Trac II-- WOW!

[Kyle Hyde]

I recently got a trac II handle made by super-max out of india. The head is a little wobbly, and it feels very cheap (it was). However, loaded up with the personna trac II carts has given me my three best shaves yet! And I was using Gillette foamy sensitive in a can! They are my first and only bbs shaves I've ever gotten.

I know using a cart with canned goop is sacrilegious around here, but I swear this is by far my best shaves. Something about the foamy makes it really gentle on my skin, and I find it very slick. The trac II glides effortlessly. Learning with the DE probably helped me learn better technique. Now, I just need to find a prettier trac II handle.

 

[mmack66]

The BumpFighter razor that I bought at Walmart is compatible with Trac II cartridges and has a nice, solid handle. It only cost about 5 or 6 dollars as well.

 

[michiganlover]

Now, I just need to find a prettier trac II handle.

You have a PM.

 

[machine99703]

I'm really glad you finally found something that works well for you Kyle. Go with what works, you can always revisit your DE's later down the road.

 

[scott69]

I recently got a trac II handle made by super-max out of india. The head is a little wobbly, and it feels very cheap (it was). However, loaded up with the personna trac II carts has given me my three best shaves yet! And I was using Gillette foamy sensitive in a can! They are my first and only bbs shaves I've ever gotten.

I know using a cart with canned goop is sacrilegious around here, but I swear this is by far my best shaves. Something about the foamy makes it really gentle on my skin, and I find it very slick. The trac II glides effortlessly. Learning with the DE probably helped me learn better technique. Now, I just need to find a prettier trac II handle.

I sent you a PM.

 

[HoratioCaine]

The Merkur and Vulfix handles are well built, nice to look at, comfortable to use, and will last you a lifetime. The Merkur handle comes with rather awkward plastic head adapters for using other types of cartridges, but requires no such adapter for Trac II cartridges.

 

[ChrisG]

Can I get some PM's as well? I LOVE me some Trac II and Atra handles!

 

[kingfisher]

I use the Bump Fighter handle and the Personna carts and it does provide a nice, comfortable shave.

 

[soapbox]

I'm really glad you finally found something that works well for you Kyle. Go with what works, you can always revisit your DE's later down the road.

+1. Kyle, I'm glad you found something that works. Your path has been a long one.

 

[rickboone1]

Hi, my name is rickboone1 and I too am a Trac II user.














But not all the time. I use my DE and Straights too. But yeah...I confess I use a T II and I LOVE IT!

 

[DougK]

I know using a cart with canned goop is sacrilegious around here, but I swear this is by far my best shaves.

Kyle, there's no sacrilege in a great shave. If there is, then I'm a heretic too because I've also come full circle back to the cartridge razor.

I've been wetshaving with a DE for a few months and was consistently getting really good shaves; no complaints other than the time it took every morning. Well, a couple of weeks ago I was running short on time. I grabbed my Trac II just so I didn't have to worry about nicking myself and wound up getting a great shave really fast, which ran counter to my previous experiences with cartridge razors before I started wetshaving. I replicated this result a couple of times and started wondering...

Just for fun I bought a Mach 3 handle this weekend and used it the last couple of days. I figured that I would satisfy my curiosity, re-experience the irritation and razor burn that brought me to wetshaving in the first place, then go back to my Parker with relief and mix it with my Trac II when I was pressed for time or traveling. What I didn't expect were deadly-smooth, long-lasting, irritation-free shaves with almost no effort on my part. My wife commented (with pleased approval) on the sudden improvement in my shave quality the last two mornings, so it's not just my imagination.

Based on my recent experience I don't think the razor was ever really my problem, I just didn't know how to shave. Now that I know how to use a razor correctly (say it with me: short strokes, watch your angle, no pressure) and how to build a good lather using soap or cream and a brush, I can see the Mach 3 for the great razor it is.

I'm not saying I'll give up on DE shaving completely because it's a great way to relax on the weekend. I'm also not saying that I'll go back to the Mach 3 on a full-time basis because of the high cost of the cartridges. I'm certainly not saying that cartridge razors will work this well for everyone; as always, your mileage may vary, other restrictions may apply, void where prohibited, etc. I'm just saying that I can get a great shave with minimal effort using a cartridge and still enjoy all the brushes, soaps, and creams that wetshaving has to offer.

It's cool how many different ways there are to enjoy a good shave.

 

[rsp1202]

I've been back and forth lately with the Trac II and Sensor. The TII is a mite easier on the old puss, while the Sensor shaves a bit closer. Probably will come down to cartridge cost, so the TII wins.

Ron

 

[BlackBard]

Kyle, there's no sacrilege in a great shave. If there is, then I'm a heretic too because I've also come full circle back to the cartridge razor.

I've been wetshaving with a DE for a few months and was consistently getting really good shaves; no complaints other than the time it took every morning. Well, a couple of weeks ago I was running short on time. I grabbed my Trac II just so I didn't have to worry about nicking myself and wound up getting a great shave really fast, which ran counter to my previous experiences with cartridge razors before I started wetshaving. I replicated this result a couple of times and started wondering...

