Shaving: Safety Razors

Bobw235

Bobw235

Senior Member
Location
Massachusetts
I'm not sure if I ever used a safety razor, but if so it was many years ago. This article in today's NY Times Magazine promotes the benefits of using a safety razor, a step back in time. Thought some might enjoy it so I'm passing it along. As for me, I've been accustomed to the shaving cartridge system for many years. I've been happiest with the Gillette Fusion, but have recently switched to the Schick Hydro to give it a try. The author of the article details his switch to Astra blades.

Here's a side tidbit from the article:

Estimated lifetime cost of a daily shave, by brand:

Gillette Fusion ProShield: $22,000

Schick Hydro 5: $13,000

Gillette Sensor3: $7,000

Bic single-blades: $2,000

Astra blades: $400
 

Many, many moons ago I used a Gillette safety razor and then switched to the cartridge type.

A couple of years ago I was digging through some things and found my old 70's Gillette along with some new blades and thought for old time sake I'd give it a try, big mistake.......when finished I had little pieces of toilet paper stuck in several places on my face trying to stop the bleeding :) so I believe I'll just stick to cartridge style from now on.

I have always used a mug and brush for lather though......I like it better than the lather in aerosol cans.
 
IKE said:
Many, many moons ago I used a Gillette safety razor and then switched to the cartridge type.

A couple of years ago I was digging through some things and found my old 70's Gillette along with some new blades and thought for old time sake I'd give it a try, big mistake.......when finished I had little pieces of toilet paper stuck in several places on my face trying to stop the bleeding :) so I believe I'll just stick to cartridge style from now on.

I have always used a mug and brush for lather though......I like it better than the lather in aerosol cans.
Click to expand...

Regarding lather, I found several years ago that Trader Joe's had a shave cream in a tube. Mango shave cream has been a staple ever since. Works great and keeps your face lubricated throughout the shave. A much more comfortable shaving experience.
 

I initially started with safety razors as a lad back in the 1960's until my mum bought me my first electric shaver, a twin head Philishave. Finally, at 71 my beard will no longer tolerate them as they now try to pull individual hairs out by the follicle.
Recently I saw a commercial on TV for a Philips 'Oneblade' An electric shaver that looks like a safety razor. It looked promising so I got one and I have to say that it is almost miraculous. It cuts through the toughest bristles at any angle, totally painlessly. It can be used as a wet razor and replacement blades are available.
 
I have been using a safety razor for a while now, long before that Pawn Stars guy started hawking them. I was tired of paying the price for the multiple blades. It is a learning curve,but I think now that I know what I am doing, it is a much smoother shave.
I have a couple of them. There apparently is no standard for the razors as some are much more aggressive than some others. I also use Shark brand blades as they have an excellent reputation.
 
I might have to give a safety razor a try, and I'll definitely check out the Philips Oneblade that Goldfynche mentioned.
 
I started out using my Dad's safety razor, not good. These days I use "Bic Comfort 3" not bad on the price and I like the result. My brother surprised me with a "Harry's" gift pack, but I haven't tried it out yet.
 
Now that I've been retired for several years, I've given up on the morning ritual of shaving. I sometimes go several days with letting the "stubble" grow. Then, when I do shave, my old Braun electric shaver does a fine job. If I want a really smooth face, I then go over the face with a cheap Dollar General, or Walmart twin blade razor....at about 10 cents each, they do as good a job for me as any of these "designer" shavers.
 
Don M. said:
Now that I've been retired for several years, I've given up on the morning ritual of shaving. I sometimes go several days with letting the "stubble" grow. Then, when I do shave, my old Braun electric shaver does a fine job. If I want a really smooth face, I then go over the face with a cheap Dollar General, or Walmart twin blade razor....at about 10 cents each, they do as good a job for me as any of these "designer" shavers.
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I briefly grew a beard a few months ago and also did one in 2014 when the weather got cold. My wife is firmly in the "I don't like it" camp, even though in my early days I had a beard for years. I do sometimes forego the daily shave, and still have my old Norelco Triple Header, a plug-in model. Good for a quick shave when I need it.
 
