I must admit that I was wrong (cartridges)

[Eeyore]

With all the talk of Gillette cartridges being bad and overpriced, this morning I decided to get out my Atra handle, and a pack of NOS Wilkinson blades. I wanted to confirm for myself that there was nothing wrong with a cartridge shave at all. My expectation also was that I would get an effortless and smooth shave.

First of all, I must say that I have shaved with a DE for a few months only, and have wet shaved with twin blade cartridges for years. The switch to a DE was an easy one for me, probably because the only thing I had to change in my routine was the razor. Actually the switch from my Mühle R89 to a vintage Gillette was bigger than from the Atra carts to the Mühle.

Anyway, back to my cartridge shave ... it was a rough experience! The Wilkinson carts did fine on my cheeks and neck, but they kept catching and pulling on my chin and upper lip area. I must admit that I went back to a DE for the second pass, because I could not stand the cartridge. I followed the advice that Gillette gave (I think) when introducing the Trac II; long gentle strokes with a slight pressure.

The chin area always was a problem for me, but I lived with the fact that I could not get it really smooth. To be honest, I don't get it BBS with a DE either, but it's been better than with a cartridge razor.

I understand now why I always got far more nicks and weepers with a cartridge razor than with a DE. Those cartridges are too dull for me! I can also understand why the move to the R89 was so easy; a DE blade is much easier and more pleasant than a cartridge!

I must admit that I was wrong; a good double edge razor with a sharp blade gives a much smoother shave than a twin blade cartridge. The head is too light, and the blade is too dull.

 

[Gingerbread]

I think I'll go buy a Fusion just for kicks. I too have forgotten how bad cartridges are.

 

[rand77]

I've actually had very good luck with both Fusion and Mach 3 cartridges which give a BBS shave with zero irritation. I can get there with a 2 pass shave that is carefree and without worry of cuts or weepers. The problem arises in the 3rd and 4th use of the cartridge, as it its noticeably degraded. Onwards after the 5th shave its gets really bad. Factor in the replacement cost (~$40-42 for a 8-pack of Fusion cartridges) and I've come to the the same conclusion -- its simply not worth the money. I'd rather shave with a fresh blade every 2-3 shaves (for a whole lot less money!), rather than endure crappy degraded cartridges.

Also cartridges take away the fun of shaving. You don't get to try new razors / products and it makes shaving a boring chore.

 

[Chadao]

I have no desire to go back to the cart. I enjoy shaving with a DE so much. However, Johant, I have trouble with my chin too. I watched the video and have added buffing to my technique. And because I love injectors as well, I usually do the buffing with a Schick Injector G4.

 

[Fidem Scit]

I'm in the Navy and see dozens of guys using cartridges that are several months old and others dry shaving with a disposable. I don't understand this foolishness. I know they are just kids, but I cannot seem to convince them of the enjoyment of shaving with a DE for enjoyment.

 

[dparish1952]

I too was surprised when revisiting my Fusion--lots of pulling. I guess we can become used to anything.

Sometimes I do use the Fusion single edge to buff my upper and lower lip.

I too don't get BBS shaves, but I'm not going back to the carts. I am waiting for delivery of a Gem single edge to try.

Dennis

 

[Z blade]

Over the years, I had no idea that my acne (especially on the neck) was just ingrown hairs! Now that I am shaving DE, ALL of my skin problems are gone. Shaving with a great razor and blade is fantastic.

 

[Allegrabene]

Over the years, I had no idea that my acne (especially on the neck) was just ingrown hairs! Now that I am shaving DE, ALL of my skin problems are gone. Shaving with a great razor and blade is fantastic.

This was exactly my experience as well. I think I was getting adult acne. Then I switched to de and bam, skins clear as crystal and healthier looking. I switched back to a Mach 3 yesterday cause I was in a hurry and curious as well. It was DFS on 1 pass but as was described earlier, when you get to 3rd or 4th pass, it's awful. Not worth the money and way too boring

 

[ZJ68]

I use DE, cartridge & disposable razors. There are some of each I like and some I don't.

 

[tm3]

DE and SE shaving is, for me, the most enjoyable.

the twin blade systems that i have tried (sensor excel, disposables) have been uncomfortable and nick inducing.

paradoxically, the Fusion 5 blade consistently yields the best shave with the fewest passes of anything i have tried, and nary a nick. but i find the pull relatively uncomfortable, and it is not as much fun as a DE/SE.

i don't understand the above as most here seem to have better results with fewer blades per cartridge.

to complete the cartridge trifecta i hope to be able to try a Mach 3 sometime.

 

[CGW409]

With all the talk of Gillette cartridges being bad and overpriced, this morning I decided to get out my Atra handle, and a pack of NOS Wilkinson blades. I wanted to confirm for myself that there was nothing wrong with a cartridge shave at all. My expectation also was that I would get an effortless and smooth shave.

First of all, I must say that I have shaved with a DE for a few months only, and have wet shaved with twin blade cartridges for years. The switch to a DE was an easy one for me, probably because the only thing I had to change in my routine was the razor. Actually the switch from my Mühle R89 to a vintage Gillette was bigger than from the Atra carts to the Mühle.

