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Is it easy to use an old fashioned Double Edge Razor
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Hello I am getting fed up paying a shed load of money for replacement blades for my razor, I was planning on changing to an old fashioned (but new!!!!) double edged razor and simple Wilkinson razorblades, which are much cheaper, does anyone know if it is easy to use the DE razor or if it is more complicated, its just that when I go on YOUTUBE they make it look so easy, but I am unsure if that is the case. so can anyone help, many thanks in advance bbuk
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So I would recommend trying a double-edged razor, but pay close attention to where you're pointing the blade!
I switched before Christmas after reading a good thread on here (can't find it).
I have never nicked myself and would not go back to cassette razors.
It's a better shave and with a quality razor, quality blades and quality soap is a superior experience.
After the initial outlay for the razor, a good brush and soap, that's it.
I did buy a nice stand for the razor and brush.
If I need a quick one first thing in the morning when I'm late for work then I will tend to use my Mach 4 as it is much safer when you are in a rush. If you cut yourself with a DE then you really know about it and it gets your morning off to a very bad start.
Have a search on this forum (assuming the search function works today) as this topic comes up regularly.
DE shaving is as quick & easy as any other shave once you get the hang of it. For a close shave do the two pass shave, where you shave in the normal directions, then rinse & repeat but shave against the grain in the opposite directions. For the full-on baby back side smoothness a third pass completes it, but that tbh is a bit overkill.
Buy blades by the 100 off Amazon or similar; they end up at about 8p each, 2p per shave if yo're not heavily bearded. Derby blades are good, other people will have different preferences.
it's very hard to do much damage to yourself with a safety razor.
get a good lather going though.
do you still get styptic sticks with the soap?
Nice soap, a good even lather and steady smooth action using the weight of the razor rather than additional pressure, repeat once for a very good shave or twice for the full monty. Styptic sticks are readily available, 99p in Boots. Mine crumbled through lack of use and ended up in the bin a while ago.
If you think it takes a while I just had one, started a few mins before 11, was rinsing & resoaping for the 2nd pass as the pips went and by the time the 11 o'clock news on R4 had finished 3 minutes later it was done. No nicks, no damage, no blood stains.
I had to buy the stick separately, as I knew that I might get a cut when I shaved so wanted to have it on "stand by" just to make sure.
Razor - Edwin Jagger
I've used the same one for years - forgotten my model but most are good especially for beginners.
Shaving cream - Taylor's of Old Bond Street Sandalwood Cream
Just the best I have ever used. I did try the soap too but it wasn't as good and proved much harder to foam.
Blades - Derby
The blades do vary from brand to brand; some surin certain skin types better than others. I have sensitive skin and Derby have always been very good for me, so I stuck with them. Amazon do sell a bundle of different blades in a single pack (about 4 boxes each from different manufacturers) - would recommend trying this and experimenting before buying loads of one type.
Aftershave balm - Nickel 'Fire Insurance'
Great stuff this. Instantly soothes any burning.
I would recommend buying an alum block - much easier to use on nicks/rashes than a styptic pencil (made from the same mineral salt). Also, consider a decent badger brush - some people don't bother but I think it's fairly essential. A shaving bowl might be of use too.
Once you get used to DE, you'll realise how much of a rip-off cartridge razors are, in addition to being an inferior shave. I'm working myself up to try cut-throat shaving, but don't quite have the bottle for that just yet!!!
Ebay is also a good choice as there are lots of retailers on there selling multi-packs of different brands so you can experiment and find one which suits you and your razor.
This was their first choice based on best shave, not price.
http://www.shaving-shack.com/muhle-r89-double-edged-chrome-safety-razor.html
Why wouldn't you, unless you have some inner desire to keep international sportsmen in their accustomed lifestyles by shelling out £20+ every few months for a handful of blades that don't work as well as DE, instead of paying under a tenner for a couple of year's supply? The words 'no brainer' seem to fit this scenario quite well.
The R89 is the one that I use. It is in fact very good. You seem very antagonistic towards DE...
That's the one I bought. It's around £25 from various sellers on Amazon. I'm no expert but it looks good, has a good grip and is pretty idiot proof to use.
I bought the EJ DE89. I can't really remember exactly why I opted for this over the Muhle but I have found it to be an excellent razor:
http://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B005GO38ZY?psc=1&redirect=true&ref_=oh_aui_search_detailpage
My soap is Mitchells Wool Fat Soap, a very good soap, but not great if you have hard water. I start of with some Proesso.
What blade? are you talking DE or straight edge, a DE is no real difference to a cartridge razor.
Still trying to get out of the mentality that I don't have to pay £12 for Old Bond Street cream if there is a cheaper alternative. Mind you, I'm not keen on using inferior products either.