More blades or less blades?

[MatthiasV]

This is my first post here, but since I have a question that relates to shaving, this seemed like the perfect place to ask it. First a little background.

I have always preferred wet shaving to electric, ever since I got my free mach 3 from Gillette/selective services on my 18th birthday. And everything was great for a number of years (minus the regular ingrown hairs and breakouts) until a friend mentioned he used to have that problem until he switched to a DE razor. This seemed a little drastic for me so I compromised and went with a 2 blade system, the Gillette sensor excel.

I've used this for about 7 years now, shaving every other day (I like the stubble on day 2) and have had no complaints. However, I now have a job where the stubble-look is not acceptable; and I'm finding that shaving with the sensor excel on a daily basis is too irritating to my skin (even with fresh blades etc). So........ on to the question.

Are DE razors less irritating (because of the single blade) enough to allow for easier daily shaves?
(The alternative, is that I go back to a 3 blade system which is closer and "might" allow me to continue shaving every other day.)

This question might be better suited to those who have recently switched off cartridges but any input is appreciated.


PS. I know there will be a lot if different answers on this but if you could throw in a recommendation for a "mild" starter DE it would help.
(I was looking at the Parker 82R for ease of loading but am concerned if the blade will sit right)

 

[mblakele]

Welcome to B&B!

The goal is an irritation-free shave. A single blade is some help, but 80% of shaving comes down to good prep and technique.

If you are open to vintage razors, consider a Gillette Tech. It is a three-piece razor rather than a TTO, but loading a three-piece is really quite simple.

 

[mgoldmann]

I can only comment on my own experiences, so please keep that in mind. When I used the Gillette Sensor (1990-2000) I found that using soap and a brush gave me a closer shave with less irritation than canned foam or gels. So, your prep can be a big factor. Also, your after shave can be a factor as well. I started with Olay Complete, which is a moisturizer designed for women that actually works good for some men. I'm now a fan of Tea Tree Oil as a moisturizer and use an after shave with that in it. As far as the razor, there are some people who cannot use multi blade razors because it seems to magnify the skin irritation. In my case, I actually find 3+ blade razors to be painful to use. A good DE gives me a close shave with less irritation. As far as where to start, my first DE was a Merkur 34C, but I'm also a fan of the Merkur 33C and the Edwin Jaeger DE89.

 

[FancyDan]

Multiple blades can cause irritation, and only one blade is needed to cut through the hair. As others have mentioned, technique also plays a factor and so does using a good soap/cream and brush.

I'd recommend a Merkur 42c, 34c, or an Edwin Jagger DE89.

 

[MatthiasV]

I will confess that my shave prep consists solely of a a hot shower followed by barbasol (though I do use a brush with it for all the good that does). As far as after shave, I've only ever used cold water; so there is probably a lot I should be doing differently.

 

[mgoldmann]

Canned foams have different formulations so it is possible to find one that may work for you. While I know a lot of people who refuse to use any kind of canned foam or gel, there are others that can use it or will use a specific one because it works for them. I also started out without any kind of after shave, and only later began to understand that a moisturizer of some kind is often necessary post shave.

 

[Dave Colangelo]

you will find that the addition of a good shaving cream and a brush will help quite a bit. Like many here the Merkur 33c was my first and its a great razor. I would get a sample pack of blades and see which ones your skin likes best. Learning good technique will also go a long way. Once you get started you may become obsessed and find your self trying out all sorts of things like many of us here. You are on the right path, do some reading and find out what you think you may want, I would suggest

- Merkur (any one of the basic ones 33c, 34c etc)
- Semouge Brush, since you may not want to spend much money they offer really nice Boar brushes. If you are ok with spending some money you can get a badger brush for less than $50 these days.
- I like creams, there are great makers out there Taylor of Old Bond St., Truefitt And Hill Geo F Trumper and man others you will have no problem finding a scent you like. Now that the FAA only allows small amounts of liquid on planes many of these makers have been selling small travel size tubes which are a great way to try a scent for less then the price of a tub and gives a bit more than some of the tiny test cups some sites sell.
- You can always go the soap route, I used Colonel Conk when I started because it was very inexpensive. All in all I found it preformed very well for the price.
- As stated above pick up one of the blade sampler packs from any one of the good DE shaving suppliers and try them all one at a time. Take note of which ones work well and then stick with them.
- As for after shaves/pre shaves you can experiment, some people use them and there are a ton of options. There are many nice balms for for people with sensitive skin and a whole lot to try from. Like the blades and creams you may want to try and get small amounts and test them out. What works for one person may not work for you. I have tried many products and still try new things to this day. there are also a lot of great scents to select from.

