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General Category => General Discussion => Topic started by: redrider on September 28, 2015, 07:15:00 AM

Title: NGC-razors
Post by: redrider on September 28, 2015, 07:15:00 AM
Any-one use those alternative shaving suppliers? Dollar Shave Club, Harry's? How is the quality? I'm electric now but miss the old closeness and quickness. Modern blades are costly from Big G and Schick with the store brands being infuriatingly cheap and short lived.
Title: Re: NGC-razors
Post by: Perazzimx14 on September 28, 2015, 07:46:05 AM
Any-one use those alternative shaving suppliers? Dollar Shave Club, Harry's? How is the quality? I'm electric now but miss the old closeness and quickness. Modern blades are costly from Big G and Schick with the store brands being infuriatingly cheap and short lived.

Wet shaving w/ a double edge safety razor. 100 Derby razors blades are are under $10.00 shipped.
Title: Re: NGC-razors
Post by: Lannis on September 28, 2015, 08:21:44 AM
Any-one use those alternative shaving suppliers? Dollar Shave Club, Harry's? How is the quality? I'm electric now but miss the old closeness and quickness. Modern blades are costly from Big G and Schick with the store brands being infuriatingly cheap and short lived.

I'm on my last Schick, and I'm tired of paying the enormous price for Schick and Gillette triple blades.   I'm going to try Harry's, I think, and see how they are .... And I'm going back to shaving soap and a brush.    Applying good shaving soap with a brush really cleans your face up and makes it less prone to breaking out .....

Lannis
Title: Re: NGC-razors
Post by: rss29 on September 28, 2015, 08:43:41 AM
I use brush and soap most of the time. I get the soap from The Art of Shaving store at the mall. One bar of shaving soap lasts me a year and costs about $15 or so. I use the 3 blade Gillette razors (Mach something), and they are shockingly expensive. However, I get about 2 weeks per blade. I ignore those color changing strips that are supposed to tell you when the blade needs to be replaced and only swap it out once it really starts tugging. I shave daily and have a very heavy, full beard.

I buy blades in bulk at Costco, and though the package (24?) is around $50, it's about a year's supply. I haven't tried those cheaper blade services, but I'd bet they dull more quickly than the expensive options. Annualized out it's probably a similar cost per week of shaving.
Title: Re: NGC-razors
Post by: toma nova on September 28, 2015, 08:45:09 AM
My wife uses Dollar Shave Club and loves it.  She always has a new, sharp blade.

I'm still using a Mach27 Turbo at $8 a blade. I only shave a few times a week so it works for me.
Title: Re: NGC-razors
Post by: boatdetective on September 28, 2015, 08:49:25 AM
I live in Boston and Gillette is based here- so I'm far from impartial. However, I had a client once who worked at Gillette and others have backed this up. A good part of the production process is spent on honing a micro sharp, defect free edge on that blade/ribbon. He told me that their machines- no kidding- really did focus on this perfection. As a result, the "name brand" edge, microscopically, is much finer and sharper, than budget razors. The consumer can use such a blade, easily, for a  solid month. Cheaper blades start from a rougher finish, so will have to be tossed sooner.

I've tried disposable razors a number of times when travelling, and the out of box sharpness was poor.  I honestly think this is a case of you get what you pay for. 
Title: Re: NGC-razors
Post by: Lannis on September 28, 2015, 08:51:15 AM
My wife uses Dollar Shave Club and loves it.  She always has a new, sharp blade.

I'm still using a Mach27 Turbo at $8 a blade. I only shave a few times a week so it works for me.

I don't know if it's true for all men and women, but in this house, when my wife uses one of my razors ONCE, it's dull, jagged, and useless for me thereafter.    I can make a blade last a long time, but apparently shaving 6 feet of leg is a lot more work than my little patch of face.   We HAVE to use separate razors ... !

Lannis
Title: Re: NGC-razors
Post by: TwoEds on September 28, 2015, 09:30:03 AM
"I buy blades in bulk at Costco, and though the package (24?) is around $50, it's about a year's supply."

