First DE, I think I'm done with cartridges

[yoda4561]

I'd been thinking about switching to straights or safeties or the cheap bic disposables ever since looking at the cost of mach 3 carts when it came out. Well finally ran out of my last buy of those, sized up my options, and bought a 6 dollar 48-50 Gilette Superspeed off ebay. 6 dollars sure does buy alot these days if you know where to shop It just got here 2 hours ago and I popped a german Wilkinson blade into it, lathered up some Williams (walmart was out of my usual VDH Deluxe... and no one local had the new Luxury soap) and went to town with it. Other than first time awkwardness with the short handle and unfamiliar razor I got the best shave I've had in years, and zero irritation, nicks, or whatnot I was expecting from my first shave with a DE razor. I know superspeeds from that vintage have a reputation for being "mild" but I wasn't quite expecting this level of comfort. It also cut VERY close doing an ATG pass and for the first time in a while the area under my jaw is completely smooth to the touch. Hopefully I get used to the short handle quickly, otherwise I can see more DE razors in my future.

 

[David Martin]

Yoda, Great news! I too have a Super Speed DE from 1958 and it runs over my face mild with no irritation as well while giving a nice close shave. Its very simple and quick. I've settled on a gel and Feather blades. Even after 4 shaves the same blade gives me a good shave. Very little to toss into the metal recycling bin and each shave runs me about .04 . Makes me a happy camper. DM

 

[jstrykr74]

It is amazing how 'old' technology will give you a much better shave than the newest mutli-blade razor. Less waste, cheaper, and a better shave with a lot less, if any irritation.

 

[crazyengineer]

The first time I tried a DE i said the same thing.

wait till you find a fat boy or something like that, the adjustables are awesome.

if you ever try a straight and can get past the learning curve, its even better than the DEs

 

[yoda4561]

2nd shave (and a 3rd later on just to confirm something) today and same basic story. Once I get a good feel for the razor with these wilkinsons I'll grab a blade sampler and pop a feather into it right off to see how it gets along. In my mind I see them being a good match, we'll see how reality goes.

The only thing I'm having trouble with is this Williams soap. I think I've narrowed it down to the soap being too concentrated when lathered on the puck, and then some extra face lathering. Applying it causes a mild burning sensation and my face feels dry and tight for hours after I rinse it off even if where I didn't do much with the razor. After the 3rd shave I loaded the brush up and just lathered it up in a seperate bowl for the first time. Much better results, doesn't seem to be as irritating, the lather stays fluffy and is very meringue-ish .

I'll try the bowl lather method out tomorrow, the razor is mild enough, but I've had all the williams I can take for today. The VDH soap I used before seemed very gentle on the face regardless of how much was used, the Williams needs to be used a bit more sparingly it seems. I'm determined to make this stuff work before I go back to my old favorite or try new soaps out.

It is amazing how 'old' technology will give you a much better shave than the newest mutli-blade razor. Less waste, cheaper, and a better shave with a lot less, if any irritation.

You bet, the thing I wasn't expecting was for the superspeed to be even milder than a bic sensitive, and it cuts closer at the same time. Much as I wanted to try the fusion proglides just because they look cool, a 4 pack would cost me more than my SuperSpeed and a years worth of local Wilkinson blades. I'm tired of looking like a castaway 5 days out of the week and the only way to get a comfortable shave out of a fusion is to replace them as often as a DE blade, that's over 180 bucks every year that I could use on other things (speaking of castaways, what on earth did Gilligan shave with?) . I still remember that first shave when I got a fusion power when they were just launched on the market, 90% close and comfortable, and about half a dozen weepers. It also dulled twice as fast as my mach 3 turbo cartridges. I had been wet shaving for around 10 years then, and knew my way around my face pretty well, it was before I switched to brush and soap though.

