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I dont have experience with the Merkur, but heard good things. I went with old Gillette adjustibles (Slim and Fat Boy) from ebay, and cleaned and shined them up. I like the knurled handles more than the smooth one you have linked.
Check out badger and brush forums--they are the AR15.com for shaving. https://www.badgerandblade.com/forum/forums/ |
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"Don't seek relationship advice on a gunboard frequented by moody loners." -stoner63
"The solutions of today will be the problems of tomorrow." -amaxell27 |
Originally Posted By dtrosch: I dont have experience with the Merkur, but heard good things. I went with old Gillette adjustibles (Slim and Fat Boy) from ebay, and cleaned and shined them up. I like the knurled handles more than the smooth one you have linked. Check out badger and brush forums--they are the AR15.com for shaving. View Quote I'll check it out, thanks! I'll have to dig out all my brothers razors and look through what he had a little better. I think his collection had several vintage Gillettes along with an old Atra. Might snap a pic or two of it all. I read where handles like Merkur and on other razors that had no knurling could be slippery when wet, and one guy laid his thumb open on the Merkur trying to take the blade out and it slipped. Saw one guy that wrapped a rubber band around the indented area on one to give it more grip and another on a forum said he dipped a smooth razor handle in to some rubber grip material and let it dry and it worked. Seems odd that they'd not do some kind of grip material on something they know will have hands that may be wet or soapy holding it. |
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Post pics and I'm sure you will get lots of info from members here.
Edited: I have done a fair amount of research into the Gillettes and will be happy to share what I can when you post. I also added the forum link above. |
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"Don't seek relationship advice on a gunboard frequented by moody loners." -stoner63
"The solutions of today will be the problems of tomorrow." -amaxell27 |
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Originally Posted By dtrosch: Post pics and I'm sure you will get lots of info from members here. Edited: I have done a fair amount of research into the Gillettes and will be happy to share what I can when you post. I also added the forum link above. View Quote Thanks, I appreciate it. I'll get some pics later and post them. And thanks for the link. |
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I bought at antique stores/second hand stores and use the oldies. Select from your collection and enjoy!
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Originally Posted By DV8EDD: I went from the modern multiblade to an R89 and I'll never go back. So much better, it's not even close. Taylor of Old Bond or Proraso. Pinaud splash. So nice. ETA - i like personna blades, made in USA. Once you have the razor, a lifetime supply of blades is dirt cheap. This is the set I have. https://i.imgur.com/Tu1kz8Uh.jpg View Quote Damn, that's a nice looking set! |
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Originally Posted By ltcnav: I bought at antique stores/second hand stores and use the oldies. Select from your collection and enjoy! View Quote That's what my brother did, I don't think he had a new razor in all that he had, just vintage ones that he got online. There are a few places here at the lake area that have lots of used stuff/junk that I may check out to see what they have and see if they have any razors by chance. |
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I have a Futur, great razor. Adjustable, and easy to clean. The whole blade keeper pops off. You won't be dissapointed.
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A chance to cut is a chance to cure
Life Member: AR15.com, NRA, NYSRPA, SAF Team Ranstad VCDL Callsign: Sawbones |
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Very cool. I'd start with cleaning up the black handeled one--scrubbing bubbles and an old tooth brush will get it shining like new. It looks like a basic Gillette Super Speed with the butterfly blade doors. It should serve you well to start.
