Best razor for cheek line

tribalwings

Basically, I have a full beard. I usually just tidy the cheek line with a Mach3 once a week, no oil, just hot water. I think the pack of 4 blades lasted me since Xmas.
Lately I've been wondering would it be any benefit to change to a straight, DE or shavette?
I used Total shaving oil before when I just had a goatee but I could still only shave once or twice a week or my face would be raw.
For just the cheek line would you still need the soaps, etc or would just the hot water and Total oil work?

All input greatly appreciated

uncle_sam_ie

How much do you want to spend?

A DE razor would be the cheaper and easier option. Straights although cool to use, cost more, need maintaining and there is a learning curve. I wouldn't recommend a shavette.

Good shaving soaps are important for giving you cushion and slickness. A good shaving soap will also condition your face post shave. Done right this will prevent you from getting a bad shave and raw face. Oils only really just give you slickness but, some people do prefer them.

tribalwings

Well a straight seems expensive for the very little use it will get.
Is there any particular DE you would recommend or will any of them do?
What's the difference with the open/closed comb?

uncle_sam_ie

Open comb tend to be a bit more aggressive and can be good to use if you have a few days growth but, it really doesn't matter. Any razor above 25 euro will do. Muhle and Edwin Jagger use the same heads so it's just a matter of which handle you like best. Merkur make great razors and this one would get my vote http://www.shaving.ie/products/merkur-34c-hd-safety-razor.html.
The best razors in that price range though are the vintage razors. All were made with solid brass and are of excellent quality You can't really go wrong with any Gillette made between 1950- 1965. The golden age in DE razors. https://www.etsy.com/ie/listing/244068718/gillette-razor-super-speed-pat-nos-on?ga_order=most_relevant&ga_search_type=all&ga_view_type=gallery&ga_search_query=gillette%20razor&ref=sr_gallery_7

If you do go with a DE razor it's important to note that they're not the same as shaving with a modern cartridge. Correct angle and no pressure are the key. Have a look at this video he will help explain it. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VDpmyUF5iDM&index=13&list=PL5euWQtQNAKmUtZlI2dhvuYP4iEDkAOq4

beardybrewer

Can I ask what benefit are you hoping for with a change in razor? You don't need a reason, of course, but a lot of people make the move and benefit from less irritation and closer shaves largely due to the fact that you can afford a new blade every shave if you like (I replace mine every 2-3 shaves). The soaps aren't at all required to use with a DE but most people often do both at the same time. Basically canned goo can dry the skin whereas many soaps have lots of beneficial properties in addition to the act of lathering can lift hairs which reduces ingrown hairs.

The classic first DE is an EJ89: http://www.shaving.ie/products/edwin-jagger-barley-de89ba11.html

What you won't realize when you go down this road that the brush is often the big ticket item but as I said, nothing says you can't use canned goo. in fact, changing one thing at a time seems like a smart move not that I did it that way. Start with a boar and then you can graduate if you need the comfort to a badger brush.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xjhIy9rgWQU&list=PL2DB6D82F52BA7608

tribalwings

Well the main reason I'm thinking of changing is that my current Mach3 broke on holidays and I've no blades left. Plus the fact the shave was never close, even tho it's only a small bit on the cheek line, I could've shaved twice a day.