Best Razor - Wet Shave

Feisar

As per the title, what's the best razor? I use a Mach 3, the standard one, tried Wilkinson Sword years ago, it was a red one as far as i remember. The disposable ones cut the face off of me.
There's a thread in AH at the moment and I'm suprised at the amount of people that are saying Gillette are crap. Close enough shave and no irritation as long as I follow my wee routine.

Marcos

Feisar wrote: »

As per the title, what's the best razor? I use a Mach 3, the standard one, tried Wilkinson Sword years ago, it was a red one as far as i remember. The disposable ones cut the face off of me.
There's a thread in AH at the moment and I'm suprised at the amount of people that are saying Gillette are crap. Close enough shave and no irritation as long as I follow my wee routine.

Well whatever works for you, but Gillette are heavily overpriced and, as seen by their latest ad, are quite happy to attack and denigrate men. So if you're happy paying to support that, go ahead. Otherwise look for alternatives like Wilkinson Sword or even Tesco do a three bladed disposable that's a lot cheaper and very good. It works for me, and I have a very strong beard.

There are also online alternatives, but I haven't checked those out, maybe someone else might give some guidance.

kneemos

Get months out of a Wilkinson Sword. Do find them overly sharp for the first couple of shaves though.


Gillette are a marketing scam. They cost a fortune for three or four uses.
Literally anything else would be an improvement.

bren2002

Shaving.ie is worth a look around

Here too
https://touch.boards.ie/thread/2055667043/1

Feisar

Cheers gents.

To be honest my twice a week shaves aren't going to make Gillette up but the point still stands regarding a company with such adverts, I considered it fairly inane myself.

Has anyone gone down the cut throat route?

Krombopulos Michael

I have a double edge razor which is fantastic but takes a bit of practice to get use to it.

https://www.shaving.ie/products/merkur-progress.html

I use DE Feather blades and they cost next to nothing and it's the best shave ever. There is a guy on youtube called Mantic59 (and I think became a boardsie member) who has great videos on Double Edge wet shaving.

TitianGerm

I use a DE razor as well. Switched over from Gillette about 3-4 years ago. No more redness and irritation and saving a fortune.

utyh2ikcq9z76b

Researching last night and Tesco own brand might be good to use, seems to be a movement of people posting back their razors. P&G Irish address is

Calmount Park, 12, The Graan House Units E1 & E14, Ballymount, Dublin, D12 X854

From a quick google

budgemook

Double Edge wet shaving - I think I read before that you shouldn't really let the hair grow too long. I hate shaving so usually leave it a few days. I've always used Gillette, just after cutting myself just now with a new one. It's true that they're ****e after 4 uses. I remember hearing rubbing them on jeans sharpens them again but it didn't work for me.

I tried WS before but didn't like it - should I persevere? Do they really last a lot longer than Gillette?

Couldn't give a ****e about their new ad btw.

uck51js9zml2yt

Use a DE blade and shave every 2nd day. Key is to use plenty of soap and brush it in.

sitkaspruce

i find the lidl shark razors to be as good as any!

Nigel Fairservice

I use this DE Edwin Jagger.

https://www.shaving.ie/products/edwin-jagger-chatsworth-ebony.html

I switched to DE shaving about 10 years. I find it's much better for my skin, especially my neck. Only 1 blade is passing against your skin with each pass as opposed to 2/3 blades each time with the cartridge razors. The irritation is a lot less. I use shaving soap and a brush as well.

kneemos

Electric razors are fine also if you're not too fussy about a super close shave.

Always Tired

kneemos wrote: »

Electric razors are fine also if you're not too fussy about a super close shave.

i hate them, they don't give me that 'fresh' feeling I get from a razor, my skin feels as dull and dry as it did before shaving when i use an electric. I have naturally dry skin tho and basically shaving with a razor also is a exfoliation for me.

my favorite razor by far is the wilkinson sword 'sensitive' 3 blade disposables with the green and black handle, the blade is flexible making it really good for tough areas like around your mouth, chin etc and it doesn't irritate

SuperS54

Feisar wrote: »

Gillette are crap. Close enough shave and no irritation as long as I follow my wee routine.

