Please answer my questions on safety razors?

[Splack]

Hey guys, after recently viewing a video on safety razors, I'm considering purchasing one. The questions I'm about to ask are VERY basic since I'm trying to figure out how it all works
1) If I were to buy a DE razor such as Edwin Jagger, is that just a razor or does it include a blade? As in, if I were to purchase the product, would there be blades already in there (if so what are they called) or do I have to get my own?
2) How long would these blades last? Say I did a 3 pass shave everyday
3) Can anyone provide a video that demonstrates proper blade angle?


Thanks guys!

 

[luvmysuper]

1. Some manufacturers may include a blade as an unadvertised bonus, but most do not.
You'd best be served by buying a sampler pack from a Vendor such as West Coast Shaving. Blade preference varies person to person and you'll have to find your own favorite.

2. Generally, depending on blade quality and beard conditions you'll find blades last a few days to a week. I have very tough gray hair and most blades last me a full week.

3. Don't have a video, but here are two very good pictorial representations of blade angle explained;

http://wiki.badgerandblade.com/Blade_Angle

 

[Bk124tt]

Great pictorial in the wiki Phil! I've never seen that before.

1. Some manufacturers may include a blade as an unadvertised bonus, but most do not.
You'd best be served by buying a sampler pack from a Vendor such as West Coast Shaving. Blade preference varies person to person and you'll have to find your own favorite.

2. Generally, depending on blade quality and beard conditions you'll find blades last a few days to a week. I have very tough gray hair and most blades last me a full week.

3. Don't have a video, but here are two very good pictorial representations of blade angle explained;

http://wiki.badgerandblade.com/Blade_Angle

 

[AjaxLepinski]

Welcome aboard Splack! You're going to love DE shaving!

I hacked my face to bits the first time I DE shaved because, I used too much pressure, went too fast and started off with the wrong angle. Start by holding the razor handle parallel to the floor and the top of the razor touching your side burn area. While making short North to South strokes, slowly drop the handle towards the floor - you have the correct angle just as the blade starts cutting stubble.
If you begin with the handle perpendicular to the floor (blade 90 degrees to your face) , you will get a lot of chatter and you will wind up with a ton of nicks - this was the mistake that I made and I wound up a bloody mess!
Be sure to keep the pressure as light as possible and take your time.

The Mantic59 series of videos are entertaining and very helpful: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xjhIy9rgWQU
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4F5u28JfnCM&feature=channel&list=UL

Everyone will correctly suggest purchasing a variety pack of blades. Everyone likes a different blade and my personal favorite blades are Astra SP's.
Have fun!!!

 

[Haiku]

Watch the Mantic videos. They will tell you everything you need to know to get started.

Don't get worried about cutting yourself or nicks. These are safety razors. They're called "safety" for a reason. Use them properly and the only thing that will be cut is your beard.

I predict that once you start in with a DE you'll be joining the rest of us with our favourite hobby.

 

[celestino]

Great information above and Mantic59 videos on YouTube will help you with the visuals and other questions. Good luck.

 

[Splack]

Ok, thanks guys!
At the moment, I'm looking at the blades and it seems like the general favourite here is Feathers or Astras.
Does anyone know which one lasts longer and which one gives a smoother shave? All I know is that Astras are cheaper but more people like Feathers.

 

[luvmysuper]

Ok, thanks guys!
At the moment, I'm looking at the blades and it seems like the general favourite here is Feathers or Astras.
Does anyone know which one lasts longer and which one gives a smoother shave? All I know is that Astras are cheaper but more people like Feathers.

You may hate both of them.

I'd suggest a sampler pack of different blades to see which is best for you.

 

[brother cavefish]

Hey guys, after recently viewing a video on safety razors, I'm considering purchasing one. The questions I'm about to ask are VERY basic since I'm trying to figure out how it all works
1) If I were to buy a DE razor such as Edwin Jagger, is that just a razor or does it include a blade? As in, if I were to purchase the product, would there be blades already in there (if so what are they called) or do I have to get my own?
2) How long would these blades last? Say I did a 3 pass shave everyday
3) Can anyone provide a video that demonstrates proper blade angle?


Thanks guys!

best razor out there and not expensive, comes with blades-i have sold most of my rotation because of the performance of this razor, it is so smooth sometimes I dont think it is shaving , but alas the shadow is gone----------

 

[gstarr1]

Great pictorial in the wiki Phil! I've never seen that before.

+1

 

[iankh]

Welcome Splack!

i just returned to using a safety razor after a hiatus of about 38 years. I bought an Edwin Jagger 89 Barley, and I really like it. It came with 5 blades. I get about 5 to 6 shaves from a blade. They are relatively in expensive and downright dirt cheap compared to cartridges. Experiment with different brands to see what you like.

 

[cpcohen1945]

Ok, thanks guys!
At the moment, I'm looking at the blades and it seems like the general favourite here is Feathers or Astras.
Does anyone know which one lasts longer and which one gives a smoother shave? All I know is that Astras are cheaper but more people like Feathers.