Edit: In addition even with the irritation I get from that williams soap right now, it still provides better razor glide, fewer nicks, and a face that feels better after than "Fusion Hydragel" . I do kinda like the smell of the fusion gel though, need to find out what that is

 

[David Martin]

Agreed. Edge gel with Aloe is the one I use and I like the sent it leaves. DM

 

[crazyengineer]

2nd shave (and a 3rd later on just to confirm something) today and same basic story. Once I get a good feel for the razor with these wilkinsons I'll grab a blade sampler and pop a feather into it right off to see how it gets along. In my mind I see them being a good match, we'll see how reality goes.

The only thing I'm having trouble with is this Williams soap. I think I've narrowed it down to the soap being too concentrated when lathered on the puck, and then some extra face lathering. Applying it causes a mild burning sensation and my face feels dry and tight for hours after I rinse it off even if where I didn't do much with the razor. After the 3rd shave I loaded the brush up and just lathered it up in a seperate bowl for the first time. Much better results, doesn't seem to be as irritating, the lather stays fluffy and is very meringue-ish .

Maybe try another soap?

I like the art of shaving soaps, they are a bit expensive, though still cheaper than the canned goo

the sampler pack is a good idea, you will get a very good idea of what blades work best

also, if you keep having lather problems, try checking out straightrazorplace.com they have a soap subforum that can be very useful

 

[jonnymac44]

That is really nice! I've always liked the classic look of the Gillette DEs and remember seeing them on my father's and grandfather's bathroom sink counters as a kid. I too have been completely turned off by the prices of razor cartridges these days. One of the greatest ripoffs of our time for sure.

You inspired me to look for a Gillette Super Speed for myself. What is the learning curve like on these? Is the light version a must for a first time user, or can I get a standard Super Speed and be okay?

Lastly, do you have a site to recommend where you got your wilkinson blades?

Thanks!

 

[yoda4561]

Maybe try another soap?

I like the art of shaving soaps, they are a bit expensive, though still cheaper than the canned goo

the sampler pack is a good idea, you will get a very good idea of what blades work best

also, if you keep having lather problems, try checking out straightrazorplace.com they have a soap subforum that can be very useful

The new to me VDH Luxury scented is on the shopping menu, as are a small sampling of other soaps, I've used VDH deluxe in the past and would sometimes rub it on my face because I liked the way it felt. By all accounts the new luxury stuff is supposed to be even nicer. I just don't want to give up on the williams until I've given it everything I can, it shaves well but the comfort level is nowhere near VDH.


Jonny, the learning curve was about 10 seconds as far as using the razor. The handle I'm getting used to, it's MUCH shorter than something like a mach 3, and the fusion's size makes you wonder if these tools are both used for the same job. It's smaller than a Bic Sensitive disposable, and weights more than a Fusion Power. The biggest difference I'd say is getting used to holding a small heavy razor like this at one angle, I cut my teeth shaving on a sensor excel, and while that head pivots you still needed to hold it fairly straight, so it's something I'm used to. I never pressed that hard either, and needed against the grain strokes with cartridges to make them cut all my stubble, basically there was no learning curve for me because of the way I've always shaved.

Edit: Here's a photo so you can get a better idea. A genuine Q-tip, my SuperSpeed, Bic Sensitive, then handle only of the Sensor Excel, Mach 3, and Fusion Power.

My superspeed is a 1948-50 (AKA: NDC/ no date code) and I feel like I'd have to try pretty hard to cut myself. As far as I know it's the "standard" superspeed cutting agressiveness. Gillette did make milder versions and more agressive versions, best known are the blue tip and red tip. These are identified easily by the painted knob at the bottom of the handle, Blue for the mild blue tip, and red for the more agressive cutting Red Tip. I've heard that as they moved into the late 60's and early 70's the quality of the razors dropped, I wouldn't be surprised if it was a strategy to get people to buy their new disposables and cartridge razors.