Just for fun I bought a Mach 3 handle this weekend and used it the last couple of days. I figured that I would satisfy my curiosity, re-experience the irritation and razor burn that brought me to wetshaving in the first place, then go back to my Parker with relief and mix it with my Trac II when I was pressed for time or traveling. What I didn't expect were deadly-smooth, long-lasting, irritation-free shaves with almost no effort on my part. My wife commented (with pleased approval) on the sudden improvement in my shave quality the last two mornings, so it's not just my imagination.

Based on my recent experience I don't think the razor was ever really my problem, I just didn't know how to shave. Now that I know how to use a razor correctly (say it with me: short strokes, watch your angle, no pressure) and how to build a good lather using soap or cream and a brush, I can see the Mach 3 for the great razor it is.

I'm not saying I'll give up on DE shaving completely because it's a great way to relax on the weekend. I'm also not saying that I'll go back to the Mach 3 on a full-time basis because of the high cost of the cartridges. I'm certainly not saying that cartridge razors will work this well for everyone; as always, your mileage may vary, other restrictions may apply, void where prohibited, etc. I'm just saying that I can get a great shave with minimal effort using a cartridge and still enjoy all the brushes, soaps, and creams that wetshaving has to offer.

It's cool how many different ways there are to enjoy a good shave.

Doug,

I absolutely agree with you. The prep, products and procedures are what really make the shave. IMHO, the razor is secondary because knowing how to shave is what will make any razor work satisfactorily.

When I started shaving more than 50 years ago (YIKES!), I used a DE then because that was what there was. I have been using a badger brush and soaps for over 45 years. I have been using a Mach 3 since they came out. I recently tried a DE again, but find that the Mach 3 gives me everything I want or need, so I guess I will just continue using it.

I have appreciated the chance to revisit the old ways. It felt oddly familiar to hold and use the super speed and I did like the experience of shaving with it, but honestly, I do get a better result from the M3. I should add that, unlike many B&B members, I do not see myself as a collector and do not want to be one. But now I have 6 soaps!! Before I found B&B the most I ever had was 2 at any one time. The current supply will probably last much more than a year, maybe even two.

I'm going to PIF my Gillette red tip and sample blades soon, so some newbie who wants it can give it a test drive.

 

[Wil Dorenbos]

The BumpFighter razor that I bought at Walmart is compatible with Trac II cartridges and has a nice, solid handle. It only cost about 5 or 6 dollars as well.

+1 or the Feather handle (on the bay )

 

[DougK]

BlackBard, I hear you. I have a major soap addiction myself, but I can live with that (and SWMBO certainly enjoys it). I like your idea of a doing a PIF; I'll keep one DE razor and my injector but I think I might pass the other two DEs on. I must ponder this.

To bring this back on track: Kyle, if you haven't already, check out dridiot (http://doubleedgeshavingplace.com/) for NOS Trac II/GII handles. I've got one on the way myself to complement my current handle.

 

[phantomsphan]

I just used a Trac II again this morning. I really like it. I think it's definitely going to be my 'quick shave' razor. I actually didn't even know I had it. I found it in a men's travel grooming kit that I never used and forgot I had. Paired with some KMF brushless cream, its a really decent 5 minute, 2 pass morning shave. Not going to give up my DE and other stuff, but good to know I have a decent and cheap alternative when I 'have to' shave and don't have a lot of time.

 

[kevtex]

I've been using the Bump Fighter handle with Personna Trac II cartridges for about a month. The shaves are quick,easy,BBS and irritation free. The BF handle has a nice solid feel to it and the Personna cartridges last for 6 to 7 shaves.

 

[Chevyguy]

I've been back and forth lately with the Trac II and Sensor. The TII is a mite easier on the old puss, while the Sensor shaves a bit closer. Probably will come down to cartridge cost, so the TII wins.

Ron

Trac-II is a great razor. I have it and my metal handled atra still in my rotation. I get my blades off ebay pretty cheap. Just got an eight pack of schick super-II's for only $2.00 and they fit both razors and their smooth shavers without the lube strip. Wish they still made these.

Clayton

 

[rsp1202]

Sounds like a great deal. I had the Schick Super II handle, which I liked, but never tried the cartridges. (Now maybe I will.) I did get some Personna Twin II's from americarx on eBay 'cause they had the lowest price, and it took them seven weeks to deliver. I won't be using that seller again.

 

[ateace]

I just used a Trac II again this morning. I really like it. I think it's definitely going to be my 'quick shave' razor. I actually didn't even know I had it. I found it in a men's travel grooming kit that I never used and forgot I had. Paired with some KMF brushless cream, its a really decent 5 minute, 2 pass morning shave. Not going to give up my DE and other stuff, but good to know I have a decent and cheap alternative when I 'have to' shave and don't have a lot of time.

I agree. My travel setup is a Sensor and KMF. Quick, easy, safe shaves are just what I need on the road.