I feel dirty

[thechurchill]

After exclusively DE shaving for about a month now with mixed results, yesterday I went back to my old routine with the old products -- sans pre-shave oil (i'm phasing it out). Nivea Sensitive skin goo, pure badger brush, and the trusty Mach3. I did however use my mug for the lather whereas I used to hand/face lather. I used to do one pass in the shower and that's it, with results that I was happy with.

Anyway, I did one pass WTG. Then another XTG. I was feeling froggy so I did ATG for the first time in about 8 years (I hadn't dared with my DE yet, still too inexperienced technique-wise).

It was the best shave I've ever had. And it was with a Mach3. Like I said, I feel dirty. I know it's silly to feel that way, because the whole idea is to find something that works best for each individual. But darnit I love the tradition and ritual of wetshaving, and it's hard to get into the "tradition" with a cartridge razor.

I think I'll leave the mach3 for work days and rush-days, which are usually the same. The good thing is that as a fireman I have 10 workday shaves a month. So I'll still get my DE reps in.

I just needed to tell someone so that the shame didn't build.

Bless B&B and the men she propagates.

[jellywerker]

There's nothing wrong with it. Many find they can get an equal quality shave when using the skills they have learned with a d/e and traditional products and then applying them to a mach 3, but most stick with their d/e for the extra enjoyment they get out of it.

[rtaylor61]

JT,

The mods are currently meeting and discussing whether you should be banned for going back to your Mach3!

Actually, you aren't the first, and you won't be the last. And it really doesn't matter what razor you shave with. The goal is to get a shave that looks good and one that you are comfortable with. And if that means using an overpriced piece of plastic junk, then great for you! Stick with what you like and what works for you. That is all that matters!

Randy

[spinyeel]

I bought a Fusion Power with one cartridge just to see what the shave felt like.Used my brush and cream prep and got a passable shave with it yesterday.It's not something I would recommend on a regular basis though.Whipped out my Tech today and had a much more enjoyable shave.Only on a par with my result with the Fusion but much more satisfying.

[masonjarjar]

After exclusively DE shaving for about a month now with mixed results, yesterday I went back to my old routine with the old products -- sans pre-shave oil (i'm phasing it out). Nivea Sensitive skin goo, pure badger brush, and the trusty Mach3. I did however use my mug for the lather whereas I used to hand/face lather. I used to do one pass in the shower and that's it, with results that I was happy with.

Anyway, I did one pass WTG. Then another XTG. I was feeling froggy so I did ATG for the first time in about 8 years (I hadn't dared with my DE yet, still too inexperienced technique-wise).

It was the best shave I've ever had. And it was with a Mach3. Like I said, I feel dirty. I know it's silly to feel that way, because the whole idea is to find something that works best for each individual. But darnit I love the tradition and ritual of wetshaving, and it's hard to get into the "tradition" with a cartridge razor.

I think I'll leave the mach3 for work days and rush-days, which are usually the same. The good thing is that as a fireman I have 10 workday shaves a month. So I'll still get my DE reps in.

I just needed to tell someone so that the shame didn't build.

Bless B&B and the men she propagates.

I've used a brush and a cartridge for 15 years. I feel it's very traditional.

It's my tradition.

Why on earth would you feel bad about doing something that works?

Isn't that the goal of using any product?

There's this odd kind of peer pressure in this place. There's a very vocal group that talks down cartridges any chance they get. Then, when someone wants to talk about them or ask a question, they feel the need to be all appologetic about it. Then all these guys chime in with "hey do what works for you" and blah blah. They they make jokes about cartridges in the next thread.. When you get down to it, it's classic passive-agressive behavior.

But, that being said, I do like this place. The site would probably be less interesting without all the personalities.

-Mason

[MJB]

YMMV the old cliche (has it been banned?).

If the Mach3 works for you great.

If you are like me--and you may not be--you'll drift to the DE exclusively.

This is simply about making a daily experience a treat or experience. That few minutes we shave is life itself. If shaving lasts even only 3 minutes that's about an hour and a half a month. One full-day's waking hours a year. May as well make it a day at Disney rather than a grind.

Just for yourself, promise to make these daily activities an experience rather than a robotic meaningless moment. That's what it is all about. Then allow it to carry over to other daily activities--CARPE DIEM.

Sorry, I'm frothing at the mouth.

[rabidpotatochip]

Oh noez! Not teh Mach 3!

I've come to believe that it's the technique that improves your shave and which razor you use doesn't really matter. I still don't know if I'll ever pick up a Mach 3 again, it was just about a ten year horror story, but I only complain based on my experiences.

[13th Duke of Wymbourne]

I was very happy with my M3 & would not have switched to a DE if the M3 cartridges had not become so expensive/blunt, that said my shaves with a DE are far better than the M3, YMMV, however if you are happy with a M3 & don't mind paying over the odds for the cartridges I don't see why you shouldn't carry on using one.

