Hi everyone, I'm new to the forum. I'm 57 years old and have been shaving for over 40 years. For over 10 years my favorite shaving combo was Gillette Sensor, Barbasol and Aqua Velva. But in recent years my beard has become more coarse (and I think Sensor blade quality has deteriorated?) and my all time favorite razor no longer does the job. Plus I end up with lots of cuts which never happened before. I tried Fusion, Mach 3 and Quatro but I'm not impressed with any of them. On a whim I bought a Personna M5 Magnum (cheap 5 blade razor), and also tried some King of Shaves Alphagel Shave Gel. A BIG difference. No cuts and a very close, comfortable shave. I'm so impressed with the KOS Shave Gel that I'm thinking of trying a double edge razor to use with it. Several years ago I tried a 1950's Gillette butterfly style and got a comfortable shave but not close. I also have tried a new Merkur 3 pc. with open comb and got a somewhat closer shave but lots of cuts. I've been doing some research and narrowed it down to either a Parker 22R or a Parker 96R. I would appreciate any advice regarding these 2 models and which one would be best. I prefer they butterfly type and don't want to spend a whole lot in case it doesn't work out. Also I've read a lot of good things about "Shark" blades and would appreciate any input on these or other blades that may be better. I shave WTG, re-lather, and then shave ATG. My biggest problem is getting a very close shave like I used to without the nicks and irritation that have started in recent years. It's been very frustrating. Thanks very much!
Need Advice-Switching From Multi-Blade to DE
- Thread starter scott69
- Start date
Welcome - I'm an ex-sensor user too, and agree about the blade quality. However, I don't think I ever got a shave with the sensor that was much better than my worst DE to date.
The alphagel was useless for me: I picked up a tube on sale, tried it twice, and went back to Taylor (aka TOBS) sandalwood cream. For me, it's much more protective - but YMMV. Are you considering a brush? I've been pretty happy with a cheap Tweezerman and an old wide-mouthed teacup.
I don't have any Parker experience, so I'm going to be one of those annoying people who confuses the issue. When I was researching razors, I ran into a few reports of poor build quality with the Parkers. So I ended up with a Merkur 34C (aka "classic hd") and it has worked well for me. Again, YMMV. You can read some reviews here.
I'm working my way through a blade sampler (from West Coast Shaving), and I've only tried one Shark so far. It was just ok: so far Derby is my best blade. But there are more reviews on this site.
The alphagel was useless for me: I picked up a tube on sale, tried it twice, and went back to Taylor (aka TOBS) sandalwood cream. For me, it's much more protective - but YMMV. Are you considering a brush? I've been pretty happy with a cheap Tweezerman and an old wide-mouthed teacup.
I don't have any Parker experience, so I'm going to be one of those annoying people who confuses the issue. When I was researching razors, I ran into a few reports of poor build quality with the Parkers. So I ended up with a Merkur 34C (aka "classic hd") and it has worked well for me. Again, YMMV. You can read some reviews here.
I'm working my way through a blade sampler (from West Coast Shaving), and I've only tried one Shark so far. It was just ok: so far Derby is my best blade. But there are more reviews on this site.
I like Shark blades. I use them often. I find them comparable to Derby's. I looked at a Parker 22R but didn't like it. It seemed like it was not a quality built razor. I would recommend a twist to open Gillette razor--something like a Super Speed, maybe.
Ditto on that. I went the brand new route and was frustrated with the results until someone PIF'ed me a Super Speed flare tip. What a revelation!
A couple of thoughts here:
1) I think your previous less than perfect results have less to do with the razor, and more to do with technique. A DE razor works on the principal of beard reduction: each pass eliminates a small amount of stubble, with the final result over multiple passes being a close, comfortable shave. I would recommend trying WTG/XTG (across the grain), and then finally ATG. You can also add in another XTG pass before the ATG pass if you like, this one would be in the opposite direction of the first one.
2) Prior results could also have been attributed to a inferior blade. Along with your new razor, you also need to pickup a blade sampler pack from either West Coast Shaving, or Bullgoose Shaving. Not all blades work the same in every razor, or for every user.
3) Shaving with a DE razor requires some skill, and technique. This takes at least a month to develop. I don't know how long you shaved with a DE razor in the past, but you shouldn't expect perfect results right away.
