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Considering switching to DE shaver...

  • 06-03-2014 3:51pm
    #1
    Closed Accounts Posts: 2,320 ✭✭✭


    So after the small row in BA over the DE vs conventional razors, im considering switching to a safety razor. i have a few questions about it i nearly pulled the trigger today but changed my mind. so here are a few questions i have.

    1. How long would it take to have a shave as good as a mach3? let me explain, i like the general ease of just shaving one area once like you get with a mach 3 without having to go over for a second or third shave with foam and all. is it possible to just have one shave or i think the term ye use is pass? can i get a shave as good as a mach 3 and as quick with just one pass?

    2. Do you have to use the shaving brush and soaps to get a proper shave with the DE razor or can i just use shaving foam from a can, I want to hold off buying a brush and bowl unless im actually really happy with shaving with the DE razor, but im guessing to get the proper shave you need the shaving soap and cream and make a lather and all that.

    So really what im asking is can i be as quick with a DE razor as the cartridge base ones and do i need to lather up and brush with the DE razor.

    Thanks


«1

Comments

  • Moderators, Social & Fun Moderators, Society & Culture Moderators Posts: 30,912 Mod ✭✭✭✭Insect Overlord


    Jaysus, that BA thread is a car crash! Awful lot of silliness going on there...

    Anywho, just from my own experience:

    1. The estimate of 10 minutes, as posted in that thread, is accurate enough. Once you get comfortable with the razor you can prepare your skin and beard, whip up the soap/cream and do 3 passes within that time-frame.

    One pass should achieve similar enough effects to a Mach3 if you're shaving every day. A 3 pass shave tends to get me looking like a kid again :pac: It keeps me looking clean for a few days though.

    2. The bush and bowl and soaps are the best part. It takes a little bit longer to prepare, but the lather protects your skin a bit more effectively than foam and usually smells much nicer too. Plus it feels great putting on warm lather with the brush. I shave with cold water these days, but the occasional hot towel and warm lather combo is always a nice treat.

    Short answer: with a little bit of practice you'd get pretty quick, but probably not as quick as the cartridge. The trade-off is that you'd have a more enjoyable shave, and a closer one too if you figure out how to shave against the grain safely. Brushes/soaps are great, but not essential.


  • Closed Accounts Posts: 2,320 ✭✭✭Ace Attorney


    An File wrote: »
    Jaysus, that BA thread is a car crash! Awful lot of silliness going on there...

    Anywho, just from my own experience:

    1. The estimate of 10 minutes, as posted in that thread, is accurate enough. Once you get comfortable with the razor you can prepare your skin and beard, whip up the soap/cream and do 3 passes within that time-frame.

    One pass should achieve similar enough effects to a Mach3 if you're shaving every day. A 3 pass shave tends to get me looking like a kid again :pac: It keeps me looking clean for a few days though.

    2. The bush and bowl and soaps are the best part. It takes a little bit longer to prepare, but the lather protects your skin a bit more effectively than foam and usually smells much nicer too. Plus it feels great putting on warm lather with the brush. I shave with cold water these days, but the occasional hot towel and warm lather combo is always a nice treat.

    Short answer: with a little bit of practice you'd get pretty quick, but probably not as quick as the cartridge. The trade-off is that you'd have a more enjoyable shave, and a closer one too if you figure out how to shave against the grain safely. Brushes/soaps are great, but not essential.

    i see, so the cartridge would be quicker, but the DE is more of the deluxe shave option also cheaper. but takes a little longer. so do you have to shave everyday with it or could you let it grow for alike 3-4 days and then shave with no problems?


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 1,918 ✭✭✭hitemfrank


    You can shave off 3-4 days of stubble with a DE without much hassle and because it's only one blade it's not going to get clogged up with hair like a cartridge would.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 385 ✭✭otterj


    I Also was reading the thread on BA and Ive decided to buy a DE razor. Any suggestions where I can get myself one (not too expensive) preferably in a shop rather than online.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 1,918 ✭✭✭hitemfrank


    If you're in Dublin, Knights Barber Shop in St. Stephens Green shopping centre have them.


