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Why are razor blades so bloody expensive ?

13

Comments

  • #102
    Amalgam
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 6,026 ✭✭✭Amalgam


    The postage and packing is quite cheap for Ireland, on connaughtshaving.com, for standard airmail, nice to see they're not out to gouge.

    I'm going to order a Merkur Progress, 20 or 30 'Feather' blades and an Osma Alum block.

    Cheers for the input on the Merkur boardsies, I was obsessed with the minimal look of the Futur, but after watching videos and reading, the Progress looks like a noble beast.


  • #103
    who007
    Closed Accounts Posts: 711 ✭✭✭who007


    axer wrote: »

    Those brushes you are looking at are synthetic brushes. Seem a little pricey for that. Id say either of the two on connaught at least as good and way cheaper.

    Regarding soap, I have manly just used cream (trumpers and taylor) but just ordered D.R. Harris soap in a bowl (about 16 euro).

    Yeah I like the 1st one on Connaught but when I tried putting it in the basket it said out of stock!


  • #104
    axer
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 5,517 ✭✭✭axer


    Amalgam wrote: »
    Cheers for the input on the Merkur boardsies, I was obsessed with the minimal look of the Futur, but after watching videos and reading, the Progress looks like a noble beast.
    TBH I bought a progress and never really liked it. I have a wirey beard and found the slant bar much better because it slices at an angle rather than horizontally down.


  • #105
    Amalgam
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 6,026 ✭✭✭Amalgam


    Axer, do you have a link or Merkur number for it?


  • #106
    who007
    Closed Accounts Posts: 711 ✭✭✭who007


    ok I have just spent about €100 on shaving gear - but at the price of a few mach3 or blades every few weeks I reckon the 85 blades I got with all this gear will last me the guts of a a few years! lol

    Just to contribute something to this thread other than a load of questions.. I find the Aldi aftershave balm to be very reasonably priced and it works as good as the Nivea stuff - think it's only about €3 as far as I remember and it's in a pump which stops over-use. One pump is all you need to cover your face (and in my case my head too and I like to put the remainder on tatts to keep the skin moisturised)


  • #107
    axer
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 5,517 ✭✭✭axer


    Amalgam wrote: »
    Axer, do you have a link or Merkur number for it?
    http://www.connaughtshaving.com/merkur37c.html
    http://www.connaughtshaving.com/merkur37g.html
    http://www.connaughtshaving.com/merkur39c.html

    Couldnt tell you the difference between them (edit: chrome, gold, chrome long handle). I bought the first one. I find those merkur blades crap.

    This is the exact progress i had (not sure if they all the same):
    http://www.connaughtshaving.com/merkur570.html


  • #108
    MediaTank
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 1,059 ✭✭✭MediaTank


    andrewh5 wrote: »
    You can use Merkur, Feather, Derby and other blades in your WK razor without problem. Feather are by far the finest blades and give a very close shave.

    Yip, just be careful with the Feather blades, very, very sharp. The Feather company specialise in surgical instruments :D


  • #109
    MediaTank
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 1,059 ✭✭✭MediaTank


    axer wrote: »
    Also I would seriously recommend getting the blade sampler pack from connaght shaving. Then start with the least sharpest and work your way up until you are happy. The feather blades are not recommended for learning - they are way too sharp.

    Regarding soap, I have manly just used cream (trumpers and taylor) but just ordered D.R. Harris soap in a bowl (about 16 euro).

    Agree. Cream is easier to use, get a couple of tubes to try. Taylor's Avocado is very nice to start with as is Lavender, or Truefitt & Hill Comfort.


  • #110
    MediaTank
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 1,059 ✭✭✭MediaTank


    Mods, should this be moved to Facial Hair & Hats?


  • #111
    keane2097
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 17,775 ✭✭✭✭keane2097


    axer wrote: »
    Also I would seriously recommend getting the blade sampler pack from connaght shaving. Then start with the least sharpest and work your way up until you are happy. The feather blades are not recommended for learning - they are way too sharp.