Regards
Dave

 

[Moondancer]

If you really don't want to go to a DE (and I wonder why not), then I'd recommend a switch to a good soap / cream and a brush with good prep. Kyle's Prep, although somewhat time consuming seems to work for many. Myself, having been shaving for 45 years, 40+ of which have been with blades, can get by with minimal prep and a 3-pass shave with no irritation worth mentioning.
I'd pick up a Semogue or Omega boar brush and if you are located anywhere close to a mall, buy some C.O. Bigelow (re-branded Proraso Green cream) shave cream from Bath & Body Works.
If you want a mild DE, I'll throw out the suggestion for a vintage 40's style Gillette Superspeed razor coupled with an Astra SP blade. You can pick up user grade Superspeeds pretty reasonable (less than buying a new Merkur HD) and they are pretty mild.

 

[Ron Scott]

The original TV commercials for double bladed razors hailed the lift-and-cut approach to getting the job done, i.e., the first blade would lift the hair and the next would cut it. Perfect recipe for irritation and ingrown hairs if I ever saw one. I doubt I ever shaved with a multi bladed razor more than a dozen times over ~45 years of shaving after seeing that ad.

Every DE razor is "mild" in comparison. Forget about the crazy distinction "mild" and "aggressive": Meaningless.

May I recommend an Edwin Jagger DE89L, a razor you can use on day one and day 10,000 without a problem or without missing anything? I guess I have...

 

[Niles]

My problem with cartridge razors is they pull the hair out, while DE blades just cut the hair. The latter give a much more comfortable shave, for me.

 

[Noddon]

Welcome to B&B MatthiasV.

I have recently started wet shaving myself. The major reason I was looking for another way to shave was to reduce the irritation that I got from shaving. Before B&B, shaving was a chore to be endured. Now I find that it is a time that I look forward to everyday.
My first razor was a Edwin Jagger DE86 series black octagonal handle (it has the same head as any of the EJ 89's) which i would recommend to anyone starting out.

Best of luck on your journey. Relax and enjoy it.

 

[ricardo9505]

welcome to B&B. Be sure to search the threads as MANY topics have been discussed in great depth with great feedback.
Now on to your dilemma.
I switched from cartridges . I used an electric and cartridge to finish up so financially it was $45 every 2 months. new blade and foil and new cartridges as I shave twice a day at times. 12 months ago.
I had irritation and hated shaving. But worked corporate for many years so the electric was handy. BUT I found much joy in a DE. Granted at 35 I am older than you maybe. I juggle a child, 2 jobs and volunteer work. For me shaving is that bit of heaven for me. My "me" time and found the "zen" in my shaving routine.
Now, will you save money? depends on your habits. After 12 months I am now on a set routine and try new soaps every 3-5 months. I just visit a place here in midtown NYC and sniff away and hear reviews (though my love for Mikes Natural shaving soap grew from great feedback of the shaving vets here on B&B.
I recommend DE shaving to A LOT of people but also to blacks and my Caribbean Latino friends whom all have thick coarse hair and suffer from ingrown hairs). That triple blade is just plain ol dumb for those folks.
Parker makes a good razor. My first was an old Merkur classic. Small and light but really helped with my technique and learning about pressure. I know own a heavy DE 89 edwin jagger in barley chrome. Simply beautiful. Trying to find an antique adjustable gillette. The Made in America 1950's kind.
With wet shaving you will focus more and enjoy shaving more, guaranteed.
In the past 12 months I have converted 4 people with the "good news of shaving".

 

[WVUfanMG]

I'm going to add my experience (albeit limited) also. As a former cart user, my story sounds a lot like yours, except I stumbled on this place after looking for a brush to go with some cream I got from my Birchbox subscription. After lurking for a while, I decided to take the plunge with a EJ DE89. It's been over two months now, and I have given my unused carts to friends and built up a pretty decent collection of DEs. I can safely say, that unless they stop making DE blades for some reason, I will never go back to cartridges. I used to have constant ingrown hairs, irritation, and just plain hated shaving. Then I found this place, and DE shaving. Every day is a pleasure to make the trip to the shave den to clean up my mug. Make the switch and enjoy the ride. You won't regret it if you work on your technique and take these fine people's advice.

Good luck!

 

[Chevyguy]

This is my first post here, but since I have a question that relates to shaving, this seemed like the perfect place to ask it. First a little background.

