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.
@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?
@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 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 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)