I'm coming clean: I keep a cartridge razor in my rotation.

[_MementoMori_]

I have an ebony C&E branded Edwin Jagger Mach3 handle that I keep in my rotation for times when I just really can't spend more than 10 minutes on shaving. It always bugs me a bit that BBS shaves are the norm with it, while DFS is the norm with my DEs.

I understand that all it really means is that I still need to hone my technique, but I just love the way BBS feels and I wish I could hit it consistently with my DEs.

 

[mblakele]

Use what works for you.

Personally I can't do much better than CCS with a sensor. I tried the M3 once, but haven't tried it in years. Maybe now that I have better technique, I might give it another shot sometime.

 

[MikeyAces]

Atleast it's a nice handle, heh. It's nothing to be ashamed of, I'm sure there are plenty of guys here who keep one for regular use. When I first switched from a fusion to an SE, and then a DE, I realized that while I was enjoying my shave more, it wasn't quite as good, I attribute that to the fact that I could be fearless with the fusion, swiping across my face east to west like nothing, and vice versa. The pivoting head always ends up at a good angle for cutting, and it totally eliminates the need for good technique. With that in mind, I'll sometimes take up to a half hour to get the same results with my DE. I'm only a few months in though, I'm sure that'll change in time.

 

[mbrossar]

Interesting. For the life of me, I can't figure out how to get BBS from a cartridge. I've tried many times and it always results in significant irritation.

 

[Uncle Erik]

After going back to a cartridge for a few shaves, I discovered that I wasn't getting as close of a shave as I had been. But that had been after a good year of exclusive DE and a focus on my technique.

You will get there with DE, just keep working at it. Try different blades and razors then work on technique. One day, it'll click and then you'll be able to go BBS with just about any razor you try.

 

[Timmy Dee]

While I don't agree with your sinful doings, I will defend with my life your right to do it.....at least you're not using canned goo (presumably.)

I've always thought that it's better to use a cartridge with good shave cream/soap, than a good razor with canned goo.

 

[DFrancis]

While I don't agree with your sinful doings, I will defend with my life your right to do it.....at least you're not using canned goo (presumably.)

I've always thought that it's better to use a cartridge with good shave cream/soap, than a good razor with canned goo.

+1 It's not for me but you do what you have to do.

 

[blood_type_O]

I can shave faster with a cartridge. If you're in a hurry, pick up the cartridge and goo and zip, zip, zip. Done in 5 minutes. It takes me at least 15-20 minutes with my DE.

I think that is one of the main reasons people embrace the cartridge razor. Fast and no technique ( or little technique) required. Everyone is always running behind in the "rat race".

 

[DE Shaver]

While I don't agree with your sinful doings, I will defend with my life your right to do it.....at least you're not using canned goo (presumably.)

I've always thought that it's better to use a cartridge with good shave cream/soap, than a good razor with canned goo.

I had great results using a DE razor an Barbasol.

 

[galopede]

I have a Tesco supermarket own brand Matrix M3 clone. Think it's Personna over the pond. I find it a good razor and use it for travel and occasionally at home when i fancy a change. Cartridges are cheap for it and they are rather good.

I wouldn't say it's any faster than my DEs or straights as it takes me about 10 minutes for a good shave with all of them, not counting the shower first. Four passes for the DE/Cart, three for the straights.

The thing I notice though is that after the cartridge shave, I feel stubble a lot sooner, even though it seemed to be just as good a shave at the time.

I think that the proper prep with a good soap or cream and brush is far more important than the actual razor and I expect to be shot at dawn for saying that!

I do prefer the straights and DE though.

Gareth

 

[kingfisher]

*shrug*

I use one almost every day.

I've been using the Trac II now for a few weeks. I make a luxurious old-school lather from a shaving soap using a brush, and I do two passes using a light touch. I have to vary my angle because the Trac II head doesn't pivot, so it's not ENTIRELY mindless like a Fusion.

I get good shaves every day and almost zero irritation. I can get cartridges for 35 cents apiece. I can finish the shave slightly faster, although I still take 10-15 minutes and I try to take my time and enjoy the shave.

I'm sorry.....what was the downside again?

 

[ateace]

No shame in using a cartridge if it works for you.

 

[Veritas II]

No shame in using a cartridge if it works for you.

+1. When I shave my head I still use a cartridge, either an M3 or Headblade. Use whatever works.

 

[mastinomaven]

*shrug*

I use one almost every day.

I've been using the Trac II now for a few weeks. I make a luxurious old-school lather from a shaving soap using a brush, and I do two passes using a light touch. I have to vary my angle because the Trac II head doesn't pivot, so it's not ENTIRELY mindless like a Fusion.

I get good shaves every day and almost zero irritation. I can get cartridges for 35 cents apiece. I can finish the shave slightly faster, although I still take 10-15 minutes and I try to take my time and enjoy the shave.

I'm sorry.....what was the downside again?

I think the Trac II is the best of the cartridge razors, and the irony is that it's the first of the lot at almost 40 years old. I consider it a child (not the bastard stepchild) of the DE. I think most of the abuse dished out towards cartridges on B&B only applies to the stuff Gillette made after the Trac II, and perhaps after the Sensor (which also has its loyal proponents).

Just wondering where you're getting your blades at 35 cents each...are these Personna (non-lube strip) blades?

 

[Deltaboy]

I still use a Shick 2 bladed Disposable with Barbarsol when I have to hit and run.

Use what works for you.

 

[maj3289]

with time it'll be a breeze to shave a DE

 

[kingfisher]

...
Just wondering where you're getting your blades at 35 cents each...are these Personna (non-lube strip) blades?

Yep. $3.50 for a 10-pack, plus tax. Approximately 35 cents apiece.

 

[tater_salad]

hey whatever works..
I got tored of cartridges, they got dull fast, adn I could get a decent shave, but never BBS.. If I do 1 pass with a cartridge, and 2 passes wtih a DE, I get a better shave with the DE. It atakes a little bit more time, but I tossed my cart about a month after I got my DE..

but if it works for you

 

[americanarmsdealer]

Interesting. For the life of me, I can't figure out how to get BBS from a cartridge. I've tried many times and it always results in significant irritation.

+1! In fact, I just got irritation from reading this thread! Dang it!!

 

[Jorocom]

Nothing to be ashamed of. A great shave can be had with a cartridge, whether using soap & brush, tubed cream or (gasp!) a can. I've just gotten 12 good shaves with my Quattro, and they were all bbs.