Don M. said:
Now that I've been retired for several years, I've given up on the morning ritual of shaving. I sometimes go several days with letting the "stubble" grow. Then, when I do shave, my old Braun electric shaver does a fine job. If I want a really smooth face, I then go over the face with a cheap Dollar General, or Walmart twin blade razor....at about 10 cents each, they do as good a job for me as any of these "designer" shavers.
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That is what Yasser Arafat did.
 
In the 1920s my father was part of the crew on an ocean liner that went back and forth between NY and Southampton England. He told me at that time most men used straight razors. He said you never looked in the mirror while shaving, you turned around and watched to see who was going to bump into you. I only remember him using a safety razor with a brush and Yardley shaving soap which came in a small wooden bowl with a lid.
 
Bobw235 said:
Regarding lather, I found several years ago that Trader Joe's had a shave cream in a tube. Mango shave cream has been a staple ever since. Works great and keeps your face lubricated throughout the shave. A much more comfortable shaving experience.
Click to expand...

Before aerosol cans, shaving cream came in tubes, it was called "brushless shaving cream".
 
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Manatee said:
Before aerosol cans shaving cream came in tubes, it was called "brushless shaving cream".
Click to expand...

I never found a shaving cream in a can that I liked. This mango shave cream from Trader Joe's rocks. Have been using it for years. I like that it stays on your face and leaves the skin lubricated as you shave.
 
I've always used a safety razor. I bought my first one, a 'Wilkinson's Sword' razor when I was 14 and it lasted 48 years! I tried an electric shaver, but didn't like it and I hated those 'cartridge' ones - far too light and no real feel to them. For the last 30 or so years I've had a beard, so I only trim round the edges - with a 'butterfly action' safety razor and Wilkinson's blades.
 
I get upset at the cost of replacement cartridges for these razors. Think mine, now, is a Hydro. The replacement blades cost a small mint. When I get made enough, I go to the disposable razors. Then I get reminded about the short lifespan of those and the lack of close shave. So, I go back to a cartridge type. Just for kicks, I may try a safety razor. Think I've got some double edge razor blades down in my shop. Hmmmm..... As long as I have the "Liquid Bandage" ready to paint over the cuts and scrape........
 
Bobw235 said:
I briefly grew a beard a few months ago and also did one in 2014 when the weather got cold. My wife is firmly in the "I don't like it" camp, even though in my early days I had a beard for years. I do sometimes forego the daily shave, and still have my old Norelco Triple Header, a plug-in model. Good for a quick shave when I need it.
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When I got out of the USAF, I grew a mustache and a goatee beard, and I've stayed with that for 50 years. I tried to grow a full beard, but I have "gaps" under the sideburns, so I just shave the cheeks and neck. About the only times I worry about a close shave is if we have to attend a wedding or funeral. Besides, even if I were to shave "baby bottom" close, my facial hair grows so quick that 6 hours later my face would begin to feel like sandpaper.
 
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Ever used a safety razor?

Golly, it's only about twenty years since I gave up a cuthroat razor, complete with badger hair shaving brush and a stick of solid shaving soap!
 
Maybe styptic pencils, I think that's what they were called, will make a comeback. I remember my dad always having one as he used double edged razor and they could be brutal. Any ladies remember shaving your legs with them? Nicks galore.
 
I don't know what a safety razor is! I use Gillette Venus Sensitive Razors. There is a strip of Aloe Vera above and below the blades. I haven't cut myself yet with them. Styptic pencils are what you use to clot your blood after you cut yourself Carla. I have had them just in case for my birds and need to get another one just in case.
 
Ruthanne said:
I don't know what a safety razor is! I use Gillette Venus Sensitive Razors. There is a strip of Aloe Vera above and below the blades. I haven't cut myself yet with them. Styptic pencils are what you use to clot your blood after you cut yourself Carla. I have had them just in case for my birds and need to get another one just in case.
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Here's an example.
Chrome-Safety-Razor.jpg
 
Years ago I grew a mustache. We went snorkeling and my face mask leaked where my mustache was. I have been clean shaven ever since, also my wife prefers me that way.
 

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