- Messages
- 192
I happened to see a 'wet shaving' thread on 'The Digital Fix'. It took my interest and for some odd reason I've been considering trying DE shaving ever since.
Why odd - you may ask?
Well, I have no problem shaving with a cartridge shaving system.
For a long time I used (non cartridge) disposables, reasoning that, for a given amount of money, I could have fresh blades much more often than if I used one of the expensive Gillette systems.
However, I was given a Mach 3 and after having it sit around for many weeks I decided to give it a go. I was immediately impressed with the feel of the thing but objected to paying the absurd prices Gillette were asking for cartridges. So I bought a Tesco Matrix razor and did a very careful comparison of its effectiveness. The result, after going through four of each type (Tesco v Gillette) was that there was no significant difference.
Each cartridge lasts 6-8 weeks and, although I have a moderately tough beard that needs shaving every day, I get a perfectly close shave and never suffer from nicks, ingrowing hairs, irritation, or any other unwelcome side effects. (The secret I have found over the years is to use plenty of hot water on your face a couple of minutes before shaving and do (at least) two passes over any part of your face that is not flat-ish. Plus - and this is most important - do not put any pressure on the the blades. Contrary to what I have read, a cartridge system works much better if you don't press - but, like DE shaving, it's a skill you have to acquire.)
So, anyway, I couldn't really justify spending money on changing something that was not causing me a problem. I already get a 'billiard ball' finish (providing I put the effort into shaving carefully. If I just go at it quickly I can feel there is room for improvement.)
Nonetheless, I just cannot get away from the idea that I would really like to try and develop the skill to use a DE razor.
So I have decided, as a first attempt, to try using a brush and soap (Kent Infinity Silvertex Ivory Shaving Brush and Palmolive stick). If this makes shaving a noticeably more pleasant experience I will obtain a DE razor and give that a go. (Although I think I must be slightly nuts for wanting to dump a system that takes 2-3 minutes a day for one that could easily take over 10).
Please wish me luck. I will report back on my experiences.
Why odd - you may ask?
Well, I have no problem shaving with a cartridge shaving system.
For a long time I used (non cartridge) disposables, reasoning that, for a given amount of money, I could have fresh blades much more often than if I used one of the expensive Gillette systems.
However, I was given a Mach 3 and after having it sit around for many weeks I decided to give it a go. I was immediately impressed with the feel of the thing but objected to paying the absurd prices Gillette were asking for cartridges. So I bought a Tesco Matrix razor and did a very careful comparison of its effectiveness. The result, after going through four of each type (Tesco v Gillette) was that there was no significant difference.
Each cartridge lasts 6-8 weeks and, although I have a moderately tough beard that needs shaving every day, I get a perfectly close shave and never suffer from nicks, ingrowing hairs, irritation, or any other unwelcome side effects. (The secret I have found over the years is to use plenty of hot water on your face a couple of minutes before shaving and do (at least) two passes over any part of your face that is not flat-ish. Plus - and this is most important - do not put any pressure on the the blades. Contrary to what I have read, a cartridge system works much better if you don't press - but, like DE shaving, it's a skill you have to acquire.)
So, anyway, I couldn't really justify spending money on changing something that was not causing me a problem. I already get a 'billiard ball' finish (providing I put the effort into shaving carefully. If I just go at it quickly I can feel there is room for improvement.)
Nonetheless, I just cannot get away from the idea that I would really like to try and develop the skill to use a DE razor.
So I have decided, as a first attempt, to try using a brush and soap (Kent Infinity Silvertex Ivory Shaving Brush and Palmolive stick). If this makes shaving a noticeably more pleasant experience I will obtain a DE razor and give that a go. (Although I think I must be slightly nuts for wanting to dump a system that takes 2-3 minutes a day for one that could easily take over 10).
Please wish me luck. I will report back on my experiences.
