I think I may have purchased my last double edged razor for a good while at least. Got into the hobby about a year and a half ago and I think I've finally settled into some consistency in terms of technique, hardware, "software" etc. Took time to re-learn shaving after switching from cartridges but in a way it was easy because the process is so much more enjoyable wheras cartridge shaving is like ugh, chore city. So, yay.
@ThePsyOfLife Bear with me as this is my first multi-post reply here- let's see how she flies :) So cartridges work by using more blades that are less sharp to achieve a lift-and-cut effect on the stubble. On the plus side- they can produce a socially acceptable shave faster and with less risk for nics and cuts. (1)
@ThePsyOfLife On the other hand, that tugging effect makes the risk of irritation much higher either directly after the shave or as a result of ingrown hairs later. More, importantly, though, the shave just isn't as close or "good." (2)
@ThePsyOfLife Double edged blades can get way sharper and cut cleanly and smoothly. As a result you can take more passes- across the grain and even against the grain for a literally smooth-as-glass result with genuine wow factor. And double edged shaving just FEELS GOOD on the skin. Cartridge shaving was inherently uncomfortable- that's why it feels like a superficial chore. Double edged shaving takes longer but is actively enjoyable- great start to the day. That's it in a large nutshell :)
@rizzleperizzle I really appreciate the detailed answer. I had no idea that there was anything more to it than scraping the blade over your skin. Of course, I also thought the double-edged razor was a safety razor.
@ThePsyOfLife Yes double edge razors are also referred to as safety razors or DE razors. Lots of aliases :)
@rizzleperizzle I was always suspicious of those multi-bladed monstrosities. There had to be something up with them. Too good to be true, is what I thought.
@ThePsyOfLife I felt so betrayed by society when I experienced safety razors for the first time. Don't get me wrong in a pinch they have their advantages but I can't believe how ubiquitous to the point of exclusionary to alternatives they became
@rizzleperizzle You did well with the multipart reply. I got it all.
It's been almost twenty years since I was last clean shaven.
@ThePsyOfLife Tried to get my recently retired, newly bearded uncle into traditional wet shaving and he's having none of it lol.
@rizzleperizzle I'm thinking I'm going to give it a try. I've portions of my cheeks, neck, and balding head that I have to shave.
@ThePsyOfLife 🎉 hit me up if you have any questions!
@rizzleperizzle I sure will. I've got to get the razor here in Cambodia, first, though. It may have to wait until summer when we travel to Europe.
@ThePsyOfLife Also yes straight razor is a cousin but requires a ton more technique esp going against the grain and when someone else is shaving you that's a whole nother variable.
@rizzleperizzle Man, you are really into this whole shaving thing. I grew a beard so that I wouldn't have to shave, but, of course, you replace shaving with grooming the beard. Six of one, a fortnight of the other, knowwhatimean?
@ThePsyOfLife Lol yes. I had a beard for a while and loved not having to shave (with cartridges). Prob would've stayed that way but then I got sleep apnea and had to wear a mask and the facial hair got in the way. Figured if I had to shave again I might as well try the old school way then I found it was actually enjoyable and fell head first down the rabbit hole :) My wife likes facial hair so there's that. Currently rocking mutton chops like it's 1822 :)
Totally with you, @rizzleperizzle. I've been using doubles for about ten years, and would never go back to cartridges. Mostly a Feather person, sometimes Merkur for best clean finish.
You?
@ayankdownunder I just recently worked up the courage to try feathers. I have coarse stubble so- gamechanger :). Wish I had tried them earlier. What's your preferred razor/s?
@rizzleperizzle
I have very coarse stubble and sensitive skin (crappy combo), so my method (if needing a very close shave) has evolved to:
Feather for bulk removal, especially if whiskers are longer. Then Merkur for final closer pass.
I've gotten much better at handling the Feathers, so I can usually do using them for both passes.
Razor I use is Jagger
because it's rather heavy for its size:
https://a.co/d/1NFZH9O
@ayankdownunder I have that same stubble skin combo- led me to a strange outcome too in that I don't use soaps or traditional creams. I use mild DE razors with sharp blades but just canned edge shave gel for protection. I use the Razorock gamechanger .68 blade gap. With traditional soaps and creams it's too mild but with edge shave gel it's perfect. The jagger was too mild for me with soaps and creams. I've been meaning to try it again with the shave gel. We'll see how it goes. Beautiful razor!
@rizzleperizzle ah, the gel/cream issue. Fun, huh?
I’d started out swearing by Clinique Shave Gel, but dumped it years ago for something cheaper and vastly superior. I highly recommend trying this
@ayankdownunder Will check it out some time thank you!
@rizzleperizzle my pleasure! Happy whisker scraping!
@rizzleperizzle I had a barber shave me with a straight razor once. I wasn't overly impressed with the result. What makes a double-edged razor different from the multi-blade cartridge? What makes it better?