They've been quite irritating of late.

Manach

This is a more of a product to avoid.
Tesco own brand 3 blade "Xprt" - poor quality shave and the blades began to lose their edge after only 2 days.

Ragnar Lothbrok

I've been using the Aldi 5 blade razors for quite a while now. They are excellent and only cost 3.99 for a 4 pack (I think).

I don't need to be clean shaven for work, so generally only shave every third or fourth day, if I can be bothered.

TBH, I'd grow a full beard (instead of my usual goatee) if my GF would let me

Acosta

Been using gillette mach 3 for about 15 years, but I only shave twice a week so get a good use out of the blades

Tabnabs

I use the most expensive offering in Lidl and gets weeks out of them, a few people on a similar thread recommended them and I haven't gone back to major branded blades since. Saved a fortune.

drunkmonkey

Using one of these for ages http://www.knightsshavingshop.com/muhle-r89-rose-gold-closed-comb/
I'd be afraid to use a Gillette at this stage, you don't need 3 blades if you've one good one. Blades are cheap as chips and always nice to try out new shaving creams. When you get used to it, it's just as quick as a Gillette and a way better shave.

DE blade user for over 10 years...
One of the best decisions I ever made..

cmac2009

drunkmonkey wrote: »

Using one of these for ages http://www.knightsshavingshop.com/muhle-r89-rose-gold-closed-comb/
I'd be afraid to use a Gillette at this stage, you don't need 3 blades if you've one good one. Blades are cheap as chips and always nice to try out new shaving creams. When you get used to it, it's just as quick as a Gillette and a way better shave.

Wouldn't agree that it's just as quick as Gillette. It takes times, especially if you have to do a second pass if you want a close shave

Ashleigh1986

I use Gillette Mach 3 only .
Have been for years .
I shave every day including my head .
I've the same blades for months .
The key is to keep them clean after every shave .
No other blade comes even close to Gillette .
I've tried all the gadgets/ blades and always come back to the Mach 3.
In the long run it works out cheaper .
Fabulous product !!!!

DJIMI TRARORE

Got fed up with the mach3 and poor blades around Xmas,so I've just got a 1st consignment from BOLDKING,E29 for,handle,4 blades,75ml shaving gel,3x25ml of face cream,facewash+ after shave cream and a deodorant stick,will let ye know how good/ bad it is

Copper_pipe

DJIMI TRARORE wrote: »

Got fed up with the mach3 and poor blades around Xmas,so I've just got a 1st consignment from BOLDKING,E29 for,handle,4 blades,75ml shaving gel,3x25ml of face cream,facewash+ after shave cream and a deodorant stick,will let ye know how good/ bad it is

Got my first delivery from Boldking yesterday. Very happy with it so far

CalamariFritti

I use morninglory.com. Not much or any cheaper than Mach3 but better and last longer IMO. I only shave twice a week and I get a year or so out of 8 of them. It's important to clean your razor as best as you can after use.

H3llR4iser

I will second the LIDL stuff choice - either the 3 or 5 blades ones they have are good for me. I know some guys swear by double edged razors and such, I can see their point but to me it felt like stepping back 50 years, with all the cons involved. If I was a maniacal "smooth as a baby's arse" guy, yeah, but with my 1-2 times a week "keep the stubble from becoming a neckbeard" regime, LIDL stuff works fine

DJIMI TRARORE

DJIMI TRARORE wrote:

Got fed up with the mach3 and poor blades around Xmas,so I've just got a 1st consignment from BOLDKING,E29 for,handle,4 blades,75ml shaving gel,3x25ml of face cream,facewash+ after shave cream and a deodorant stick,will let ye know how good/ bad it is

Copper_pipe wrote:

Got my first delivery from Boldking yesterday. Very happy with it so far

Bloody deodorant was missing:(,it's been sorted by them asap,

Jurgen Klopp

I've been using DE and cartridge for years switching it up.

