I went from having long hair almost to my waist to a shaved head in 1997. I started with the Gillette Sensor Excel, and I really liked it, but only shaving WTG. The first year or so, that I did ATG I got a lot of razor bumps and had to replace the cartridge for every shave, which meant more $$$.
Then my wife bought me a Mach 3 because of the 'fancy' 3 blades and all the hype from others about it being a great razor. I did notice the difference, however, I preferred the flexibility of the Sensor Excel around and behind my ears. I dealt with it (having stubbles behind my ears all the time) and kept using the Mach 3 until a co-worker mentioned and joined the dollar shave club last month.
I did some research and stumbled upon 'old school wet shaving' and got hooked on how cheap the blades are going the DE route. So last week, I went on a mission to find a DE razor at every antique shop I could find in my area. After hitting up approx. 7 shops, I found one that I liked (I was looking for a TTO).
It was, I believe, a 1970 Black Beauty Super Adjustable P2, in very decent shape for $12. Bought some old blades with it, Gillette and Wilkinson sword. It had a bit of soap residue, but cleaned off very easily. I went out and bought the VDH soap and brush set from Walgreens, and have shaved my face and head twice so far 4 days in between each.
I felt some irritation on the 2nd shave (I sport a circle beard), but I think it was my own fault for touching up without lather. I'm happy with the result, and based on reading all the posts on here I know that it will only get better with time and effort on my part. I used the Gillette blade for the first and half of the 2nd shave (1st pass on head, cheeks, and neck), then popped in the 2nd blade. I recently ordered and received a 100 pack of Astra SP's to use when I run through the Gillette's and Wilkinson's.
So... here are some questions I have:
Should I bother using the Gillette's and Wilkinson's or just jump straight to the Astras?
About how many ATG head shaves should/could I get from each blade?
Do I need to wash/rinse/rub with alcohol, each blade before use?
Thanks, and here are some pictures of my find:
Then my wife bought me a Mach 3 because of the 'fancy' 3 blades and all the hype from others about it being a great razor. I did notice the difference, however, I preferred the flexibility of the Sensor Excel around and behind my ears. I dealt with it (having stubbles behind my ears all the time) and kept using the Mach 3 until a co-worker mentioned and joined the dollar shave club last month.
I did some research and stumbled upon 'old school wet shaving' and got hooked on how cheap the blades are going the DE route. So last week, I went on a mission to find a DE razor at every antique shop I could find in my area. After hitting up approx. 7 shops, I found one that I liked (I was looking for a TTO).
It was, I believe, a 1970 Black Beauty Super Adjustable P2, in very decent shape for $12. Bought some old blades with it, Gillette and Wilkinson sword. It had a bit of soap residue, but cleaned off very easily. I went out and bought the VDH soap and brush set from Walgreens, and have shaved my face and head twice so far 4 days in between each.
I felt some irritation on the 2nd shave (I sport a circle beard), but I think it was my own fault for touching up without lather. I'm happy with the result, and based on reading all the posts on here I know that it will only get better with time and effort on my part. I used the Gillette blade for the first and half of the 2nd shave (1st pass on head, cheeks, and neck), then popped in the 2nd blade. I recently ordered and received a 100 pack of Astra SP's to use when I run through the Gillette's and Wilkinson's.
So... here are some questions I have:
Should I bother using the Gillette's and Wilkinson's or just jump straight to the Astras?
About how many ATG head shaves should/could I get from each blade?
Do I need to wash/rinse/rub with alcohol, each blade before use?
Thanks, and here are some pictures of my find:
Last edited:
