How long it will take me to start saving money by wet shaving: a calculation

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Okay, keep in mind that this is a total back-of-the-napkin calculation, and I realize that I'm not taking into account the cost of the Gillette goo shaving stuff, etc., so please don't break out the calculators and start flaming me. This is a very rough sort of calculation based on the cost of the razor blades. I don't really know how long a can of Gillette goo lasts or how long a tub of TOBS or a bottle of Witch Hazel lasts, but I'm guessing a long time. The thing that needs constant replacement is the blades. :)

Mach3 blades: 10 for $30, changed once a week = $0.43 per shave

Initial investment in wet shaving (yeah, I know I went for expensive stuff): $350
Merkur Futur, Satin Finish
Feather Razor Blades
Vulfix 2234 Brush
Taylor of Old Bond Street Lavender Shaving Cream
Thayer Witch Hazel Astringent With Aloe
Spilo My Nik Is Sealed Styptic Pen
Super Safety Razors Large Stainless Steel Shaving Soap Bowl
Edwin Jagger Chrome Razor and Shaving Brush Stand
Electric kettle
Dirty Bird 1.5 scuttle

Feather blades: 100 for $45, changed every three days = $0.15 per shave

savings per shave = $0.28

Number of shaves needed to recoup $350.00 = $350 / $0.28 = 1250 = 3.4 years
 
Do you really need the Futur razor?

When I started wet shaving about five years ago, I looked at it from the standpoint that it was ridiculous to spend as much as I was for the multi bladed garbage that is passed off on the public, along with the constant razor irritation and ingrown hairs. So, after just a bit of research, I settled on a basic razor, the Merkur 34C from Lee's Razors. Then, I went to West Coast Shaving and bought their sample pack. After going through the various blades in that pack, I settled on the Derby and the Feather blades. Then, I made my blade purchases in bulk off of eBay. I bought 200 Derby blades for around $20 shipped, the Feathers were a bit more.

As to your brush selection, that is a personal thing, but I would suggest to you that you start with a basic brush and I think you will find that as you learn to properly whip up your shaving cream, you'll find that most of the well-made brushes will be fine. If you are going to settle on using a shaving soap rather than a cream, then you might want a brush with a bit more body to it. I have two brushes, the one I use for creams is a basic one that was sold by Lee at Lee's Razors, and my soap brush is a bit larger and it was custom made for me at a price of about $65.

Please don't think I'm trying to dissuade you from any of your choices, but I wonder if you are doing yourself the best service by pre-buying a lot of more expensive things, when a few lower-priced, yet quality items are available.

You do not need an adjustable razor, especially when you are just learning about shaving angles. A fixed angle, quality razor will be just fine as you learn. Do not complicate something that is relatively simple. In the shaving game, angle is everything, for that will determine whether or not you cleanly cut the hair or scrape it off.

I have a scuttle, and I find it is more trouble than it is worth.

For shaving bowl, I use a simple, small cereal bowl. It is heavily constructed and holds the heat. I have an electric kettle because I use it routinely for coffee and tea making, but I find that the hottest water coming out of the tap it is just fine. Others will tell you that you need near boiling water to make the perfect shave cream, heat the brush, etc., Experimenting is part of the fun in this new hobby.

In my experience, the most "you exclusive" items are going to be first, your blade choice, and second, your cream/soap choice. It took me about a month or so of shaves to decide which blade gave me the best shave first, and then how many shaves did that good experience last. Ultimately, I don't worry about how many shaves I get from a blade, I care about the good experience. These blades are so cheap that it means nothing to me to toss it after four shaves as opposed to six, etc.

When it comes to shave creams, do not be afraid to try out the more inexpensive ones. One of the best creams I have used came from The Body Shop. Remember that a shave cream is designed to lubricate and help stand the hairs on end so that they can be crisply and without irritation, sheared. There are places on the below mentioned forums where you can trade samples with others. Soaps are generally more inexpensive.

In summary, my advice to you would be the same as others was to me when I first started out: call Lee at Lee's Shaving and follow his advice. He never advised me to buy anything expensive, but he did advise me well, including to buy the blade sampler from another company. He is a good man and whenever I wish to try a new shave cream, I always go to him first. Also, if you have not already, look at shavemyface.com and badgerandblade.com. There are a multitude of reviews there, but always keep in mind that these are individual men talking about their experience on their face. This is the ultimate "your mileage may vary" site...

Something to remember as you start out, you will be tempted to shave with the grain, across the grain, and against the grain. Do what you wish, but my philosophy has always been that unless there is going to be a female hand stroking my face, my shaves with the grain and across the grain were sufficient. In fact, I find that with a new blade and a perfect shave, I can get away with shaving every other day. Remember that every time you shave, you are exfoliating your face, and there is a limit to how much your face will tolerate before it becomes irritated.

Good luck to you in this new endeavor, and I think you will find as many of us have that there is nothing wrong with pampering yourself when it comes to shaving. It is a necessary evil and there is nothing wrong with making it an enjoyable one.
 
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BiC single blade (99 cents for a bag of 10 if you happen on a deal). Shave after a shower, no gel needed. Say, about 1 cent a shave.
 
When I started I bought a Merkur 38C on amazon ~$40, an Edwin Jagger brush from Crabtree & Evelyn ~$40, some Honeybee Sue soaps ~$23 for 6 pucks (each puck lasts me around 6 months http://stores.ebay.com/Honeybee-Spa-Soaps), a sampler pack of razors that helped me decide to settle on Feather blades, and a deep sided bowl from Kohl's for ~$4.

So $109 plus razors. I ended up with a 200 pack of Feather blades for ~$70, so all told let's just say $180 if we ignore the sampler pack I bought. With the sampler I'd probably be at $200.

It's all the equipment I need, and everything is quality. I did the math for myself and basically after the first year I was saving a lot. I get 4-5 shaves out of each razor and the soap pucks last 6 months each.

Per year I'm spending under $8 on soap. The razors were $.35 each and I go through one every 1.5-2 weeks. Let's just say I use 35 per year. That's $12.25. So my total cost of shaving (minus water) is $20.25 per year.

If I used the mach 3 or fusion blades they cost something like $2.50-$3 each.

I can use 7-9 Feather blades for the cost of 1 mach3/fusion blade. That's just ridiculous. The Feather blades are also some of the most expensive DE blades you can buy! I've seen some for as cheap as $.08 each, 4 times cheaper than the Feather blades.

So, you don't need a lot of fancy equipment, and the savings will come pretty quickly. I don't think adjustable razors are worth it. Most of the reviews I read on B&B say you end up sticking with one setting anyway. There are some really nice brushes out there, but I don't think I need a better one than my Best Badger.
 
Wow I just happened across this thread. I never knew people put that much thought or money into shaving. I am in the Navy and I have to shave everyday. I quit using shaving cream about 13 years ago. I do spend a little more for those 5 blade razors, the extra blade on the back is for timming around my mustache. Each blade lasts me about 3 weeks, to prolong the blade life I just let soak in rubbing alcohol. I have no irritation or ingrown hairs as a result. I started dry shaving to save time and cans of shaving cream take up a lot of space in a pack. As an added bonus I don't get the irritation that I got with shaving cream or gels
 
I've tried those kind and they destroy my face. With no gel? You've got to be kidding!

Even with gel, these kill my face!!!!!!


I should not have opened this thread!

I am so sick of buying Gilette Mach 11ty3rd (or what ever ridiculous number they are up to now).
 
I started wet shaving 3 years ago (about) and started with a Gillette Tech ($15), a 100 pack of blades (Derby-$15ish), and canned goo (whatever was on sale, figure about $2/can). I still have the Tech, I'm still going thru the blades, and I switched to a brush and soap (another $30 say). All told, for DE shaving I'm under $60 total. BBS shaves every time and no irritation issues ever again. It can be done on a budget, the real key is to avoid the AD's and not lust too long on any forums over other people's stuff! Caveat: Don't ask me what I've spent on straight razors! The savings stopped there!!!

-Matt-
 
For me I found a 1935 Rolls Razor, Imperial # 2 at a Gun & Knife show for 20$ in great shape. I already had the sharpening stones and strops for use on knives. Plus, the glycerin soap we already had too. So, I merely trimmed it to fit in a mug and purchased a 12$ Boar brush med. and started shaving. So, for the cost of 1 or 2 of the clog-O-matic razors that would last two months. I'm set up for life on the razor and brush. A shaver will always have to purchase soap, foam or gel. You could throw the cost of the brush in as a normal needed expense which ever razor one went with. DM
 
Do you really need the Futur razor?

When I started wet shaving about five years ago, I looked at it from the standpoint that it was ridiculous to spend as much as I was for the multi bladed garbage that is passed off on the public, along with the constant razor irritation and ingrown hairs. So, after just a bit of research, I settled on a basic razor, the Merkur 34C from Lee's Razors. Then, I went to West Coast Shaving and bought their sample pack. After going through the various blades in that pack, I settled on the Derby and the Feather blades. Then, I made my blade purchases in bulk off of eBay. I bought 200 Derby blades for around $20 shipped, the Feathers were a bit more.

As to your brush selection, that is a personal thing, but I would suggest to you that you start with a basic brush and I think you will find that as you learn to properly whip up your shaving cream, you'll find that most of the well-made brushes will be fine. If you are going to settle on using a shaving soap rather than a cream, then you might want a brush with a bit more body to it. I have two brushes, the one I use for creams is a basic one that was sold by Lee at Lee's Razors, and my soap brush is a bit larger and it was custom made for me at a price of about $65.

Please don't think I'm trying to dissuade you from any of your choices, but I wonder if you are doing yourself the best service by pre-buying a lot of more expensive things, when a few lower-priced, yet quality items are available.

You do not need an adjustable razor, especially when you are just learning about shaving angles. A fixed angle, quality razor will be just fine as you learn. Do not complicate something that is relatively simple. In the shaving game, angle is everything, for that will determine whether or not you cleanly cut the hair or scrape it off.

I have a scuttle, and I find it is more trouble than it is worth.

For shaving bowl, I use a simple, small cereal bowl. It is heavily constructed and holds the heat. I have an electric kettle because I use it routinely for coffee and tea making, but I find that the hottest water coming out of the tap it is just fine. Others will tell you that you need near boiling water to make the perfect shave cream, heat the brush, etc., Experimenting is part of the fun in this new hobby.

In my experience, the most "you exclusive" items are going to be first, your blade choice, and second, your cream/soap choice. It took me about a month or so of shaves to decide which blade gave me the best shave first, and then how many shaves did that good experience last. Ultimately, I don't worry about how many shaves I get from a blade, I care about the good experience. These blades are so cheap that it means nothing to me to toss it after four shaves as opposed to six, etc.

When it comes to shave creams, do not be afraid to try out the more inexpensive ones. One of the best creams I have used came from The Body Shop. Remember that a shave cream is designed to lubricate and help stand the hairs on end so that they can be crisply and without irritation, sheared. There are places on the below mentioned forums where you can trade samples with others. Soaps are generally more inexpensive.

In summary, my advice to you would be the same as others was to me when I first started out: call Lee at Lee's Shaving and follow his advice. He never advised me to buy anything expensive, but he did advise me well, including to buy the blade sampler from another company. He is a good man and whenever I wish to try a new shave cream, I always go to him first. Also, if you have not already, look at shavemyface.com and badgerandblade.com. There are a multitude of reviews there, but always keep in mind that these are individual men talking about their experience on their face. This is the ultimate "your mileage may vary" site...

Something to remember as you start out, you will be tempted to shave with the grain, across the grain, and against the grain. Do what you wish, but my philosophy has always been that unless there is going to be a female hand stroking my face, my shaves with the grain and across the grain were sufficient. In fact, I find that with a new blade and a perfect shave, I can get away with shaving every other day. Remember that every time you shave, you are exfoliating your face, and there is a limit to how much your face will tolerate before it becomes irritated.

Good luck to you in this new endeavor, and I think you will find as many of us have that there is nothing wrong with pampering yourself when it comes to shaving. It is a necessary evil and there is nothing wrong with making it an enjoyable one.



I started wet shaving 3 years ago (about) and started with a Gillette Tech ($15), a 100 pack of blades (Derby-$15ish), and canned goo (whatever was on sale, figure about $2/can). I still have the Tech, I'm still going thru the blades, and I switched to a brush and soap (another $30 say). All told, for DE shaving I'm under $60 total. BBS shaves every time and no irritation issues ever again. It can be done on a budget, the real key is to avoid the AD's and not lust too long on any forums over other people's stuff! Caveat: Don't ask me what I've spent on straight razors! The savings stopped there!!!