The Aldi 3 blade cart system is the best I've found to date, think 6 carts for €2.50 and they are even a little sharper and last way longer than the Gillette they also have a 4/5 blade system too.

I also shave the head and the Boldking razor is teh best thing you'll ever get to shave your head. The blades move independent so it follows the curves of your head and the blade gap is larger so they can't clog

A close second to the Boldking is wilkinson sword xtreme 3 for head shaving

I use carts mostly now with a shaving soap and brush. Can't be arsed with the prep and that for teh DE razor that you need

Donie75

+1 for Boldking. I get 4 blades in the post every second month for €9.50. They last ages and give a great shave. The gap between the blades is a lot bigger than the Gilette blades so it doesn't clog up.

Kevin Finnerty

DJIMI TRARORE wrote: »

Bloody deodorant was missing:(,it's been sorted by them asap,

Any joy? Like the look of that site.Looking to take the plunge myself but it does get fair confusing.

Crock Rock

Cartridge razors are pure shit. Get yourself a straight razor (avoid shavettes, they are very unforgiving and you get no warning before slicing into your skin) or a double edge safety razor and a beaver brush and bowl. You won't lok back, I promise.

Silentcorner

Crock Rock wrote: »

Cartridge razors are pure shit. Get yourself a straight razor (avoid shavettes, they are very unforgiving and you get no warning before slicing into your skin) or a double edge safety razor and a beaver brush and bowl. You won't lok back, I promise.

Any idea where one could be picked up?

DJIMI TRARORE

Kevin Finnerty wrote:

Any joy? Like the look of that site.Looking to take the plunge myself but it does get fair confusing.

Not yet,it's being sorted,probably take 5-7 days

Crock Rock

Silentcorner wrote: »

Any idea where one could be picked up?

Shaving.ie.


Great service and cheap prices for quality products.

Kevin Finnerty

Ordered the starter pack off Shaving.ie on Monday night arrived today 2 days later. Used the Muehle blade there now the difference is night and day in comparison to Mach 3 which I've been using all along.
So refreshing but time consuming, I was scared of nicking myself so that probably added.. takes me back 30 years ago learning to shave with my fathers blade blood everywhere:-)

Krombopulos Michael

I'd advise to check out some of these videos on DE shaving. This guy has some great tips for a close shaves, and funny too. He became a boardsie a while ago too.

https://www.youtube.com/user/mantic59

My kit is
-Mekur Progress
-Feather DE Blades
-proraso shave soap
-badger hair brush
-speick after shave balm

Taking the time to do some pre-shave prep gives a fantastic shave.

DJIMI TRARORE

My deodorant stick only arrived from boldking this morning,had actually forgotten about it

Krombopulos Michael

Also to note, be careful disposing of DE Blades. Some DE blades come in a plastic case, that has a slot at the bottom to slide old blades into.

run_Forrest_run

Crock Rock wrote: »

or a double edge safety razor and a beaver brush and bowl. You won't lok back, I promise.

:eek:
not much demand for that type of brush I'd say. Stick with badger.

Jurgen Klopp

Krombopulos Michael wrote: »

I'd advise to check out some of these videos on DE shaving. This guy has some great tips for a close shaves, and funny too. He became a boardsie a while ago too.

https://www.youtube.com/user/mantic59

My kit is
-Mekur Progress
-Feather DE Blades
-proraso shave soap
-badger hair brush
-speick after shave balm

Taking the time to do some pre-shave prep gives a fantastic shave.

I always enjoy PaulH Films too he seems a nice man

Silentcorner

Well I picked up a safety razor along with my brush and shaving cream, I'm getting a great shave but a few little tiny nicks, I look like someone dragged through a ditch...is it my skin or am I doing something wrong?