Anyway, back to my cartridge shave ... it was a rough experience! The Wilkinson carts did fine on my cheeks and neck, but they kept catching and pulling on my skin and upper lip area. I must admit that I went back to a DE for the second pass, because I could not stand the cartridge. I followed the advice that Gillette gave (I think) when introducing the Trac II; long gentle strokes with a slight pressure.

The chin area always was a problem for me, but I lived with the fact that I could not get it really smooth. To be honest, I don't get it BBS with a DE either, but it's been better than with a cartridge razor.

I understand now why I always got far more nicks and weepers with a cartridge razor than with a DE. Those cartridges are too dull for me! I can also understand why the move to the R89 was so easy; a DE blade is much easier and more pleasant than a cartridge!

I must admit that I was wrong; a good double edge razor with a sharp blade gives a much smoother shave than a twin blade cartridge. The head is too light, and the blade is too dull.

I dealt with a return to "modern" razors around 6 months into my return to traditional shaving.
SWMBO and myself went on a weekend getaway and I didn't want to risk one of my 5 or so vintage RAD finds(and certainly not any of the family heirlooms) so I tossed one of my "just in case" triple blade disposables and some canned goo gel into my travel kit, to paraphrase Comic Shop Guy from the Simpsons...."Worst shave evvvaaar!".

Now my travel kit contains a short comb NEW that came with a lot sale of razors off The 'Bay,a travel badger and a shave stick.
I did have one other return to carts a few months ago due to some dental work and a numb face and a DE blade (let alone a straight razor)are not a good combo since the family heirlooms contained my 1980 Atra handle I'd picked up some Wilkie carts for it and gave those a go,stopped and cleaned off half way through deciding I'd rather go unshaven that deal with those.

 

[GKC1]

While it may be heresy to many here, I actually get the best shaves I have ever had from a Fusion, and I've used canned gel until very recently. I am just trying DE shaving, and my last shave in which I actually used a VDH brush and soap (versus the canned) went very well. My main reason for trying to find a different way to shave is not because I don't like the shave with a Fusion, but because the Fusion cartridges are obscenely expensive.

I'm going to try some Trac II cartridges that I found at Family Dollar for travel purposes...they were $2 for 10 cartridges, and they fit on a Bump Fighter handle. I'll also try some brushless shave cream for travel, or at worst, pack a small can of foam. At home, though, I still plan to use the DE razor and brush/soap. Not only will I save money in the long run but I think I am going to get as good or better shaves than I have been getting with the Fusion.

 

[razorhead63]

I too have grown to love DE shaving over using a cartridge. I can get a good shave with either one, but I like the challenge and economy of using the DE. I keep disposables as backup razors, but I don't plan on ever going back to cartridges.... The DE phenomenon is a better field for me..... and my face thanks me for it....

John H.

 

[tm3]

While it may be heresy to many here, I actually get the best shaves I have ever had from a Fusion, and I've used canned gel until very recently. I am just trying DE shaving, and my last shave in which I actually used a VDH brush and soap (versus the canned) went very well. My main reason for trying to find a different way to shave is not because I don't like the shave with a Fusion, but because the Fusion cartridges are obscenely expensive.

just as an FYI i came across some stuff last night regarding extending the life of the Fusion carts by cleaning and "stropping." this can be done using commercially available gizmos or homebrew solutions like denim, terry cloth, leather, and ceramic tile. some folks other than those doing the marketing claim that this doubles the useful life of their Fusion carts. you may want to take a look -- at one cart per month $3 does not look so bad any more.

 

[Nomad1600]

IMO Fusion shaves are easier and closer, but they are a less enjoyable experience, and the cost of the cartridges are a lot higher, adding to the positive experience of DE shaving.

 

[Eeyore]

I never used anything else than Tracs and Atras, so I don't know how the newer carts compare.

I really expected to get a comfortable shave this morning. And the Atra did a good job on the easy spots. But my chin was a disaster. It always was a problem area, but I can not remember that it was so bad.

Probably carts have a (re)learning curve too. If I would use them for a week again, I would certainly adjust to them.

 

[tm3]

I
Probably carts have a (re)learning curve too. If I would use them for a week again, I would certainly adjust to them.

i suspect that there is a lot of truth to that

 

[rsp1202]

I've been using a Mach3 for the last couple weeks, the first time I've tried one since they first came on the scene. It hasn't been a face-shredder like I remember, just the opposite. M3 shaves rival my injector for all-around closeness and comfort, and surprisingly to me, outperform the Hydro, ProGlide, Sensor and Trac II. I'm going with it 'til the cartridge quits, but that hasn't happened yet. Leaves me befuddled, it does.

 

[Wingnut]

Johan, it takes a big man to admit that he was wrong, and an even bigger one to do so publicly.








You, sir, hereby qualify as such.

 

[BRITD]

When I switched from lifetime Cartridge shaving to DE shaving three months ago, I now have three things that I never had before. (1) A enjoyable shave with option of a BBS shave since I can now for the first time do a close ATG pass without irritation/razor burn which before was impossible for me with cartridges, (2) Redirect the cost of blades saving on other quality shaving supplies. (3) Be a part of something cool, acquired a new hobby and being welcomed into this awesome forum.