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  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 3,191 ✭✭✭uncle_sam_ie


    I bought my stuff from Shaving.ie last Sunday and got it on the Tuseday. I've done 2 shaves , no blood yet, and am totally sold on DE shaving.
    My face is as smooth as babies bum and no razor burn. I've only one problem though, since Tuesday I've bought more products like soaps and pre shave creams that I think I'm going to end up like this guy, http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=D1vICdhigJY


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 6,682 ✭✭✭Glebee


    I find it's the whole routine I love about DE shaving. Also find it very relaxing to have a 3 pass shave at the end of a long day after a shower. If in a hurry I don't touch the DE razor.


  • Closed Accounts Posts: 2,320 ✭✭✭Ace Attorney


    im very tempted, i might buy one and keep one cartridge spare in me toilet bag for emergencies hmmm


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 6,682 ✭✭✭Glebee


    Go for it, I guarantee you wont regret it...


  • Closed Accounts Posts: 2,320 ✭✭✭Ace Attorney


    Soooooo, does anyone know where i could buy a good brush? are badger brushes the way to go or no?


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  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 3,191 ✭✭✭uncle_sam_ie


    Soooooo, does anyone know where i could buy a good brush? are badger brushes the way to go or no?

    http://www.shaving.ie/shaving-brushes/

    I bought the Black 2-Band Special. It seems OK does the job but, I think brushes need breaking in though.


  • Registered Users Posts: 570 ✭✭✭Buddy97mm


    I switched to DE about three years ago and love it, although I do still use carts from time to time. I would be far from convinced that the switch to DE will save you money as between, razors, blades, brushes, creams and soaps, you can in fact spend considerably more!

    However, for starting, a small enough outlay will get you decent gear - I would suggest any of Edwin Jagger razors (around €20-25), some Astra blades, a tube of Proraso, a stick of Arko and a basic Omega or Semogue boar brush (€15). You can spend a lot of money on brushes in particular, but for me, these boars work best, they can bowl or face lather and are a good start. The main thing for me is to spend a good bit of time on lathering your face - when I started I just applied the lather quickly with bad results; when I spent longer (maybe 90 seconds), the results werely massively improved.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 2,926 ✭✭✭beardybrewer


    You can always stick with the canned goo for the time being. It's less overwhelming to make the switch and less of a hit to the wallet.

    As mentioned above, using the brush to whip up a nice lather is where the extra time goes. However, a big benefit to the brush is lifting ingrown hairs, exfoliation, and softening the beard. Hence, they tend to go hand in hand. But mastering the perfect lather takes time and each soap is different. So again, this is something you can worry about after you've had a few shaves with your DE razor.

    Try to take your time in the beginning until you're comfortable with your new razor. Personally I do 1 pass + touch-ups.

    So pull the trigger, it's dead easy as you'll soon see for yourself and there's this forum and a surprisingly active number of big forums on the subject so there's plenty of support. mantic59 videos are also mandatory:
    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xjhIy9rgWQU&list=PL2DB6D82F52BA7608

    If you want to indulge yourself a bit and go for the brush and soap/cream, I'd suggest getting a well reviewed boar brush. I didn't realize this at first, but brushes are really the big ticket item in this whole thing. But even the best high mountain silvertip owner likes having a scrubby boar lying around. They soften up just fine and are great for hard soaps.

    You can also take a look here specifically for brushes: http://newforestbrushes.blogspot.de/


  • Moderators, Social & Fun Moderators, Society & Culture Moderators Posts: 30,912 Mod ✭✭✭✭Insect Overlord


    You can also get little sticks of Palmolive shaving soap for about 70 cents in most supermarkets, and it's fantastic stuff. Saves spending €6-€10 plus postage on fancier tubs.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 385 ✭✭otterj


    Which blades are the best? Do certain blades only fit certain razors or are they universal size?


  • Closed Accounts Posts: 2,320 ✭✭✭Ace Attorney


    An File wrote: »
    You can also get little sticks of Palmolive shaving soap for about 70 cents in most supermarkets, and it's fantastic stuff. Saves spending €6-€10 plus postage on fancier tubs.

    thanks for that info, I brought a razor, a bowl and brush and some soap too I was looking at the price of some of the soaps they can be quite expensive. I presume they last a long time tho, ill be sure to check out the palmolive when I run out.


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


    otterj wrote: »
    Which blades are the best? Do certain blades only fit certain razors or are they universal size?

    All DE blades will fit any DE razor

    Not all blades are the same and whats good for me may not be good for the next guy,

    For example I use Derby blades and have been for the past few years, I've no problem with them. Others prefer to use Feather...which would be sharper.

