RAS_ZeroZ Posted March 5, 2014 Share Posted March 5, 2014 (edited) I think since I started growing facial hair I've been using shaving with the typical cartridge razors from gilette (mach 3, fusion, etc). But a few weeks ago when my father died I decided to try my hand at using his safety razor. I've been pleasantly surprised by how close of a shave I can get with this single blade stainless-steel design on this razor! The first pass gets as close and as smooth as any cartridge razor and with a second pass it's flawless. Here's a picture the safety razor that I have now with some blades, I've only used the shark blades so far... so I don't really know if there a noticeable difference between any of them. What I do know is that they're damned cheap compared to cartridges! You can buy 100 of them on Amazon for like $10. I used one for about 3 or 4 days before I replaced it (my facial hair is not as tough as my brothers but not soft either). Compare that with the typical Gillette cartridge pack that runs about $10 for 4 or 5 cartridges. I was watching some vids on youtube and one of the common complaints I've heard about safety razors is the extra time required to shave with one... detractors of the safety razor frequently call the process a 'ritual'... but that hasn't been the case for me. It might take 3 or 4 minutes longer but the result if very satisfying. I don't think I'll ever go back to cartridge razors unless I'm in a jam and that's the only thing available. Edited April 17, 2014 by RAS_ZeroZ K20 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mr. House Posted March 5, 2014 Share Posted March 5, 2014 Neither, safety razors and cartridges are for wimps son. RAS_ZeroZ, universetwisters and SWEETSAPRIK 3 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RAS_ZeroZ Posted March 5, 2014 Author Share Posted March 5, 2014 (edited) This guy on youtube provides a very good basic introduction into using a safety razor and soap, etc... he does make the process part of that 'ritual' but he could get away with one pass if he had to. He's a perfectionist... so, whatever. Neither, safety razors and cartridges are for wimps son. Ya.. *lol*, I might try that one day but for the time being I'll be content with the safety razor [edit] But that does remind of where I get my hair cut down the street.. husband & wife from Lebanon started the place. She does a fantastic job and after she's done he comes in with the straight razor and gives me a full shave on the face and the back of the neck. He's a real professional with the blade, never a cut in all the time I've been there.. skin feels so good after that. And for $12 ! (plus a tip ) Edited March 5, 2014 by RAS_ZeroZ Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Frank Brown Posted March 5, 2014 Share Posted March 5, 2014 (edited) Neither, safety razors and cartridges are for wimps son. I used one of those to shave the nether regions. 2/3 members of the platoon were beheaded. Edit: Let me add to the topic. I use those cheap throw-aways. 100 of them for like a dollar or something. Edited March 5, 2014 by Vlynor Mr. House and Moth 2 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
lil weasel Posted March 5, 2014 Share Posted March 5, 2014 (edited) You're not supposed to make a second pass. Once over only. And, there shouldn't be any real difference between safety, cartridge, or straight. As all three have naked blades. The only difference should be in the prep: Warm/hot water Hot towel/cloth Gel, soap, or foam. Edited March 5, 2014 by lil weasel Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RAS_ZeroZ Posted March 5, 2014 Author Share Posted March 5, 2014 (edited) You're not supposed to make a second pass. Once over only. Who made this rule? If the blade doesn't provide an acceptable shave on the first pass who is to say that we should stop shaving ?? We all have different beards..some are tough, some are soft... some are inbetween. Your comment is silly and ignorant Edited March 5, 2014 by RAS_ZeroZ Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
El Dildo Posted March 5, 2014 Share Posted March 5, 2014 sorry to hear about your pops. it's cool that you're trying an old fashioned safety. personally I'm still using modern disposables because I rarely shave. my facial hair is a permanent feature right now. the only shaving I need to do is touch up around the edges. respect to anyone who uses straight razor or safety blades though. the only drawback seems to be the amount of time it takes. RAS_ZeroZ 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RAS_ZeroZ Posted March 5, 2014 Author Share Posted March 5, 2014 it's cool that you're trying an old fashioned safety. Is it old fashioned ? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
El Dildo Posted March 5, 2014 Share Posted March 5, 2014 compared to 99% of what's on the shelf in the Men's Grooming aisle, yes. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RAS_ZeroZ Posted March 5, 2014 Author Share Posted March 5, 2014 A fair point and I can see why it's considered 'old fashioned'.. but it's still a nice way to shave And the cost savings are unbelievable. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
hornedturtle Posted March 5, 2014 Share Posted March 5, 2014 am I the only one here who doesn't use shaving cream? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RAS_ZeroZ Posted March 5, 2014 Author Share Posted March 5, 2014 (edited) am I the only one here who doesn't use shaving cream? Well, no... I've been using a bar of soap for the last probably 12 or more years. When I get out of the shower I rub my face with a hot bar of Irish Spring.. get it all nice and lathery. It does the same as shaving cream. Softens up the hairs and makes it a lot easier for the blade to slice through... plus it's cheaper than shaving cream But.. Do you use NOTHING on your beard before shaving? I couldn't do that.. my beard needs some prep or bad things happen Edited March 5, 2014 by RAS_ZeroZ Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
hornedturtle Posted March 5, 2014 Share Posted March 5, 2014 am I the only one here who doesn't use shaving cream? Well, no... I've been using a bar of soap for the last probably 12 or more years. When I get out of the shower I rub my face with a hot bar of Irish Spring.. get it all nice and lathery. It does the same as shaving cream. Softens up the hairs and makes it a lot easier for the blade to slice through... plus it's cheaper than shaving cream But.. Do you use NOTHING on your beard before shaving? I couldn't do that.. my beard needs some prep or bad things happen yes I use nothing. or I get a cut throat shave at the barbers Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RAS_ZeroZ Posted March 5, 2014 Author Share Posted March 5, 2014 I can't shave my beard without at least a very hot shower to soften the hairs or a hot wet towel soaking up my skin for a while. Lathering it up will suffice in a hurry but it's not much fun Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