    Those brushes you are looking at are synthetic brushes. Seem a little pricey for that. Id say either of the two on connaught at least as good and way cheaper.

    Regarding soap, I have manly just used cream (trumpers and taylor) but just ordered D.R. Harris soap in a bowl (about 16 euro).

    Would all the blades in the sampler pack work with one of the Merkur razors then??


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  • #112
    axer
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 5,517 ✭✭✭axer


    keane2097 wrote: »
    Would all the blades in the sampler pack work with one of the Merkur razors then??
    Yes, they are all double edged (de) blades so they all work in DE (double edged) razors like the merkur razors.

    If you are going to get the sampler pack (which i highly recommend for those new to de shaving) then just go for the smaller pack as it is more than enough to sample.

    Use them in something like this order and do at least 3 shaves with each.
    1. Dorco Platinum
    2. Merkur Super Platinum
    3. Wilkinson Sword Double Edge
    4. Derby Extra
    5. Super + Platinum / Crystal ‘Israeli Personna’
    6. Gillette Platinum ‘Swedish Gillette’s’
    7. Feather New Hi-Stainless

    I find it a tough choice between Gillettes and Feathers. I find the gillettes smoother but not as killer sharp as the feathers so it usually depends how thick my stubble is. I have wirey stubble and sensitive skin which the Merkur Slant Bar with a sharp blade like the feather or gillettes are perfect for.

    The feathers work out at about 24c each and the Gillettes about 40c each (plus they are double edged so give a few shaves each - about 3-5).


  • #113
    MediaTank
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 1,059 ✭✭✭MediaTank


    Interesting, the Swedish Gillettes didn't do it for me, I use Feathers exclusively.


  • #114
    Amalgam
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 6,026 ✭✭✭Amalgam


    Axer, MediaTank, thanks for your input.

    I went for a Merkur 34C, a nice Osma Alum block, a popular blade sample pack (35) and a Dovo Leather Case.

    The sample blades: (7x5 blades) Feather, Derby, Gillette Platinum, Super + Platinum, Merkur , Wilkinson & Dorco.

    I figured the urge to fiddle with the Progress would be too much. I think I'll survive. I just need to start with merciful blades and work my way to the Feathers. I love the short handle on the 34C. Browsing.. it seemed you had starters that regretted the purchase of a Futur, they then went back to the HD or the Progress.

    Shipping on http://connaughtshaving.com to Ireland (airmail) was only £3.20 sterling. The exchange rate wasn't too shabby either.


  • #115
    who007
    Closed Accounts Posts: 711 ✭✭✭who007


    I see a couple of posters refer to the Osma Alum block - is that worth getting in anyone's experience? Would it be better than balm or is it a different kinda thing?


  • #116
    Amalgam
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 6,026 ✭✭✭Amalgam


    As far as I understand it, the Alum block works much like a styptic pencil, it closes up small nicks and cuts.


  • #117
    axer
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 5,517 ✭✭✭axer


    who007 wrote: »
    I see a couple of posters refer to the Osma Alum block - is that worth getting in anyone's experience? Would it be better than balm or is it a different kinda thing?
    For me it is only the other day that I ordered the alum block just because I happened to be putting through an order anyway. It is rare enough that I nick myself and usually they are very small nicks (just because I am used to the de shaving). I always rinse my face with cold water or dunk my face into the washing basin full of cold water which usually closes any small nicks. I did have a styptic pencil when I was learning though and i did have to use it a bit.

    It is probably better to have a styptic pencil or alum block around especially when learning as you WILL have nicks and possibly cuts. The pencil or alum block will close these nicks pretty much instantly.


  • #118
    MediaTank
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 1,059 ✭✭✭MediaTank


    who007 wrote: »
    I see a couple of posters refer to the Osma Alum block - is that worth getting in anyone's experience? Would it be better than balm or is it a different kinda thing?

