Why use a DE?

[tdk7817]

I regularly use wet shaving soap with my cartridge, and recently I started looking into these DE razors. My question is, Why a DE? I am just wondering how practical this is. Am I really going to get a better shave than a cartridge? Lots of people say that it is economical to use a DE over cartridge. How is this so? I've read that one should replace a DE blade every week, ok... so that's 28 cents a week, not bad. But I can use my cartridge, shaving everyday, for a month before I need to change it, so the cost difference every year is not much between the two choices.
So... What will I get with this? I readily admit that wet shaving is definitely a much more pleasant experience, but I do not get razor burn or any sort of discomfort with a cartridge. I do find the DE appealing, and surely there must be something to this for so many people to have made the switch.
Can someone help me with this? Is this just a gimmick? I love fountain pens, I find they write much better than a regular ball point. I also write 10 pages of notes every day at school, so a decent fountain pen is practical. (I'm not rambling, this is going somewhere) But as nice as a fountain pen is, many people seem to use it because it makes them feel special, not because of the practicality of it. And you hear about tons of fountain pens and how many pens someone has, and you ask "why are you trying to extend your penis with a pen"? And that is what I've read on here when I try to find out which DE razor would be the best to use, a lot of talk about which one is great for a beginner or how many someone has. Wouldn't it be more practical to find one that works great and use that one alone?
I think that if I did buy a DE razor, I have read enough reviews to consider the Merkur HD barber pole. Is this worth the money? Will I enjoy this as much as I did switching to wet shaving?
Thank you for any valuable insight you may have.

 

[DunEdinRanger]

Welcome TDK,

First, a double edge blade that you replace once a week or so is going to be much sharper than a cartridge that your replace once a month.

I get better, closer, smoother shaves with a DE than I did with cartridge, or electric.

Buying in bulk, the cost of DE blades is about 11 cents (Red Pack Peronna's), so you're talking $0.44 compared to $3.50 a month for cartridges.

As far as getting different razors, I consider it the kid in the candy store syndrome. We never had a choice, and we're faced with a huge selection. Hard to resist.

 

[mblakele]

Ultimately you must answer these questions for yourself.

I can of necessity only speak from my own experience. I do get a better shave from a DE than from a cartridge, and the blade lifetime is comparable. But I wouldn't think of pushing the same cartridge through my beard for an entire month.

 

[Kevan]

If you're happy with cartridge shaving, more power to you. Many people switch to DE because they get razor burn with cartridges or hate paying cartridge prices.

Many people find DE enjoyable. And it is, but it won't necessarily get you a better or faster shave is you're happy with what you have now. And it's only cheaper if you quickly settle on the specific razor and blade that's right for your face. Many men spend a long time and invest a bit of money in this.

 

[warlandsboy]

Am I really going to get a better shave than a cartridge?

Yes, as a matter of fact you are. Smoother, closer shaves to be exact.

So... What will I get with this? I readily admit that wet shaving is definitely a much more pleasant experience, but I do not get razor burn or any sort of discomfort with a cartridge.

Isn't pleasure enough to warrant a change? Even still, I find I get much better performance from my DE razor.

Can someone help me with this? Is this just a gimmick?

IMHO DE razor shaving is one of the most non-gimmicky things around today. You don't see millions of dollars being spent on advertising of new DE razors, blades, or wet shaving products do you?!?

Wouldn't it be more practical to find one that works great and use that one alone?

Actually, that's exactly what I've done. I own only one DE razor and once my new EJ razor arrives I will PIF the one I have. Just because some members collect razors as a hobby doesn't mean you have to as well.


Anyways with that being said, welcome to B&B, I hope you continue to enjoy the many pleasures that wet shaving has to offer!

 

[DFrancis]

I would suggest just trying out DE shaving and see how you like it. Some have tried it and go back to cartridges because that is what works best for them. I stick with a DE because I found that I got a closer shave then I ever did with a cartridge, you can't figure out if it will work best for you until you give it a shot.

 

[wdwrx]

Fellow B&B member "baba" has summed this up most eloquently: http://badgerandblade.com/vb/showthread.php?t=133334

 

[Topgumby]

Tdk7817,

I think a man with your signature line, sir, is more in tune with DE razors than he might know.

I think I can guess why you are mulling this over, too.

It would be easy if there were some obvious practical reason for making the change.

Price? Perhaps in theory, but my ample den and many razors make a mockery of that argument.

The results at the end of the shave? Well, I have to admit that using the same routine with a lowly Bic Sensitive disposable or almost any other cartridge razor would leave me with an outstanding shave.

A flagrant eccentricity? Since I rarely bring the subject up beyond these forums, it's certainly not something I do to show off.

I find a satisfaction using a DE razor that has little to do with purely practical considerations.

Nostalgia? In part, because there is an undeniable appeal in using tools and techniques of the past.

There is more than that, however, and I think you sense it, and are looking for logic to give you a push.

