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I've heard they give a much closer shave, in fact they are commonly called the closest shave available. But, obviously it seems a little scary to use a blade like that. Has anyone here tried it on themselves and loved it? hated it? Anyone nearly kill themselves when first trying them? They are pretty pricey, but they say they will last a lifetime. Any tips welcome.
I've heard they give a much closer shave, in fact they are commonly called the closest shave available. But, obviously it seems a little scary to use a blade like that. Has anyone here tried it on themselves and loved it? hated it? Anyone nearly kill themselves when first trying them? They are pretty pricey, but they say they will last a lifetime. Any tips welcome.
I think what you have heard is pretty much correct. Although, it does take a learning curve on getting that super close shave without beheading yourself. I've read they actually make starter blades that are ground on different angles to help aid in learning.
Now myself I've just recently (a little over a month) have started "wet" shaving using a double edged safety razor. Now I've always hated shaving and would put it off but since I've started using the DE razor I now look forward to shaving. Both , straight or safety razor shaving has created a whole subculture of artisian soaps, creams, etc. Last night I shaved with a 1960's Gillette Tech safety razor using sandlewood shave cream from Taylor of Old Bond St. The shave before that was with a Gillette razor from the 1920's. Oh and the shave is just sublime, I've never in my 45 years have had a better shave than when I switched to this style of shaving. It is a slippery slope of an addiction though.. there are so many products and different razors (new or vintage) available one can get out of hand.
Check this site out, it has all the info you will need : Badger & Blade
I tried out Double-Edges for over a yr some time ago, but I could never get the right angle in certain spots below my jawline and right near my adam's apple. Well I could do my adam's apple but i ended up a bleeding mess. I've since gone back to my trusty Mach 3.
I wouldn't trust my hand skills (or sharpening skills) to a straight edge! I can't imagine how many bloody shaving sessions you'd need before you perfected your craft. At least with hara-kiri if you mess up there's a guy to cut off your head to put you out of your misery! lol
I collect them....the older and the better shape all the better. Started with my great grampa's...worked up from there. I tried one a few times and know how to strop one to shaving hair whittling sharp. Don't use any of my good ones though. Some are 1800's and new in the box.
Having it done by a professional barber feels wonderful, both during and after, and every man should do this at least once.
Shaving myself with a straight razor, though? Not so much!
I'm a safety razor guy, but learned a lot by watching how the barbers handled the straight razor. It's usually held at a nearly perpendicular angle to the area being shaved, and not, as you'd expect, at an extremely low angle as you see in a disposable multi-bladed razor. By adopting the same basic method with my safety razor, I virtually eliminated shaving cuts from my morning ablutions.
I've been using my double edge safety Merkur for over a year now and love it. I'm never going back to the Fusion or other razors. This coulles with the Art of Shaving supplies and a fine badger hair brush.
It takes a little longer by a minute or two and at first it takes some learning since you have a much sharper and more open blade but it's so worth it. Start with a safety razor then if you want to upgrade go straight. I'll leave that for the barbers, the safety gives you a good balance of closeness and speed in the morning.
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