I like trying everything, and the big news has been the use of DLC in many cheaper cartridges by companies such as Schick and Bic. It is very noticeable how much better those blades are in both performance and longevity while being an excellent value. The entire new Bic line is excellent (all the Flex and Comfort models), even if some are clearly better than others. Similarly the Exacta 2 by Schick (Atra clone) appears to have both DLC and Titanium coating and goes for about 10 shaves of good quality. I look forward to getting some DE blades with DLC, such as those by SuperMax. It is quite a contrast to try a very cheap cartridge system made by Kai without DLC, and see how much less good the shaving experience/value is, even though I felt the Kai disposables were a good value 5-6 years ago. The world of shaving is changing.
Question for cartridge razor fans
- Thread starter Franz_Biberkopf
- Start date
I use disposables and carts when I travel. I find that I can get the same quality of shave with a cart/dispoable, its not as smooth as a DE though.
I prefer the Bic Sensitive or comparable knockoff for travel because it gives me much the same feel as my DE and they are dirt cheap.
I prefer the Bic Sensitive or comparable knockoff for travel because it gives me much the same feel as my DE and they are dirt cheap.
With carts I can make one pass ATG, revel in the BBS sensation, and be done for 2 to 3 days. Such results were certainly possible with my Merkur DE but I got tired of changing blades after every other shave, as opposed to my Mach3 carts going for a solid two weeks before changing. I get excellent results no matter what I use, so it ultimately came down to convenience.
I switched to DEs because I was getting terrible shaves, and then learned it was mostly because I never really learned how to shave properly. Now that I know how my hair grows, how to shave with no pressure, and to make good lather, just about any cartridge can deliver consistently good results. I admit to wrestling with whether cartridges fit into the minimalist shaving ideal, but I figure as long as I'm not trying a zillion different cartridge systems, it's really not much different than settling on a single DE razor and blade combination.
I haven't had an ingrown hair for years, no matter which razor I use, so I may not be the best person to answer this question, but I think as long as you use good prep and technique, neither is better unless you are prone to ingrown hairs, in which case I'd say either stick with DE or use the Gillette Guard. I don't have any experience with the new Skinguard, so I can't say anything about that option.
Try the Bic Flex5 Hybrid or any of the newer Bic Flex cartridge razors, they're amazingly good razors for the price and have quickly become my favorite carts. I also like the Guard, which is dirt cheap but really effective and a great travel option, the Mach 3, and the venerable Trac II.
I was using a fusion upto 2013 and hated the cost and the less than satisfactory shaves I was getting. I switched to DE shaving uptill may of this year (6 years) when I decided to use my mach3 again . I realized (Like so many others ) that it was really my poor technique and face prep that was the problem .
Now with better knowledge of my face “map” and better face prep with good soaps and using a brush I’m able to get a good a shave with my Trac II / Atra / Sensor now as I ever got with my DE and with much lower chance of getting nicks or weepers .
Also knowing how to shave with zero pressure helps .
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
Based on my experience, using : DE,SE, carts, shavettes and cutthroats; I have to admit that Gillette still makes the best blades, specially if you have dense coarse beard/hair. All their carts are excellent and last fairly long--yes they are expensive, but buy them when you find a sale (have to be on the hunt everywhere). I shave my face and head and for the head, all other carts seem to be a bit rough... I prefer DE for the head if I have time. One more last thing: use a brush and some kind of decent soap with carts, it makes a difference and add some balm afterwards. Rinse and dry the carts after use and do not keep them in the bathroom that way they will last longer. And yes you can shave in probably 1/5 time w a cart...and don't get skin damage...can use pressure and go any direction most of the time.
I went back to carts because of essential tremor. With carts I can use slight pressure to control the tremor. Results are pretty much identical but with less blood.
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
Switching shaving methods every so many months or years is part of the hobby, makes it always fresh.
I have never tried a Dorco twin, but I'm pretty much a Dorco fan.
What I have discovered that works for my face is the tripple and the seven. I get a lot of irritation from the four or either of the sixes. The fives are OK, but don't last as long as the sevens.
One of the advantages of all Dorcos except for the twin is common docking. That means that you can swap cartridges between the handles allowing easier experimentation. My favorite handles are the lower six (the one that doesn't have a trimming blade), the seven, and the power six.
Currently I use the seven for the first pass. The seven for most of the second pass, switching for the three with the six handle for around my mouth, and the third pass with a seven with the power six handle.
I would suggest you try to get your money back since it is obviously different and doesn't work for you, and try a triple. I think you will like it.
This is me - I just love different ways to shave. Even electric. I will use one system for a month (or more) then switch.
You took the words right out of my mouth
Similar threads