-Matt-


Well said
 
No flaming here, but you said it yourself that you went high budget on your gear:p

I noticed a difference in cost almost right away, I came in with a mid priced budget and I am sure that the money I have saved to date pays for most of my RAD:o For me the big savings was the blades, I was using a fusion + or what ever it was called and a blade would last me a shave and a half at best. If I tried pushing it past that my neck would look like mushed road kill:eek: with a DE I get 3 good shaves out of a blade, and they drop off noticeably from there. I did manage to get 6 shaves out of a blade a couple of times, but that last one was a killer. I figured with blades being so cheap why worry about how many shaves I get out of one, besides I didn't switch to DE to save money I switched to save my face and got the added pleasure of enjoying the shave. Those two things are well worth the cost even if it was higher per shave than goo and a cartridge.

Okay, keep in mind that this is a total back-of-the-napkin calculation, and I realize that I'm not taking into account the cost of the Gillette goo shaving stuff, etc., so please don't break out the calculators and start flaming me. This is a very rough sort of calculation based on the cost of the razor blades. I don't really know how long a can of Gillette goo lasts or how long a tub of TOBS or a bottle of Witch Hazel lasts, but I'm guessing a long time. The thing that needs constant replacement is the blades. :)

Mach3 blades: 10 for $30, changed once a week = $0.43 per shave

Initial investment in wet shaving (yeah, I know I went for expensive stuff): $350
Merkur Futur, Satin Finish
Feather Razor Blades
Vulfix 2234 Brush
Taylor of Old Bond Street Lavender Shaving Cream
Thayer Witch Hazel Astringent With Aloe
Spilo My Nik Is Sealed Styptic Pen
Super Safety Razors Large Stainless Steel Shaving Soap Bowl
Edwin Jagger Chrome Razor and Shaving Brush Stand
Electric kettle
Dirty Bird 1.5 scuttle

Feather blades: 100 for $45, changed every three days = $0.15 per shave

savings per shave = $0.28

Number of shaves needed to recoup $350.00 = $350 / $0.28 = 1250 = 3.4 years
 
I was using a fusion + or what ever it was called and a blade would last me a shave and a half at best.

Interesting... Somebody on the Straight Razor Place forum had an ongoing thread about his fusion blade. He says that he has had 11 shaves with one cartridge, and the performance has been exactly the same as the first.

Personally, I used to use gillette Sensor 3 disposables. This is before I got into straights and DEs, so I never did XTG or ATG passes, but those disposables served well for WTG for about a month each.

I should try some disposable cartridges again with what I know from traditional shaving to see how they compare, exactly.
 
I will never go back, if I couldn't get DE blades or razors, I would just grow a beard. Cartridge razors just don't work for me and I know that. I had held on to me Fusion for almost a year after I started DE shaving and tried it after about 6 months because I was a little late in ordering blades and I got the exact same results as I had before.
 
I will never go back, if I couldn't get DE blades or razors, I would just grow a beard. Cartridge razors just don't work for me and I know that. I had held on to me Fusion for almost a year after I started DE shaving and tried it after about 6 months because I was a little late in ordering blades and I got the exact same results as I had before.

I've only been wet shaving for one week, and I feel the same way. I understand why it went the way of the dodo, though. The learning curve is somewhat steep, and there's a lot to keep in mind and a lot of steps (making the lather properly, prepping the beard properly, holding the razor correctly, applying the right pressure, etc.). And there's the possibility of mistakes... but once you start getting the hang of it, the feedback of the blade is incredible. And the rewards are many-fold: wonderful, luxurious-smelling cremes and milled soaps, the feel of the badger brush loaded with warm, slick, high-quality lather against your face, the report and distinct sound the DE blade makes when it's shaving hair, etc.

Conversely, I can understand why plastic cartridges (like the Fusion or Mach3) became popular, though. Now it is clear to me: no learning curve and no great danger of cuts. It dumbed down shaving for the masses. But the downside is tremendous, in my opinion, now that I've seen the light. People who don't wet shave don't know what they are missing. Shaving becomes this tedious and brain-dead task you have to perform every morning with that horrible multi-blade plastic cartridge and that god-awful-smelling aerosol goo in a can made by Gillette. No wonder so many men count shaving as among their most hated daily tasks.

