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Why are razor blades so bloody expensive ?

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    #92
    who007
    Closed Accounts Posts: 711 ✭✭✭who007


    Jip wrote: »

    For the people looking to shave their heads, check this out
    http://www.4men.ie/index.php?sid=4847f8bb087ea26d174403f8faa09c3f&cl=details&anid=MY10&listtype=search&searchcnid=be34356d662538a32.82424460

    Was actually just looking at that on Amazon, but if the Merkur works I don't think I'd be bothered buying an extra razor with different blades - would prob defeat the point of saving money on those other expensive blades. And take up more space!


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    #93
    syklops
    Closed Accounts Posts: 18,969 ✭✭✭✭syklops


    I heard from a friend, that the reason there is such a difference in prices between the UK and here, is that there is only one company importing them(Tesco I believe) and that they specify the price to all shops here, including Dunnes, and Boots.

    Standard Rip Off Ireland rules apply. If you can get it cheaper else where, do.


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    #94
    tribulus
    Closed Accounts Posts: 3,635 ✭✭✭tribulus


    I've recently started using the Wilkinson Sword classic stainless steel razor and much prefer it to the usual Mach3s etc.

    Can you interchange the type of blades though for these? I find the WKS blades give an extremely good shave but blunt after three shaves (though I do have coarse stubble) The Merkur and Feather blades look good and cheap and also look like they'd fit in my razor.


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    #95
    andrewh5
    Registered Users Posts: 588 ✭✭✭andrewh5


    tribulus wrote: »
    I've recently started using the Wilkinson Sword classic stainless steel razor and much prefer it to the usual Mach3s etc.

    Can you interchange the type of blades though for these? I find the WKS blades give an extremely good shave but blunt after three shaves (though I do have coarse stubble) The Merkur and Feather blades look good and cheap and also look like they'd fit in my razor.

    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.


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    #96
    who007
    Closed Accounts Posts: 711 ✭✭✭who007


    Having decided on a Merkur - €53 from 4mEN.ie and feather blades from Connaught I want to get soap and a brush - however the 10 quid brush I want from Connaught is out of stock as is the Tabac bowl with soap and the brushes with stands on 4men.ie are around €45!! Any suggestions?

    sorry - just saw the €15 ones...

    still - any recommendations for a good and inexpensive soap?


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    #97
    axer
    Registered Users Posts: 5,517 ✭✭✭axer


    who007 wrote: »
    Having decided on a Merkur - €53 from 4mEN.ie and feather blades from Connaught I want to get soap and a brush - however the 10 quid brush I want from Connaught is out of stock as is the Tabac bowl with soap and the brushes with stands on 4men.ie are around €45!! Any suggestions?
    Why don't you buy the razor from Connaught shaving too. Couldn't be a better time with the sterling exchange rate. They seem to have a better choice too. Plus you save on combined postage.


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    #98
    axer
    Registered Users Posts: 5,517 ✭✭✭axer


    tribulus wrote: »
    I've recently started using the Wilkinson Sword classic stainless steel razor and much prefer it to the usual Mach3s etc.
    If that is the razor I think it is then I shudder. The problem with that razor is the blades stay straight coming out of it whereas the likes of the merkur bend the blades down making them easier and better to use.


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    #99
    who007
    Closed Accounts Posts: 711 ✭✭✭who007


    axer wrote: »
    Why don't you buy the razor from Connaught shaving too. Couldn't be a better time with the sterling exchange rate. They seem to have a better choice too. Plus you save on combined postage.

    Duh.. yeah that would make sense! I will get the €15 brush and stand from 4men and the razor and blades from Connaught.. now for the soap..

    What is it about unplanned internet shopping when bored that makes me lunge for my credit card?!


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    #100
    axer
    Registered Users Posts: 5,517 ✭✭✭axer


    who007 wrote: »
    Having decided on a Merkur - €53 from 4mEN.ie and feather blades from Connaught I want to get soap and a brush - however the 10 quid brush I want from Connaught is out of stock as is the Tabac bowl with soap and the brushes with stands on 4men.ie are around €45!! Any suggestions?

    sorry - just saw the €15 ones...

    still - any recommendations for a good and inexpensive soap?
    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).


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    #101
    tribulus
    Closed Accounts Posts: 3,635 ✭✭✭tribulus


    axer wrote: »
    If that is the razor I think it is then I shudder. The problem with that razor is the blades stay straight coming out of it whereas the likes of the merkur bend the blades down making them easier and better to use.

    I'm not sure of the exact model but I'm pretty sure as you tighten the handle back on it does that, I'll have to check!


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    #102
    Amalgam
    Registered Users 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.


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    #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!


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    #104
    axer
    Registered Users 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.


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


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


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    #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)


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    #107
    axer
    Registered Users 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


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    #108
    MediaTank
    Registered Users 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


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    #109
    MediaTank
    Registered Users 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.


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


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


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    #111
    keane2097
    Registered Users Posts: 17,770 ✭✭✭✭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 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).


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


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


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    #114
    Amalgam
    Registered Users 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.


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    #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?


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    #116
    Amalgam
    Registered Users 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.


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    #117
    axer
    Registered Users 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.


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    #118
    MediaTank
    Registered Users 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.


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    #119
    MediaTank
    Registered Users 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.


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    #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?


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