Switching to a DE safety razor or Cut Throat

[FIFTY]

I have become increasingly fed up with cartridge razors for various reasons and I am going to switch over to a DE safety razor to see what the fuss is about

I have ordered one of these from Amazon, they are a British company https://www.edwinjagger.co.uk/edwin-jagger-de89-chrome-knurled-de-safety-razor.html // https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B00K6Z24SK/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_fabc_7M7DE0CP0XT4BZ9JCXQ0

The blades that are bundled in the Amazon deal are not going to be sharp enough for my bristles so I am researching the best medium sharp blade as I am a little intimidated by diving in at the deep end the ultra sharp Feather razors

Has anyone else made the switch or has been using them instead of cartridges for a long time?

 

[midlifecrisis]

Give up, grow a beard!

 

[allandwf]

Good luck with that! It will look like Zoro had a go at you. I shave daily, head and beard, and find some of the best are the disposables, multi blade efforts. No need for anything fancy.

 

[FIFTY]

Good luck with that! It will look like Zoro had a go at you. I shave daily, head and beard, and find some of the best are the disposables, multi blade efforts. No need for anything fancy.

My only experience with a DE safety razor was about 17 years ago in Iran my relative shaved my face for me and it was a razor with an open comb so I was left with loads of nicks and cuts with my relative "tutting" at how "thin" the skin on my face is!

That experience rather put me off so I am not sure why I am trying it now

 

[Scaf]

Gillette Mac3 for me, shave “almost” every day and never had a problem, the heads are a bit pricey but I tend to stock up if I see an offer on.

 

[Gazcw]

I have become increasingly fed up with cartridge razors for various reasons and I am going to switch over to a DE safety razor to see what the fuss is about

I have ordered one of these from Amazon, they are a British company https://www.edwinjagger.co.uk/edwin-jagger-de89-chrome-knurled-de-safety-razor.html // https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B00K6Z24SK/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_fabc_7M7DE0CP0XT4BZ9JCXQ0

The blades that are bundled in the Amazon deal are not going to be sharp enough for my bristles so I am researching the best medium sharp blade as I am a little intimidated by diving in at the deep end the ultra sharp Feather razors

Has anyone else made the switch or has been using them instead of cartridges for a long time?

Whilst on amazon order this too!

Nix Styptic Pencil Saves Face x 1 : Amazon.co.uk: Health & Personal Care

Free delivery and returns on eligible orders of £20 or more. Buy Nix Styptic Pencil Saves Face x 1 at Amazon UK.

www.amazon.co.uk

 

[CatmanV2]

I have become increasingly fed up with cartridge razors for various reasons and I am going to switch over to a DE safety razor to see what the fuss is about

I have ordered one of these from Amazon, they are a British company https://www.edwinjagger.co.uk/edwin-jagger-de89-chrome-knurled-de-safety-razor.html // https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B00K6Z24SK/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_fabc_7M7DE0CP0XT4BZ9JCXQ0

The blades that are bundled in the Amazon deal are not going to be sharp enough for my bristles so I am researching the best medium sharp blade as I am a little intimidated by diving in at the deep end the ultra sharp Feather razors

Has anyone else made the switch or has been using them instead of cartridges for a long time?

About 17 years back I started using that kind of razor, specifically:

Merkur 34C Safety Razor

Connaught Shaving is supplier of quality, traditional shaving products including Wickham 1912 shaving soaps, REX, Merkur & Edwin Jagger safety razors & many brands double edge razor blades. UK Supplier of Feather New Hi-stainless razor blades, Feather Artist Club Razors & Blades & Feather Safety...

connaughtshaving.com

Be aware though that the choice of blade can have a huge impact on the comfort and closeness, as can the cream / soap / oil you use.

Personally I would recommend one of these:

Connaught DE Sample Packs

Connaught Shaving is supplier of quality, traditional shaving products including Wickham 1912 shaving soaps, REX, Merkur & Edwin Jagger safety razors & many brands double edge razor blades. UK Supplier of Feather New Hi-stainless razor blades, Feather Artist Club Razors & Blades & Feather Safety...

connaughtshaving.com

Oh there's not much wrong with Derby blades. It's not just about sharpness, it's the length and angle which impact the feel. I use Feather and they are totally fine.

Up until recently I was using Men-U shave cream with

OMEGA 10005 Beech Handle Pure Bristle Shaving Brush

Connaught Shaving is supplier of quality, traditional shaving products including Wickham 1912 shaving soaps, REX, Merkur & Edwin Jagger safety razors & many brands double edge razor blades. UK Supplier of Feather New Hi-stainless razor blades, Feather Artist Club Razors & Blades & Feather Safety...

connaughtshaving.com

Currently using Gruum sensitive shave gel with good results.

oh and yes:

SAL Allume Di Rocca - Alum Block 100g

Connaught Shaving is supplier of quality, traditional shaving products including Wickham 1912 shaving soaps, REX, Merkur & Edwin Jagger safety razors & many brands double edge razor blades. UK Supplier of Feather New Hi-stainless razor blades, Feather Artist Club Razors & Blades & Feather Safety...

connaughtshaving.com

C

 

[Wanderer]

Back, sack and crack?

