Confessions of a Classic Shaver

[GeorgeW]

I started classic shaving in December 2010, primarily because I hated spending $2 or more for a cartridge. I continue to classic shave because

· I enjoy spending only about 10 cents per DE blade
· DE safety razors and brushes are cool gadgets
· I enjoy learning and using the skill a DE razor requires
· I enjoy learning and using the skill required to make a traditional lather
· I love the luxurious feel of warm traditional lather
· I absolutely love the performance, feel, scent andvariety of quality creams and soaps

I know what I’m about to say is heresy. I have to confess, though, that the shave I got from a Mach 3 is as good--and probably better--than a DE safety razor.

I never had problems with razor irritation from a Mach 3 cartridge. I always got close shaves after only one pass. And I never nicked myself with a Mach 3.

With a DE safety razor I do three passes: WTG,CTG, and ATG. I’ve never had problems with razor irritation. I’ve watched all of Mantic 59’s videos. I’ve read Michael Ham’s book Leisure Guy’s Guide to Gourmet Shaving as well as the tutorials on Badger and Blade. I am proficient using the DE razor having shaved over 400 times. I have three DE safety razors: a Gillette Super Speed, a Merkur HD, and a Mergress. But still two to three times per week I get a small nick. My shaves are close, but I would say not as close as with a Mach 3. I’ve used probably 25 different DE blades, and I have not noticed much of a difference between blades.

George

[The Kiwi]

When I had nothing but peach fuzz, and no worthwhile technique at all, I nicked myself often. That was 56, maybe 57 years ago (October, 1954, maybe November) I guess more than 57. Of course, I was shaving one day a week, with nothing but Ivory soap, a washcloth, and a Star (I think) SE razor. I can remember a last shave when I did nick myself a couple of times, in a hurry, using a Gillette Atra with a Gillette cartridge. Must be 10-15 years ago now.

I got away from building a lather and using a DE razor 20 years ago for a variety of reasons, mostly related to having minimal leisure time. I had no choice about working two jobs. Neither one paid well enough to cover all my obligations. So it was nothing but canned creams / foams / gels, and cartridges. I had good technique & continued getting decent shaves, just not feeling as refreshed by the act as with hot lather.

I've been retired a good while now, and do have time, but I don't always use the time well. I misplaced one of the Excel handles and wanted another, but there were none to be found in the stores, and not even an empty peg where any had been. That annoyed me, The Mach3 had already proven to have been a loser compared to Sensor Excels, on my face. I didn't want another, and the Fusion looked much the same. I came home from the store empty-handed, dug for a fresh blade, and shaved with a Slim Adjustable that has hung by my mirror through the years to cut the bottoms evenly on my sideburns.

I used Edge gel, and was happy enough with the result, but still interested in both a far better price for the cartridges and a proper Sensor handle. All across the 'net, educating myself on the status of shaving having turned into a sizable interest group, I constantly saw B&B links, and followed many of them. So I'm here. In the six weeks since not finding a new Sensor Excel, I've shaved many times, with a variety of razors, mostly my own older DEs from years gone by. No nicks. The only blades I've got are the Personna Platinums, and although I get just as good or better of a shave with a Sensor Excel, I have a sense of coming out ahead in some kind of "confrontation" between myself and the faceless P&G corporate marketing whiz kids each time I whip up a lather and enjoy myself with a leisurely shave.

[dangersteve]

I have a meta question: what software are you using that removes the space between every 7 or 8 words? It makes it frustrating to read.

[dpmtherrien]

I have a meta question: what software are you using that removes the space between every 7 or 8 words? It makes it frustrating to read.

Wow,Ididn'tevennoticethis.

[GeorgeW]

DangerSteve,

My apologies. I wrote it in Microsoft Word and did a cut-and-paste.

George

[franz]

Thanks for sharing your experience.

I am in the camp of folks who get inferior results from cartridge razors; however, the joy of lathering up with a quality soap and brush is what makes the experience for me.

[BlackBard]

This is not surprising. Eighty to ninety percent of a good shave is in the prep, technique (lather and shaving). The rest is the razor/blade. I alway got good results with a Mach 3 (still do, but only use it when traveling).

[rchandonnet]

Finally someone with the same perspective as I do. I started classic shaving about 3 months ago. Ater the usual trials and tribulations (and bloodshed) a newbie should experience, I have gotten the hang of it. My conclusion? I absolutely love the experience of the classic shave - the lathering, the multiple passes, the bay rum splash, the styptic pencil, the cool DE razor, all of it. I totally look forward to shaving now, and even shave on the weekends sometimes, which I never did before, just because it is fun. And I certainly like saving money on cartridges. But - I agree with you - I never nicked or cut myself with my Mach 3, and i cannot say my shave is better / closer now. If anything it isn't quite as good, a bit uneven because there are spots especially my chin and under my nose, that. Just can't quite get as well as I did with my Mach 3. Aside from enjoying the manliness of it, the only thing that I can say is truly better is at I don't seem to get the irritation / bumps / pimples on my new that I used to get. But definitely not a better shave and probably not quite as good. What am I missing?

[Dennard]

Nice post, George!

[mba2927]

Do you not have a hard time under the nose with a Mach 3?