Since I started wet shaving, believe it or not, I actually enjoy shaving. I enjoy taking my time to prepare the lather properly and hydrate my face. I enjoy practicing with the DE Razor and improving my technique, and I love the feedback and control I get from the blade. It's become a pleasant hobby, no longer a "chore."

I liken wet shaving to manual photography. There is a learning curve, but once you understand how to do it and you get that "Aha!" moment where it all clicks together... suddenly you realize what you were missing out on (by the way, I haven't gotten that "Aha!" moment for wet shaving yet, but I'm working on it). There is a relationship to be had with one's camera! You can communicate with it in its language and make it do whatever you want it to do; it talks to you and gives you information, and you tell it exactly how to render the shot... but it's hard work and practice at the beginning (F stop, shutter speed, white balance, image stabilization, etc.), and it's a lot to learn and keep on top of. And that's why point-and-shoot cameras are so popular: no learning curve and halfway-decent pictures by just pressing the shutter button. But just like cartridge shavers, point-and-shooters have no idea what they are missing... no idea of the world of rewards they are passing up.
 
BiC single blade (99 cents for a bag of 10 if you happen on a deal). Shave after a shower, no gel needed. Say, about 1 cent a shave.

Do you actually need to shave?

It seems to me that once you go DE or return to it (like me) you will not go back to plastic razors and pressurized foam. It does not work as well, does not offer the variety or satisfaction of DE and brush shaving, and it costs more and will become even more costly.

The OP chose some costly kit but as has been pointed out cheaper can be as good, it depends solely on your individual needs. I've never seen the need for an adjustable razor as I've always approached DE shaving as a thing that hinges on angle. Others may not see it that way. Undeniably, traditional brush DE/Cut-throat shaving offers the shaver the widest range of options. Modern wet-shaving is depressingly uniform and homogenised, costly sameness. You will see cost savings because: the blades are vastly cheaper, one DE razor could last you for life, soaps creams last some months without being frugal, 2 brushes that suit you will last many many years. And, your skin will pay dividends too, the skin-tone improves considerably.
 
To be brutally honest one DE razor if taken care of will last a few generations. My oldest razor is a 1921 Gillette Single Ring, yes the silver plating is getting thin in places, but the razor itself works just a good as the day it was made, and I think it will still be going strong when I am gone
 
Those bags of 12 Bic shavers cost me 13$ and I have to buy 2 each year.Perhaps more as some don't come sharp. As Magnamous said; there is a great deal of satisfaction about sharpeing my razor and recieving a good shave with it. Maybe I feel a connection to Grandad or just my own accomplishment of turning something mundane into an achievement. What ever it is there is something there and its a positive reflection throughout my day. If nothing else goes right---my shave did. DM
 
gumbi, Agreed. Mine is on its 3rd generation of users. Should I get blessed with a Grandson it will go on to the 4th. When I'm chatting with people and the topic comes up and I drop the, 'yes I shave with a straight razor'. They stop and look at me like they were seeing a ghost. I can only imagine what the computer Geek generation will say to my Grandson. When he drops that on his buddies. :thumbup: DM
 
Interesting... Somebody on the Straight Razor Place forum had an ongoing thread about his fusion blade. He says that he has had 11 shaves with one cartridge, and the performance has been exactly the same as the first.

Personally, I used to use gillette Sensor 3 disposables. This is before I got into straights and DEs, so I never did XTG or ATG passes, but those disposables served well for WTG for about a month each.

I should try some disposable cartridges again with what I know from traditional shaving to see how they compare, exactly.

I recently tried out a Mach 3 after switching to DE shaving about a year ago. I did my usual prep, soap, badger brush, etc, and did a 3 pass shave with the Mach 3. I then followed up with a 3 pass shave from a DE razor. On all passes, the DE was shaving stubble left behind from the Mach 3. To be fair a few days later I reversed the experiment, doing my usual 3 pass shave with a DE, then following up with a 3 pass Mach 3 shave. The Mach 3 had little to no stubble to shave after the DE.
 
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