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Troubles Converting From Disposable

R

RetroFun

I'm in my 40s and am somewhat stubborn and stuck in my ways. I want to switch away from those 4-blade disposable carts but I can't seem to solve my biggest problem (which may be unsolvable, I'm not sure).

I don't know how common this is, but I don't use any shaving cream. Haven't since I was 16. I jump out of the shower with my face still hot and moist, and just shave with water rinses between passes. I don't bleed, don't get ingrown hairs, and it doesn't hurt. I usually only shave about once a week, so even with pretty heavy stubble I can hack it down to clean shaven in a matter of 2-3 minutes. I only change the blade every 2 months perhaps - when the blades are so dull that it takes too many passes and takes too long to finish the job. It's lazy, it's very quick, and it's always worked for me.

I've tried moving to safety razors but as you might have predicted - I end up a bloody, raw mess. Shock, surprise, I know. I know the solution is "use shaving cream" but that's my problem - I have a severe aversion to creams. Always have. I don't like sunscreen, I don't like moisturizers, I don't like oils, etc.

Is there any safety razors out there that mimic the forgiveness of the ****ty disposable cartridges? I've heard of "negative blade exposure" options - is that perhaps an option? I'd really love to move away from expensive and wasteful cartridges but after shaving as I have for decades I'd really love to find some solution that works like I'm used to.
 
BigJ

BigJ

The technique for cartridge razors, especially using pressure is very different from ‘traditional’ wet shaving. I suggest that you approach this as a new skill set that will take a bit of time and effort to acquire. I suggest you read through the WiKi and watch a few videos, then give yourself a bit of time to develop your technique.

Generally, I suggest folks start with a razor in the ’mild/moderate’ range, something like a 34C or one of the EJ89 series. A good alternative would be a vintage Tech.
 
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P

PintoPlain

Before I moved to using straight razors, I used DE razors. It is possible to use them in the shower without creams etc, but I always used shampoo, conditioner, or some other type of lubricant. Safety razors don't have the lubricating strips most disposables or carts have.

I would suggest that you were probably treating your DE like a cart and using way too much pressure, and I would assume thee angle of attack wasn't right.

Using a DE requires a different technique than carts or the results can be nasty.
 
Kentos

Kentos

B&B's Dr. Doolittle.
Staff member
There are spells where I shave once a week or so as well. In those cases my skin has not been exfoliated so I am able to get a decent one pass shave with a feather Artist Club, which is a disposable straight razor.
 
NorthernSoul

NorthernSoul

You might consider using an injector razor. They have some similarities with the disposables, but there is only one replaceable blade.

Shaving without some lubrication sounds like a habit you should unlearn! If you don't like creams, there are shaving soaps that you apply with a brush. There's quite a lot of how-to info on the forum.
 
Multum in parvo

Multum in parvo

An Injector or simple PII cartridge razor might work better for shaving in the shower but a thin film of soap will help with any device that you are using.
 
R

RetroFun

nemo said:
Soap ... you wash your face with soap, right?
Click to expand...

Yeah, fair enough. I obviously do, and this is certainly an option. I could just put a mirror in the shower and make shaving part of my face-washing routine while I'm already in there. I honestly hadn't though of that but it's a good idea.

I guess I was just exploring if any safety razors existed that mimicked the ultra-gentle, ultra-idiot proof disposable cartridge-style "experience".

I do realize it's a rather unpopular request in the wet shaving community. I was just hoping that maybe there might be some 'weird' product out there that would allow me to just sub the razor and continue doing what I've been doing for the last ~25 years.

I do appreciate the feedback.
 
NorthernSoul

NorthernSoul

RetroFun said:
...I guess I was just exploring if any safety razors existed that mimicked the ultra-gentle, ultra-idiot proof disposable cartridge-style "experience".

I do realize it's a rather unpopular request in the wet shaving community. I was just hoping that maybe there might be some 'weird' product out there that would allow me to just sub the razor and continue doing what I've been doing for the last ~25 years...
Click to expand...


There are some razors similar to what you're asking.

I mentioned the injector style razors earlier. They are very easy to use.

