Shaving! I ditched the $$$$$ Cartridges!

[Dr. Robert]

Gillette Mach 3....King of Shaves gel, the blue gel...good for sensitive skin....works for me...shaving's no longer a pain.

[walds11]

Grady, you can get 2-4 months out of a Fusion cartridge? Holy sh*t, that's crazy. I use Mach 3 cartridges and get about a week of good shaves out of a cartridge. I do a similar prep as you and do a two pass shave, one with the grain and one across the grain. I use a good cream and badger brush. Granted, the Mach 3s are not as expensive as the Fusions, but still. Maybe I am doing something wrong? FYI, I do have a fairly thick beard.

Originally Posted by GradyPhilpott

I use the Gillette Fusion Power and yes the cartridges are expensive as hell, but when you consider how long those cartridges can last, the price per cartridge drops precipitously.

Going back to shaving practices of fifty or more years ago might give one a sense of oneness with his beard and stretch the morning ritual to such an extent that rising in the morning a full twenty minutes extra just to luxuriously shave with primitive equipment might be desirable, but not for me.

I won't knock the shaving soap and brush routine, as this is the one part that has a kind of hedonistic appeal that might just overcome the lack of technological advances in shaving preparations that we now enjoy. You certainly can bathe each individual whisker in foam in a warm and fuzzy manner that can be achieved in no other way.

Let's start with my routine. It is important when shaving that your face be clean and that your beard be soft. Your face is cleanest and your beard is softest when you are in the shower and almost as much so just after your shower.

This is the time to shave. I choose to shave immediately after leaving the shower.

First, I splash my face with warm water and then I take a can of shaving gel, shake vigorously, and put a small amount in the palm of my hand and then make a foam of the gel with the other hand. I then rub the foam into my face in a circular motion to give maximum exposure to each whisker.

Then I take my razor, turn on the battery powered vibrator, run the blade under hot water and begin my shave. I am on my fourth month on one cartridge and I do believe that I can get at least two to four months more out of it, if I follow the simple procedures.

I finish by rinsing my face and apply witch hazel as an after shave. Witch hazel is a very affective after shave and a very good astringent. It really is great for the skin, while helping to heal the effects of shaving and preventing that itchy burning sensation that comes from shaving, without the oils and fragrances that are in dedicated after shaves.

Recently, I had to come home and shave quickly after having left the house without having done so. I used my four month old blade, but I did not take a shower first and let me tell you, that blade that gave me a perfect shave the day before, gave me the roughest shave I've had in a long time.

The next morning, following the usual preparatory methods, that same blade gave me a spectacular shave.

I almost never nick myself and when I do it's because of carelessness or a blemish.

The secret is in preparation, not in obsolete equipment and arcane rituals--clean face, soft whiskers, and state-of-the-art shaving equipment.

Give it a shot. It's worth it.

[G.A.R.Y]

Look at old people with twenty eight pounds of extra skin under their necks and you will see people that wet shave with shave cream and razors. Want to have great looking tighter skin? At a young age, forget the razor and the skin destroying products made to soften the skin.

Grow a beard or get a norelco

[rajurama]

I have been using single blade since long time now and absolutely love it. The results are far more better as I use a new blade every shave so you get that edge. People with sensitive skin single blade is the best option. I use a K shave oil and then use the nevia foam.. Just a word of caution for all the newbies... You have to unlearn the shaving style , pressure and patience level you were used to. You cant be in a rush, you need to take your time and also becareful while disposing the blades.

[GradyPhilpott]

Originally Posted by walds11

Grady, you can get 2-4 months out of a Fusion cartridge?

I expect to get at least six months out my current cartridge.

I don't have as coarse a beard as some, so results can vary, but making sure that your face is clean and your beard is its softest is vitally important, as is keeping the blades hot and having the vibrating razors.

[walds11]

I re-read your post. Got it, but still unheard of for a cartridge to last that long. Me doing two passes during a shave is like using a cartridge two times, so if were to do one pass, I could possibly get two weeks out of a cartridge. I get a great shave with two passes. Towards the end of the week, there is no pulling, which worn down cartridges are known to do. The shave is not quite as smooth and close, but not enough to make a huge difference. The lubricating strip is definitely worn down at the end of the week. That could cause a deteriorating shave towards the end of the cartridge.

Originally Posted by GradyPhilpott

I expect to get at least six months out my current cartridge.

I don't have as coarse a beard as some, so results can vary, but making sure that your face is clean and your beard is its softest is vitally important, as is keeping the blades hot and having the vibrating razors.

[ArcticMoose]

Originally Posted by walds11

Me doing two passes during a shave is like using a cartridge two times, so if were to do one pass, I could possibly get two weeks out of a cartridge.

Same here, before I ditched the Mach 3 about five years ago I was getting 3-4 semi-quality shaves out of a cartridge.

Now I get 2-3 weeks out of a blade that only costs a few cents.

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I just decided to try a Merkur Vision even though I'm not at all unhappy with the Futur. It is really good, but not sure it is good enough to motivate the premium.