4) I am adding my recommendation for the vintage Gillette. You will be will served as a new wet shaver to visit either a Gillette Superspeed, or a Gillette Tech. Both are fairly mild, and thus more forgiving of less than perfect technique.
1) I think your previous less than perfect results have less to do with the razor, and more to do with technique. A DE razor works on the principal of beard reduction: each pass eliminates a small amount of stubble, with the final result over multiple passes being a close, comfortable shave. I would recommend trying WTG/XTG (across the grain), and then finally ATG. You can also add in another XTG pass before the ATG pass if you like, this one would be in the opposite direction of the first one.
2) Prior results could also have been attributed to a inferior blade. Along with your new razor, you also need to pickup a blade sampler pack from either West Coast Shaving, or Bullgoose Shaving. Not all blades work the same in every razor, or for every user.
3) Shaving with a DE razor requires some skill, and technique. This takes at least a month to develop. I don't know how long you shaved with a DE razor in the past, but you shouldn't expect perfect results right away.
4) I am adding my recommendation for the vintage Gillette. You will be will served as a new wet shaver to visit either a Gillette Superspeed, or a Gillette Tech. Both are fairly mild, and thus more forgiving of less than perfect technique.
I started off with the Parker 22R and used it very effectively for six months. It is an absolutely fine starter DE razor, very forgiving to newbies. It had to be, because if I had cut myself to shreds with it, I would have given up DE right away, would never have found this site, and would never have dropped a fortune in shaving supplies, thanks to these enablers.
That said, as people have indicated, for the $30 you'd spend for a new Parker you can get a much sturdier vintage Gillette Superspeed or even a Slim or Fatboy adjustable. I've moved on from the Parker to these models, and the Parker sits, unused. These are all butterfly models (I wouldn't use anything else).
Jeff in Boston
- Thread starter
- #7
I would like to thank everyone for all your help and suggestions! I'm now leaning towards a Gillette super speed or maybe a Merkur 34C. Those seem to be the most recommended for a first timer. And based on all of your input I've narrowed blades down to either Sharks or Derbys. I've been using multi-blade cartridges for so many years that I've become a very fast shaver and hard presser, so I'm going to need to re-learn the new technique. When I tried DE shaving several years ago I was using Williams cake soap which may have contributed to all of the cuts and razor burn. I'm in my late 50's and the skin on my neck isn't as taught as it used to be so that's my biggest concern-lots of cuts and razor burn in that area. Maybe I should stretch it a little while shaving? I'm thinking that the King of Shaves gel that I've recently been using with a multi-blade will make a big difference with a DE. I also have their pre-shave oil to use in combination with the gel, but the gel works so great for me that I haven't added the oil yet.
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It damn hard to make anything approaching a good shaving lather from Williams. It can be done if you are willing to work at it, and know some tricks for using it. I personally don't think it's worth the effort since it smells like Citronella bug candles (ick!!)
Far better products are available for just a little more money.
I think you will be in the same boat I am in with razors - I have been buying them and trying them and will probably buy the Merkur Progress (or give a strong hint for birthday or Christmas). I am currently using a Futur and a Merkur slant most often. I have a fatboy and a half a dozen others. I am rather sure I'll be done at that point and end up putting some up for sale or give a couple to my sons. As to the blade - I really like the Feather. I have tried the normal sampler pack and a few extra to boot. I have never used a blade more than once, and tossed the rest of the pack back into my drawer. I might use them in an emergency - but I don't think I'll get low on Feathers. I purchased a slab and when I get low, I'll buy another.
I also started with a Parker razor and Williams soap, not a bad razor just nothing special. I now use a Gillette Super Speed flair tip and a Merkur slant bar. If I had to do it over again I would go with the vintage Gillette.
- Thread starter
- #11
Thanks again evryone. I decided on a nice 1960 Gillette Super Speed Flare Tip. Here's a link to it: http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=230401110641&ssPageName=ADME:B:EOIBSA:US:1123 . I also got some Shark, Derby & Gillette 7 o'clock blades plus a tub of TSD Shaving Cream from the Shave Den. The stuff should be here within a week and I' looking forward to some comfortable DE shaving!