    It's different. It's a kind of salt, and is used to finish the shave. It closes the pores and can help very small nicks, cuts and razor burn. Use it after shaving but use a balm afterwards. Many people find that a balm is good enough and skip the alum.


  • #119
    MediaTank
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 1,059 ✭✭✭MediaTank


    Amalgam wrote: »
    As far as I understand it, the Alum block works much like a styptic pencil, it closes up small nicks and cuts.

    See my other post. The styptic is for bigger cuts, it stops blood flow instantly.


  • #120
    who007
    Closed Accounts Posts: 711 ✭✭✭who007


    well I am a sucker for getting the right 'gear' for everything so have now ordered an alum block and a case - shoulda thought of that yesterday, but what the hell.. like I said - another couple of years before I need spend any more money on razors.


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  • #121
    dbar
    Closed Accounts Posts: 219 ✭✭dbar


    OK,
    I'm sold as well, I have deadly wirey beard and dry sensitive skin, if I buy cheap razors they cut the face off me and I can only get a couple of shaves out of the mach 3 type stuff. Why didnd I think of this?
    Anyway, going on what Ive read here, im going to go for the lot- Merker, blades, cream, balm.
    Any thoughts on long handle v short handle?


  • #122
    who007
    Closed Accounts Posts: 711 ✭✭✭who007


    dbar wrote: »
    OK,
    I'm sold as well, I have deadly wirey beard and dry sensitive skin, if I buy cheap razors they cut the face off me and I can only get a couple of shaves out of the mach 3 type stuff. Why didnd I think of this?
    Anyway, going on what Ive read here, im going to go for the lot- Merker, blades, cream, balm.
    Any thoughts on long handle v short handle?


    Have you got big or small hands? :D

    (sorry)


  • #123
    sgross75
    Closed Accounts Posts: 38 ✭sgross75


    I used to work for a retail group and we had the reps in from Johnson Bros who distribute the Gillette range. My boss asked why they charge so much for the blades and the answer was ........'Because we can'.


  • #124
    keane2097
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 17,775 ✭✭✭✭keane2097


    This is a superb thread.


  • #125
    MediaTank
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 1,059 ✭✭✭MediaTank


    dbar wrote: »
    OK,
    I'm sold as well, I have deadly wirey beard and dry sensitive skin, if I buy cheap razors they cut the face off me and I can only get a couple of shaves out of the mach 3 type stuff. Why didnd I think of this?
    Anyway, going on what Ive read here, im going to go for the lot- Merker, blades, cream, balm.
    Any thoughts on long handle v short handle?

    As I've said earlier, go for the Progress, buy a blade sampler, buy a couple of (good) creams and a brush. Watch Marc's series of videos on YouTube (mantic59) for great tutorials and you're ready to go :D

    Check out shaveblog's video on YouTube also, it was the catalyst that started the back to basics wet shaving revolution a few years ago. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bhDjWSJk0cQ&feature=channel_page

    MT


  • #126
    keane2097
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 17,775 ✭✭✭✭keane2097


    MediaTank wrote: »
    As I've said earlier, go for the Progress, buy a blade sampler, buy a couple of (good) creams and a brush. Watch Marc's series of videos on YouTube (mantic59) for great tutorials and you're ready to go :D

    Check out shaveblog's video on YouTube also, it was the catalyst that started the back to basics wet shaving revolution a few years ago.

    MT

    Could you recommend any creams?


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  • #127
    MediaTank
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 1,059 ✭✭✭MediaTank


    keane2097 wrote: »
    Could you recommend any creams?

    Sure, Porasso is a classic with eucalyptus, Taylor's Avovado, Taylor's Lavender, Trumper Violets to name but a few.

    You'll often hear guys talking about the '3 Ts' when refering to shaving cream - Taylor, Trumper and Truefitt & Hill. They may seem expensive for the amount of cream, but boy does it last a long time.