There is something about putting an edge to your face, knowing that it hasn't been overrefined to the extent that technique and skill are absent from the table. Being forced to slow down, just for a while, because you must focus on what is sometimes quite literally under your nose. Focusing because there are some bearable, but real, consequences for failure.

You could call it meditative. You could say it recalls something primal that is largely lost in the cacophony of modern technology. You could even go way out on a limb and say there is something manly about it.

It's something that has echoes recalled by the spirit of the words in your signature line.

I trudged along for decades wearing the blindfold of the practical. I wish somebody had given me a push beyond that sooner.

Try it.

 

[wdwrx]

Tdk7817,

I think a man with your signature line, sir, is more in tune with DE razors than he might know.

I think I can guess why you are mulling this over, too.

It would be easy if there were some obvious practical reason for making the change.

Price? Perhaps in theory, but my ample den and many razors make a mockery of that argument.

The results at the end of the shave? Well, I have to admit that using the same routine with a lowly Bic Sensitive disposable or almost any other cartridge razor would leave me with an outstanding shave.

A flagrant eccentricity? Since I rarely bring the subject up beyond these forums, it's certainly not something I do to show off.

I find a satisfaction using a DE razor that has little to do with purely practical considerations.

Nostalgia? In part, because there is an undeniable appeal in using tools and techniques of the past.

There is more than that, however, and I think you sense it, and are looking for logic to give you a push.

There is something about putting an edge to your face, knowing that it hasn't been overrefined to the extent that technique and skill are absent from the table. Being forced to slow down, just for a while, because you must focus on what is sometimes quite literally under your nose. Focusing because there are some bearable, but real, consequences for failure.

You could call it meditative. You could say it recalls something primal that is largely lost in the cacophony of modern technology. You could even go way out on a limb and say there is something manly about it.

It's something that has echoes recalled by the spirit of the words in your signature line.

I trudged along for decades wearing the blindfold of the practical. I wish somebody had given me a push beyond that sooner.

Try it.

Look out, I'm going to go around quoting you too, now.
Man, you guys are good......

 

[Itsacon]

For me (but I only just started out), it's mostly the financial and environmental aspects, I get less than a week's shaving out of a single cartridge, and the amount of plastic packaging on those cartridges is insane, imho.

I'm also, like you, a practical fountain pen user. I bought one (very good) pen a few years ago, and it's practically the only pen I use, costing me less than a bottle of ink a year. I have no need for another. My plan is to do the same with my DE razor: I bought one very nice one, and intend to use it for a long time, at minimal running costs.

I will add that I like using `old tech', that's been proven to work as good or better as newer, cheaper variants. Fountain pens, DE razors, old manual cameras (I'm currently using a Leica M3), etc. They're generally nicer to use, if you ask me. But that's a subjective observation, not necessarily rational.

 

[adrian]

For me, I think is the thrill to learn something new: razors, brushes, cream, soaps, blades, techniques, preparation, etc, etc. I've transformed a hateful job into a very pleasant one. It also work - I've got closer, less irritation shaves.

 

[DE Shaver]

Although there a practical reasons why someone should consider DE shaving, there are also intangible ones as well. However, these reasons are your own. Why does someone pick up a guitar and learn to play it? Try DE shaving and if you like it you've gained something. If not, there is a whole world of things for you to try.

 

[blades]

I switched to DE because...

I hated how the blades in the cartridge "clogged up" during shaving and I'd use a toothpick to clear the space between the blades. This got me wondering about shaving tools and my eureka moment when I saw a plastic DE razor at the pharmacy.
Cartridges gave me razor burn, especially the neck area.

I don't care what the price of DE shaving is, I will continue to use it for the fact that the blade cannot become "clogged"

 

[Slivovitz]

Just curious, which cartridge? I know that I'd get no more than five good shaves from my Atra before it started tugging and I replaced it. That was with the generic ones, the genuine Gillette brand was actually worse, but then the generics are still only around $0.50 each. I've seen wildly different claims over how long Mach III or Fusion cartridges last. There are people who claim a month, and others who say four shaves tops. Obviously you have to believe your own experience over what people tell you. I just find it hard to believe that it's possible to get a month of good shaves with one cartridge.

Anyway, for me, the minor saving of blades over the kind of cartridges I was using has been more than negated by all the vintage razors I ended up buying. The advantage is an overall smoother shave that is particularly noticeable in certain areas, such as on my neck. I also get much less irritation now. For me it wasn't exactly razor burn, but more itchiness. I just lived with it for years as something that went with shaving. I don't know, though, using a soap and brush to make a proper lather might do a lot on its own. I have tried my Atra that way, and it does make a difference.

That's a lot of words without much to add to what people have already told you. Yes, I think you will be able to get a "better" shave with a DE (or injector), but I can't guarantee it, and after trying it for a couple of months, you may not agree. People report widely different results. If you're interested enough in the wetshaving experience to try something that might improve it, then buy a DE, and if that works for you, try a SE and an injector. No promises, but there are many of us who are glad we did.