There is another type of razor that uses half of a DE blade. Take a look at the Parker SoloEdge or Leaf Thorn, for example. Not quite as easy to use as a disposable, but the same general idea of a single edge razor that can be used almost on autopilot.
 
spacemonkey42

spacemonkey42

Try a Henson mild. Sometimes I use that dry to touch up my sideburns, etc. I think you could do it. Use a sharp blade and a very light touch. Coming from cartridges, you (and all of us) start by adding too much pressure.

but really, use shaving soap, it is one of the best parts!
 
Last edited:
ctr

ctr

There are mild razor and blade combinations that are more forgiving. Search the reviews.

Would suggest less pressure as others noted. Let the razor do the work. Check out some videos on technique, razor angle, etc. Might be just the thing for you.

Shave soap. Basic and it works. Will help the razor glide across the skin rather than bite into skin.
 
A

abies

RetroFun said:
I'm in my 40s and am somewhat stubborn and stuck in my ways. I want to switch away from those 4-blade disposable carts but I can't seem to solve my biggest problem (which may be unsolvable, I'm not sure).

I don't know how common this is, but I don't use any shaving cream. Haven't since I was 16. I jump out of the shower with my face still hot and moist, and just shave with water rinses between passes. I don't bleed, don't get ingrown hairs, and it doesn't hurt. I usually only shave about once a week, so even with pretty heavy stubble I can hack it down to clean shaven in a matter of 2-3 minutes. I only change the blade every 2 months perhaps - when the blades are so dull that it takes too many passes and takes too long to finish the job. It's lazy, it's very quick, and it's always worked for me.

I've tried moving to safety razors but as you might have predicted - I end up a bloody, raw mess. Shock, surprise, I know. I know the solution is "use shaving cream" but that's my problem - I have a severe aversion to creams. Always have. I don't like sunscreen, I don't like moisturizers, I don't like oils, etc.

Is there any safety razors out there that mimic the forgiveness of the ****ty disposable cartridges? I've heard of "negative blade exposure" options - is that perhaps an option? I'd really love to move away from expensive and wasteful cartridges but after shaving as I have for decades I'd really love to find some solution that works like I'm used to.
Click to expand...
FWIW, a lot of shaving creams are best thought of as liquid shaving soaps. There are some that are more lotiony but most I think are more like soaps.

I shave with just water with a cartridge but use soaps and creams with DEs and love it.

You could start out just with regular body wash or soap and try that. I've found that can work pretty well for me, although my favorites are products made for shaving per se.

There are also shaving gels that lather out of a bottle or tube, like creams but transparent and less emollient. You could maybe look for those too.
 
The Roof Seal

The Roof Seal

I can understand an aversion to greasy/oily lotions, but lathering creams in a tube don't have that feel, they feel just soapy. Some brushless creams use a mineral oil/lanolin base so you would probably want to avoid them.

edit: an alum block or an alcohol based witch hazel like Dickinsons are post-shave options that wont feel greasy.
 
F

Frito Ray

There are 3-in-1 soap bars (soap-shave-shampoo) made by several companies like Dove. Though like most ”#-in-one” products they do an OK job, but never perfect in all. The simplicity of the product might be what does the trick for you.
 
S

SalS

Try Jack Black Beard Lube. You apply it like moisturizer and just shave. It is among the slickest and easiest products to shave with, also one of the best.
 
Coler

Coler

I cannot imagine dry shaving. I wince at the thought of it.

With the options of soap, cream (which is just soap), gels/oils that you don’t need a brush for or plain old goop from a pressurised can, there simply has to be a product out there that will suit you.

You put it on your face, you shave and nearly all of it comes off, you rinse your face when you’re done and that’s the end of it.
 
JCinPA

JCinPA

The Lather Maestro
Alex Jr said:
Shaving “creams” are just soap. You won’t leave it on your face after you’re done.

Try it. A good soap or cream is worth it.
Click to expand...

This is correct. A good shaving cream leaves no residue. Stop trying to reinvent a process and give traditional wet-shaving a go and see what you think. Your aversion to using shaving cream is irrational, respectfully. You come to a wet-shaving enthusiast website for advice on how to try something new, but want to do it the way you've always done it. Embrace change. I can practically guarantee you (not 100%, but 95%+) you'll be blown away by the shave.

To get started, go with something unscented, like this-unscented so no chance of a jarring scent experience:


Get a Schick injector razor, they are inexpensive and a great shaver to start with


And get an inexpensive synthetic shaving brush.

 
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