I get Feather and Derby blades from amazon in bulk packs. I like jamming a stick of Arko soap in a mug and using a cheap $10 brush for lather. I suggest looking for a sub $30 gillette slim adjustable or sub $40 Fat Boy on ebay. Also try scrubbing bubbles--works good especially if you dont see the brass through the nickle plating. More research info: https://backroadsgold.com/vintage-gillette-safety-razor/ |
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"Don't seek relationship advice on a gunboard frequented by moody loners." -stoner63
"The solutions of today will be the problems of tomorrow." -amaxell27 |
Originally Posted By dtrosch: Very cool. I'd start with cleaning up the black handeled one--scrubbing bubbles and an old tooth brush will get it shining like new. It looks like a basic Gillette Super Speed with the butterfly blade doors. It should serve you well to start. I get Feather and Derby blades from amazon in bulk packs. I like jamming a stick of Arko soap in a mug and using a cheap $10 brush for lather. I suggest looking for a sub $30 gillette slim adjustable or sub $40 Fat Boy on ebay. Also try scrubbing bubbles--works good especially if you dont see the brass through the nickle plating. More research info: https://backroadsgold.com/vintage-gillette-safety-razor/ View Quote I'll check out eBay for the ones you mentioned and see what's there. And thanks for the cleaning tips, I appreciate it! I think I may try out the black handled one. I've got two brushes that were my brothers and I think I had his soap and dish too that his daughter gave me. I need to look around. Ever use shaving gel with a safety razor? |
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Originally Posted By Spleenless-Dave: ... Ever use shaving gel with a safety razor? View Quote I like using the Arko soap. I'm just as quick whipping up a mug of lather as I would be with gel, but for me there is something I like about the old school methods with the classic razor. I like the lemony scent, and it lathers quick. You could certainly use gel, but it seems slightly wrong to me. To each their own, though. If you find a shaving soap you like the scent of, and get proficient at the razor you use, shaving changes from a daily chore to a daily routine that you enjoy. |
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"Don't seek relationship advice on a gunboard frequented by moody loners." -stoner63
"The solutions of today will be the problems of tomorrow." -amaxell27 |
I've used canned jell soap with a DE and its ok, squirt a small blob in the bottom of my shaving bowl and whip to foam with my brush.
I'll 2nd the mash an Arko stick in a bowl (works great!) I even went so far as to cheese grate Arko and add menthol to it, even better! (Fairly sure I posted the how to I found on the net here in the shaving forum) Looks like your brother was a fan of open comb razors (me too) I like and use Maggard's open comb razor this is the model I'm using: Attached File A better photo of the head: Attached File |
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Originally Posted By dtrosch: I like using the Arko soap. I'm just as quick whipping up a mug of lather as I would be with gel, but for me there is something I like about the old school methods with the classic razor. I like the lemony scent, and it lathers quick. You could certainly use gel, but it seems slightly wrong to me. To each their own, though. If you find a shaving soap you like the scent of, and get proficient at the razor you use, shaving changes from a daily chore to a daily routine that you enjoy. View Quote I'll look around and see if I can find some shaving soap around here in town or order some. I'd like to try it before trying the gel. |
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Originally Posted By 45BArmorer: I've used canned jell soap with a DE and its ok, squirt a small blob in the bottom of my shaving bowl and whip to foam with my brush. I'll 2nd the mash an Arko stick in a bowl (works great!) I even went so far as to cheese grate Arko and add menthol to it, even better! (Fairly sure I posted the how to I found on the net here in the shaving forum) Looks like your brother was a fan of open comb razors (me too) I like and use Maggard's open comb razor this is the model I'm using: https://www.ar15.com/media/mediaFiles/69136/Maggard-Razors-MR-5_jpg-2446283.JPG A better photo of the head: https://www.ar15.com/media/mediaFiles/69136/Maggard-Razors-Open-Comb_v2_jpg-2446286.JPG View Quote THAT is a cool looking razor! I was looking online at various ones and saw a titanium one that had a great design but was about $500. A little too pricey for me. |
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I just re priced my razor, before shipping it's 39.95 https://maggardrazors.com/collections/safety-razors/products/maggard-razors-de-safety-razor-mr5-stainless-steel-handle
Lots of options and even mix and match (handles and heads to get the razor you want) Find a few more things and get free shipping @ 59.00. Also if your new look into getting an assorted blade sample pack to find the blades that work best for you. Most people seem to like / love feather blades, for me they didn't work lots of nicks, and got dull fast 1 or 2 shaves max. A user here sent me a small assortment of blades and after trying several brands, I settled on Astra Platinum and Voskhod Teflon razor blades. Bought 100 blades of each kind (around 15.00 per 100) couple of years ago and still working though them. |
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Originally Posted By fish223: I have a Futur, great razor. Adjustable, and easy to clean. The whole blade keeper pops off. You won't be dissapointed. View Quote I'm still considering picking up a Futur, it's an interesting design. I'll probably start off with something basic though to get used to shaving with a DE razor. I have a feeling I'm going to end up with multiple razors though. I did that with guitars and guns. |
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You're going to want to try out a few. I have two DE razors I use sometimes. Sometimes I like using a Schick hydro 5 as well. I feel like there's a benefit to switching things up a little sometimes.