    When starting off its best to get a selection so you can try a few, try this for example - http://www.shaving.ie/products/two-of-a-kind-de-blade-sample-pack.html


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


    thanks for that info, I brought a razor, a bowl and brush and some soap too I was looking at the price of some of the soaps they can be quite expensive. I presume they last a long time tho, ill be sure to check out the palmolive when I run out.

    For me they do tend to last a good while,
    I use Mitchel wool fat shaving soap, its around 8e a bar but it lasts me months so its good value.

    For travel I use this http://www.shaving.ie/products/proraso-sensitive-shaving-soap.html, I've gotten maybe 150 shaves out of it so far, I'd say it has another 200+ in it before its finished


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 1,918 ✭✭✭hitemfrank


    otterj wrote: »
    Which blades are the best? Do certain blades only fit certain razors or are they universal size?

    Any DE blade will fit into all modern safety razors. They will also fit into just about all vintage DE razors, except for a few which use their own blades.

    There isn't really a 'best' blade. You will find that I may prefer one make of blaed to one someone else thinks is the best. It's all subjective and the only way to find out which is best for you is to try different makes of blades. Blade sampler kits are excellent for this.
    thanks for that info, I brought a razor, a bowl and brush and some soap too I was looking at the price of some of the soaps they can be quite expensive. I presume they last a long time tho, ill be sure to check out the palmolive when I run out.

    Soaps in general do last for quite a long time. The Palmolive shave stick that costs less than €1 lasted me about 5-6 weeks of shaving daily.

    I'm currently using Mitchells Wool Fat (~€9) and have been since the middle of December. I've used it for probably 5 out of every 7 shaves I've had since then and I've hardly put a dent in the soap. I reckon it will last until October-ish before it's completely gone.


    Or you know..... what Caball said for both things...


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 12,584 ✭✭✭✭tunney


    So after the small row in BA over the DE vs conventional razors, im considering switching to a safety razor. i have a few questions about it i nearly pulled the trigger today but changed my mind. so here are a few questions i have.

    Whats BA?


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  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 2,926 ✭✭✭beardybrewer


    tunney wrote: »
    Whats BA?

    Bargain Alerts


  • Closed Accounts Posts: 2,320 ✭✭✭Ace Attorney


    This might be a silly question, but, how would i know that a blade is the right one for me? with the razor i brought, you get 5 derby blades with it. is the correct blade for me decided by not nicking myself with the blade or how?


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 6,682 ✭✭✭Glebee


    I started out with Derbys as well mainly because they came with the razor too. I found them a good starting point and tried a few different brands until I felt confident enough to try feathers. Have stayed on feathers ever since.
    Start off nice and steady, try a few different blades and you'll find one that you like is my advice.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 2,926 ✭✭✭beardybrewer


    This might be a silly question, but, how would i know that a blade is the right one for me?

    How? Sampler packs (link1, link2)


  • Registered Users Posts: 1,752 ✭✭✭markesmith


    otterj wrote: »
    Which blades are the best? Do certain blades only fit certain razors or are they universal size?

    Get a sample pack and see what you think. Feathers are the sharpest, but they're not for everyone. Your mileage may vary!


  • Closed Accounts Posts: 2,320 ✭✭✭Ace Attorney


    I guess trial and error then is the way to go, i might try some astras samplers there are quite a good few recomendations for that blade, of course the feather blade seems to be king, but id say they would be too sharp a blade for a beguinner. cheers for the recomendations might get a sampler pack with the astra in them :)


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 298 ✭✭tp25


    so I too decided to try DE shaving. today I ordered my very basic set, it contains:

    Muhle R89 = £25.00
    Personna Blades = £3.50
    Muhle Guard = £3.00

    for start I will retain my half used aerosol shaving foam and Gillette post shaving balm, no brush and no other stuff at the moment. I may need a travel type of brush and some good pre shaving stuff.

    In few days I should receive my order :)


  • Technology & Internet Moderators Posts: 28,820 Mod ✭✭✭✭oscarBravo


    tp25 wrote: »
    I may need a travel type of brush...
    I have one of these, it's ridiculously handy for travelling.


