I could be banned for this . . .

[Dean W]

Ok, so I spent a few months using a DE razor and while I enjoy using it, I still had too much irritation around the chin area that I never had using even a cheap disposable. Yes, I probably need more work on my technique, but if there are products that have been made that don't require such refined technique, doesn't it make sense to use them?

I decided I would return to the often maligned products on this forum to compare. I had a couple of Fusion Proglide Power cartridges left and I bought the M5 Magnum from American Safety Razor in a pack at Costco ($17.99 for the razor and 20 cartridges) and decided to experiment. I shaved for one week with the Proglide and one week with the M5. Here is what I've concluded.

The M5 is a great value, but not as sharp as the Proglide. I never cut myself though and I can do a one pass shave and get as good or better results than a DE, plus I don't get any irritation around the chin area. My main issue with it is that the trimmer blade isn't designed as well as the Proglide, but it is a great feature. I also think that the pivoting head design of these razors is a HUGE improvement over DE razors.

So, on to the Proglide Power (never use the power feature). Incredibly smooth, one pass shaving for me. No irritation. These will last a week for me, but due to the cost I would hope to get 2 weeks if I used them regularly. The trimmer on the Proglide is a much better design and a great feature that makes it very desirable to me along with the pivoting head.

With that being said, I just don't know if I can continue down the DE path. I know people will talk about cost, but with all of the products people buy that argument is really not an argument most can make. I will continue using the better soap/cream/as products though. I was already using some of them already.

For me, I think I can combine the improved technology of the present with the mindset of the past when it comes to shaving. As with everything on this forum, it is about what works best for each individual. I've tried products that people rave about and I hate. I've used products people hate and I love. Have you noticed that just about every product reviewed has a 4 start rating? I just hope there's room for people like me on this forum.

 

[Buford T. Justice]

Just as long as you are not using an electric, you shouldn't get banned

I read a lot of posts here with folks using Trac IIs, Atras, Sensors, and Mach 3s.

 

[USMC]

There are many on here that still use cartridges, and honestly I still use them when traveling. However I found that at a good 50% of a shave is the prep and cream/soap that you use. Prep is everything and that by itself can drastically improve a shave.

As far as your DE experience, it happens to us all. Expect crappy shaves at first until you learn the technique and allow your face to adjust. I always recommend that those new to DE try it for at least a month, and never, NEVER go ATG on during that first month.

If you do want to continue down the DE route, I highly suggest reading up on Kyle's prep, and watch Mantic59's videos on the technique of how to lather as well as shave.

 

[blackfoot]

That is exactly what this is all about, finding what works best for you. Cartridges are usually faster but many like the "me" time. They are more expensive but many find them more comfortable. DEs take a lot more concentration but this is part of the Zen for many. The different aspects can be a plus to one person and a negative to the next.

The real key to great shaves is wet shaving. Many often forget this has nothing to do with what tool you actually use to remove the hair. It is about the software and process. I know that many have found they get their best shaves with the "old school" techniques of wet shaving combined with the new technology in razors.

No matter what anyone else's opinion is, This is about what works for you. B&B is about the journey of finding that right combination of hardware and software that makes your daily routine more enjoyable with better results.

 

[DFrancis]

No cuss words, so you're good, no ban required.

 

[michiganlover]

It really is about finding what works best for you.

I have used DE, Injectors, Gems, and Feather/Kai straights, but still shave with a Trac II/Atra/Sensor at least a couple of times a week. They give me a no fuss shave, and sometimes that is what I want.

No matter what I am using, I always use my brush, and soaps/creams. They truly are superior to canned goo.

Use what you like, it's your shave.

 

[Slivovitz]

Banned? Well, I'd certainly hope that it would take more than that.

When people say that they just can't quite "get" DE shaving, or SE, or injectors, I suspect that it's either technique, the specific razor/blade combination, or some X factor that just isn't quite coming across in an Internet discussion. If you're satisfied with your cartridge shave, then the question is whether you really want to put in the extra work to learn another method. It's worth it to some people, but not everybody wants to take the hobbyist approach to shaving. Price is a consideration, but not the only one.

Personally, I found the Fusion to work about as well as a good DE razor, but not better. Your mileage has varied. I get better overall results with an injector or SE, but I could live with a couple of cartridge models if I had to.

 

[HoosierTrooper]

If it works for you, that's all that matters. The M5 is my favorite tool for head shaving.

Some time down the road you might experiment with an injector or a Gem/Ever Ready which some of us prefer over the double edge razors.

 

[luvmysuper]

Yes, I probably need more work on my technique, but if there are products that have been made that don't require such refined technique, doesn't it make sense to use them?

This is a key statement in your post.
The issue is whether or not someone is willing to put in the longer term effort to learn the technique. It's not refined, but it is a skill that needs to be learned to use the older gear properly.
If the question is actually "If there are products out there that don't require me to learn a skill, why not use them?" then I say do whatever it is that works best for you and makes you happy.
I'd certainly be more likely to recommend someone use a cart razor with a good soap and brush than I would that someone use a vintage razor with canned goo.
If they work well for you and you're happy with the process, that's all that needs to be said on it.

 

[scottfmls]

I can't totally disagree with you. I've had good luck getting good shaves when I'm paying attention with my DE. That said, prep seems to be the key, and it's all about what works for you. I could, no doubt, get an acceptable shave with a single pass from a cartridge razor, no that I know how to prep and understand my beard map.

All of that said, I'll be totally honest, it's just about the ritual and the time for me. On days when I'm alone, it's a great time to reflect on the day and to pray. When one of my boys joins me, they like to lather up with a brush, use their plastic razor, and talk about "boy stuff." Either way, it's just an awesome, peaceful start to the day for me.

So now that I think about it... You should be banned! How dare you!

 

[Voomie]

I think you should be fine but if you start singing praises of canned goo then I think you would have a problem.

 

[Ignatius]

Mods are discussing this.

 

[Ignatius]

Sorry, banned. Nothing to see here.

 

[Beerman]

I tried to use a DE and did so, with the blades I bought from Wally World or Wal-Greens. I gave us shortly thereafter. In the meantime, I get a pain-free, BBS shave 75% of the time with a Gillette Slim Twin disposable. I plan to try DE's again, as I have some "better" blades on the way from an on-line shaving vendor. But in the event I can't get the hang of it again, I'm not going to lose any sleep.

I too, find myself liking some softgoods that others pan or think are medicore and visa versa. This happens all the time and not just in wetshaving.



Beerman

 

[burnwood]

That is still wetshaving. I personally went to the DE because of the savings over cartridges.

 

[BEAR DEN]

If you are quitting then there will always be a place for you at The Clown House.

 

[klm099]

I am glad Proglide works for you but I am not going to use a personal lubricant as shave cream

I am qualified expert on M14, and M16; but I must have had KP when they covered the M5, just as well, the M16 worked well for me up close

huh,
ken (staying with my DE's and SE's)

 

[workingdog]

All of that said, I'll be totally honest, it's just about the ritual and the time for me. On days when I'm alone, it's a great time to reflect on the day

This is what I'm finding too

During the week I dont have time to relax due to my work. Spending a few extra minutes on me sets me up for the day.

My skin is in the best condition that I can remember. Maybe this is just the extra attention that I'm paying to my skin, maybe its DE shaving.

I have my M3 in a drawer for those early morning starts where I will be in a rush. For all other times I will be using my new found indulgance of DE

 

[ouch]

Well, I'm sold.

Nuthin' like the voice of experience.

 

[Niles]

just as long as you are not using an electric, you shouldn't get banned

+1.