This works well for me. I "dry" shave after a shower and the blades last at least a week. Using soap and brush or shaving cream leaves my face a bit sore.
Title: Re: NGC-razors
Post by: PeteS on September 28, 2015, 09:41:59 AM
I am still using my old Schick injector. I had set it aside for years because no one carried the blades. Now they can be had on Amazon for about 75 cents each.

Pete

Title: Re: NGC-razors
Post by: segesta on September 28, 2015, 10:13:00 AM
I'm a Harrys man. But only for the razors. I like them a lot. I just have to remember to order them every couple of months.

Aside: I was in Vegas and ran out of shaving cream. Stopped into The Art of Shaving for a tiny bottle of foam (for TWENTY DOLLARS). But you know what? It  was the best shaving cream I ever used. So if money is no object, check it out.
Title: Re: NGC-razors
Post by: ogsurf on September 28, 2015, 10:16:47 AM
Two tubes of Proraso shaving soap, 100 double edge blades from Amazon for $11 and a bottle of Bay Rum for &5 and I'm good for at least a year. When the blades are cheap you are less apt to try and squeeze out that extra shave with a dull bladethat always Leads to a face of bloody tissue.
Title: Re: NGC-razors
Post by: Kiwi_Roy on September 28, 2015, 11:50:17 AM
What's with the large cans of shaving cream?

Whenever I have to buy one I get depressed

Hell, I might die before this is finished, that would be a waste of money.

Perhaps I could leave it to my Son but I think he's electric.
Title: Re: NGC-razors
Post by: Perazzimx14 on September 28, 2015, 11:58:14 AM
Two tubes of Proraso shaving soap, 100 double edge blades from Amazon for $11 and a bottle of Bay Rum for &5 and I'm good for at least a year. When the blades are cheap you are less apt to try and squeeze out that extra shave with a dull bladethat always Leads to a face of bloody tissue.

I like Proraso, Col Conk and who doesn't like Bay Rum. I have 12 or so safety razors but gravitate towards my 1950's era Gillette super speed or a Merkur extra heavy. Nice thing is TTO safety razors can easily be had at most antique malls for a few dollars. Get them home soak in CLR to remove the soap buildup and dunk in alcohol to sanitize.

Wife went through a phase where she collected straight razors. She has 80 or so of them but I am too chicken to even try them out.
Title: Re: NGC-razors
Post by: davevv on September 28, 2015, 01:44:27 PM
I use Harry's.  Quality razor with a good substantial feel.  Blades are half the name brands and last a long time.  An excellent buy for the money.
Title: Re: NGC-razors
Post by: AJ Huff on September 28, 2015, 02:45:51 PM
GEM single edge, soap and a brush. I bought 100 blades well over a year ago and still have more than half.

Saw a kickstarter campaign today for a laser razor. If it's the real deal I'll pony up for that!

-AJ
Title: Re: NGC-razors
Post by: rodekyll on September 28, 2015, 03:34:37 PM
Shaving soaps and lotions are useless potions.
I get by shaving 'dry'
anytime up to an hour out of the shower.

I agree that disposable razors are inferior in quality and horrible for the ecology.  But I can travel with them easier than my safety razor.  So I keep both on-hand.

Nobody using the old straight razor anymore?
Title: Re: NGC-razors
Post by: Anders Pedersen on September 28, 2015, 04:15:55 PM
A very good tip from the Internet, is to, prior to shaving, stroke the razor against any piece of cloth, against the cutting direction. This clears the blades of any rust and crud forming, so the blades stay honed and sharp much longer.

Google/Youtube "how to make your razor stay sharp longer" - or something to that effect..
Title: Re: NGC-razors
Post by: pebra on September 28, 2015, 04:17:48 PM
Gillette disposable with triple blades last me two weeks +. The girls seem to wear out a new razor after one leg shave?
They're expensive, but give a good shave.
I prefer gel to foam, but have found that good gel is hard to find.