100504-S3.jpg

The rest of the required stuff comes from Geo F. Trumper:
http://www.trumpers.com/

I prefer almond or coconut.

Originally Posted by GradyPhilpott

The secret is in preparation, not in obsolete equipment and arcane rituals--clean face, soft whiskers, and state-of-the-art shaving equipment.

Preparation is required regardless of equipment choice. Have you ever tried the "obsolete equipment" approach? Just curious.

By the way, that is a very nice obsolete watch you've got there! I've heard Casio is doing great things with batteries. :-)

[pz93c]

I use a 1971 Gillette Tech head on a custom handle.

After I shower, while the scruff is still pliable, later and mow.

Piece of cake.

[gmh1013]

I use Gillette Foamy reg (I dont like gels....clog up razors to bad)
I read Gillette stopped making the foam so my wife bought up all the cans at wal-mart
last week.....I have about 10 cans now so that should last me 4/5 years.
If Im in a hurry I use a Gillette double blade throw away my wife get 50 of them at a time at Costco cheap.
If Im not in a hurry I use a Merkur double edge razor and Wilkinson sword blades I got off the net last year.

[Rigsby1]

I use my wife's hair removal cream,, it only burns for 5 days and you have a bright red face with it, but man is it smooth,,,

[Goodwatch]

A thread that I wanted to start myself! Next to ink cartridges (the ink is $2100 a litre ) those shaving cartridges must be among the most expensive disposable items on the planet. It's a gold mine. Electric shaving could be an alternative but I don't like it. It never matches the clean shave of a razor.

I'm kinda relieved to see those cartridges are equally expensive outside my country. Dang are they pricey I even bought shaving sets (handles with two cartridges) in discount stores or when they became part of a special coupon action only to ditch the handles and keep the cartridges. It worked out cheaper then buying separate cartridges.

And I find them lasting much shorter then expected. 2 months? NO WAY! Gillette haven even upped the ante with their latest commercial: as soon as the blue strip has turned white you must change the cartridge. Yeah, sure.

Procter & Gamble shaving products are currently under investigation by the Office of Fair Trading in an inquiry into alleged collusion between manufacturers and retailers in setting prices. An industry insider has revealed that the Fusion range of blades, which cost $0.08 each to manufacture, sell with a mark-up of more than 4,750%.

I bleed and not from shaving

[rickyslam]

Very interesting thread

[joeychitwood]

I'm going to give the DE razor a try. I get irritated every time I buy a set of cartridges.

One of my fondest memories as a child is watching my grandfather whip up foam in a cup with his brush and shaving with the double edged razor. As he shaved, he would tell us stories of living in the trenches in WW I for months at a time or of fighting in the Battle of Argonne, where over 215,000 soldiers were killed or wounded.

[DSJ]

This is a great thread. I have extremely sensitive skin and almost always get a bumpy rash after a shave. When I can, I shave every other day to minimize the discomfort. I have tried single blades years ago, but when a friend suggested the Gillette Sensor, then Sensor Excel many years ago, I switched, and it improved my shave and comfort considerably. I never moved to the Mach 3, but when I got a free Fusion in the mail, I was hooked. By far the smoothest, most comfortable shave ever. I also greatly prefer the Noxema shaving cream for sensitive skin
but that's getting really hard to find these days.

Earlier this year when my supply of Fusion cartridges ran out (I can maybe get a dozen shaves from it before it gets really bad), I tried saving money by using different razors. I tried better disposables, but the painful shaving experience was back. I had a few Sensor Excel cartridges left, so went back to those which helped but I had come to realize that there is no comparison (for me) to using the Fusion. So last week, I went to Costco and bought 16 for $41. Damn expensive, but that should last me about a year, but even with shaving cream, it's still less than what my wife pays for 2 manicures! That gave me the proper perspective I needed to rationalize the price. Razor companies, especially Gillette, make a huge profit, but their product is worth it for me, in terms of comfort and performance. Hmm, kind of like a Rolex?

FWIW, on another thread we were discussing aftershaves, and I'm still a fan of the old Skin Bracer when I don't have to put on something that smells more sophisticated. It does a great job of making my face feel tight and pain free.

[mfer]

Well, for those of you trying this out for the first time, try the forum I recommended on the first page. Also you tube it. Lots of good techniques. I'm finally starting to get good at this. About three weeks into it now!

And my skin feels great btw! I only do two passes. One quick with the grain and one slow across the grain. I don't go for the uber close shave of against the grain. Using the products feels great!

[mfer]

Originally Posted by Goodwatch

A thread that I wanted to start myself! Next to ink cartridges (the ink is $2100 a litre ) those shaving cartridges must be among the most expensive disposable items on the planet. It's a gold mine. Electric shaving could be an alternative but I don't like it. It never matches the clean shave of a razor.

I'm kinda relieved to see those cartridges are equally expensive outside my country. Dang are they pricey I even bought shaving sets (handles with two cartridges) in discount stores or when they became part of a special coupon action only to ditch the handles and keep the cartridges. It worked out cheaper then buying separate cartridges.

