this post was submitted on 20 Jan 2024
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I have been using at minimum a 3 bladed safety razor since I was 14. I have a feeling I would obliterate my face if I tried using straight blade.
First couple of times I had to unlearn some old habits. Was a bit of a mess. But that was mostly in my scalp. My face was largely fine (to be fair, I have a beard, so it’s just cheeks and neck that gets the blade).
After my technique improved, though, I get nicked about as often as I would with a cartridge.
The hardest part was finding a blade that worked well for me. There’s a ton of variation in the blades. Once you find a brand you like though you tend to lock in. I bought a bunch of sample 5-10 blades from the most popular brands (feather, astra, gilette, tiger, etc). I ended up settling on Gilette Silver Blues. Ymmv.
There's a bit of a learning curve, but just be cautious at first and you'll figure it out. It's not rocket science. Also don't use dull blades as that's an easy way to cut yourself. Fortunately they're dirt cheap.
No the 3 blades get stuck so I went with one and got much better results.
I am back at electric razor but shaved with the 1 blades for years.
Nah. It takes a little more awareness while you're shaving for sure, but you're rarely if ever going to cut yourself once you get your gear and technique dialed in. For me, I had to find the right blade. I found Feather brand blades, which a lot of people recommend, didn't work well with my skin, but Astra blades are great for me. Everyone's a little different.
I also like the Astra blades. Even more important ive found is a quality razor holder. I had a few, but when I got a Henson for Christmas it was the best shave I've ever had. Their marketing isn't a gimmick. A well supported blade held rigid doesn't flex and pull at hairs.
My Merkur 23C has served me well for 13 years. Recently the threaded screw broke off and I had to get a replacement head. But it was very reasonable. I have been curious about the Hensons, but have tended to stick with the "if it ain't broke, don't fix it" philosophy. People really seem to like them though. Do you have the light, medium, or aggressive?
I have the standard AL13. I didn't know they had different levels. My beard isn't super thick, but not sparse either. I can shave a full weeks growth (4-6mm length) without issue. My previous razors would clog a fair bit if I did the same and I'd have to take less per stroke and rinse more frequently.
I couldn't resist. I went ahead and bought that AL13 aggressive after reading and watching a bunch of reviews. It's great. It holds the blade more firmly than the Merkur and shaves really smoothly without pulling. I would like it if it were a bit heavier, but it still feels good in my hand. Thank you for the recommendation.
I'm talking about double-edge blades that fit into a handheld razor that looks a lot like a Gilette or Bic, except it's all metal, and about 2% of the price per blade, not a straight "safety" razor that you might see a professional barber use.