Title: Re: NGC-razors
Post by: V7Record on September 28, 2015, 10:27:21 PM
I'm using Harry's at present, don't notice any difference from the Gillette or Schicks. 
I shave daily in the shower using shampoo; suds up the entire head, shave blind, rinse it all. 
I've been known to use blades for a month or more and only swap when the shave gets rough (Guzzi content?)
Title: Re: NGC-razors
Post by: tpeever on September 28, 2015, 10:57:01 PM
Gillette Sensor Excel blades in bulk and Kiehl's "Close Shavers" shaving cream in the tub. Once you use this, you will wonder why you wasted your time with that other stuff. No financial connection to Kiehl's.

http://www.kiehls.com/ultimate-brushless-shave-cream-white-eagle/236.html?cgid=body-hygiene&dwvar_236_size=5.0%20fl.%20oz.%20Tube#start=1&cgid=body-hygiene
Title: Re: NGC-razors
Post by: Moto on September 29, 2015, 02:56:55 AM
I'm using the same adjustable Schick Protector injector razor I bought in the early 1970's, with Williams cake shaving soap and a little aluminum shaving dish and brush set made in Italy out of old Alfa engines.

Injector blades were withdrawn from retail stores for years, in my opinion to force us to buy the ridiculously expensive multi-blade systems or else go electric. But hospitals kept specifying injectors and ultimately the blades came back to some stores.

Schick injector blades are cheap enough online now after having been pricey, and I buy a dozen or so injector cartridges at a time, for less than 75 cents a blade. They are better than off-brands.

Does anyone remember the hilarious Saturday Night Live commercial pretending to introduce a three-blade razor, as a mockery of the then-new two-blade design? How naive we were. Now it's up to five, six, seven blades? And the parody has been redone with up to 18 blades.

Moto
Title: Re: NGC-razors
Post by: Doppelgaenger on September 29, 2015, 03:13:31 AM
I switched to double edged razors a few years ago. 100 blades worth $10 lasted me 2 years and the soap is only just running out 3 years in.

The shave is faster, less irritating and I enjoy the fact that you have to learn how to do it. Once you get it down it's better than any cartridge razor could ever be.
Title: Re: NGC-razors
Post by: guzziknight on September 29, 2015, 05:34:41 AM
I use a Schick Injector, 4 different ones actually, brush and shave soap. Blades last me longer than any cart I've ever used, give me better, closer shaves with little to no irritation. I'll never go back to expensive carts!
Title: Re: NGC-razors
Post by: Dick on September 29, 2015, 05:45:21 AM
The girls seem to wear out a new razor after one leg shave?

Aint just the legs they're shaving.  :grin:
Title: Re: NGC-razors
Post by: redrider on September 29, 2015, 05:52:27 AM
Oh, Hey Dick, you nailed that one! The Guzzi content-I'm frugal. Thanks to all for replies and suggestions. I rummaged through my collection and found my old double edge with no name blades and used it yesterday AM. This AM I have less stubble compared to the Norelco Triple thingy. Barbasol soap.
Title: Re: NGC-razors
Post by: donn on September 29, 2015, 10:05:01 AM
Shaving soaps and lotions are useless potions.
I get by shaving 'dry'
anytime up to an hour out of the shower.

I agree that disposable razors are inferior in quality and horrible for the ecology.  But I can travel with them easier than my safety razor.  So I keep both on-hand.

Nobody using the old straight razor anymore?

I have one, but I guess I never got it sharp enough, closer to pulling my chin hairs out than cutting them.

So double edge for me.  The one my father gave me only lasted a couple decades, one of those fancy adjustable things that open up, but I think the somewhat more antique replacement I got at a flea market is going to last the rest of my life - just a top and bottom plate with the blade sandwiched in between, and the stem is the bolt that fastens them together.

Soap is Grandma's Lye Soap.  A bar.  I get it at hardware stores.  Not sure what that's about, but I've wondered if it's a favorite brand for hardware applications like soaping pipe threads.  Any soap will do, but this stuff is real slippery and doesn't leave an objectionable perfume behind.
Title: Re: NGC-razors
Post by: charlie b on September 29, 2015, 02:33:47 PM
I live in Boston and Gillette is based here- so I'm far from impartial. However, I had a client once who worked at Gillette and others have backed this up. A good part of the production process is spent on honing a micro sharp, defect free edge on that blade/ribbon. He told me that their machines- no kidding- really did focus on this perfection. As a result, the "name brand" edge, microscopically, is much finer and sharper, than budget razors. The consumer can use such a blade, easily, for a  solid month. Cheaper blades start from a rougher finish, so will have to be tossed sooner.