And I find them lasting much shorter then expected. 2 months? NO WAY! Gillette haven even upped the ante with their latest commercial: as soon as the blue strip has turned white you must change the cartridge. Yeah, sure.

Procter & Gamble shaving products are currently under investigation by the Office of Fair Trading in an inquiry into alleged collusion between manufacturers and retailers in setting prices. An industry insider has revealed that the Fusion range of blades, which cost $0.08 each to manufacture, sell with a mark-up of more than 4,750%.

I bleed and not from shaving

Agreed, my mach 5's never last more than 2 weeks and by the end of that two week period, I'd get razor burn

4750% markup!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[pz93c]

Originally Posted by DSJ

I have extremely sensitive skin and almost always get a bumpy rash after a shave.

That's gotta be rough.

When I used disposables, I could shave dry with no ill effects. If there is unsensitive skin, I have it.

Haven't tried it with a DE yet.

[joeychitwood]

Well, I ordered a razor and supplies from these guys. It will be interesting to see how the double edge experience goes for me. If good, I'll buy a Daytona with the money I save not buying expensive blade cartridges anymore.

[ArcticMoose]

Originally Posted by joeychitwood

Well, I ordered a razor and supplies from these guys.

Which one did you get?

Keep in mind that the blades are probably more important than the razor, and the problem is that the experience is very individual. Say hello on one of the forums and you'll have members offering to send you packs containing lots of different brands to try.

Personally, I like Feather the best, but they simply work a little too well, taking more face off than what is comfortable for my sensitive skin. Most of the time I stick to the red Persona blades, unless it is a special occasion and I want a REALLY close shave.

[mfer]

Originally Posted by joeychitwood

Well, I ordered a razor and supplies from these guys. It will be interesting to see how the double edge experience goes for me. If good, I'll buy a Daytona with the money I save not buying expensive blade cartridges anymore.

I hope that one isn't too aggressive. Just take it very very very slow.

No pressure needed, always shave where there is soap/gel. If you want to go over the area again, just add more soap/gel.

[joeychitwood]

Originally Posted by ArcticMoose

Which one did you get?

I bought the heavyweight safety razor and some Merkur blades. I also bought the lavender essential oil shaving cream. These products worked for generations, including for my grandfather and father, so I'm anxious to give it a try. Maybe my two o'clock shadow won't be so prominent. Also, the prospect of turning drudgery into something interesting is appealing.

[mfer]

Originally Posted by joeychitwood

I bought the heavyweight safety razor and some Merkur blades. I also bought the lavender essential oil shaving cream. These products worked for generations, including for my grandfather and father, so I'm anxious to give it a try. Maybe my two o'clock shadow won't be so prominent. Also, the prospect of turning drudgery into something interesting is appealing.

That bolded part is very true. I enjoy shaving now. I look forward to my aftershower shave!

[joeychitwood]

Originally Posted by mfer

I hope that one isn't too aggressive. Just take it very very very slow. No pressure needed, always shave where there is soap/gel. If you want to go over the area again, just add more soap/gel.

I did my first DE shave this morning. The bleeding has finally stopped just short of needing a transfusion. The right side of my face took a beating. The left side was better, but I can't say the shave was close. This is going to take some time....

[Numismatist]

Originally Posted by joeychitwood

I did my first DE shave this morning. The bleeding has finally stopped just short of needing a transfusion. The right side of my face took a beating. The left side was better, but I can't say the shave was close. This is going to take some time....

I took me a week to get it right

[mfer]

Originally Posted by joeychitwood

I did my first DE shave this morning. The bleeding has finally stopped just short of needing a transfusion. The right side of my face took a beating. The left side was better, but I can't say the shave was close. This is going to take some time....

You serious!?

I've heard what you ordered is pretty "aggressive". Agressive meaning, it'll eat you up and spit you out. I went with a vintage Gilette Tech from like the 50's. Nice and easy. I've only nicked myself one and it was because I was drinking.

I hope you're ok. I'm telling you, after three weeks of DE shaving, I'm never going back. First week was bad. I didn't hurt myself, but the shaves sucked. TAKE YOUR TIME. Don't go for that uber close shave. Just get your technique down.

[gelshocker]

Interesting thread, I've been pondering on DE shaving for the past year or so. I just can't get a BBS shave with my Mach 3. Cheers,

[miner]

I've been DE shaving for about a year and would never go back to the multi blade razors and cans of foam.

When starting up I got lots of advice from the guys at Badger and Blade (http://www.badgerandblade.com/) and there's a bloke called Mantic who has produced some very good instructional videos on the tube (http://www.youtube.com/user/mantic59)

If you are thinking about DE shaving watch Mantic's videos first. They will save you a lot of pain and a few quarts of blood!!

[DS_Obsessed]

Just wondering. Do any of you shave your head with DE?

[miner]

Originally Posted by DS_Obsessed

Just wondering. Do any of you shave your head with DE?

NO but apparently this works..

http://www.mensbiz.com.au/shop/shave...or/prod_8.html

Cheers

[chriseskew24]

Thats all I need to turn shaveing into a hobby.. My wife already thinks im nuts with the watches