shave, Kingfisher!!!

I am loving my single edge shaves. I may never go back to DE.


DL

[MAK]

enjoy

[richmondesi]

Great stuff. I bought some SE blades in anticipation of finding a GEM 1912 to use. I've only heard great things about SEs

[alabamalawyer]

Sounds like you have found something that works well for you. If you decide to give the DE a try give us an update on how that goes.

[guru]

I think you have it backwards. For me it was easier to DE shave than SE. I use a brass Micromatic and it shaves great, used it this morning. Maybe I misunderstand, did you use a single blade razor or single edge? What kind?

[kingfisher]

Yeah, I probably said it wrong. I just bought the cheap disposable razors that only have one blade in them. I bought the Wallgreens brand. So it's basically similar to what I'm used to (Sensor) except that it doesn't have a lubricant strip, doesn't have "fins," and only has one blade. The head shape helps the beginner keep the blade at the proper angle to the face, so it's considerably easier than a DE.

The amazing thing to me is how comfortably and how closely it shaves, given that the marketing machine has led everyone to believe that you have to have 2, 3, 4, or even FIVE blades in order to get a good shave.