 

[rainman]

Cartridge razors didn't replace DE's because they were better. Gillette made good quality DE razors at a low price and made money selling blades. Once they could no longer control the blade market they went with the cartridge. They just change the design from time to time and have a crap load of commercials to stay on top.

The problem with cartridge lovers is they expect instant results with DE and some that I've seen are still using cartridge shaving technique.

 

[tblech]

Well, tdk, like you I don't see the hype in owning multiple razors. I have three acctaully; two 38c's and an old murker travel razor that was too worn out for use(it was just unsafe). I think the men on her that do go down the road to owning multiple razors do it because they find it to be an enjoyable hobby. Many are looking for the challenge that comes with useing more then one type of razor, as they all shave diffrently. The reason why I own three rasons is because I travel regularly with the railroad and I wanted to keep one in my locker instead of carrying the thing back and forth. The worn out one was to be my away from home razor but it just wasn't comfortable to use. And of course where the two razors come into play we need two brushes and two creams/soaps. I think where I get some enjoyment in experimenting is with aftershaves. I like to try diffrent ones, but I usually use all of what I buy before I venture out and try something else. I just don't have room for 45 shave lotions 10 razors and 15 brushes...

 

[infotech]

Based on your post it sounds like you wouldn't enjoy the process of learning to shave with a DE very much. When you first start out it takes time - around 20-30 minutes per shave. The time you put in doesn't give you the return of excellent shaves right away. Your shaves won't be as good as you're getting with a cartridge for a couple of months and that's once you find the blade that's right for you.

I'd say stick with your cartridge and save the time and money because in all likely hood you're going to go back to your cartridge before you acquire the skills necessary to get an excellent shave with a DE...

 

[DE Shaver]

I'd say stick with your cartridge and save the time and money because in all likely hood you're going to go back to your cartridge before you acquire the skills necessary to get an excellent shave with a DE...

I would agree with this statement. Someone that wants to be "practical" and claims to get a month's worth a shaving from a cartridge isn't going to understand what DE shaving is about. I would imagine for most people in this forum enthusiastic about DE shaving, it isn't about the cheapest shave possible but about the quality and experience of the shave.

 

[Nigeyy]

Funnily enough, this thread has just come at the time I went back to using a Gillette Mach 4 cartridge razor (or something similar) on a temporary basis for this week and possibly next. Why did I use this? Well, when I was going through some of my old shaving stuff, I found 2 unused cartridges and one disposable cartridge Schick razor. I hate wasting stuff, so that's why I'm using these cartridges up. Once done, the handles will be reluctantly discarded as you can't even give them away. I'll be back to my DE asap.

However, it has given me opportunity to compare the Mach 4 versus my DE (EJ89L with Red Pack IPs). I can unequivocally state that while the quality of shaves are similar (perhaps with just a slight nod to the DE, but that might be me wanting it to be better -regardless, both give nice shaves) I did find I was spending more time "touching up" with the Mach 4. Again, perhaps this was due to the fact I'm very used to the EJ89L, but I suspect not.

So... given that both are similar, why use a DE?

-NOSTALGIA. Nothing like using equipment that has stood the test of time, and that you know your grandfather was using as well. You can truly appreciate it.

-QUALITY. EJ89L versus Mach 4? Please stop me laughing -not even close to a competition. It's like comparing a rag used in an automotive shop to a tailored suit. The EJ is pure quality, and believe it or not, everytime I shave I really do appreciate it. The weight, the feel, the shine.... it's gorgeous.

-PERFORMANCE. As previously mentioned, you can get a great shave from a DE.

-GREEEN. I'm not 100% sure of this, but I'd think not throwing away all those plastic cartridges has to be good. DE blades are more easily recycled, and can rust away relatively quickly. Fortunately my favourite razors are Red Pack IPs which come in card anyway -so again no plastic razor boxes to discard either.

-COST. Admittedly a bit of a red herring. Sure, if you just buy one razor and bulk buy your blades, it will be cheaper over the long run. But reading this forum you'd have to be blind to believe this one! Having said that, my EJ89L is the only razor for me -haven't bought any other razor since and perhaps most importantly, don't want to.

-RITUAL. The whole shaving experience with a DE (and a brush and soap) has a certain "je ne sais quois" quality about it. I enjoy shaving now as a restful, meditative manly experience that I can immerse myself in and feel better at the end (wow, can't believe I just typed that!). I never did with the cartridge razors -it was more just a necessary chore than a pleasurable ritual it is. Even down to changing the blades..... it's just..... neat.

 

[Go West Young Man]

If you're getting 30 shaves on a cartridge, you have no idea what a quality close shave actually is!

I would give DE's a try, but you need to commit to working through the difficult learning curve and use them for at least 3 months. At that point, you'll know whether or not DEs are for you and can make an informed decision.