  • #128
    who007
    Closed Accounts Posts: 711 ✭✭✭who007


    Just to go for the whole shave experience - are any of those aftershaves on Connaughts any good? They look very old-world and cool!


  • #129
    axer
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 5,517 ✭✭✭axer


    Just to follow up on MediaTank, the youtube link for tutorial videos (mantic59) is here:
    http://www.youtube.com/shavetutor
    These are pretty much the best tutorials out there.


  • #130
    MediaTank
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 1,059 ✭✭✭MediaTank


    who007 wrote: »
    Just to go for the whole shave experience - are any of those aftershaves on Connaughts any good? They look very old-world and cool!

    They are. Bay Rum is a classic. I'm more familiar with the Trumper colognes and use Trumper Eucris after shaving. Ask Connaught for some samples.


  • #131
    who007
    Closed Accounts Posts: 711 ✭✭✭who007


    MediaTank wrote: »
    They are. Bay Rum is a classic. I'm more familiar with the Trumper colognes and use Trumper Eucris after shaving. Ask Connaught for some samples.

    I just asked and was told they could have sent me samples only that they have already dispatched my items. Very matter of fact message. Don't think samples would be forthcoming. Pity. I may buy some of that Rum stuff another time cos it was the one that caught my attention most when I read through them, Lavender seeming more like a woman's scent.


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  • #132
    Amalgam
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 6,026 ✭✭✭Amalgam


    who007 wrote: »
    I just asked and was told they could have sent me samples only that they have already dispatched my items.

    My items were despatched some 4 hours after clicking on order, they're quick.


  • #133
    who007
    Closed Accounts Posts: 711 ✭✭✭who007


    well, he got back to me and is sending me a couple of samples - which is cool cos I appreciate that kind of thing from someone I am buying from. I asked for Bay Rum and Dr Harris Sandalwood.


  • #134
    Cabaal
    Moderators, Technology & Internet Moderators, Regional South East Moderators Posts: 28,510 Mod ✭✭✭✭Cabaal


    Ordered my stuff from http://www.shaving-shack.com/ saturday, dispatched yesterday from the UK. Looking forward to it.....had a look at the videos during weekend and hoping not to cut the face of myself :)

    I'd recommend people post in the Facial Hair forum for future discussions :)
    http://www.boards.ie/vbulletin/forumdisplay.php?f=1103


  • #135
    Cabaal
    Moderators, Technology & Internet Moderators, Regional South East Moderators Posts: 28,510 Mod ✭✭✭✭Cabaal


    Still waiting on my razor, maybe tomorrow I guess
    I'd be interested to know how everyone gets on with the razors they've bought and shaving with a safety razor in general


  • #136
    Amalgam
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 6,026 ✭✭✭Amalgam


    I picked up a Merkur Futur from board member murrmurr today, the weight of it is scary.. I'll get a chance to cut myself to ribbons tomorrow morning Cabaal.. :p (the smiley with blood on its chin..)


  • #137
    MediaTank
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 1,059 ✭✭✭MediaTank


    I reccommmend that all you guys new to safety razors buy this book http://www.lulu.com/content/769757


  • #138
    Red Sleeping Beauty
    Closed Accounts Posts: 6,443 ✭✭✭Red Sleeping Beauty


    I'm going away in a few days...

    It's a minor inconvenience that you can't bring them on your hand luggage


  • #139
    MediaTank
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 1,059 ✭✭✭MediaTank


    alan dunne 27 wrote: »
    I'm going away in a few days...

    It's a minor inconvenience that you can't bring them on your hand luggage

    Yes, but you can at least bring cream and a brush. When I travel (which is a lot), I look forward to getting back to real shaving.


  • #140
    who007
    Closed Accounts Posts: 711 ✭✭✭who007


    Got mine today - the handle on the razor was shorter than I expected but no big deal. I went for the chrome one and it's quite an elegant tool! Am looking forward to a shave later.