I got my wilkinson blades at the local Walmart near the rest of the cartridge refills, 1.76 for 10. They don't have a super reputation but I wanted to try what was available easily and cheaply nearby first. At 17 cents per blade they're about the cheapest blade you can find without buying in 100 packs online. When I do order other blades to try out I'll be going to Westcoastshaving.com . While you're at it, a good boar or other inexpensive brush and VDH (also at walmart) soap is a huge improvement over anything canned I've used. I haven't had the opportunity to experiment much with other soaps and better shaving creams (like proraso in a tube, you whip it into a lather with a brush) but I recommend finding a blade and razor you like and experiment with soaps, or find a soap you like and experiment with blades. Had I not used the Williams soap with the bics sensitive disposables beforehand I might have thought the razor was causing the burning and not the soap.


Lot of folks are making the move back to DE razors right now, so there's a wealth of knowlege online and lots of vendors selling quality supplies. I think I spent the last 2 or 3 weeks of my spare time just reading about DE razors and what was out there before considering a purchase.

 

[David Martin]

A lot of people are discovering DE shaving now and realizing the new jaws 3, clog-a-matic cartridge razors are way too expensive and don't deliver as good a shave as a DE. The handle on my Superspeed is a little shorter but was not an issue for me. On shaving one can find additional info. in BadgerandBlade. My glycerine soap is runny and does not give as good a lather as the can gel. But maybe I need to try different soaps. The one you mention available at Wal-Mart I'll look for. What is VDH? DM

 

[crazyengineer]

If you dont like the shortness of the superspeed, you may try a Gillette black beauty.

I was using a superspeed, then a fatboy, and didn't like the shortness. I found a gillette Black Beauty in an antique store

 

[spoolup]

I've been a convert since Christmas when I got this setup from my daughter.

Merkur long handle, Proraso sensitive soap, Astra platinum blades, Escali brush, and a nice rack. Im a fan, took a few shaves to prevent a nick near the old adams apple, but now Im a fan. And talk about CHEAP. 100 blades for $15. Seriously!

 

[yoda4561]

A lot of people are discovering DE shaving now and realizing the new jaws 3, clog-a-matic cartridge razors are way too expensive and don't deliver as good a shave as a DE. The handle on my Superspeed is a little shorter but was not an issue for me. On shaving one can find additional info. in BadgerandBlade. My glycerine soap is runny and does not give as good a lather as the can gel. But maybe I need to try different soaps. The one you mention available at Wal-Mart I'll look for. What is VDH? DM

VDH is Van Der Hagen, I got their little 10 dollar kit on a whim when I was on a "what's the best shaving cream for my mach 3" years ago. Apparently run by the Van Der Hagen family out of..... Texas The brush was low quality boar, and the bowl was a little small, but the soap. Van Der Hagen Deluxe, color is kinda a wierd pink tan, but not a big deal. I love that soap, it's 1.50 a puck at walmart, some guys don't like the smell but I grew to like it after the stuff performed so well. If you're not getting a good lather with your glycerine soap I'd say just keep practicing with the brush, unless it's expensive stuff, then get a cheap puck of Williams or VDH as I know for sure they will lather like crazy if you've got the technique down.

Try this, get the puck of soap wet and soak the brush in hot water for a few seconds. Drain any standing water in the soap vessel. One firm shake to get the water out of the brush and start trying to build lather. Swirl it vigorously on the soap for a 5 second count, then give it a light press and spin the brush 3 times back and forth. Go to a seperate bowl (I used a cereal bowl the other day) and just start whipping, maybe add a spoonfuls worth of water if you need to. in around 30 seconds of "making scrambled eggs" whipping of the brush there should be a firm and tiny bubbled foam that looks alot like something you'd put on a pie or other dessert. That's the way I'm doing it now, and I think it may be using too much soap, but it should be a surefire way to get a solid lather on the brush if you're having problems.

