Safety Razors?

[mjr]

Have any of you ever tried a safety razor for shaving? I'm seriously considering it. It's kind of "old school", and I found one online that I think I like.

Some of it is that I've heard that they give a better shave, and I'm also tired of paying $25 or so for 4 or 5 replacement cartridges.

But I do have a few concerns.

The first is: How long do the blades last (i.e. how many good shaves can I get)? I ask because I have somewhat coarse hair, and I read somewhere that you can only really get two shaves or so out of the blades.

The second concern is disposal. It seems dangerous to dispose of double-edged razor blades. So I might have to think about that.

The third concern is cutting myself. I usually use one of those three to five blade razors (usually because of the coarsness), and they've worked pretty well over the years. But I'm used to those "cartridge" style razors, and I know this might take some practice.

I know the blades are (relatively) cheap, as the one I found online comes with five blades, and I can get 100 replacement blades for about $10 (basically 10 cents apiece). The entire "kit" I'm looking at would cost me about $40 up front.

The way I do it now, if I don't shave often enough I have to use my trimmer to trim my beard down first, before I shave. And I'd rather not do that.

I usually wear a goatee, but occasionally I shave it, too.

So any thoughts/opinions there?

[csquared]

1. You can sharpen them. Not sure that you really want to try.
2. Save them up. Wrap 4-5 in thin cardboard (sideway, not across the blade) and tape. I have heard of people tapping them with a hammer to blunt them and then recycle. Also remember, these blades use to be very common and civilization did manage to survive.
3. Yes, you will. You have to remember, it is "safety" compared to a straight razor.

[EricKei]

Just jumping in to reinforce #3. "Safety" is a relative term


As with any shave, wash your face a couple of times *well* with soap & hot water first (I simply try to shave after a nice hot shower), and take it slow. There's no need to rush. If you know someone in person who uses them, ask for tips (or look around online).

[It's me]

2. Save them up. Wrap 4-5 in thin cardboard (sideway, not across the blade) and tape. I have heard of people tapping them with a hammer to blunt them and then recycle.

Fun fact: bathrooms used to have a disposal slot in the wall for used safety razor blades. Which usually just let the blades pile up in the wall cavity.

[csquared]

Fun fact: bathrooms used to have a disposal slot in the wall for used safety razor blades. Which usually just let the blades pile up in the wall cavity.

Post 9-11, I find it a little disturbing that you can still find razor blade disposal slots in some airplane lavatories.

[Ironclad Alibi]

I've used an electric razor since forever. Have you tried one of those? I like Norelco.

[EricKei]

I switched from tri-blades to a Wahl Peanut once I started letting my beard grow. Good little trimmer, and it's inexpensive).

[mjr]

This is the razor I'm considering:

https://www.amazon.com/FREELOGICS-Do...dp/B078STWV1S/

[mjr]

So I wanted to give a follow-up here.

I purchased the razor in the link in my previous post.

I like it a lot. Having not used a safety razor before, it definitely takes some getting used to. It has a good heft to it, which I like, and it has its own stand. I haven't cut myself with it, which is good. It gave a good shave the first time I used it, and a better one the second time. So as I practice I get better. But it does take a little getting used to. Now I just have to find some good blades to go with it. It came with a five pack.