There you go again, talking about your adventures in shaving . . .

I dunno, some day I'd like to try some of this stuff. But with finances the way they are, I'll stick to disposables and cheap shave gel.

I dunno, some day I'd like to try some of this stuff. But with finances the way they are, I'll stick to disposables and cheap shave gel.

I can understand that but if you check the price of double edged blades you might be surprised to find that using a double edge razor is actually cheaper than using cartridges or even disposables. Not to mention getting a better shave to boot.

While the higher end shave creams can seem pricey they last quite a while. Proraso, which is made in Italy, is actually quite inexpensive but makes for a very nice shaving experience.

Good quality badger brushes can be pretty expensive though. You can pick up a Proraso boar brush pretty inexpensively and for a boar brush it's actually not too bad.

But I understand. Not everyone enjoys a good shave as much as some of us.

But I understand. Not everyone enjoys a good shave as much as some of us.

At this point, my face is used to the abuse of a cheap razor and almost no cream. It's just the norm around here - it'd probably pucker up and get all weird on me if I actually moisturized it . . .

At this point, my face is used to the abuse of a cheap razor and almost no cream. It's just the norm around here - it'd probably pucker up and get all weird on me if I actually moisturized it . . .

Yea, mine as well!

Okay. I can see the blades being of a better quality, but what gives with the handles? I've noticed some are relitively inexpensive, while others seem simply astronomical to me.

What makes the $75 handle better than the $20 model?

Reply #6 Okay. I can see the blades being of a better quality, but what gives with the handles? I've noticed some are relitively inexpensive, while others seem simply astronomical to me. What makes the $75 handle better than the $20 model?

A lot of things actually. The materials used, the quality of construction (fit and finish), weight, and balance. When shaving with a DE blade angle and exposure is everything. My Merkur Futur was on the high end of the price scale and worth every penny. It's an adjustable, which means one can set the blade exposure for their beard type, skin type, and comfort level. Less aggressive (less exposure) is good for sensitive skin and/or a light beard. More aggressive for a tough, heavy beard (like mine).

It's one of the heaviest razors on the market as well as larger than most. It fits my hand quite well as the smaller, lighter ones like my old Merkur open comb just feel tiny and too light for me.

That said, it most cases if using a good blade that $20 razor can deliver as good a shave as my $60 one. The one thing to watch with the cheaper ones is sometimes they don't properly secure the blade. A loose blade can cause some nasty cuts.

Well if none of that works you could always try waxing.

~Zoo

Well if none of that works you could always try waxing.

I can just see Mason now, spreading that Nad's crap all over his face . . . the look of horror as he rips his flesh off . . .

Incidently, I've seen that stuff in action one time. When I was living in Farmington, New Mexico, there was this guy I knew that was about the hairiest man I've ever seen. He was like the missing link or something, because he was hairy like unto a gorilla. Anyway, he was moving away and we wanted to Nad's his whole upper body before he left. So the night before, we ran to Walgreen's and bought two packages of the stuff, and began smearing it all over him, first on his chest.

And we ran out. Two packages got just the front of his chest done - nothing on his sides, back, or arms. He looked like he was wearing a cardigan made from his own hair. Gross.

Pass. I'd just grow another beard first

That said, it most cases if using a good blade that $20 razor can deliver as good a shave as my $60 one. The one thing to watch with the cheaper ones is sometimes they don't properly secure the blade. A loose blade can cause some nasty cuts.

Thanks Mason. I think I'm going to give the dual edge razors a shot; maybe pick one up this weekend. I'll let you know how it turns out.

Reply #11 That said, it most cases if using a good blade that $20 razor can deliver as good a shave as my $60 one. The one thing to watch with the cheaper ones is sometimes they don't properly secure the blade. A loose blade can cause some nasty cuts. Thanks Mason. I think I'm going to give the dual edge razors a shot; maybe pick one up this weekend. I'll let you know how it turns out.

You're welcome. Let me know how you like it. Also, let me know where you bought it. I have yet to find any actual brick and mortar stores that carry them these days. I've had to order mine over the internet.

If you do give a DE a try, take it slow and easy. Use about a 30 degree angle with the razor and you should be pretty close on the blade angle. If there is a Target store near you pick up some Proraso shave cream in the green tube and a brush. The Proraso brush is around $12 I think (far cheaper than the $100+ badger brushes).

It takes some practice and patience to use a DE effectively without getting a lot of nicks and/or rash. Take your time.

If you have to order one over the net, try classicshaving.com and check out the Merkur HD (heavy duty). It's an excellent first DE and reasonable at around $40.

M, thanks for the lessons in shaving quality and such. Seriously, I'm going to refer back to your blogs come close to Xmas time! I'm interested to know how that West Indian Lime smelled? I love the smell of Sandalwood!

Reply #13 I'm interested to know how that West Indian Lime smelled?

I'll let you know when I get it.
I've always liked Sandalwood myself.

Oh boy!!!!! I got home this evening and it's all here!

I tore open all the boxes and just had to open each tube of shave cream to get a whiff. They all smell wonderful although their true scents will only be told when they are whipped up in the brush with some nice hot water. I can hardly wait.

I am going to have a very tough decision to make in the morning. Which one to try first?