WBaker Posted March 5, 2014 Share Posted March 5, 2014 I rarely shave, but the cartridges are better if you're not just cleaning up a little stubble. They don't pull as much with longer hairs. I like the idea of straight razors but I have never used one. My sympathies for your loss, RAS. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Graven Posted March 5, 2014 Share Posted March 5, 2014 I rarely shave but I start with scissors and go with secure 3-blade from there. For aftershave I prefer natural olive oil over lubricants. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Doc Rikowski Posted March 5, 2014 Share Posted March 5, 2014 (edited) FTW Edited March 5, 2014 by Doc Rikowski Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mr. Scratch Posted March 5, 2014 Share Posted March 5, 2014 Shaving razors, cartridges? Pff, you little wimps. universetwisters and theadmiral 2 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
hornedturtle Posted March 5, 2014 Share Posted March 5, 2014 Shaving razors, cartridges? Pff, you little wimps. real men use fire Empty World 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Harley Posted March 5, 2014 Share Posted March 5, 2014 Edit: Let me add to the topic. I use those cheap throw-aways. 100 of them for like a dollar or something.Same. I get bought nice razors, but the disposables are great. If you want a close shave you should be changing your blade or razor every one or two shaves so it makes sense. You know, when I do shave. I mostly trim. Real men have beards. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
universetwisters Posted March 5, 2014 Share Posted March 5, 2014 I know that single-bladed razors are much better to use, since you rarely have to clean them. I usually use disposable razors, mostly due to the fact that I don't shave much aside from my beard and the odd bit of hair that wants to grow between my eyebrows. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Forty Posted March 5, 2014 Share Posted March 5, 2014 (edited) A single blade safety razor is far and away the best shave I've ever experienced. Having a razor with three or four or five blades is actually worse for your skin, despite how they market it. Just think about it. You're rubbing multiple metal blades across your face in rapid succession. The skin doesn't like that. A safety razor and some quality shave soap will not only make you feel like Don f*cking Draper, but your face will be baby smooth. There's basically no irritation, and the risk of cutting yourself is no more than any other type of razor. I highly recommend it to anyone. Edited March 5, 2014 by Forty K20 and RAS_ZeroZ 2 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RAS_ZeroZ Posted March 5, 2014 Author Share Posted March 5, 2014 The only think I'm missing is a good brush.. I know my dad had one but I can't find it. I'm using a paint brush ATM heh.. it works. Looking at the prices for a decent one was a little shocking but I'll definitely be getting one. Badger hair brush or something like that. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Stig Posted March 5, 2014 Share Posted March 5, 2014 You're not supposed to make a second pass. Once over only. Bullsh*t. First pass follows the grain, next pass goes against it. You sissy. On-topic: Safety razors are definitely the way to go for the closest shave bar-none, none of that Uber Gel Fusion Pro Glide 16 blade Mach-3 with a vibrating handle. Vanzant and hornedturtle 2 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Vanzant Posted March 6, 2014 Share Posted March 6, 2014 It doesn't matter what kind of blade you use. You can go cheap or pay a price and it still doesn't matter. It's time and patience that matters. Most people are in a hurry and shave fast, which causes the razor burns and cuts. If you want a clean shave, slow down, use a hot wash rag before your first pass and second pass. A clean shave takes time and there's no way around it. trip 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
outlawfisherman Posted March 6, 2014 Share Posted March 6, 2014 Neither, safety razors and cartridges are for wimps son. Real men use rocks they have fashioned into prehistoric knives. Mr. House 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
trip Posted March 6, 2014 Share Posted March 6, 2014 (edited) I'm with Vanzant on this one. I use a cheap ass [however many blade] pivoting head disposables. Wash up real good in warm water, keep your skin warm, [if possible] warm up your cream or gel before you apply it. I guess the key word here is "warm". Damnit - everything must be warm. Rinse that blade in warm water and rinse it often. Take your time. e: Most f*cking important thing of all. Moisturize when done. Dry that face good and then suck in some moisturizer. Edited March 6, 2014 by trip My crappy games at MyCrappyGames.com Free copy of Save The Puppies and Kittens Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
98 in 1 Posted March 6, 2014 Share Posted March 6, 2014 Really says a lot about my psyche when I come into this thread expecting it to be about guns. OT: Where i'm from we use Danny Trejos to shave. I'll go sit in the corner now. RAS_ZeroZ 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RAS_ZeroZ Posted March 6, 2014 Author Share Posted March 6, 2014 (edited) one thing that I've noticed since using the safety razor is that I haven't had any razor burn. My facial skin has been feeling and looking *GREAT* the whole time. It didn't occur to me until today that I hadn't been dealing with the usual razor burn. Some of that I think can be attributed to my lack of sterilizing the old cartridges with alcohol.. but I don't do that with the safety razor either. All I've ever really done is wash the blades under hot water. I have a feeling the cartridge blades build up bacteria and germs that aren't easily washed off under hot water. Edited March 6, 2014 by RAS_ZeroZ Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SingularSoul Posted March 6, 2014 Share Posted March 6, 2014 Shaving with any form of razor is VERY hard for me, as I have acne-prone skin. Acne and razors DO NOT mix at all. Thus, I currently use an electric body trimmer to keep my facial hair in check. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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