 

[FIFTY]

@CatmanV2 thanks for all of the info, very helpful. I will give the Derby blades a crack I would prefer to start with a mild blade at first

Agree regarding soap and how you condition your skin prior to shaving makes all the difference I thoroughly exfoliate if I don't then I get very sore skin after shaving even with cartridges

The site you are linking has sample packs for cheaper than the site I was looking at initially: https://www.executive-shaving.co.uk/beginners-safety-razor-blade-variety-pack think I will order that big sample pack from Connaught instead, the alum block and maybe some pre-shave... Could use a stand for it too... I already have a good badgers hair brush.

 

[FIFTY]

Back, sack and crack?

https://uk.manscaped.com/

 

[CatmanV2]

@CatmanV2 thanks for all of the info, very helpful. I will give the Derby blades a crack I would prefer to start with a mild blade at first

Agree regarding soap and how you condition your skin prior to shaving makes all the difference I thoroughly exfoliate if I don't then I get very sore skin after shaving even with cartridges

The site you are linking has sample packs for cheaper than the site I was looking at initially: https://www.executive-shaving.co.uk/beginners-safety-razor-blade-variety-pack think I will order that big sample pack from Connaught instead, the alum block and maybe some pre-shave... Could use a stand for it too... I already have a good badgers hair brush.

I've been using Connaught for years. Their site is rubbish. Their service excellent:

Edwin Jagger RH5L Clear Shaving Brush Stand - Large

Connaught Shaving is supplier of quality, traditional shaving products including Wickham 1912 shaving soaps, REX, Merkur & Edwin Jagger safety razors & many brands double edge razor blades. UK Supplier of Feather New Hi-stainless razor blades, Feather Artist Club Razors & Blades & Feather Safety...

connaughtshaving.com

C

 

[FIFTY]

Kit arrived yesterday had my first go at shaving me face with it and while very nervous and fully expecting to cut myself it was absolutely fine - in fact it was enjoyable. Did two passes with the grain and accross. Found that on the second pass I got a slight graze about an inch under my jaw line which happens with cartridge razors also as my hairs grow in multiple directions in a swirl rather than a "grain" pattern on that particular patch of skin

Started off with the Shark blades which I believe are the dullest and will work my way through to the sharper ones and then back. They did pull slightly but my method probably needs some work...

The Edwin Jagger short handle razor is an extremely well crafted item. Good weight handle is just enough and I do have big hands. The geometry of the comb to the blade means it is not a particularly aggressive razor you will need to do something silly to cut yourself (as with a cartridge razor) - that said it does provide a very close, smooth shave and my skin is fine. For reference I have sensitive dry skin combined with thick facial hair



At first It might take 5mins longer to shave than cartridges but it's far superior. Finally the elephant in the room is the price disparity between these and cartridges - I got the razor and 75 blades for £31!!!! Average 10 pack of DE blades is £3.50.

 

[CatmanV2]

hairs grow in multiple directions in a swirl rather than a "grain" pattern on that particular patch of skin

Same like most people, in fact. Like we mostly have ginger beards

I use Feather all the time now. Gillette, IME, are rubbish.Wilkinson a little better. Derby next up. The rest I have no idea about.

Ref the Alum, if you need it to be styptic, you need to dip the corner / edge in water before use. Mine came in a cardboard box but when I use it (about twice a year) I just let it dry before putting it back. That should last you several lifetimes, unlike buying the pencils which fall apart IME and are about 10 times the price.

Average 10 pack of DE blades is £3.50

And there you go.

I buy a bulk of Feathers once per year. Each blade lasts about a week. £15 a year on blades. Max.

What are you using for soap at the moment?

C

 

[rossyl]

About 17 years back I started using that kind of razor, specifically:

Merkur 34C Safety Razor

Connaught Shaving is supplier of quality, traditional shaving products including Wickham 1912 shaving soaps, REX, Merkur & Edwin Jagger safety razors & many brands double edge razor blades. UK Supplier of Feather New Hi-stainless razor blades, Feather Artist Club Razors & Blades & Feather Safety...

connaughtshaving.com

Be aware though that the choice of blade can have a huge impact on the comfort and closeness, as can the cream / soap / oil you use.

