What do you use to shave?

Gin&Tonics · Oct 17, 2013

Anyone have any experience with Astra blades? Picked up a pack at a local smoke/shave shop and tried em out. Fairly good result, but lots of little micro nicks. I blame that on me being out of practice though, at least the first time.

HudsonHawk · Oct 17, 2013

Gin&Tonics said:
Anyone have any experience with Astra blades? Picked up a pack at a local smoke/shave shop and tried em out. Fairly good result, but lots of little micro nicks. I blame that on me being out of practice though, at least the first time.

I use Astra blades regularly. I never have a problem with them, though I change mine at least every two or three days.

jodbirch · Oct 17, 2013

I use the Astra Super Platinum blades regularly. They are currently my "go-to" blades! I usually get 2 to 3 shaves out of them before changing out. I've always had great results with them.

esteban68 · Oct 17, 2013

I use Astra too with no problems, just used 'Super Max-Blue Diamond' and they too are very good , I managed to get 4 good shaves out of a Blue Diamond with Arko soap stick, 3 passes with a flare tip Gillette.

Biopro · Oct 18, 2013

If anyone is visiting Edinburgh, Scotland and fancy a treat, they might care to look into the following establishment:

http://ruffians.co.uk/

I haven't tried it myself, but was on holiday in a group which included their head barber - they offer straight blade wet shaves and are trying to bring back the traditional aspects of the Barber's shop.

Bit pricey, but I understand you get a gin & tonic or whisky to help ease you through the experience.

JonnyO · Oct 19, 2013

Switched from Feather, to Astra, back to Feather, and am now onto Derby blades. I'm really enjoying the Derby blade right now, time will tell.

esteban68 · Oct 19, 2013

Dropped a clanger recdently I bought a locally produced and almost mint Wardonia bakelite razor( photos to follow) only to find that modern blades don't fit....doh!!!
I don't fancy using either of the NOS but rusty blades that came with it for fear of septicaemia!

UPDATE I managed quite easily and accurately to snip off 4 of the little 'tags' from a standard DE blade(Shark) popped it in and had a very decent shave with the set up...I'll stick a few photo's on sometime this week of the adapted blade etc.

Biopro · Oct 19, 2013

OK its probably my own fault, but I've been intrigued enough to try the Single blade safety razor. I started with my Dad's and my recollection was that it was inferior to the double then triple etc in that you had to reshave sooner, but based on all the comments, I will accept that was my poor technique and try it again.

I almost bought a Merkur HD yesterday, but stalled at the shipping costs or min order of £40, so today wandered round 4 antiques centers with no luck. There was a Rolls, but didn't look great and was £20 so a bit high.

As a last resort I went into Boots the Chemist (the largest chain in the UK). I really shouldn't have and knew before hand they wouldn't have any but looked anyhow.

Apparently they have a new customer service policy. Because I didn't buy anything and put my glasses back in my pocket they thought I looked suspicious and sent the local community police office after me to politely accuse me of shoplifting! To say I was unimpressed is a very mild understatement.

And of course they had nothing remotely similar. I will not be shopping there again, not that they will miss me as I never did before!

So last ditch attempt to see if a can order a Merkur or similar through and independent pharmacist, otherwise time to pony up for the on-line order with a stack of blades.

Nyah · Oct 19, 2013

I use:
Vintage Gillette Adjustable double-edge safety razor.
Personna USA-made (the blue box) blades.
Williams Mug soap.
Some cheap shaving brush, don't recall what it is. It gets the lather onto my face and that's all that matters.

Been using that combination, for at least a couple of years now, without any problems.

Feraud · Oct 23, 2013

I picked up a tube of the Proraso Sandalwood. The cream gives a decent shave and the scent is pleasant.

esteban68 · Oct 23, 2013

I'd agree in that you do need to shave more frequently, I also have tried a single edged blade (GEM) fitted to an old but mint Ever-Ready and for me it seemed a bit rough ( I really like my Gillette flare tip with an Astra , Shark or Rapira blade with Arko soap stick)
Nothing surpises me re shop security especially in Boots et al where we are all suspects unless buying stuff...re blades I've found several sellers on Ebay uk to be excellent, some of their stater kits are excellent...PM me for details if you wish.