I've tried disposable razors a number of times when travelling, and the out of box sharpness was poor.  I honestly think this is a case of you get what you pay for. 

It is interesting to read this.  Back when I did shave I use Gillette's.  First the double, then the triple.  I tried some others over the years and always went back.  The last 10 or so years I used the Gillette disposable variety and each lasted me more than two weeks of daily shaving.

I don't know what it is about a blade's lifetime.  When I 'went bald' I could only get three or four 'clean' shaves out of a razor instead of 14-20 when just cutting the face.  Makes me think that maybe it is the bones beneath the skin that are the problem.  Maybe the bone under the skin (leg shin bone or skull bone) 'turns' the edge faster than cutting hair does it.  Doesn't take much to screw up a sharp blade.

Oh well.  Don't worry about it anymore.  I just use the electric clippers once a week.  :)
Title: Re: NGC-razors
Post by: Wild Bill Guzzi on September 29, 2015, 07:36:51 PM
I use a 1959 Gillette Fat Boy and a 1962 Gillette Long Handle.  Currently I'm trying out the Proraso line of Shave Soaps.  I bought an assortment of blades and trying them out.  Next soaps will be from Klar line in Germany.
Title: Re: NGC-razors
Post by: LowRyter on September 29, 2015, 07:45:04 PM
Now that I am retired and I don't shave every day, I generally don't use the Norelco rubbing may face for 10 minutes.  I use a disposable when I shower, it takes a few seconds and get a closer shave.  I wouldn't want to shave everyday that way though.  I figure 3 times a week works fine.  If I'm in a pinch and need to shave and don't want to shower, I'll pull out the Norelco. 

You can get a bag of dozen BIC disposables for about five and a half bucks.
Title: Re: NGC-razors
Post by: Lannis on September 29, 2015, 07:47:17 PM
Now that I am retires and I don't shave every day, I generally don't use the Norelco rubbing may face for 10 minutes.  I use a disposable when I shower, it takes a few seconds and get a closer shave.  I wouldn't want to shave everyday that way though.  I figure 3 times a week works fine.  If I'm in a pinch and need to shave and don't want to shower, I'll pull out the Norelco.

I've got to believe that the less time you spend dragging a sharp piece of steel across your skin, or rubbing it with 10,000 RPM cutters, the better off your skin is going to be .... !

Lannis
Title: Re: NGC-razors
Post by: LowRyter on September 29, 2015, 07:48:55 PM
I have to agree with you Lannis, can't remember the last time that's happened.   
Title: Re: NGC-razors
Post by: oldbike54 on September 29, 2015, 07:51:56 PM
I have to agree with you Lannis, can't remember the last time that's happened.

 We're slowly turning into a couple of old hipsters Bud  :laugh:

  Dusty
Title: Re: NGC-razors
Post by: K250 on September 29, 2015, 07:53:37 PM
Guys, suppossedly a lot of those internet mail order razor companies blades are made by dorco.  Worth a check on what dorco sells them for,  maybe save a few bucks.

Title: Re: NGC-razors
Post by: LowRyter on September 29, 2015, 07:57:07 PM
We're slowly turning into a couple of old hipsters Bud  :laugh:

  Dusty

I've had a goatees on and off since the '80s.  This one for about 7 years.  Makes the shave in morning about 5 minutes quicker and not to sound like a pig, it just seemed to help me when I was a supervisor of an office that had a reputation of some disagreeable women.  I generally did well there......
Title: Re: NGC-razors
Post by: Lannis on September 29, 2015, 08:00:30 PM
I have to agree with you Lannis, can't remember the last time that's happened.

I agree with you all the time, I just don't say anything about it.   No one would understand ....  :grin: 

Lannis
Title: Re: NGC-razors
Post by: oldbike54 on September 29, 2015, 08:02:05 PM
I've had a goatees on and off since the '80s.  This one for about 7 years.  Makes the shave in morning about 5 minutes quicker and not to sound like a pig, it just seemed to help me when I was a supervisor of an office that had a reputation of some disagreeable women.  I generally did well there......

