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- Nov 21, 2013
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Tired of paying for disposable Gillete cartridges over the years I decided I want to try something different. I've started wet shaving in the last couple of months. The whole idea of doing this was to get as good or better shave for less money --- although I am putting out some money to get these products up front, in the long run I'll probably save money. I lucked out and bought most of this stuff 25-35% off online.
For those that only use cartridge razors, shaving with a double edge razor is a bit of a skill as you do not have a pivoting head like you would with a Gillite Fushion for example. Pressing down on your face with a double edge razor like how you would with a cartridge razor will not end well.
Razor:
My double edge safety razor is a Merkur Progress that I bought on sale and saved a whopping 35 percent on before Christmas. With so many options for razors, I decided to go with something adjustable that allowed me to control how aggressive the shave is due to more or less blade exposure. The progress has a short and long handle version. I purchased the short version and even with my XL hands, I have no issues at all controlling it. It has a nice weight and balance to it. I love how I can shave my face more aggressively and take it easier on more sensitive areas like my neck:
Brush:
The site I purchased my brush for had a moving sale so the options were limited. However, I did end up buying a badger hair brush priced. The Progress Vulfix No. 374 Black handle Super Badger Shaving Brush for 56 dollars minus 25 percent discount is what I'm using to apply the shave lather. I was surprised how expensive some of these brushes can get.
Shaving Cream options:
Unsure of what sort of shaving cream to get, I knew I wanted to get a few different options. I went with a more premium brand with Taylor of Old Bond Street and a couple of different scents of Proraso.
Taylor of Old Bond Street coconut shaving cream
Proraso shaving cream for sensitive skin
Blades:
I purchased 100 Persona double edge blue hospital "prep" blades that were on sale. They are rated close to Feather for sharpest blades you can buy. I probably am overdoing it getting them, seeing that I can control how much of the blade is exposed with my adjustable Merkur Progress. They have a reputation of being able to get 5 to 6 shave per blade. For 35 dollars, that's a pretty good investment. These ones are made in the USA.
I also have various sample packs (5-7 blades per pack) of various Gillette blades, Personna,Feather, Derby Extra and Astra Platinum. I like the Gillette Platinum the best of the Gillete product line. The Feather I used on one of my early shaves where my technique wasn't quite there yet and paid the price (cuts). I'll reserve judgment on all the blades until I use them all and gain experience with my shaving technique.
Pre/Post shave:
I use Proraso sensitive as a post shave rather than pre-shave. I was using it pre-shave, but since I went to cold water shaving in the last few weeks, I don't see the need to soften my whiskers before I shave. It feels nice post-shave
Nivea has an alcohol free balm that you can buy almost anywhere. I found that i needed it after dragging a razor blade across my face.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UqeC3Suf9m8
For those that only use cartridge razors, shaving with a double edge razor is a bit of a skill as you do not have a pivoting head like you would with a Gillite Fushion for example. Pressing down on your face with a double edge razor like how you would with a cartridge razor will not end well.
Razor:
My double edge safety razor is a Merkur Progress that I bought on sale and saved a whopping 35 percent on before Christmas. With so many options for razors, I decided to go with something adjustable that allowed me to control how aggressive the shave is due to more or less blade exposure. The progress has a short and long handle version. I purchased the short version and even with my XL hands, I have no issues at all controlling it. It has a nice weight and balance to it. I love how I can shave my face more aggressively and take it easier on more sensitive areas like my neck:
Brush:
The site I purchased my brush for had a moving sale so the options were limited. However, I did end up buying a badger hair brush priced. The Progress Vulfix No. 374 Black handle Super Badger Shaving Brush for 56 dollars minus 25 percent discount is what I'm using to apply the shave lather. I was surprised how expensive some of these brushes can get.
Shaving Cream options:
Unsure of what sort of shaving cream to get, I knew I wanted to get a few different options. I went with a more premium brand with Taylor of Old Bond Street and a couple of different scents of Proraso.
Taylor of Old Bond Street coconut shaving cream
Proraso shaving cream for sensitive skin
Blades:
I purchased 100 Persona double edge blue hospital "prep" blades that were on sale. They are rated close to Feather for sharpest blades you can buy. I probably am overdoing it getting them, seeing that I can control how much of the blade is exposed with my adjustable Merkur Progress. They have a reputation of being able to get 5 to 6 shave per blade. For 35 dollars, that's a pretty good investment. These ones are made in the USA.
I also have various sample packs (5-7 blades per pack) of various Gillette blades, Personna,Feather, Derby Extra and Astra Platinum. I like the Gillette Platinum the best of the Gillete product line. The Feather I used on one of my early shaves where my technique wasn't quite there yet and paid the price (cuts). I'll reserve judgment on all the blades until I use them all and gain experience with my shaving technique.
Pre/Post shave:
I use Proraso sensitive as a post shave rather than pre-shave. I was using it pre-shave, but since I went to cold water shaving in the last few weeks, I don't see the need to soften my whiskers before I shave. It feels nice post-shave
Nivea has an alcohol free balm that you can buy almost anywhere. I found that i needed it after dragging a razor blade across my face.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UqeC3Suf9m8
