SMO: Safety Razors

Always wanted to give them a try, but would love to hear anybody who's gone from disposables to a safety razor and hasn't looked back. Pros/cons?

Recommend a setup to get a feel for the process? I see lots of setups that run pretty pricey, so would rather not go super-expensive right off the bat just to get my feet (face) wet....

 

Very light pressure and go slow. Keep some disposables for when you need to knock out a quick shave and for manscaping your pecker, if you’re so inclined.
Amazon sells a variety pack and you’ll quickly find the blades you like.

 

They’re nice, but time consuming (at least for me) and you will cut yourself a few times when you’re new at it. For me, I didn’t feel like the minute difference in shave quality made up for the time requirement. I have to shave everyday for work so it got tiresome. Biggest improvement in shaving for me came when I switched to Harry’s brand mail delivery blades. Nicer than any cartridge I’ve ever used, longer lasting and cheaper in the long run too. I’d never want to go back to regular store bought blades.

 

I actually never used the disposable ones, but compared the the mach3 (my first razor) safety razors are so much better and cheaper.

I got this guy https://www.amazon.com/Merkur-Long-...ocphy=9021549&hvtargid=pla-407594959127&psc=1

Blades make a pretty big difference, when I first started I got a variety pack and figured out which one I like best. I also use a new blade every time, they are so cheap that is worth it.

As far as shaving, its pretty quick and easy, I do one pass with the grain, re apply the shaving gel and go against the grain and done.

 

Maybe I did it wrong but I tried to make go of using a safety razor and I've never had such a bad shave and bled so much. I tried a few different blades but none came close to doing as good a job as a cartridge razor for me.

 

Made the switch around 6 years ago. Picked up a a $40 safety razor off Amazon and a $15-20 variety pack of blades… which is apparently a near lifetime supply. Had a few ouch learning curves, particularly with shaving my head, but would never go back now. It does take a bit longer.

 

Mach 3

 

You need to experiment a bit with the blade and handle combination. For me the big difference is the satisfaction of having a big substantial heavy razor instead of cheap feeling plastic.

That and you get a lifetime supply of blades for $20

 

This is what I've been using for probably two decades now. I really can't complain about it at all other then the cartridge prices, but wasn't sure if I'm missing something by not trying something else, at least.

 

I really haven't shaved in maybe 5 years+, but I prefer a safety razor over disposables.

This is the stuff I have(if I remember correctly) and like

Razor - https://www.westcoastshaving.com/co.../products/merkur-23c-long-handle-safety-razor
Blades - https://smile.amazon.com/gp/product/B001QY8QXM/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o00_s01?ie=UTF8&psc=1
Soap - https://smile.amazon.com/gp/product/B001MF3FMW/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o00_s01?ie=UTF8&psc=1
Brush - http://store.mensroombarbershop.com/pure-badger-shaving-brush-with-chrome-handle/

 

I have been using one for about the past 10 years. The blade makes a huge difference for me. I like the Gillette blades that are made in Russia. None of the Chinese made blades work well for me for more than the first shave. I get several shaves out of the Gillette. I also like the soap that I use a shaving brush with better than a gel or foam.

 

Definitely feel a better shave with a safety razor, but the biggest reason I switched to it was I found it aggravating how quickly I'd was going through Mach 3/Hydro 5 packs of cartridges. As reasonably cheap as they are, it was just one of those reoccurring expenses that bothered me. Tried the switch and once I became comfortable with it, found a better shave, haven't had to buy blades in years, and would even state that shavings not as much of just a morning chore as before. I did have some rough accidents on my head learning how to use them though!

 

With the grain and just glide it over your skin. Dont press down!!!

 

Sharpen it as needed.

 

I'd love to have the confidence to not cut my face off with one of those, let alone have a barber put a shave on me

 

This was my experience, but I have very sensitive skin combined with rather coarse hair for a Euro mutt.

 

Most are unable as they nicked their carotid artery.

 

I gave up shaving for Lent. I’m not even Catholic!

 

two words - scar tissue

 

These are my favorite blades I like with the same Merkur handle everyone else us recommending. These are from India.