Hello, everyone.
Two weeks ago I was in Walmart and passed a display for the Micro Touch One safety razor. I was intrigued but did not buy as thought it was too gimmicky. Later, in the shaving aisle I saw the Van der Hagen safety razor for about $3 less and said hey why not for less than $20.
I loaded up one of the included blades and went at it. My prep was to shower first and use some cheap 3-in-1 body wash I used in the shower(It is body wash, shampoo and conditioner in one). I did one pass WTG and found it was quite smooth, but I had two weepers and I cut the head off a mole on my jawline that the cartridge always ignored. I also had some wicked razor burn everywhere(too much pressure I'm guessing). I started looking for new stuff on the web and found this site.
I've stopped at every Rite-Aid, CVS, etc. looking for blades and such. I've found Wilkinson Swords (German) at this old Pharmacy near where I work. I also got Personnas in a blue pack and Derby Extras from Sally Beauty Supply. The Derbys are cheapest at $2.69 for 10. I also got the Van der Hagen boar brush and bowl with a soap puck for $13 at Rite-Aid.
Next and most recent shave, I showered first used some Vitamin E oil as a pre-shave and lathered the soap with the brush. The brush lathering was decent and enjoyable to do. I used the VdH razor with the same blades (second use). I noticed an immediate decline in the blade sharpness. I really tried to lighten up my pressure and it didn't really cut the hair on my jawline or outside? neck well at all. I guess these are my trouble spots. I have a goatee and have not shaved my upper lip in 15 years. Not much blood, and really no razor burn. However, the smoothness is not there. I have heard on this forum to give a blade 3 or 4 cuts, but I am not looking to a third cut with this blade.
I find the VdH razor to be light. I would like a heavier tool, looking at the Merkur 34C HD (is it a lot heavier). I like the shorter handle. It seems easier to control. The VdH has a short handle and I already like it compared to the long handles on the cartridges. I was planning on loading one of the Wilkie Swords for the next shave. Any suggestions would be welcomed and appreciated.
Thank you and hello.
Two weeks ago I was in Walmart and passed a display for the Micro Touch One safety razor. I was intrigued but did not buy as thought it was too gimmicky. Later, in the shaving aisle I saw the Van der Hagen safety razor for about $3 less and said hey why not for less than $20.
I loaded up one of the included blades and went at it. My prep was to shower first and use some cheap 3-in-1 body wash I used in the shower(It is body wash, shampoo and conditioner in one). I did one pass WTG and found it was quite smooth, but I had two weepers and I cut the head off a mole on my jawline that the cartridge always ignored. I also had some wicked razor burn everywhere(too much pressure I'm guessing). I started looking for new stuff on the web and found this site.
I've stopped at every Rite-Aid, CVS, etc. looking for blades and such. I've found Wilkinson Swords (German) at this old Pharmacy near where I work. I also got Personnas in a blue pack and Derby Extras from Sally Beauty Supply. The Derbys are cheapest at $2.69 for 10. I also got the Van der Hagen boar brush and bowl with a soap puck for $13 at Rite-Aid.
Next and most recent shave, I showered first used some Vitamin E oil as a pre-shave and lathered the soap with the brush. The brush lathering was decent and enjoyable to do. I used the VdH razor with the same blades (second use). I noticed an immediate decline in the blade sharpness. I really tried to lighten up my pressure and it didn't really cut the hair on my jawline or outside? neck well at all. I guess these are my trouble spots. I have a goatee and have not shaved my upper lip in 15 years. Not much blood, and really no razor burn. However, the smoothness is not there. I have heard on this forum to give a blade 3 or 4 cuts, but I am not looking to a third cut with this blade.
I find the VdH razor to be light. I would like a heavier tool, looking at the Merkur 34C HD (is it a lot heavier). I like the shorter handle. It seems easier to control. The VdH has a short handle and I already like it compared to the long handles on the cartridges. I was planning on loading one of the Wilkie Swords for the next shave. Any suggestions would be welcomed and appreciated.
Thank you and hello.