 Yeah , the only real whiskers are on my chin , the rest take about 30 seconds to deal with .

  Dusty
Title: Re: NGC-razors
Post by: Texas Turnip on September 30, 2015, 06:05:51 AM
Anyone remember the slot in the bathroom wall that you put the old blades in?

I've used a brush for 30 or 40 years. No fancy soap. I like it and that is all that matters :grin:.

Do your kids watch you shave? My girls always liked to watch me. Of course, the had to use the brush and lather their face.  When my whiskers were dark I'd wait for a few days to shave, then slowly drain the water out of the basin. Then take the black whiskers and make them a mustache.

If you have never had a shave by a barber, treat yourself.

Tex
Title: Re: NGC-razors
Post by: AJ Huff on September 30, 2015, 09:06:49 AM

Nobody using the old straight razor anymore?

I have one that uses inserts. Not a big fan. It does fine on the face but I don't like it on my head. The old fashion straights are neat but I don't want to get into the upkeep of sharpening and honing.

The SE is sometimes referred to as a straight on a stick, and that's pretty true. I like my SE better than my DE. I think it shaves better which I think has to do with the different shape and geometry of the head. I find the DE does better on the face and the SE does better on the head. Also, the DE blades are thinner and sharper but dull faster than the more robust SE blades.

-AJ
Title: Re: NGC-razors
Post by: Lannis on September 30, 2015, 09:43:33 AM
Anyone remember the slot in the bathroom wall that you put the old blades in?

Tex

OH yes.   My home place had one.   I often wondered how many thousands of razor blades were down in between the studs .....

Lannis
Title: Re: NGC-razors
Post by: Lannis on November 06, 2015, 10:50:01 AM
I have to agree with you Lannis, can't remember the last time that's happened.

Well, while we're on a roll .... I ordered the "Harry's" kit.   Shaver, blades, gel, etc.

Been using it for a month now, and it's the best shave I've ever had.   You can't even tell that a blade is going over you, and no stubble left.  A blade lasts me for 3 weeks and costs $1.88.    When you want some more blades or shaving lotion, a couple of keystrokes on their site has it to you in a couple days, free shipping.

I ordered one for my wife too.   

Lannis
Title: Re: NGC-razors
Post by: Antietam Classic Cycle on November 06, 2015, 11:39:24 AM
Well, while we're on a roll .... I ordered the "Harry's" kit.   Shaver, blades, gel, etc.

Been using it for a month now, and it's the best shave I've ever had.   You can't even tell that a blade is going over you, and no stubble left.  A blade lasts me for 3 weeks and costs $1.88.    When you want some more blades or shaving lotion, a couple of keystrokes on their site has it to you in a couple days, free shipping.

I ordered one for my wife too.   

Lannis

I had exactly the opposite experience. Worst shave ever, even the "obsolete" Shick twin-blade does better and it doesn't cut the heck out of my face. There's one spot on my lower lip that is still healing from the chunk the Harry's razor took out.  :angry: Guess I'm growing a beard until that heals.

The gel has something in it that reacts with my skin and left me looking like I was sun burnt.

The good news is Harry's refunded my money and I don't even have to send the stuff back. So, if anyone wants the rest of the gel, a handle and two unused blades, you can have it for free.

Never had any problems with any shaver or shave gel/cream before. <shrug>
Title: Re: NGC-razors
Post by: Lannis on November 06, 2015, 12:00:50 PM
I had exactly the opposite experience. Worst shave ever, even the "obsolete" Shick twin-blade does better and it doesn't cut the heck out of my face. There's one spot on my lower lip that is still healing from the chunk the Harry's razor took out.  :angry: Guess I'm growing a beard until that heals.

The gel has something in it that reacts with my skin and left me looking like I was sun burnt.

The good news is Harry's refunded my money and I don't even have to send the stuff back. So, if anyone wants the rest of the gel, a handle and two unused blades, you can have it for free.