 

[unky_gumbi]

Jonny I made the switch about a 18 months ago and I was getting good shaves right away, consistent BBS with no nicks in about 3 months. You do need more time to shave with a DE razor than a multi bladed cartridge, but it is worth it for the shave quality and how it leaves your face feeling afterwards. Then there is the selection of soaps and blades that lets you fine tune your shave to suit your face. It can get expensive if you get hooked on trying different soaps, brushes, and razors, but if you keep that in check it is actually cheaper than cartridge razors by a long shot.

That is really nice! I've always liked the classic look of the Gillette DEs and remember seeing them on my father's and grandfather's bathroom sink counters as a kid. I too have been completely turned off by the prices of razor cartridges these days. One of the greatest ripoffs of our time for sure.

You inspired me to look for a Gillette Super Speed for myself. What is the learning curve like on these? Is the light version a must for a first time user, or can I get a standard Super Speed and be okay?

Lastly, do you have a site to recommend where you got your wilkinson blades?

Thanks!

 

[Rick in KY]

If you dont like the shortness of the superspeed, you may try a Gillette black beauty.

I was using a superspeed, then a fatboy, and didn't like the shortness. I found a gillette Black Beauty in an antique store

I also prefer using the Black Beauty. Not only does it offer a longer handle but it also is adjustable.

Things to consider Jonny (though, if you are like most, you'll probably end up with both...)

 

[Will Power]

Good to see so many more men are getting interested in a post-cartridge world!

Another plus point is that DE shaving when used in conjunction with a brush, improves the appearance and health of the skin, no more ingrowing bristles etc.

A lower cost American soap is Col. Conk which comes in Almond, Amber, Limes and Bay Rum scents. I find it good but it costs more here in Europe of course. We have the Italian and English soaps&creams and 2 amazingly cheap but excellent soaps Akro from Turkey (can't say I like the smell but many do, lathers really well) and Mon Savon from France which is one of the best soaps I've ever used.

 

[lwt210]

While not my first DE, I recently got back into it with an Edwin Jagger DE and Derby blades.

Never going back to cartridges. They simply don't perform as well as a DE with the proper pre and post shave treatments.

My wife got me an Art of Shaving sampler kit and that stuff is nice but pricey. I bought some Shave Secret oil at Walmart for less than four dollars and that makes a nice pre shave oil for the razor to glide upon.

I have been using Col Conk soap (lime) and can get a real good lather out of it. I have a better Tweezerman brush on the way instead of the AOS small badger brush that came with my kit.

It takes a bit longer but I do at least two passes....sometimes three....and with the unscented AOS post shave balm, my skin is as smooth as it was in my pre pubescent days of youth.

That Proraso stuff is supposed to be great. I can't wait to try some of their products.

 

[yoda4561]

I'm about to go on a scent kick courtesy of Mike's Natural soaps, they've gotten good reviews and I like the ingredient list and scent selections. A few sample size pieces should last a while and the idea of clay in a shave soap intrigues me. Had more luck with the Williams soap today but I don't think it'll ever be more than "servicable" shaving soap, the lather is actually quite good but it's not something I enjoy using. I'll probably scrape it out of my soap bowl and set it aside for a rainy day or when I feel like doing some mad scientist shave soap mixing. On another note, that first wilkinson blade is still going strong on it's 3rd day/4th shave. I have pretty tough facial hair but I'm impressed it's cutting as well as it does for what most consider a mediocre blade.

 

[crazyengineer]

I also prefer using the Black Beauty. Not only does it offer a longer handle but it also is adjustable.

Things to consider Jonny (though, if you are like most, you'll probably end up with both...)

more than just both lol

And ya, I definitely like the longer handle on it better.

I ended up with a couple super speeds, one comb style bar gillette DE, a single edge gem, and a couple others thrown in

I have the black beauty pictured which I got for 7 bucks and a gillette fat-boy in good condition for 5.

then I stopped buying safety razors when I tried a straight......its almost classified as a disease lol

RAD is strong (razor acquisition disorder)

 

[Will Power]

This all shows how varied and interesting DE shaving is. I actually prefer short handles, more precise feel. Lucky we have choice eh?