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Anybody here fancy a more traditional shave? Or am I the only one? If so what kind of gear do you have? I'd love to talk a little shave gear!

I use a Merkur safety razor. When I first ordered mine back in 2013, I ordered a sample pack of multiple branded blades along with it so I could find out which ones worked best for me. I found that the Crystal Double Edge blades work pretty well for the price. I tried the Shark branded blades, and that led to the most disastrous shaving experience I've ever had. It hurt and I ended up with cuts all over my face (I should have stopped shaving with that blade earlier in the process, but I was so sure that I was doing something wrong*). If I recall correctly, those blades originated from Egypt so they must be designed to larger beards or something. I'd be surprised to meet anyone who has a good experience with them, but someone must because they're still making them. The Merkur razor I ordered came with a Merkur branded blade and I liked that the most, but they cost a little more than what I'm willing to pay.

Over the years, I've saved a lot of money by using the safety razor. Sure, cartridge razors are more convenient but there goes your wallet.

*I'm sure I could've thrown a pun in there about Occam's Razor, but I'll spare you this time.

SentientTootsieRoll wrote:I use a Merkur safety razor. When I first ordered mine back in 2013, I ordered a sample pack of multiple branded blades along with it so I could find out which ones worked best for me. I found that the Crystal Double Edge blades work pretty well for the price. I tried the Shark branded blades, and that led to the most disastrous shaving experience I've ever had. It hurt and I ended up with cuts all over my face (I should have stopped shaving with that blade earlier in the process, but I was so sure that I was doing something wrong*). If I recall correctly, those blades originated from Egypt so they must be designed to larger beards or something. I'd be surprised to meet anyone who has a good experience with them, but someone must because they're still making them. The Merkur razor I ordered came with a Merkur branded blade and I liked that the most, but they cost a little more than what I'm willing to pay.

Over the years, I've saved a lot of money by using the safety razor. Sure, cartridge razors are more convenient but there goes your wallet.

*I'm sure I could've thrown a pun in there about Occam's Razor, but I'll spare you this time.

I knew I couldn't be the only one! What all haven't you tried? I don't own any of the newer razors, I may have 1 or 2. I mainly have old Gillette DE razors. It was my hobby in the military

But now that I don't have free access to MRE's, it's looking like it's gonna become my hobby!

What kind of brush and soap do you use?

Seth711 wrote: What kind of brush and soap do you use?

I´m buying the regular Walmart brand. Their cans lats for "ever" and a Gillette Mach 3 shaver but only shave twice a week.

housil wrote:

Seth711 wrote: What kind of brush and soap do you use?

I´m buying the regular Walmart brand. Their cans lats for "ever" and a Gillette Mach 3 shaver but only shave twice a week.

Nice! Honestly it's hard to beat the shave and ease of use you get with a modern cartridge razor. But it was something so monotonous in the Army, I tried to make it fun. I have probably 25 different shaving soaps, 5 brushes, and probably 10 double edge razors, 1 single edge, and 2 straight razors. And I don't shave now so I don't use any! They're just collectors items now

right now I have a no-name brand straight razor for the rare times I need to do a full shave...normally its just buzz off the long hairs with my trimmer and go.

Oh yes, the Gillette Double Edge razors were pretty good too but I noticed that they wore down quicker than the Crystals. I'm not sure what brush I use, it was just some cheap find from Amazon. It needs to be replaced badly because the hairs are falling off. This time I'll make sure to invest in a nicer one. I haven't done a whole lot of research on brushes lately so I'm open to suggestions. Originally, I bought Col. Conk's Bay Rum soap and that lasted me for nearly three years!

In 2014, I went to Germany, specifically the Marienplatz area and they had some sort of a beauty shop there and I was intrigued by their selection of razors, blades, etc. and purchased some shave soap while I was there. I'm currently going through it right now. I can't remember the name of it for the life of me.

SentientTootsieRoll wrote:Oh yes, the Gillette Double Edge razors were pretty good too but I noticed that they wore down quicker than the Crystals. I'm not sure what brush I use, it was just some cheap find from Amazon. It needs to be replaced badly because the hairs are falling off. This time I'll make sure to invest in a nicer one. I haven't done a whole lot of research on brushes lately so I'm open to suggestions. Originally, I bought Col. Conk's Bay Rum soap and that lasted me for nearly three years!

In 2014, I went to Germany, specifically the Marienplatz area and they had some sort of a beauty shop there and I was intrigued by their selection of razors, blades, etc. and purchased some shave soap while I was there. I'm currently going through it right now. I can't remember the name of it for the life of me.

My absolute favorite razors are the Feather blades. Shave like no other, but they are extremely sharp. I got about 4 shaves with 3 passes each out those blades. I need to get a picture of the different razors I have and soaps. My go to soap has been Tabac, it's a love it or hate it scent, but it reminds me of my grandfather.

I have more shaving gear than anyone could use in a lifetime I believe... I knew there had to be someone with an interest on here!

elandil wrote:right now I have a no-name brand straight razor for the rare times I need to do a full shave...normally its just buzz off the long hairs with my trimmer and go.

I'm with you there, I rarely use any of mine now. I have two vintage straights, one is a mint "Expert Barber" brand. Both of mine need a real stone sharpening so I never really got to use them.