Biopro said:
OK its probably my own fault, but I've been intrigued enough to try the Single blade safety razor. I started with my Dad's and my recollection was that it was inferior to the double then triple etc in that you had to reshave sooner, but based on all the comments, I will accept that was my poor technique and try it again.

I almost bought a Merkur HD yesterday, but stalled at the shipping costs or min order of £40, so today wandered round 4 antiques centers with no luck. There was a Rolls, but didn't look great and was £20 so a bit high.

As a last resort I went into Boots the Chemist (the largest chain in the UK). I really shouldn't have and knew before hand they wouldn't have any but looked anyhow.

Apparently they have a new customer service policy. Because I didn't buy anything and put my glasses back in my pocket they thought I looked suspicious and sent the local community police office after me to politely accuse me of shoplifting! To say I was unimpressed is a very mild understatement.

And of course they had nothing remotely similar. I will not be shopping there again, not that they will miss me as I never did before!

So last ditch attempt to see if a can order a Merkur or similar through and independent pharmacist, otherwise time to pony up for the on-line order with a stack of blades.

St.Ignatz · Nov 4, 2013

Nice job on the flair tip. Some of my best shaves came with my A1.
Tom D.

Benzadmiral · Nov 7, 2013

I got into DE shaving last year with a Merkur long-handled razor. The Personna blue-package blades work great; with the Japanese Feathers I usually nick myself once or twice a week. For cream I use Aveeno shaving, and a bay rum aftershave.

Since I have less facial real estate than someone who doesn't sport a beard, it doesn't take me very long to shave.

David Conwill · Nov 7, 2013

Ok gang, I need a recommendation. My local drugstores seem to be phasing out single-edge (SE) blades. First Rite Aid discontinued carrying my favorite Treet blades in favor of Rite Aid brand, which were OK. Now the Rite Aid brand has disappeared too, and Walgreens is no longer stocking the GEM blades they used to.

I’m down to ordering online, it seems, and if I’m going to do that, I thought I’d branch out and see what else is out there for SE blades. I tried reading Badger & Blade a bit, but I just wasn’t getting anywhere, so I thought I’d ask around here.

I’m getting by for now with my grandfather’s DE Gillette, but I really miss my Micromatic!

HudsonHawk · Nov 7, 2013

David Conwill said:
Ok gang, I need a recommendation. My local drugstores seem to be phasing out single-edge (SE) blades. First Rite Aid discontinued carrying my favorite Treet blades in favor of Rite Aid brand, which were OK. Now the Rite Aid brand has disappeared too, and Walgreens is no longer stocking the GEM blades they used to.

I’m down to ordering online, it seems, and if I’m going to do that, I thought I’d branch out and see what else is out there for SE blades. I tried reading Badger & Blade a bit, but I just wasn’t getting anywhere, so I thought I’d ask around here.

I’m getting by for now with my grandfather’s DE Gillette, but I really miss my Micromatic!

I've recommended them before, and I have no affiliation with them, but westcoastshaving.com carries a few single-edged blades. I've always been happy with their products and service. I order most of my stuff from them.

David Conwill · Nov 7, 2013

Thanks, HH, I'll give them a look.

milliedog · Nov 9, 2013

David Conwill said:
Thanks, HH, I'll give them a look.

You might try razorsdirect.com free US shipping.

David Conwill · Nov 9, 2013

I'll check them out as well. Thanks!

Biopro · Nov 10, 2013

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?

jkingrph · Nov 10, 2013

I get mine in bulkl from Ted Pella, http://www.tedpella.com/dissect_html/dissect.htm#anchor1623602

If you go to the home page vs this link, you will find them under tools then blades.

I get the Gem coated stainless blades, each blade has a cardboard wrapper around the edge and are bulk packaged in boxes of 200 at about $35.

His shipping is a bit pricy, but it has been a good deal in the past on blades.

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