  • #141
    axer
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 5,517 ✭✭✭axer


    What I do is bring everything but the blades. I normally carry my toilitries bag attached to the outside of my bag because usually they want to check that there is no blade inside the razor.

    I usually bring a gillette sensor razor and blades. Depending on where I go to and how long I stay, I sometimes buy de razor blades where I am (some places sell the gillette de blades) or else just use the gillette sensor razor if all else fails.

    I bought this whilst I was living in germany:
    http://www.muehle-pinsel.de/shop/accessories/travel/1/round_protective_tube/6/26/RV
    very handy for travelling. Im sure you can get them elsewhere too.


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  • #142
    tech77
    Closed Accounts Posts: 2,736 ✭✭✭tech77


    zen15 wrote: »
    Picture the scene . in the bathroom , steamy mirror (oak floor and white walls with georgian ceiling) face soaped and girl kneeling by the sink wathchibg you shave and keeping your c*&k in her mouth .
    Better then the gillette add or wha

    I'd say that'd make shaving pretty tricky tbh. ;)


  • #143
    who007
    Closed Accounts Posts: 711 ✭✭✭who007


    Yeah - can't say I'd be bothered shaving if that was happening.

    I got the Bay Rum and Lavendar aftershave samples from Connaught but was very disappointed. Very clinical smelling! Think I will stick to ordinary aftershave. Pity cos I liked the old-fashioned bottles!


  • #144
    Red Sleeping Beauty
    Closed Accounts Posts: 6,443 ✭✭✭Red Sleeping Beauty


    Aer Lingus' list of prohibited items says that disposable razors are allowed.

    I'm flying this evening so I'm going to bring two , declare them at the security desk, see what they say.


  • #145
    axer
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 5,517 ✭✭✭axer


    alan dunne 27 wrote: »
    Aer Lingus' list of prohibited items says that disposable razors are allowed.

    I'm flying this evening so I'm going to bring two , declare them at the security desk, see what they say.
    Any razor blades sunk in plastic like the mach3 or the disposable razors are fine through security. DE blades are not since they are fully explosed.


  • #146
    Red Sleeping Beauty
    Closed Accounts Posts: 6,443 ✭✭✭Red Sleeping Beauty


    I didn't know that. I just assumed that anything sharp isn't allowed. Shame they don't allow the shaving foam even though it's a sealed canister.


  • #147
    axer
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 5,517 ✭✭✭axer


    alan dunne 27 wrote: »
    I didn't know that. I just assumed that anything sharp isn't allowed. Shame they don't allow the shaving foam even though it's a sealed canister.
    I believe shaving foam is allowed on if under 100ml. Sealed razor blades are definitely allowed on.


  • #148
    drunkdaz
    Closed Accounts Posts: 57 ✭✭drunkdaz


    alan dunne 27 wrote: »
    €10.50 for 5feckin blades ? What the hell! They're about £3 a pack in the UK.
    What makes them so special that they're abhorrently overpriced here ?

    :rolleyes:
    What planet are you on?

    Show me which supermarket has them for £3:

    http://www.sainsburys.com/groceries/index.jsp?bmUID=1232530877795


  • #149
    MediaTank
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 1,059 ✭✭✭MediaTank


    axer wrote: »
    I believe shaving foam is allowed on if under 100ml. Sealed razor blades are definitely allowed on.

    DE blades, sealed or not, are not allowed in hand baggage.


  • #150
    axer
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 5,517 ✭✭✭axer


    MediaTank wrote: »
    DE blades, sealed or not, are not allowed in hand baggage.
    huh? I am talking about mach3 blades those that are sunk into plastic as per my post above. DE razor blades are not sealed.


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  • #151
    MediaTank
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 1,059 ✭✭✭MediaTank


    axer wrote: »
    huh? I am talking about mach3 blades those that are sunk into plastic as per my post above. DE razor blades are not sealed.

    Missed your earlier post.


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