I have always preferred wet shaving to electric, ever since I got my free mach 3 from Gillette/selective services on my 18th birthday. And everything was great for a number of years (minus the regular ingrown hairs and breakouts) until a friend mentioned he used to have that problem until he switched to a DE razor. This seemed a little drastic for me so I compromised and went with a 2 blade system, the Gillette sensor excel.

I've used this for about 7 years now, shaving every other day (I like the stubble on day 2) and have had no complaints. However, I now have a job where the stubble-look is not acceptable; and I'm finding that shaving with the sensor excel on a daily basis is too irritating to my skin (even with fresh blades etc). So........ on to the question.

Are DE razors less irritating (because of the single blade) enough to allow for easier daily shaves?
(The alternative, is that I go back to a 3 blade system which is closer and "might" allow me to continue shaving every other day.)

This question might be better suited to those who have recently switched off cartridges but any input is appreciated.


PS. I know there will be a lot if different answers on this but if you could throw in a recommendation for a "mild" starter DE it would help.
(I was looking at the Parker 82R for ease of loading but am concerned if the blade will sit right)

I just had the same problem, I couldn't shave daily with a Sensor, or Mach-3, daily without suffering irritation. My solution was to switch to a Schick Adjustable Injector. I can now shave daily without suffering irritation. Also use a good soap, or cream, that will moisturize your skin. I like to use MWF, or Stirling SS. Please keep us updated on your progress.

Clayton

 

[papertowels]

I've only recently started DE shaving, and opted to find the cheapest, workable set so I could try it out, and see if it was really as good as everyone on here claims it is.

I ended up with
Van der Hagen boar brush+shaving soap+soap dish set from wal mart ($8)
User grade (meaning it won't be the prettiest, but it shaves) Fat handled gillete tech ($5)
Blade sampler from amazon ($15 or so, there are cheaper ones)

The soap set from walmart is great for you to learn how to make lather (itself an art, I've come to learn)
The gillette tech is a ridiculously mild razor that I've never cut myself with (I'm not quite certain it's even possible to cut yourself).
The blade sampler is always a must for someone starting DE shaving.

 

[Haggises]

All good advice above.
Take all of it and follow us down this innocent looking rabbit hole.....

EJ89 or vintage Gillette Superspeed
Blade of your choosing
CO Bigelow cream from Bath and Body Works.
Some pharmacy witch hazel.

That's just for starters.....I mean, enough ti get you started.
Your face will thank you.

 

[wagstaff]

You have learned through carts to use pressure. This may be hard to unlearn quickly. However long that transition takes, if you switch to DE, will be as long as it takes for the irritation problem to get better instead of worse.

Possibly.

It's totally worth it in the end, but it may or may not be "the long run" for you, as opposed to tomorrow at work. Just want to moderate expectations. I'm slow... took me a while to get over irritating my neck every shave. Afterwards, DE shaving became much more comfortable than carts, including the Sensor Excel or Mach 3. I still have the Sensor to carry on to airplanes, if necessary. It's not too bad, actually. But it's not close to good, either.

 

[Mick]

Welcome to B&B

I can't comment on carts because I have never used one but I am sure others will have given you enough to chew over

If you have not already done so, stop into the Hall of Fame and tell everyone a little about yourself

http://badgerandblade.com/vb/forumdisplay.php/30-Hall-of-Fame

 

[JCoulter]

The Parker razor you mention is a fine choice for a trainer: this is a heavy razor, and the weight will help teach you not to apply pressure as you shave. It will secure the blade just fine. The approach with DE shaving is one blade, multiple passes (lather-ups). Each pass accomplishes beard reduction, not complete removal, so a light touch is important.

There is a learning curve here, so don't be discouraged if your first couple of shaves aren't heralded by choirs of singing angels.

Begin with a blade sampler pack, so that you get to experience several different brands: your beginning technique will be less than optimal, so it doesn't matter much at all what blade you begin with, but you still will be able to come to some first impressions along with all the other things you are learning. Later you can re-visit some of the ones you began with, to form a more educated opinion about them.

Many good videos exist on the YouTube. Play them over and over until you think you get the general idea. The two guys who are of the most use are probably geofatboy and mantic59. The most important elements to remember as a beginner, IMO, are blade angle to the skin and proper preparation, as mentioned above.

 

[Eeyore]

With a good prep, I notice no difference between a single blade and two blades. However, the Sensor has spring mounted blades, IIRC, and I believe those promote applying too much pressure.

If you want to stay with cartridges, I would recommend the Trac II. But a DE also is an excellent option. In all cases, a good prep is crucial for a good shave. In fact, the prep is much more important than the razor or blade, I think.