A question for everyone who has whiskers

Red Bullets · #1 12-12-2018, 08:17 PM

So I was checking out a shave shop in Edmonton and am considering using straight razor for shaving. This shop has some beautiful razors and using one would mean no more buying razor blades. This is the shop I was checking out. The shop category has all the blades. There are lots of guys growing beards now and the store has things to maintain a beards too.

https://www.kentofinglewood.com/coll...traight-razors

And it got me to wondering how many use just what for shaving. I started out using safety razors in the 70's and then went to the generic disposable multi blade shavers when they came out. What do you gents prefer? Any guys using straight razors? Maybe some are even plucking out their whiskers.

Trochu · #2 12-12-2018, 08:44 PM

Saw the price on the first one and thought "huh, I figured these would be more expensive". And then I scrolled down.

Au revoir, Gopher · #3 12-12-2018, 09:31 PM

I use a straight razor, but I keep some disposables around for the days when I don't want to risk removing things other than the whiskers...

ARG

hogie · #4 12-12-2018, 09:42 PM

Went from disposable to a safety razor. So much better, wished I would have done it 20 years ago. Would have saved a lot of money compared to the multiblade crap.

catnthehat · #5 12-12-2018, 09:54 PM

I use both sn rirctruc ( for quick shave and mustache trimming) and razors if I have time .
Cat

Twisted Canuck · #6 12-12-2018, 09:57 PM

I've been using the Gillette Fusion ProGlide for quite a while, just buy them when they are on sale at Costco. I find that a cartridge will last me up to a month, if I just rinse them in rubbing alcohol after I shave. Dries them out, no rust, still plenty sharp. I am pretty hit an miss on shaving though, 3 or 4 times a week. Whiskers don't bother me.

ks.snow · #7 12-12-2018, 11:54 PM

Don't shave much anymore I typically just use clippers to trim it back down to stable every week or so. Whenever I do its either with a phillips norelco electric shaver or the phillips on blade (use the one blade more often).

amosfella · #8 12-13-2018, 01:34 AM

I have several straight razors. I use continuous diamond plates and a strop to sharpen them. I've bought a few from used sales, antique shops, bargain sales, etc. I was given the first one that my grandpa taught me to shave with.

I haven't used them in a while as I have been keeping somewhat of a beard on. I have a higher end Wahl clipper with guards for trimming to length.

Dean2 · #9 12-13-2018, 02:16 AM

That is a decent shop but the prices are quite high. It is a good place to go and talk to the guys, you can learn quite a lot from them as they are pretty knowledgeable. You can however buy razors and the other accessories on line for a lot less money.

I have used a Henkels straight razor for many years. They do a great job but you can buy a lot of razor blades for the price of a good straight razor so if it is mostly about saving money you will be many years breaking even. I don't know if Henkels still makes them but there are lots of used Henkels for sale on Ebay. Make sure any razor you buy does not have any nicks, rust or other damage on them, it makes them virtually useless.

There are quite a number of really good Straight razors made and you can pay from $80 to $800 for one. Buy a good quality one but if you spend more than $2-300 for a new one you aren't really getting a better razor, just fancier engraving or handle material.

I only stone sharpen my straight razor every 6 or 7 years. The rest of the time the leather and canvas strop is more than enough, but I have a relatively soft beard. I always shower before shaving and with the softened hair I use no soap or shaving lube. I find I get a much closer shave that way.

Take your time when you start out and never pull the razor sideways, always straight up or down. Never shave when you are even a little shaky or distracted. Lock the door when you are shaving, this is not when you want to get bumped or startled. Best of luck.

averagejoe · #10 12-13-2018, 02:48 AM

KoI is a REALLY expensive place to shop. There are seriously many better places to go. Combined with a lot of the cheaper razors aren't all that good, even the Dovo razors have been known to be utter crap. Quite a few smaller "family" businesses that don't have anywhere near the markup.

If you have a soft beard you could go with a thinner blade such as a hollow or full hollow ground. A thicker beard you might want to go with something like a wedge.

There are a couple Facebook groups that I would recommend if you are interested in more info. The first is Canadian Wet Shavers https://www.facebook.com/groups/CanadianWetShavers and the second is North America's Best Wet Shavers Club. https://www.facebook.com/groups/305368952979318/

I use a safety razor simply because it doesn't make my face burn for hours after a shave like carts did. The blades are also MUCH cheaper. A 100 pack will run you $15-$20 for most common brands and for me that is 3-4 years worth of blades.

ChickakooKookoo · #11 12-13-2018, 07:27 AM

I've got a trick to make Mach 3s or any disposable blade last years. I've been using the same 8 pack of Mach 3 Turbos for about 5 years now. Before you go spend any money on fancy gear just try this for a month, you'll be blown away by how well it works. This has saved me hundreds, if not thousands of dollars over the years.

https://youtu.be/5ADaRIqy0Dc

Prairiewolf · #12 12-13-2018, 08:00 AM

Went to a beard back in late 2016. I looked into a straight razor since my neck does get irritated from shaving 1-2 times per week through.

I'll admit the sticker shock of a most of these straight razors kept me from buying one, though I hear Santa may be bringing one in a couple of weeks.