Personally I would recommend one of these:

Connaught DE Sample Packs

Connaught Shaving is supplier of quality, traditional shaving products including Wickham 1912 shaving soaps, REX, Merkur & Edwin Jagger safety razors & many brands double edge razor blades. UK Supplier of Feather New Hi-stainless razor blades, Feather Artist Club Razors & Blades & Feather Safety...

connaughtshaving.com

Oh there's not much wrong with Derby blades. It's not just about sharpness, it's the length and angle which impact the feel. I use Feather and they are totally fine.

Up until recently I was using Men-U shave cream with

OMEGA 10005 Beech Handle Pure Bristle Shaving Brush

Connaught Shaving is supplier of quality, traditional shaving products including Wickham 1912 shaving soaps, REX, Merkur & Edwin Jagger safety razors & many brands double edge razor blades. UK Supplier of Feather New Hi-stainless razor blades, Feather Artist Club Razors & Blades & Feather Safety...

connaughtshaving.com

Currently using Gruum sensitive shave gel with good results.

oh and yes:

SAL Allume Di Rocca - Alum Block 100g

Connaught Shaving is supplier of quality, traditional shaving products including Wickham 1912 shaving soaps, REX, Merkur & Edwin Jagger safety razors & many brands double edge razor blades. UK Supplier of Feather New Hi-stainless razor blades, Feather Artist Club Razors & Blades & Feather Safety...

connaughtshaving.com

C

He's nailed that.

Connaught are well priced and have all the main brands.

I use Derby generally. But for an even closer shave, I'd use Feather blades.

Get a decent badger brush.

I much prefer shaving cream in a tub. Like Taylor if Bond St. https://www.tayloroldbondst.co.uk/c...s/products/sandalwood-shaving-cream-bowl-150g


I didn't get on with the harder soap.

 

[CatmanV2]

He's nailed that.

Connaught are well priced and have all the main brands.

I use Derby generally. But for an even closer shave, I'd use Feather blades.

Get a decent badger brush.

I much prefer shaving cream in a tub. Like Taylor if Bond St. https://www.tayloroldbondst.co.uk/c...s/products/sandalwood-shaving-cream-bowl-150g


I didn't get on with the harder soap.

My father always used Erasmic and a cut throat. Could never get on with it either. Personally I find the tubs too much like hard work, but I also shave in the shower so it's a faff getting the top off etc.
Men-U was a pretty good compromise. Much soft cream in a handy pump dispenser. Just thought I'd try the Gruum stuff as some of my other 'product's have been discontinued.
I am mostly favourably inclined to stick with Gruum. A pleasing shave. Close enough without irritation. Convenient packaging and price etc etc.

C

 

[FIFTY]

@CatmanV2 the soap I use was a gift from my friend from about a year ago I also have their felted soap and shampoo bars. https://www.wildgrove.co.uk/store/p94/Oakmoss_Cedarwood_Rosemary_Soft_Shaving_Soap,_(VEGAN).html

I tried the "Derby Extra Super Stainless Steel" (Green label) - what a difference to the sharks - much smoother. Although I did feel as though I could cut myself a bit easier and I did nick myself a couple of times but the Alum sorted and and my skin felt great after afterwards

Call me converted. Might take a little while for this to get cheaper than cartridges as I can see myself buying various razors, handles and accessories lol

 

[CatmanV2]

@CatmanV2 the soap I use was a gift from my friend from about a year ago I also have their felted soap and shampoo bars. https://www.wildgrove.co.uk/store/p94/Oakmoss_Cedarwood_Rosemary_Soft_Shaving_Soap,_(VEGAN).html

I tried the "Derby Extra Super Stainless Steel" (Green label) - what a difference to the sharks - much smoother. Although I did feel as though I could cut myself a bit easier and I did nick myself a couple of times but the Alum sorted and and my skin felt great after afterwards

Call me converted. Might take a little while for this to get cheaper than cartridges as I can see myself buying various razors, handles and accessories lol

Looks nice! I bet it smells great as well.
FWIW I bought my first 34C 17 years back. Replaced it last year due to increasing corrosion. Didn't bother with trying other stuff

C

 

[FIFTY]

Looks nice! I bet it smells great as well.
FWIW I bought my first 34C 17 years back. Replaced it last year due to increasing corrosion. Didn't bother with trying other stuff

C

I know there is no point getting other bits but I am SO bored. I am sure once I can spend my money on socialising the obsessing will cease.

Btw getting this razor brought back a forgotten memory of my father letting me play with his 34C I must have only been 4-5 years old (with no razor in it of course!) Pretending to shave lol. He switched to Mach 3 and the de was never seen again

 

[CatmanV2]

It's all good

C

 

[rossyl]

If you've got extra time in your day, a Shaving Scuttle is probably one of the nicest things you can add to your shaving routine. The hot lather is so nice!

I say all this, now having a beard! But used to enjoy shaving.