What do you use to shave?

[Nyah]

I'm curious as to why some of you are choosing a single-edge instead of a double-edge. I considered making that same choice, back when I was still using Trac-IIs, due to my perception that single-edged blades would be easier to obtain and safer to dispose of. Double-edged blades last twice as long though, and both kinds require care when discarding. I drop my used D.E. blades in a 'blade bank' that I made out of a tomato soup can. When I'm away from home, I re-wrap the used blade and save it for the blade bank.

 

[David Conwill]

OK - I am convinced to embark on trying a single edge blade shave and have read the advice on Merkur 23C , vs Futur - can anyone explain the reason for the fringed effect on the 23 vs the smooth face on the Futur?

I didn't look up the Futur, but the Merkur 23C appears to be a double-edge razor. My only DE experience has been with vintage Gillettes, so I can't really guide you.

 

[David Conwill]

I'm curious as to why some of you are choosing a single-edge instead of a double-edge. I considered making that same choice, back when I was still using Trac-IIs, due to my perception that single-edged blades would be easier to obtain and safer to dispose of. Double-edged blades last twice as long though, and both kinds require care when discarding. I drop my used D.E. blades in a 'blade bank' that I made out of a tomato soup can. When I'm away from home, I re-wrap the used blade and save it for the blade bank.

I got into SEs by accident. When I went looking for a safety razor, the first one I found in an antique store was a $5 GEM Micromatic. Since then, my technique has developed to favor it, I guess. I also had two vintage Gillettes - an adjustable that I never really cared for and passed onto my brother and my grandfather's very basic model that I discovered in his toolbox at the family cottage. I've been using that one since I ran out of SE blades, and I like it ok, but I will return to the Micromatic as soon as I get the chance. I find I get a closer shave in a single pass than I do running both sides of the DE over the same area. GEM claimed this was due to the rigid nature of the SE blade, and maybe that's true, I just know I like it better than the thinner DE blades.

 

[Strapped-4-Cache]

I prefer a straight

I use a variety of razors since they're one of the things I collect. The favorite in my collection, and the one that sees the most use, is a restored Tally Ho straight. Pics of the razor before and after the restoration can be found at the following link: Fenney Tally-Ho

 

[St.Ignatz]

I didn't look up the Futur, but the Merkur 23C appears to be a double-edge razor. My only DE experience has been with vintage Gillettes, so I can't really guide you.

The rigid single edge does give a great shave. I have a few Gems and Ever readys but you do have to pay attention. The Merkur Futur is my favorite double edge. Closer and cleaner than any Gillette adjustable I own and a bit above my A1flair tip. My problem is finding superior single edge blades. Gem and Treet are available at local srores but where for better guality?
Tom D.

 

[esteban68]

I used this recently found British made 'Myatt' open-comb last night with a Shark blade and Derby shave stick for an excellent shave with 3 passes....after I'd cleaned and polished it from it's grubby previous condition that is!

 

[David Conwill]

My problem is finding superior single edge blades. Gem and Treet are available at local srores but where for better guality?
Tom D.

Well, after a few days at this it looks like there are only four SE blades on the market:

1) Treet
2) GEM stainless
3) GEM uncoated carbon steel
4) Persona

I'm about to give the GEM uncoated blades a shot. I'll have to store them someplace low humidity, but I'm encouraged by the reviews they've received about being potentially giving a closer shave than the stainless and the potential for re-sharpening.

 

[Feraud]

With a sharp blade and good technique one can get a close shave with either a single or double edged razor. If pressed, I'd say I get a slightly better shave from my single edged Gem razors.
On the razor forums there is a lot of talk about the aggressive nature of the Gem Micromatics. Personally I love the razor!

 

[Michaelshane]

This is a prototype fatboy.1958.Nice shaver and quite rare....

 

[Michaelshane]

These are great....

 

[Michaelshane]

For the very best shave,this is the way to go...

 

[Michaelshane]

President...

I repair and replate them too...

 

[Michaelshane]

I have many razors...

This is one I replated...

Many hats too...

 

[Strapped-4-Cache]

Michaelshane - you've displayed some beautiful razors. Makes me want to post some of my own, aside from the old wedge I linked on the prior page. Good to see that there's others out there who don't discriminate - I prefer a straight, but have SE and DE razors in the rotation as well to keep things interesting. Combine that with a dozen or so different shaving soaps, boar and badger brushes, etc. The combinations are endless.

 

[maduro 5]

Today 1930s Gold Bug, not a well known brand but one of the best straights that I ever owned.

 

[maduro 5]

[/URL][/IMG]

 

[Feraud]

I love the avocado shaving cream...

 

[maduro 5]

It is a go to cream for me. It produces the amazing lather with any brush. I keep Aqua Di Parma cream for special occasions.

 

[cchgn]

While I was in Kansas City over the summer, I went into an Art of Shaving at the Plaza District and got a honest to Good, hot towel and brush lather, cut throat shave. I was hooked. I walked out with a bowl of TOBS Almond cream and a pure Badger brush and a new Edwin Jagger 3 piece. I love the new ritual of drawing a sink of hot water, soaking my face in hot towels, applying a pre shave oil( that I make myself with Vit E, Lemon and Tea Tree oils), working up a lather on my face with my brush and getting a nice smooth shave WTG, XTG and ATG. Follow that up with a nice splash of Citrus splash( that I make) in the Summer or a nice Spiced Rum and Clove( that I make) in the cooler months.

Now, down in the West Bottoms, where the stockyards used to be ( all the Wild West cattle drives y'all read about ended up in KC , to go on trains, to all points further East), the old buildings are now antique stores and on the first Friday of every month(called First Fridays), they open up all weekend. I perused all the old buildings ( a cool retro vibe all in itself) and got myself a nice collection of Gillette DE razors, from the roaring 20's to the late 60's,,,,

So, from 12:00, going clockwise: a 1920's Gillette 3 piece, old style, open comb, ball end; a Gillette 3 piece, new style ,open comb, ball end; a Gillette 1947 TTO Tech; a Gillette 1952 TTO Tech, Aluminum handle, Blue Tip; A Gillette TTO Tech Black Tip; A Gillette 1967 TTO Tech adjustable; a Gillette 1968 TTO Tech Black handle; and the EJ 3 piece.

[/URL][/IMG]

Btw, my favorite is the 1930's new style open comb.

 

[cchgn]

And my straights: A Karnak, that I put into a new handle; A Goldedge; A Henkel Twinworks Platinum; a original Schultz-weyer

[/URL][/IMG]

The thing about cut throats is they have to be "shave ready" and I don't mean really really sharp. I mean a straight edge at a microscopic level. If you look at a typical shave ready edge under a microscope(say 600X), the edge looks like a wood sawblade edge. A super shave ready( that I wouldn't shave with anything else) is absolutely straight and the edge is like a mirror to the naked eye. That's from running the edge on micron paper to 80,000+ grit.