Also, a number of guys here complaining about price and going online after researching in store - don't ever complain about not having a decent local gun shop again, this is exactly why that happens...

bobtodrick · #13 12-13-2018, 08:10 AM

Single edge. Better shave and waaay cheaper.
Bought these nearly 2 years ago https://www.amazon.ca/Astra-Superior...08FMZ3A13FC16D and only 1/2 way through them.

ghostguy6 · #14 12-13-2018, 09:15 AM

Prefer the safety razor myself since I'm usually in a rush in the mornings. Blades are $0.18 each and last a long time.
Check out https://www.fendrihan.ca They have much better prices than Kent.

pinelakeperch · #15 12-13-2018, 10:11 AM

$1,600.00 for a razor. I'll stick with the two blade Bics.

wildbill · #16 12-13-2018, 10:15 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Twisted Canuck

I've been using the Gillette Fusion ProGlide for quite a while, just buy them when they are on sale at Costco. I find that a cartridge will last me up to a month, if I just rinse them in rubbing alcohol after I shave. Dries them out, no rust, still plenty sharp. I am pretty hit an miss on shaving though, 3 or 4 times a week. Whiskers don't bother me.

X2, gotta be clean shaven every day for work, them blades rarely go on sale, but they last quite a while.
How's that Colt doin? Is she ok?

Twisted Canuck · #17 12-13-2018, 10:24 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by wildbill

X2, gotta be clean shaven every day for work, them blades rarely go on sale, but they last quite a while.
How's that Colt doin? Is she ok?

The Colt is great. I did have somebody make a very serious offer a month ago on it, but I resisted the urge to sell...

Ken07AOVette · #18 12-13-2018, 10:26 AM

Braun series 9 electronic with alcohol cleaning station. Series 5 lasted me 4 years (still works fine) and new blades at ~$50 every 18 months. It was on sale from $339 to $199 last year.

bobtodrick · #19 12-13-2018, 10:29 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by pinelakeperch

$1,600.00 for a razor. I'll stick with the two blade Bics.

Now realistically that's like saying '$14000 for a Gunwerks...I'll stick to my slingshot'
You can buy a decent safety razor for well under $100 or a decent straight razor for under $200.
I paid $50 for my Merkur safety razor two years ago...along with 100 blades (of which I've used 1/2) for $18.00.
$68 total for two years. Pretty sure you've paid that much for you Bic's and at the rate I'm going I've got another two years worth of blades.
After that it will be $18 for four years worth of shaving.

Salavee · #20 12-13-2018, 10:31 AM

https://blademag.com/blog/frozen-sha...treated-blades

bat119 · #21 12-13-2018, 12:29 PM

I usually use a Bic disposable after reading this thread I'm ready to jump on the
safety razor bandwagon just a few questions:
What type?
butterfly
adjustable
comb
What are the best blades?

averagejoe · #22 12-13-2018, 01:25 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bat119

I usually use a Bic disposable after reading this thread I'm ready to jump on the
safety razor bandwagon just a few questions:
What type?
butterfly
adjustable
comb
What are the best blades?

Oh boy, here we go lol.

For most people the easiest is a 3 piece. So many brands and just like with everything there will be some that you hate and some that you like. Open combs are more aggressive.

Adjustables can be nice since you have more working room to figure out what works for you. If you have really thin hair a mild razor would usually work better while if you have thick hair or don't shave often a more aggressive razor is what you want.

Blades are extremely subjective and you will find a very noticeable difference between brands. They come in all sorts of different sharpnesses and coatings. Much the same as one mans chosen calibre, bullet and rifle is another mans trash. For this reason blade sample packs are really popular.

I have some extra gear if you want to send me a pm we can work something out.

bat119 · #23 12-13-2018, 02:08 PM

There's a lot choices, I'll jump in the middle range with a 6 pack sampler, going with a butterfly type I used 40 years ago until you couldn't buy blades I remember it was easy to clean.

bobtodrick · #24 12-13-2018, 02:10 PM

Actually all covered in depth about a year ago
http://www.outdoorsmenforum.ca/showt...ghlight=razors

averagejoe · #25 12-13-2018, 02:11 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bat119

There's a lot choices, I'll jump in the middle range with a 6 pack sampler, going with a butterfly type I used 40 years ago until you couldn't buy blades I remember it was easy to clean.

Be careful with the cheap chinese butterfly razors, they can vary from utter trash to decent.

bat119 · #26 12-13-2018, 02:45 PM

Went with a Parker 82R Double-Edge Safety Razor, Butterfly Opening it had the best reviews

averagejoe · #27 12-13-2018, 04:13 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bat119

Went with a Parker 82R Double-Edge Safety Razor, Butterfly Opening it had the best reviews

Awesome. Parker is a pretty good brand.

Here is a list of a few Canadian vendors that you can check out.
https://topofthechain.ca/

https://prohibition-style.myshopify.com/ This guy makes the Prohibition Style products and ships from near Calgary.

https://www.fendrihan.ca/ Already mentioned. They carry some higher end stuff with decent prices.

https://www.italianbarber.com/ AVOID THIS PLACE. The customer service is a joke, the owner has gone on public rants because people called him out on it. Year after year the same BS.

https://www.beardandblade.ca/ This guy is closing up, also in Alberta in Lethbridge. Use code CLOSEOUT25 for 25% off most items.

I am honestly probably forgetting some of the smaller ones. I know there are a few other artisans on Facebook and what not.

alacringa · #28 12-13-2018, 06:08 PM

I keep a furry face, but to keep the edges straight, and on the dome (where the hairs have been leaving in droves for some time), I use a Mach 3.

57charlie · #29 12-13-2018, 06:47 PM

I'm lucky in that I don't feel a need to shave any more than twice a week. When I do, I just go with the dollar store variety twin blades & shave cream. I bet I don't spend more than $8 bucks a year on shaving at home. That being said, I do treat myself to a good shave now & again at the barbershop....those are priceless.

Fish along · #30 12-13-2018, 07:32 PM

I never was much for shaving, always had a beard of some kind,sometimes I buzz it of with my Remington ,just to see what my bare face looks like for change.