Never had any problems with any shaver or shave gel/cream before. <shrug>

I know what's going on here .... If it had a been a four-speed 1969 model with the blade-changer on the wrong side, you'd have been singing its praises ... but it's new technology .... of COURSE it's no good ....  :laugh:   :laugh:   :laugh:   :laugh:

In actuality, items as personal as motorcycle seats, shaving kits, or sunglasses are going to be horrible for some folks and wonderful for others ....

Lannis
Title: Re: NGC-razors
Post by: pebra on November 06, 2015, 02:42:54 PM
Good to have this topic back, because:
Inspired by some of the replies here, I bought a little bar of "shaving soap" some weeks ago. To bring with me when I only have carry-on luggage.
What's special with shaving soap, distinguishing it from other soaps?
How do I apply it for a good shave?
Title: Re: NGC-razors
Post by: bad Chad on November 06, 2015, 02:52:03 PM
I buy mine at Aldi,  comes in I think a 5pack for $4.  They seem to work and last close if not as long as the name brand expensive one.  The only problem is they are completely disposable, which bothers me, but I get over it for the price.
Title: Re: NGC-razors
Post by: Lannis on November 06, 2015, 03:02:03 PM
Good to have this topic back, because:
Inspired by some of the replies here, I bought a little bar of "shaving soap" some weeks ago. To bring with me when I only have carry-on luggage.
What's special with shaving soap, distinguishing it from other soaps?
How do I apply it for a good shave?

I put the shaving soap in the bottom of a shaving "mug".   I take a good shaving brush (badger bristle, I think?), wet it good, and swash it around and up and down on the soap to work up a lather.    I then apply it to my face with a motion that will cause the brush to clean out the pores good and really get the skin and beard soft and worked up.

I really think that the brush cleans your face much "deeper" than a washcloth or just your hands.  Of course, I'm no nacreous Rubens oil painting myself, so your expectations may be different .....

Lannis
Title: Re: NGC-razors
Post by: pebra on November 06, 2015, 04:36:27 PM
Thanks Lannis, I'll look for a badger in the spring!
Could I use just about any soap for the shave, or are the shaving soaps supposed to be particularily good?

Title: Re: NGC-razors
Post by: akhileshb@hotmail.com on November 06, 2015, 05:27:17 PM
Buy once, cry once:
-Silver badger shaving brush (make sure its silver badger, set you back about $100, last a lifetime if maintained)
-1 tube of italian proraso eucalyptus shaving cream (about $10, last 3 to 6 monhs)
- One german futura adjustable razor (last a lifetime)
-Japanese feather razor blades or german razor blades

Take you a while to get dialed in, but then its awesome.
It's what I do.

 :laugh:
Title: Re: NGC-razors
Post by: pebra on November 06, 2015, 05:58:08 PM
Buy once, cry once:
-Silver badger shaving brush (make sure its silver badger, set you back about $100, last a lifetime if maintained)
-1 tube of italian proraso eucalyptus shaving cream (about $10, last 3 to 6 monhs)
- One german futura adjustable razor (last a lifetime)
-Japanese feather razor blades or german razor blades

Take you a while to get dialed in, but then its awesome.
It's what I do.

 :laugh:

Sounds awesome!
Will you give me a hug so I can feel how close your shave is?
😏
Title: Re: NGC-razors
Post by: Fuzzy on November 06, 2015, 07:10:35 PM
I use Harry's blades and handle and, although it took a few shaves, have decided that they are the best for me. My face is smooooth after a shave, but I am only shaving a couple of times a week since I retired.
I use a brush and soap. I tried going cheap on a brush and didn't get it. So I tried a badger bristle brush and finally understood. Badgers make the best brushes by far...
I've used a bunch of different soaps, but really like one from England, kinda minty, that you can rub in with your hands after a shower, or use a soap dish and a brush to really soften up the beard.
Title: Re: NGC-razors
Post by: Perazzimx14 on November 06, 2015, 07:40:57 PM
I put the shaving soap in the bottom of a shaving "mug".   I take a good shaving brush (badger bristle, I think?), wet it good, and swash it around and up and down on the soap to work up a lather.    I then apply it to my face with a motion that will cause the brush to clean out the pores good and really get the skin and beard soft and worked up.

