Return to a disposable

[xfumbler]

After 6 months of shaving exclusively with a DE, I picked up a disposable for today. I wanted to relive the experience and see what it was like using one, but this time with my favorite soft Italian soap and a proper three pass technique rather than my original one pass technique I used to use. Basically I wanted to give it a fair chance to see how it compares using similar techniques with a DE.

It was certainly a better experience than what I remember it being, technique counts for a lot. In fact the basic understanding of proper technique and getting quality lather which comes with learning to use a DE improves the experience no matter your hardware. All the same it wasn't as good a result than that I routinely get with a DE. I even managed to get a nick because I was overconfident. I can routinely get a nice BBS on the easy parts with a DE, but today I can tell that it's just not there.

I had thought that this might just be a phase that I tire of, and I'd go back to the cheap disposables while still using the better soaps, but I can see now that's just not going to happen.

I'll have my Merkur 34C HD back in my hand tomorrow morning.

 

[Krona Kruiser]

These threads make me nervous. I'm glad you're in it to win it! (don't know how that applies)

 

[Mick]

Everyone is going to have a different requirement/need when they choose their tools.

You must use what works for you, not what someone says you need.

Heck, if I found a broken bottle worked for me you betcha I would be telling everyone to grab one and have at their face with it

 

[tmurzz]

There are times where using cart's or disposables make sense - but I doubt I'd ever "officially" return to a full time user.

 

[bryan1980]

At least half the reason that wetshaving is such a pleasurable experience is the prep/products used, so the DE/SE/straight razor isn't always necessary for a good shave. A lot of people on here use Atra's or Trac II's. But, what really sets it off for me is the heft of that solid brass razor in my hand.

 

[celestino]

Great to hear and enjoy your shaves!

 

[indy0423]

I can get by with an Atra or Trac when traveling if necessary, but it's nothing like home.

Actually, I find that the differences in water quality make such a difference in my lather that it's not worth trying to go through my standard prep/lather so I just take Neutrogena canned goo, a basic cart razor, and some ASB and just suffer through the trip. This weekend I had stubble by noon after an 8AM shave.

 

[tacchini]

i use wilkinson sword extra 2s when i travel, they are like a cheap gillette sensor, before i used de razors i liked these better than the multi blade ones.

 

[SteveWY]

I had one very brief return to the dark side while traveling last summer. I hadn't planned ahead (shame on me) to fly with my DE and blades. Even though I had a brush and shave stick, I had 5 days of bad shaves. I wasn't using a top disposable so some blame there. Yet, I made a vow to return to the fold. I apologized profusely to all the tools in my shave den, here on B&B, and repented. I will be better prepared in the future and mail blades ahead. I'm sure I could get by with carts or disposables in a pinch, but at my age I don't want to just "get by".

 

[Krona Kruiser]

In all truth, I'd say that using the prep that I use now along with a proper brush and cream, I'm sure I can get a decent shave from a disposable. Since I haven't used a disposable in a couple of years, I don't know and I'm not really that curious to find out.

 

[xfumbler]

I've only traveled once since switching and I was staying at someones home so I could borrow a bowl for lathering and didn't have to fly. The water there might have even been better than I was used to. I can't even remember the brand of disposable I have, but they have two blades. I did miss the heft of my current tool. Funnily enough I held the disposable like a DE because I am now so used to the practice. If I was traveling a lot I'd probably want to get a travel case of some sorts to protect it, the DE I mean, not the disposable. I do have a gillette sensor with maybe one clean blade left somewhere.

 

[PugslyCat]

I used cartridge razors and disposables during Lent this year. I'll probably do the same next year with the intent of trying to use up some of this stuff. I may even break out the canned goo, but that's too much like sack cloth and ashes for my tastes.

The carts seemed to do an OK job when used with the techniques I learned DE shaving. It just wasn't very satisfying somehow.

 

[dougmac]

I did this same experiment after having success with DE razors, and I confirmed why I left my Sensor Excel in the first place: tears my face right up. Even with all the good soap and technique. So glad I found DE razors, and sites like this! Good for you for giving it a whirl again, tho!!

 

[A28]

ah i was scared at first hahaha

 

[dpmtherrien]

Yeah, thought you might have taken a giant step backwards. I'm sure that if I had to use a cart again I could probably get a decent shave with the thing, but it wouldn't be a nice, or enjoyable as a shave with either my DE or straight.

 

[The Kiwi]

I did this same experiment after having success with DE razors, and I confirmed why I left my Sensor Excel in the first place: tears my face right up. Even with all the good soap and technique. So glad I found DE razors, and sites like this! Good for you for giving it a whirl again, tho!!

I can imagine the three-blade Excel version of a Sensor being objectionable to use, but I never had any problems from either the two or three blade Sensor razors. I'd also make the guess that whatever the twin blade Gillette disposable is, the too-light weight encourages excess pressure. Only an electric has ever "torn my skin up", and it took two-three electric shaves in a row to do that. I still keep a Sensor around because my SEs / Injectors tend to leave a little tiny patch of stubble on the end of my chin, through WTG + ATG, while the Sensor just zips it right off . .

 

[mgoldmann]

Everyone on here made excellent points. The bottom line is (1) you use what works for you and (2) it's ok to be proficient with other tools and methods just in case (travel, etc). I use a DE daily but I still keep disposables around the house for travel, house guests, etc. I seem to recall a member of this community once telling us that he uses a DE at home and a cartridge when he is overseas on active duty.

 

[treewhale]

I shaved with a Fusion I had lying around at my parents' place a few weeks ago when I forgot to bring pretty much all of my kit bag on a last minute visit. It was horrible. The shave was OK, but my face felt terrible. Never going back. Now to find a soap/cream/prep/balm/as regimen that doesn't leave my face feeling like crap if I shave every day in the Canadian Winter.

 

[Cyanshine]

I've only ever used a disposable once. Bloodbath.

 

[Daiku]

I use a disposable when I travel. It's just not as satisfying, and the stubble comes back more quickly. I do agree that DE shaving allows you to develop skills that help to improve any kind of shave. In fact, I'm better with the HeadBlade now that I use a DE on my face.