  • Closed Accounts Posts: 2,320 ✭✭✭Ace Attorney


    i got me razor delighted with it, but im still waiting on me brush soap and bowl which should be coming tomorrow, im awful tempted to shave wit the remainder of me shaving foam can, but i want to wait for the soap,bowl and brush for the proper DE experience :p


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  • Closed Accounts Posts: 9,330 ✭✭✭Gran Hermano


    Even a cheap Men U brush from Boots and Palmolive shaving soap stick or cream will work better than using canned gel/foam.
    You're more likely when starting out to have small nicks/weepers if you use canned stuff

    http://www.boots.ie/en/men-u-Pure-Bristle-Shaving-Brush_13827/
    http://www.amazon.co.uk/Palmolive-Classic-Extract-Shave-Stick/dp/B0012XZAKE


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 298 ✭✭tp25


    May I ask what can I use instead of the gel/foam? would a tube or soap be handier to use?


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 298 ✭✭tp25


    oscarBravo wrote: »
    I have one of these, it's ridiculously handy for travelling.

    does it store away the brush in the handle or do you use a tube or bag to store it? it's bit expensive but it has a clean look


  • Closed Accounts Posts: 2,320 ✭✭✭Ace Attorney


    Even a cheap Men U brush from Boots and Palmolive shaving soap stick or cream will work better than using canned gel/foam.
    You're more likely when starting out to have small nicks/weepers if you use canned stuff

    http://www.boots.ie/en/men-u-Pure-Bristle-Shaving-Brush_13827/
    http://www.amazon.co.uk/Palmolive-Classic-Extract-Shave-Stick/dp/B0012XZAKE

    is that palmolive shave stick available in the supermarket? I had a look in tesco when I was doing me shopping and couldnt see it, I didnt look to hard tho, so I may have missed it.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 298 ✭✭tp25


    is brushless shaving cream a good thing?


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 1,560 ✭✭✭Prenderb


    is that palmolive shave stick available in the supermarket? I had a look in tesco when I was doing me shopping and couldnt see it, I didnt look to hard tho, so I may have missed it.

    Dunnes might have the Palmolive shave cream. My local one does.


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  • Closed Accounts Posts: 9,330 ✭✭✭Gran Hermano


    tp25 wrote: »
    May I ask what can I use instead of the gel/foam? would a tube or soap be handier to use?

    It is down to personal choice. You can use either. Some people suggest cream when starting out as they find it easier to create a lather compared to soap. Just use a small amount in a mug/bowl and create the lather. Proraso shaving cream or something like Omega is easy to lather http://www.shaving.ie/products/omega-shaving-soap-cream-tube.html
    Do you have hard or soft water? Limescale in the kettle? Some soaps can be tricky if you have hard water. Proraso soap in a tub is easy to lather and you won't need a mug/bowl as you can just create the lather in the tub/bowl it comes in

    http://www.shaving.ie/products/proraso-sensitive-shaving-soap.html


  • Closed Accounts Posts: 2,320 ✭✭✭Ace Attorney


    Prenderb wrote: »
    Dunnes might have the Palmolive shave cream. My local one does.

    ah feck, no local dunnes near me,thanks tho, ill have a look around aldi and lidl and supervalu next time im in


  • Closed Accounts Posts: 9,330 ✭✭✭Gran Hermano


    is that palmolive shave stick available in the supermarket? I had a look in tesco when I was doing me shopping and couldnt see it, I didnt look to hard tho, so I may have missed it.

    I've seen it in Dunne's, Superquinn and Tesco. The cream seems more common than the soap stick around my area. I just checked SuperValu and tesco online shopping and can't find either. Hopefully the online shopping does not include all that's in-store.
    Worth checking the shops and don't be surprised if its on the bottom shelf and hard to spot!

    You won't get it in aldi or lidl but may have luck in an old school chemist.
    What part of the /country you looking around?


  • Technology & Internet Moderators Posts: 28,820 Mod ✭✭✭✭oscarBravo


    tp25 wrote: »
    does it store away the brush in the handle or do you use a tube or bag to store it? it's bit expensive but it has a clean look
    The brush lives inside the handle when stored for travel.


  • Closed Accounts Posts: 2,320 ✭✭✭Ace Attorney


    I've seen it in Dunne's, Superquinn and Tesco. The cream seems more common than the soap stick around my area. I just checked SuperValu and tesco online shopping and can't find either. Hopefully the online shopping does not include all that's in-store.
    Worth checking the shops and don't be surprised if its on the bottom shelf and hard to spot!