Good luck fellow wetshaver.

[michaelskar]

I am just about to finish up 15 dollars woth of blades...which lasted me more than a year (with only using the blades 3 times each)...15 dollars would probably buy enough cartridges for a month.

[Hoos]

JT -

It sounds like you've found a great balance between what you need and what you like, shavewise.

I don't think too many people would understand you being late to a fire because "the Mitchell's Wool Fat just wouldn't lather right".

We all do whatever works for us, otherwise we'd all be shaving with an Aristocrat, a Gillette Swedish blade, and Mama Bear's hydrogen soap (my current favorite lineup).

Enjoy your shaves and thanks for your courageous work.

[Stanley]

I've been wetshaving my entire adult life and used M3's along time before tiring of their expense. Besides the occasional razor burn I found them to give good shaves usually. That was before I got edumacated and learned the old ways of shaving DE style. That is mainly what drove me to the DE side of things, my disdain for the ever increasing costs of the cartridges. Now I will never go back.

I work for a large company whose business model is very much like Gillette's "loss leader" model - sell the products at a loss because you will make it up on the consumables. I find this deplorable. Instead of making a long lasting quality product, these companies would rather make a buck at the expense of land fills, trash, etc etc. Sorry for the rant.

[vcardona]

I'm sure a lot of people wet shave with a cartridge razor. I certainly did for about six months. Hell, I'd still be using my Sensor if it didn't cause irritation and ingrown hairs on my neck. Just be glad you found something that works for you.

[sol92258]

There's nothing wrong using what works, I think most of the people here have negative comments on cartridge razors based mainly on price instead of performance, so if it works, no need for feeling guilty.
For example, twas at Wal-Mart last night, wife needed Venus blades - 4 for $12, 'tis an outrage!
But, I did find an interesting sticker on the back, I mentioned it in the MoleMan thread.

[masonjarjar]

doing the math

Atra = $4.00 per 10.

5 shaves per cartridge. 50 shaves for $4.00.

365/50 = 7.3.

7.3 * $4.00 = roughly $30 per year I spend on blades.

Probably a little more as my wife uses them sometimes.

My shaves have gotten much better now that I'm paying closer attention to prep and technique. Really, I don't see any reason to spend the extra money on Mach 3's. And considering I don't use super expensive "other stuff" - I think I'm doing ok..

[Lynchmeister]

It's cool that you're keeping the DE around because you like the nostalgia of the whole deal. I was in the same boat when I was first starting out. Keep in mind that on the "Traditional Wet-Shaving Timeline," a month is barely a blink of an eye. Stick with it, be patient, and before you know it, you'll be on your way. Not meant to be discouraging, but if I'm being honest, I think it took me almost a year to really get my technique down pat. Good luck!

[rafikz]

I use my M3 most of the time.

During the week it's canned gel.

Weekends it's brush+cream.

M3 every time.

[rafikz]

I've been wetshaving my entire adult life and used M3's along time before tiring of their expense. Besides the occasional razor burn I found them to give good shaves usually. That was before I got edumacated and learned the old ways of shaving DE style. That is mainly what drove me to the DE side of things, my disdain for the ever increasing costs of the cartridges. Now I will never go back.

I work for a large company whose business model is very much like Gillette's "loss leader" model - sell the products at a loss because you will make it up on the consumables. I find this deplorable. Instead of making a long lasting quality product, these companies would rather make a buck at the expense of land fills, trash, etc etc. Sorry for the rant.

Yeah, but (at least FOR ME), cartridge blades last much longer than DE blades (I've tried different ones), so one can end up buying more DE blades.

At the end, it's not necessarely cheaper

[Christoph]

I'm sure that we can all "love the sinner but hate the sin" here

But seriously, I don't think you've done anything too terrible. Many have asked the question of whether or not your shaves will be good using all the techniques and know-how you've garnered, but using your former equipment. Most of us used to use cartridge systems, canned cream, etc. Then we switched to DEs, quality soaps and creams, brushes, etc. But in so doing we also took the time to educate ourselves.

So what really makes a great shave? The old school equipment or the knowledge & practice?

Early on I went back to the Fusion. But these days I never shave with anything but a DE/brush/soap or good cream. I have not used a Fusion or anything like it in ages. And my shaves are better than ever, and take no longer than I ever took with a Mach3 or Fusion.

[frotzed]

There's no doubt that a Mach3 gives me a good shave. But I choose to shave with a DE because it's more than "just a shave". I feel manly, and I feel a connection to the past. It's odd, but it's true.

[cr8n]

Then all these guys chime in with "hey do what works for you" and blah blah. They they make jokes about cartridges in the next thread.. When you get down to it, it's classic passive-agressive behavior.

Is NOT! (snicker)