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Do those take a lot of practice to use? Do they take more time? Convenience is worth a lot and I'd be scared (scarred) using those I think.

by hfsktr 13y ago

thelastpoet 13y ago
When I started using a double-edged safety razor it took me maybe two shaves to get comfortable with it. I don't nick myself any more often than I did when using other razors. It's really not like a straight razor.
pfranz 13y ago
Personally, I feel like the reason they're not more widely used is familiarly and upfront cost--familiarly being the biggest (seeing you mentioned being scared). Practice wise, they really seem on par with cartridge, IMHO. I don't feel like I have any fancier technique or am especially careful when using it. I really use it like a would a cartridge. Changing blades means loosening a nut instead of popping off the blade--but I much prefer having 100+ cheap spares so I don't give a second thought to swapping for a sharp blade compared to only having a dozen cartridges onhand (because I lament spending $25) and having to remember to buy more. The only clear downside is flying (in which case, use cartridges when on the road until TSA lightens up).
- hfsktr 13y ago
  I'm surprised you mentioned cost at all. A couple dollar handle and several hundred blades for ~$25. Even if you could only use the blades once (I am guessing you can use them more than once, I am thinking I should look into this more because it seems worth it) it is still cheaper than I spend in 3-4 months since I had to start shaving regularly (replacing cartridges).
FireBringer 13y ago
I switched from electric to safety razor and found it easy to use, you can use gel or cream that you already use or try to go fancy with the brushes and poraso in a bowl. The main thing is that you don't apply pressure you just let the razors weight and sharpness of the blade do the work. Only nicks I have ever gotten is when I messed up my hand placement due to lack of attention when flipping the razor and the corner of the blade got me. I don't know how long the multiple blade razors take but if I have a weeks growth of hair it takes me 3 times going over to have a smooth shave (once with the grain, once across the grain, and once against the grain) though I usually forgo the against the grain and the shave is pretty good. Overall time it takes is 10-15 minutes including filling the sink with warm-hot water, lather, shaving, and cleanup.
mikestew 13y ago
When my Merkur showed up, I was scared to use it. For me (and maybe your face is different), there was no need. I was really careful the first time, got comfortable with it, and haven't cut myself in over a year of use. I think one trick is to let the weight of the shaving head apply the pressure. Don't dig into your face like you might with a disposable. It takes a little more time, but I think that's because I now take the time to do a better job. For the same effort as a disposable, I think I'd still get a better shave.

Do those take a lot of practice to use? Do they take more time? Convenience is worth a lot and I'd be scared (scarred) using those I think.

by hfsktr 13y ago

Do those take a lot of practice to use? Do they take more time? Convenience is worth a lot and I'd be scared (scarred) using those I think.

thelastpoet 13y ago

When I started using a double-edged safety razor it took me maybe two shaves to get comfortable with it. I don't nick myself any more often than I did when using other razors. It's really not like a straight razor.

pfranz 13y ago

Personally, I feel like the reason they're not more widely used is familiarly and upfront cost--familiarly being the biggest (seeing you mentioned being scared). Practice wise, they really seem on par with cartridge, IMHO. I don't feel like I have any fancier technique or am especially careful when using it. I really use it like a would a cartridge. Changing blades means loosening a nut instead of popping off the blade--but I much prefer having 100+ cheap spares so I don't give a second thought to swapping for a sharp blade compared to only having a dozen cartridges onhand (because I lament spending $25) and having to remember to buy more. The only clear downside is flying (in which case, use cartridges when on the road until TSA lightens up).

hfsktr 13y ago
I'm surprised you mentioned cost at all. A couple dollar handle and several hundred blades for ~$25. Even if you could only use the blades once (I am guessing you can use them more than once, I am thinking I should look into this more because it seems worth it) it is still cheaper than I spend in 3-4 months since I had to start shaving regularly (replacing cartridges).

FireBringer 13y ago

I switched from electric to safety razor and found it easy to use, you can use gel or cream that you already use or try to go fancy with the brushes and poraso in a bowl. The main thing is that you don't apply pressure you just let the razors weight and sharpness of the blade do the work. Only nicks I have ever gotten is when I messed up my hand placement due to lack of attention when flipping the razor and the corner of the blade got me. I don't know how long the multiple blade razors take but if I have a weeks growth of hair it takes me 3 times going over to have a smooth shave (once with the grain, once across the grain, and once against the grain) though I usually forgo the against the grain and the shave is pretty good. Overall time it takes is 10-15 minutes including filling the sink with warm-hot water, lather, shaving, and cleanup.

mikestew 13y ago

When my Merkur showed up, I was scared to use it. For me (and maybe your face is different), there was no need. I was really careful the first time, got comfortable with it, and haven't cut myself in over a year of use. I think one trick is to let the weight of the shaving head apply the pressure. Don't dig into your face like you might with a disposable. It takes a little more time, but I think that's because I now take the time to do a better job. For the same effort as a disposable, I think I'd still get a better shave.