I really think that the brush cleans your face much "deeper" than a washcloth or just your hands.  Of course, I'm no nacreous Rubens oil painting myself, so your expectations may be different .....

Lannis

For a good Badger hair bush only circular motion to load the brush with soap. No up/down or "pumping" the brush to load it with soap. It will break the bristles.

This guy has some good instructional videos on wet shaving:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-qSIP6uQ3EI

Title: Re: NGC-razors
Post by: stevet on November 06, 2015, 09:37:11 PM
I've used Derby, Dorco, and a few other double edge safety blades (held in a long handle Merkur safety razor) and have found none of them to be as sharp and clean cutting as Feather double edge blades.  Freaky sharp!  $22 for 100 at Amazon.  More expensive than Derby, but still dirt cheap compared to drug/grocery store razor brands.  And I've use red and green tube Proraso, various soaps from Mama Bear, Mike's, and several others and have found that $1.50/can Barbasol (yellow can, "Skin Conditioner", is my favorite), combined with the Feather blade, gives me the cleanest, smoothest, and gentlest shave of all the combinations I've tried.  A light coat of the Barbasol and a down stroke shave, then re-lather lightly in the trouble spots and shave those areas horizontally, and I have the cheeks of a new born once again.  The best part is not having an in-grown hair in years since going to these blades.

Don't let that freaky sharp edge scare you away.  The sharpest edge works the best.  A sub-par edge leads to more mishaps.

Steve.
Title: Re: NGC-razors
Post by: JayDee24ca on November 06, 2015, 10:05:45 PM
I've been alternating between a couple of old Gillette safety razors every morning for the past thirty five or so years.  No shaving soap or cream, just wash my face in warm water and shave while still wet. I bought a hundred blades on ebay from Israel about 6 years ago, and there are likely 50 or so left in the box. They seem to last a long time, although because of my sideburns and beard I only shave my cheeks and neck. Still, the blade in each razor gets changed every few months or so. 'Course by that time things are a bit rough on the skin....
JD
Title: Re: NGC-razors
Post by: Perazzimx14 on November 06, 2015, 11:13:35 PM
I've used Derby, Dorco, and a few other double edge safety blades (held in a long handle Merkur safety razor) and have found none of them to be as sharp and clean cutting as Feather double edge blades.  Freaky sharp!  $22 for 100 at Amazon.  More expensive than Derby, but still dirt cheap compared to drug/grocery store razor brands.  And I've use red and green tube Proraso, various soaps from Mama Bear, Mike's, and several others and have found that $1.50/can Barbasol (yellow can, "Skin Conditioner", is my favorite), combined with the Feather blade, gives me the cleanest, smoothest, and gentlest shave of all the combinations I've tried.  A light coat of the Barbasol and a down stroke shave, then re-lather lightly in the trouble spots and shave those areas horizontally, and I have the cheeks of a new born once again.  The best part is not having an in-grown hair in years since going to these blades.

Don't let that freaky sharp edge scare you away.  The sharpest edge works the best.  A sub-par edge leads to more mishaps.

Steve.

Finding a razor blade coupled with a razor that works is key. I prefer Derby's in a Gillette super speed to all the others I've tried. Feathers are insanely sharp and coupled with my Merkur HD or Parker after shaving it looks like the aftermath of Big Jim Walker tangling with Slim
Title: Re: NGC-razors
Post by: stevet on November 07, 2015, 08:57:44 AM
I'll admit, if there was something in the way of the Feather as it crossed your flesh, it was removed, no questions asked.  But removed with surgical precision!  After a few shaves and learning the nuiances, especially not to press the razor against your skin, let the razor's weight be the only pressure, nicks and cuts are very rare now.  Usually only little stuff, like an unseen blemish or the wrong twist of a wrist.  But once I got the hang of using Feathers, there was no going back.

But what works for one won't work for all.  There are good blades and bad, and I've used some of each.  But I've got a very good combo going now so my brush and bowl are in the closet.

I'm quite impressed with Barbasol.  Made in the USA since 1919.  Found at finer corner grocery or drug stores everywhere.