Jurgen Klopp

Silentcorner wrote: »

Well I picked up a safety razor along with my brush and shaving cream, I'm getting a great shave but a few little tiny nicks, I look like someone dragged through a ditch...is it my skin or am I doing something wrong?

It will take a while to get used to the technique of a DE.

When you use a Mach 3 you need to kinda press it against the skin. A DE you hold it against the skin like you are rubbing a feather gently down your face, don't press down with it

Then there's also how much prep you do. Some can get away with rubbing some hot water into the face, others may need hot water and massage the face or even leave a hot towel or face cloth on the face for a few minutes

You can also use stuff like pre shave cream or oil to soften the hair

Then theres how many passes you do, some do the 3 pass where as with my own skin for example no amount of prep would let me do more than 1 pass with the grain

Let us know what your prep is when and we can see the story

Silentcorner

Jurgen Klopp wrote: »

It will take a while to get used to the technique of a DE.

When you use a Mach 3 you need to kinda press it against the skin. A DE you hold it against the skin like you are rubbing a feather gently down your face, don't press down with it

Then there's also how much prep you do. Some can get away with rubbing some hot water into the face, others may need hot water and massage the face or even leave a hot towel or face cloth on the face for a few minutes

You can also use stuff like pre shave cream or oil to soften the hair

Then theres how many passes you do, some do the 3 pass where as with my own skin for example no amount of prep would let me do more than 1 pass with the grain

Let us know what your prep is when and we can see the story

I have been simply dabbing my face with warm water, then lathering with shaving cream and shaving like I was with a Gillette, I probably need to spend more time preparing my face I'm ready in less then a minute, I have a rather soft/sensitive skin, and I probably need to learn how much pressure I am applying.

I will say, despite the nicks, I am thoroughly enjoying the ritual!

drunkmonkey

I just do it after a hot shower, little dab of cream on the brush, lather it on the face. Passes depend on how much stubble but it's easy after a shower.
An alum block is essential.

Jurgen Klopp

Ah yes unless you've been in shower first like DM recommend you'd want to soften a bit more. I usually get a steaming hot face cloth wash my face then wet it again and hold it against my face for a couple minutes

Just try using the DE like I said gently touch to your face the blade will do the work

Kevin Finnerty

What are ye getting out of a blade? A blade every shave is about my go doing 3 passes. Normal or am I wasting blades? I just feel them getting rougher even though they're still cutting well-ish. Astra Superior blades part of a starter pack I got on shaving.ie.

drunkmonkey

A blade every shave your doing something wrong, I get maybe 6 or so shaves, probably change the blade every 2 weeks. If your finding them rough try a different blade. What razor are you using, is there a bit of weight to it?

Buddy97mm

Generally get 4/5 shaves per blade (Astra, 7oclock, Rapira, Voskhod, etc.) Some give less (Gillette Wilkinson Sword), others give more (current fave, Nacet, which gives 15/20 shaves).

I shave every day, so tend to change as soon as I feel a blade getting dull, think blades are a little more forgiving for longer growth.

Bullocks

I generally use them for 2 or 3 shaves before changing ,I could probably knock more shaves out of them but I just like the new blade feel , especially when using the safety blades because they are so cheap .

I am using the vlodstock blades and find them brilliant , tried the muhle blades and found them to tug a bit at the beard before cutting . I'm just using a wilkinson sword razor from the chemist to hold the blades . Is there much difference between the more expensive razors ?

Tazzimus

DE convert here as well, shaving is much more enjoyable now.
I can now shave every two days, 3 pass every time, instead of twice a week and it hurting..
I change my blade every 4 shaves, 7 o'clock sharp edge.
Could probably get more from it but I have loads and they're cheap.

Tip for anyone starting though, map your facial hair to save you some pain.