    You won't get it in aldi or lidl but may have luck in an old school chemist.
    What part of the /country you looking around?

    in the north west, sound sher ill have a look in me local chemist and another proper look around tescos next time, cheers man.


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  • Closed Accounts Posts: 9,330 ✭✭✭Gran Hermano


    Checked two Tesco in South Dublin this morn, label on bottom shelf in each for the cream but no stock on shelf.
    Hope they aren't delisting it.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 1,918 ✭✭✭hitemfrank


    I noticed a while ago in my local tesco that they no longer had the Palmolive stick on the shelves but did have the cream. Today the cream was also not there but they did have the Wilkinson Sword blue tub of soap - something they didn't have before.

    Think they might no longer be stocking the Palmolive stuff.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 1,440 ✭✭✭Rosahane


    hitemfrank wrote: »
    I noticed a while ago in my local tesco that they no longer had the Palmolive stick on the shelves but did have the cream. Today the cream was also not there but they did have the Wilkinson Sword blue tub of soap - something they didn't have before.

    Think they might no longer be stocking the Palmolive stuff.

    I see the same locally. Tesco had the stick - now no more. Superquinn had the cream and that disappeared also.
    I complained to the management in both stores but no response as yet!


  • Closed Accounts Posts: 9,330 ✭✭✭Gran Hermano


    I did notice superQuinn only having the cream a while back but I had seen the sticks in Tesco more recently.
    http://www.boards.ie/vbulletin/showthread.php?p=77141552


  • Closed Accounts Posts: 2,320 ✭✭✭Ace Attorney


    couple of quick questions for ye :P

    1. how many shaves should i be able get out of a single double edge razor blade

    2. am i doing it wrong if i have to shave every day? meaning my neck region, i usually shave and leave it for a few days, but like to tidy up my neck area and leave the face stubble , am i not going close enough if i have to lather up and shave my neck the next day?


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 1,918 ✭✭✭hitemfrank


    1) It depends on the person and blade, really. I can get 5-7 shaves from a Bolzano blade and only 3 from a Shark Super Stainless.

    2) I would say you're not doing anything wrong at all. I shave just about every day as I feel I need to.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 2,926 ✭✭✭beardybrewer


    1. Generally no more than 3 shaves per blade

    2. DEs are sharp and cut the hair right at the skin. Other razors can "tug" at the hair, lifting it, and then cutting it. This can result in hair cut slightly lower than the skin level. While it can appear to be a closer shave it is rougher on your skin and causes ingrown hairs.

    You'll also manage a closer shave as your technique improves. Take a close look at how your beard grows. Mine changes direction on my neck so while a vertical action is with the grain for my face I'm inadvertently going across the grain on my neck. I notice a better level of closeness going with the grain as opposed to across the grain. I generally do 1 pass but almost always need to do a touch up on my neck as it's tricky.

    One of the big benefits to switching for me is the option to shave daily if I want to. This wouldn't be an option with mach3s as my neck would be too raw after a shave. Although I often go a few days between shaves, I like having the option of shaving again the same day if I need to.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 14,477 ✭✭✭✭cson


    Took the plunge and ordered the basic essentials set on Shaving.ie. Razor is way smaller (shorter) than I was expecting. Got the Proraso pre/post shave cream with it. I'm interested to see how this goes...


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 6,142 ✭✭✭OldRio


    Good luck. Never looked back since I started DE shaving.

    One downside.
    You know that small shelf in the bathroom. The one you put your deodorant and razor etc on. Not big enough.

    'Things' begin to accumulate.



    I now have more soaps than the wife.:D


  • Closed Accounts Posts: 2,320 ✭✭✭Ace Attorney


    cson wrote: »
    Took the plunge and ordered the basic essentials set on Shaving.ie. Razor is way smaller (shorter) than I was expecting. Got the Proraso pre/post shave cream with it. I'm interested to see how this goes...

    For me so far im delighted with the switch, at the moment im trying out a few blades to get that perfect shave, Derbys came with my razor and i found them to be ok, at the moment im using gilette 7 o clocks and they dont seem to be giving me a close as shave as the derbys, im due a second go with them tomorow so hopefully it will be better. i dont know if its my fault or the my techneique to be honest :D . I love the whole lathering up with the brush and soap tho, it feels like a proper shave kinda :pac: i dont know but i like doing it.


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