Steve.
Title: Re: NGC-razors
Post by: Perazzimx14 on November 07, 2015, 10:54:35 AM
I'll admit, if there was something in the way of the Feather as it crossed your flesh, it was removed, no questions asked.  But removed with surgical precision!  After a few shaves and learning the nuiances, especially not to press the razor against your skin, let the razor's weight be the only pressure, nicks and cuts are very rare now.  Usually only little stuff, like an unseen blemish or the wrong twist of a wrist.  But once I got the hang of using Feathers, there was no going back.

But what works for one won't work for all.  There are good blades and bad, and I've used some of each.  But I've got a very good combo going now so my brush and bowl are in the closet.

I'm quite impressed with Barbasol.  Made in the USA since 1919.  Found at finer corner grocery or drug stores everywhere.

Steve.

Also if you are finding the 1st or 2nd shave with a new blade is harsh but the latter shaves are good you can "cork" a new blade. Basically you are dulling it down a bit by simply cutting into an old wine cork a stroke or two per edge prior to loading the blade into the razor.
Title: Re: NGC-razors
Post by: akhileshb@hotmail.com on November 15, 2015, 03:47:56 AM
Buy once, cry once:
-Silver badger shaving brush (make sure its silver badger, set you back about $100, last a lifetime if maintained)
-1 tube of italian proraso eucalyptus shaving cream (about $10, last 3 to 6 monhs)
- One german futura adjustable razor (last a lifetime)
-Japanese feather razor blades or german razor blades

Take you a while to get dialed in, but then its awesome.
It's what I do.

 :laugh:
The new Walmart Chinese blades are pretty awesome too. Better than the feather IMHO.
Title: Re: NGC-razors
Post by: Farmer Dan on November 15, 2015, 05:27:30 AM
Reading this reminds me of why I quite shaving when I retired from the service.  I've never had a good shave in my life.  Tried every combination you can think of and three barbers.  I just trim my beard to length once a week with a $20 electric trimmer and spend the money I saved on more beer.
Title: Re: NGC-razors
Post by: 56Pan on November 15, 2015, 07:11:45 AM
I had exactly the opposite experience. Worst shave ever, even the "obsolete" Shick twin-blade does better and it doesn't cut the heck out of my face. There's one spot on my lower lip that is still healing from the chunk the Harry's razor took out.  :angry: Guess I'm growing a beard until that heals.

The gel has something in it that reacts with my skin and left me looking like I was sun burnt.

The good news is Harry's refunded my money and I don't even have to send the stuff back. So, if anyone wants the rest of the gel, a handle and two unused blades, you can have it for free.

Never had any problems with any shaver or shave gel/cream before. <shrug>

Don't understand this Charlie.  I agree with Lannis on this one.  The kit I got from Harry's gives the best shave I've ever had.  Did you leave the shaving cream on for the full 2-3 minutes before shaving?  Burns bad if you get it in your eye, so maybe there is some chemical in it that doesn't agree with your skin.  I'm sold on Harry's now and their blades last much longer than anything else I've ever used.
Title: Re: NGC-razors
Post by: guzziknight on November 15, 2015, 09:48:33 AM
Good to have this topic back, because:
Inspired by some of the replies here, I bought a little bar of "shaving soap" some weeks ago. To bring with me when I only have carry-on luggage.
What's special with shaving soap, distinguishing it from other soaps?
How do I apply it for a good shave?

Plenty of excellent brushes out there, boar/badger/mix/synthetic, for very little money. I currently have 7 brushes, 5 of which cost less than $20. The most expensive was $40. My favorites are my Semogue boar brushes, all costing less than $18!

Also, lots of good videos on Youtube. Badger and Blade, www.badgerandblade. com, is an excellent forum. I'm on there as well, same user name. they're very helpful and welcoming of new wet shavers there.
Title: Re: NGC-razors
Post by: sknapp351 on November 15, 2015, 05:11:41 PM
https://www.dollarbeardclub.com for me! I prefer never to see my chin again. I still do shave below my beard, but I buy a 3 pack or two Mach whatever blades per year.

Sam