The general opinion is that the Feathers are sharper than anything else. You need a really light touch to avoid cutting yourself (or getting razor burn) -- especially if your razor is aggressive. They're my favorite blade, but it took a while to get comfortable with them. I get about 5 shaves before saying "This blade is getting dull, time to change".

Astras are a bit more forgiving (that is, less sharp) -- but plenty sharp enough. Fewer shaves (maybe 3-4), less expensive.

"Which gives a smoother shave?" is a complicated question, with no clear answer. It depends on the razor, and the beard, and the hand that holds the razor.

Get a sampler, you'll find something you like. For most blades, _somebody_ says "That's my favorite!".

. Charles

 

[Splack]

Ok cool!
So since I'm used to just using normal cartridge razors, all I've ever done as prep is just splash some warm water on my face and apply shaving cream. And then after I shave I just wet my face again and that's it.

For using a safety razor, do I need to take additional steps to prepare? Apparently there's stuff like soaps as well as people using hot towels. Are they all that necessary?

 

[cpcohen1945]

Ok cool!
So since I'm used to just using normal cartridge razors, all I've ever done as prep is just splash some warm water on my face and apply shaving cream. And then after I shave I just wet my face again and that's it.

For using a safety razor, do I need to take additional steps to prepare? Apparently there's stuff like soaps as well as people using hot towels. Are they all that necessary?

There's a "hot water only" school of shaving, but not many people are in it.

Most people think that some kind of "beard softening" is a really good idea, before you shave. A hot shower, a hot towel, lathering your face before shaving (so the lather has a chance to soften the beard hairs) -- _something_ to get the hair wet and soft.

That's one of the reasons for using a shaving brush and shaving soap, and "face lathering" -- scrubbing your face with the brush, and developing lather on the skin. There are lots of "pre-shave" products -- grapeseed oil, glycerin, almond oil, hair conditioner are ones I've used. I found them useful when I started DE and straight-razor shaving.

There are people who chase the perfect brush, perfect soap, and perfect lather. You'll find lots of posts from them here.

You'll have to do some experimenting, and find out what _your_ face needs for a comfortable shave. You might find that what you're doing now is enough. If not, a good shaving soap (meaning anything except Williams, which has a very mixed reputation) will probably help.

. Charles

 

[BC1]

The Edwin Jaggers that I have purchased came with a 5-pack of Derbys. As stated by others, you can buy a sampler set, or just order 5-packs of the ones you are interested in rather than the whole set.

 

[Splack]

Ok, so I've got my eyes set on an Edwin Jagger. But what's the difference between DE89 and DE89L, DE89LBL and DE89BA11.
Also, what price have you guys being getting the razor for? It doesn't seem like it's sold in Australia (online). Does anyone know of an online store that sells it?

 

[PFP_Dad]

As far as soaps/creams and brushes go, it depends on if you're happy with quality/comfort of your shave and unhappy about the price, or generally unhappy with both (I've never heard of anyone who likes spending $ on cartridges). If your shave is irritating or uncomfortable in any way, I find the proper product and preparation to make a bigger difference than the razor I use. A cheap soap and brush can be bought for under $20 and will give great results, if your into luxury you can spend hundreds on higher end versions of each. Here is a good but cheap brush and a good but cheap cream. Discount codes can be found here.

If you feel that your shave is fine as is, but don't want to spend the money anymore, than just changing up the razor will take care of that, and you can't get much cheaper than any DE. A very large sampler will cost you $30.00 and should last you one-two years if you like them all. After that you'll be looking at no more than $20 a year on blades in general.

I almost forgot to say, Welcome Aboard. B&B is a great place and you can find a wealth of information by looking around the forum. Unfortunately I've never used an EJ, so I can't provide any help there.

 

[boogieman_]

Blades vary so much, even your favorite blade in razor "A" may be horrible in razor "B" so sampler packs are the only way to go. IMO you should get a sampler with Crystal blades, they are a great go to blade.

 

[AjaxLepinski]

One thing about prep... Whiskers take a few minutes to absorb water. The more hydrated your whiskers are, the easier they are to cut, the less nicks you get and the longer your blade lasts. The rule of thumb is that whiskers take about 3-4 minutes to hydrate, which is why many people shave after they get out of the shower and barbers use hot towels.

 

[musicman1951]

Same razor, different handles.

West Coast Shaving
BullGoose Shaving
http://www.italianbarber.com/barbering-supplies
http://www.leesrazors.com/categories/Razors/Safety-Razors/

There are lots of vendors on line. There is a list somewhere on this site.

Most people don't recommend Feather blades as your first blade (unless you like the sight of blood). Your razor will come with a 5 pack of Derby blades - a few people like those (but very few). Astra is probably a good starting choice. Get a blade sampler.

Watch the Mantic videos - several times.

Good luck.