[josie67]

Wow, completely different results with the Mach III I used to use. That thing gave me the most horrendous shaves I ever had. Not only did it NOT leave me with a smooth shave, but I got razor burn every single time I used it. I just figured that was how shaving was like, and I used a Mach III for ten long years before finding this site 2 years ago, changing to DE shaving, and getting the best shaves of my life.

[Codfish]

DangerSteve,

My apologies. I wrote it in Microsoft Word and did a cut-and-paste.

George

I found that saving a document in RTF format prevents the usual cut and paste hassles.

[JLuger]

I always had bad razor burn with cartridge razor. The Mach III was the best I used, but I would have to use pre-shave oil, and Zirh cream to get a close shave, and then I needed to slake on the balm to soothe my face. I figured it as just my skin. Shortly after I started shaving my head, I stumbled onto this forum, and then others. I got a Merkur 34, and all the accouterments. While I got some nicks in the beginning, my shaves were much closer, and my skin felt a lot better. I actually felt I was shaving 'correctly' as opposed to conveniently. And being me, as soon as I mastered the DE shave, I took up the straight. While I still get nicks with a straight, I not only get a great deal of satisfaction from the learning of a new skill, but I get the best shaves I've ever had.

And personally, I would put the enjoyment of an otherwise mundane task ahead of actual results. Even if my DE shave were not yet as good as my cartridge shave, I would probably use a DE anyway. If it feels good, do it!

[DougieB]

I was not as satisfied with cartridge shaving.

I have been shaving with mug, soap and brush for 20 plus years. Maybe 25 +. I switched from Gillette Fusion’s to DE wet shaving January 12, 2012. The day I joined B&B. Obviously this post is a huge YMMV post.

I found that a cartridge would give me a decent shave; however, 5 o’clock shadow was almost immediately evident. Throughout the day, while cartridge shaving, I never once ran my hand over my face in amazement at how smooth the shave was. I do that a lot since switching to DE. I occasionally now run my hand over my face and say “missed a spot”. I didn’t do that as often with a cartridge. That spot for me is usually on my jaw line. With a DE, I nick myself and get weepers far more often. That is different from razor burn, bumps and irritation. I got razor burn, bumps and irritation more often and more severe with a cartridge. It was not atypical to have to take a day off shaving to rest the burn with a cartridge. Since switching to DE, I have not taken a single day off to rest the burn. I can shave comfortably 7 days a week since making the change. I used to look forward to skipping days. Now I look forward to shaving.

A summary of my opinions... (YMMV)

A cartridge has a short (almost no) learning curve. DE, a long unending learning curve. Advantage CARTRIDGE.
A DE gives a closer, smoother shave. Advantage DE.
A DE gives nicks and cuts more often than cartridge. Advantage CARTRIDGE
A DE gives less burn, bump and irritation. Advantage DE.
A DE gives more “I missed a spot” spots. Advantage CARTRIDGE
Blade longevity. Advantage cartridge. Barely…By the hair on my chinny chin chin.
DE vs Cartridge cost. Advantage DE Huge.
Cartridge systems readily available at retail. Advantage CARTRIDGE
Cartridge travel better. Advantage CARTRIDGE
I can hear a DE cut the whisker. Advantage DE.

“Faceturbating” Advantage DE.

Again, just my opinion for what it’s worth. YMMV.

[windycityshaver]

I have been using Musgo Real lyme soap prior to shaving. Since using this product I have not nicked myself once. I haven't nicked myself in several months regardless, but this product took the closeness and comfortable facor to another level. Prior to using it, I would agree that the mach 3 offered a close shave, not now.

[grampasgrumpy]

GeorgeW,

I agree 100%. I am pretty new to DE shaving but don't find a lot of difference in quality between it and the some of the cartridges I have used. But. . . I do like the overall "DE experience" much better. I kind of feel like I am doing something I enjoy and that takes some skill and effort rather than just "getting it done".

And I thought there was something wrong with me because I felt this way.

[kents]

My fallback system is ATRA even though I own Sensor Excel, Mach 3 and Fusion systems.

ATRA was my first razor (1977) and the Personna blades are good and properly priced. Gillette over prices the T2, ATRA and other cartridges to an obscene level.

Anyone on a cartridge would do well to look at a Personna made-in-USA option instead of the current Gillette. They even do a 5 blade system with single blade trimmer called the M5 Magnum which is made in USA.

But I've got a nice supply of ATRA for travel and quickie shaves and I really think it may have been the pinnacle of price / performance for carts.

[celestino]

Wow, George, that is unfortunate for you. i can not even compare the shaves i am getting with my Cobra Classic to what i used to use. Will never go back, now! Good luck. Could it be that you have not found the best razor for you and for the blades? There are many razors that suit different individuals. Just a suggestion.

[cpowill]

Danger must be you. everythingseemstobeworking fine on thisend.

I have a meta question: what software are you using that removes the space between every 7 or 8 words? It makes it frustrating to read.

[dangersteve]

Danger must be you. everythingseemstobeworking fine on thisend.

Nah, the gentleman kindly fixed it. Great post.

I was just wondering because I've seen it before and wanted to know what I should avoid myself. I'm a little surprised it's MS Word.