Your Razor Choice (for the partially or fully bald-faced)

**kc8ufv** · 18th October 11, 09:20 AM

I used to use a Norelco electric, but about 6months ago, I switched back to a cartridge manual. I use a Gillette Fusion Power, and each cartridge seems to last about a month and a half with the Gillette Proglide gel. At that point, it's unusable not because the blades have dulled, but have simply clogged beyond the ability to rinse them out.

**tulloch** · 18th October 11, 09:22 AM

I started with a straight razor and brush and mug 40 years ago. The straight razor took a lot of maintenance so I now use a Gilette double-edge razor. I bought a pack of Schick twin-edge blades for a free razor I got at college and used them for a loooong time. I try to change my blade once a year. Seems to work. I throw the little pieces of soap in my mug when they are too small for the sink. Once in a while I begin with a new Colgate shaving soap.

**Tony** · 18th October 11, 09:38 AM

I'm bearded, so only neck and cheek scrapes for me, in the shower every morning.
For years I used a Mach III - gave a reasonable shave, lasted ages and - here is an oft overlooked part - it was really easy to rinse out to avoid clogging. Never had the same with a newer Schick 4 (5?) blade.

After reading one post here about the badger and blade forum, I started reading and catching the bug.
Found a cheap safety razor and now really enjoy it. I am currently dropping several hints about what highly priced safety razor Santa could be putting in my stocking, but may just see what the Bay has to offer in terms of 1960s Gillettes.

**ohiopiper** · 18th October 11, 09:30 PM

Check out www.emsplace.com for wet shaving supplies. My wife gets me two shaving rounds every year for Christmas from them.

**xman** · 19th October 11, 09:48 AM

My second backup razor was my first straight razor. It's a Bresduck Dubl Duck Special from the 1930's I think. I don't use it as much as my larger razors because I prefer something with a little weight to it and this is a 5/8" full hollow blade. It now has Yellowheart scales with mahogany inlays.

**fluter** · 19th October 11, 10:17 AM

I've successfully employed Matty's approach for the last 36 years; but I must say, y'all have some lovely shaving implements.

**Kilted Rogue** · 21st October 11, 05:10 PM

I am so glad you started this Thread, proves i need to read here more often.

I use a Merkur DE Model 178. With Merkur blades, a badger brush and Col Conk shaving soap. I will never go back to 3,4 or 5 bladed razors. I enjoy the time it and skill it takes to shave with my DE.

**ohiopiper** · 21st October 11, 11:47 PM

And that's the beauty of a DE safety razor. You can lather up and be done just as quick as using cheap stuff from the local drugstore, or you can get a basin full of hot water, a few towels and enjoy it. I shave in two or three minutes before work. Saturday mornings, it can take me fifteen or twenty.

**Dixiecat** · 22nd October 11, 11:59 AM

Originally Posted by Woodsheal

I shave pretty much every time with one of my vintage Gillette safety-razors, picked up cheap on Ebay. My favorite is the gold-toned one from the '40s:

A "travel -sized" version fromthe same period:

Got these two unused, '60s vintage:

I get shaving soaps, brushes, and blades from a buddy who operates a small craft soap-making business:
http://www.endlessmountainsoap.com/

Holy crap. That first one? That, THAT is what gave me the scar on the shin of my left leg. Fifteen years old and I thought I knew what I was doing. I never saw that razor again until now. Ouch, that memory hurt!

**Woodsheal** · 22nd October 11, 05:11 PM

Originally Posted by Dixiecat

Holy crap. That first one? That, THAT is what gave me the scar on the shin of my left leg. Fifteen years old and I thought I knew what I was doing. I never saw that razor again until now. Ouch, that memory hurt!

Wow, really? I find the angle of the blade on that razor to be fairly "non-aggressive." I don't think I've nicked myself with it yet. 'Course legs are different than faces...!