So, four weeks after returning to DE shaving - after three decades or so of cartridge shaving - and I do love it. Some reflections on the pros and cons of returning to the fold:
1) Closer shave? No, at least not for me. I have used Schick Hydro5 for several years, and it gives me as close a shave as a Feather, Kai, WS, Shark, Astra, 7am, 7 O'Clock, Big Ben. Will be trying some others as well. But for closeness they are all basically on par with the Hydro5.
2) Faster? Of course not. If you're trying to do this fast, stay with cartridge. One of the main points of returning to DE shaving is to make it into a ritual. It forces you to slow down, focus. Be more thoughtful. Sort of Zen.
3) Cheaper? Absolutely. You'd have to use a cartridge 30-40 times to compete with a double edged blade. I rarely get more than 20 shaves off of a Hydro5.
4) More dangerous? Perhaps, but this is the way I learned how to shave in 1969 - indeed, DE shaving was practically the only way to shave back then. I find it's a little like riding a bicycle - you never forget how to do it. So if you're just learning for the first time you can absolutely butcher yourself. I did on occasion when I was 14-15. But I have also butchered myself with the Hydro5 (I know, it seems impossible, but trust me, I did it, exactly once.)
5) More fun? You bet. I'll never go back (unless I am in a huge rush, in which case I use the Hydro5.)
Anyway, just a few thoughts to share.
1) Closer shave? No, at least not for me. I have used Schick Hydro5 for several years, and it gives me as close a shave as a Feather, Kai, WS, Shark, Astra, 7am, 7 O'Clock, Big Ben. Will be trying some others as well. But for closeness they are all basically on par with the Hydro5.
2) Faster? Of course not. If you're trying to do this fast, stay with cartridge. One of the main points of returning to DE shaving is to make it into a ritual. It forces you to slow down, focus. Be more thoughtful. Sort of Zen.
3) Cheaper? Absolutely. You'd have to use a cartridge 30-40 times to compete with a double edged blade. I rarely get more than 20 shaves off of a Hydro5.
4) More dangerous? Perhaps, but this is the way I learned how to shave in 1969 - indeed, DE shaving was practically the only way to shave back then. I find it's a little like riding a bicycle - you never forget how to do it. So if you're just learning for the first time you can absolutely butcher yourself. I did on occasion when I was 14-15. But I have also butchered myself with the Hydro5 (I know, it seems impossible, but trust me, I did it, exactly once.)
5) More fun? You bet. I'll never go back (unless I am in a huge rush, in which case I use the Hydro5.)
Anyway, just a few thoughts to share.
+1