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Originally Posted By fish223: I have a Futur, great razor. Adjustable, and easy to clean. The whole blade keeper pops off. You won't be dissapointed. View Quote I still like to change it up from time to time though, I have a Merkur 38C that I leave at work in my locker in case I forget and need to knock down the stubble before I go on duty. I also like my cheap Maggard razors though. The closest DE shave I can get is attained by throwing in a Feather blade and cranking my Futur up to max blade reveal, It's not a comfortable shave but it's a close one. My skin really likes Personna Lab Blues in my Futur set to max reveal for a daily shave, I find that combo gives me the best 1 pass WTG workday shave while also being comfortable. If I need to be completely smooth I'll go with a 2 pass WTG/XTG shave, or switch to one of my "Big Chungus" razors like my West Coast Shaving 175S with a slant head. I personally detest butterfly razors, it's what I started with and they're too tall for me to shave under my nose easily, I prefer lower profile heads. ETA- Those vintage Gillettes are gorgeous OP. I always liked the looks of those. |
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Originally Posted By Vap0rWav3r: This. I have accumulated 6 DE razors, 2 extra heads, and a shavette now I think . My Futur is my daily driver though because of ease of cleaning, and ease of changing out the blade (no unscrewing the handle and separating the head to change blades) I still like to change it up from time to time though, I have a Merkur 38C that I leave at work in my locker in case I forget and need to knock down the stubble before I go on duty. I also like my cheap Maggard razors though. The closest DE shave I can get is attained by throwing in a Feather blade and cranking my Futur up to max blade reveal, It's not a comfortable shave but it's a close one. My skin really likes Personna Lab Blues in my Futur set to max reveal for a daily shave, I find that combo gives me the best 1 pass WTG workday shave while also being comfortable. If I need to be completely smooth I'll go with a 2 pass WTG/XTG shave, or switch to one of my "Big Chungus" razors like my West Coast Shaving 175S with a slant head. I personally detest butterfly razors, it's what I started with and they're too tall for me to shave under my nose easily, I prefer lower profile heads. ETA- Those vintage Gillettes are gorgeous OP. I always liked the looks of those. View Quote View All Quotes View All Quotes Originally Posted By Vap0rWav3r: Originally Posted By fish223: I have a Futur, great razor. Adjustable, and easy to clean. The whole blade keeper pops off. You won't be dissapointed. I still like to change it up from time to time though, I have a Merkur 38C that I leave at work in my locker in case I forget and need to knock down the stubble before I go on duty. I also like my cheap Maggard razors though. The closest DE shave I can get is attained by throwing in a Feather blade and cranking my Futur up to max blade reveal, It's not a comfortable shave but it's a close one. My skin really likes Personna Lab Blues in my Futur set to max reveal for a daily shave, I find that combo gives me the best 1 pass WTG workday shave while also being comfortable. If I need to be completely smooth I'll go with a 2 pass WTG/XTG shave, or switch to one of my "Big Chungus" razors like my West Coast Shaving 175S with a slant head. I personally detest butterfly razors, it's what I started with and they're too tall for me to shave under my nose easily, I prefer lower profile heads. ETA- Those vintage Gillettes are gorgeous OP. I always liked the looks of those. I never realized how many razors my brother had accumulated, just that he had gotten in to using the de razor. He and I were a lot alike in that we'd get in to a new hobby and go overboard. I did order a Futur and it should be here in a day or so. Also have watched a few videos of properly using a DE so I don't hack my face up. |
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Do you ever actually adjust an adjustable razor? Or do you find a setting you like and leave it there?
I use a merkur 23c (long handled) razor and feather blades. Thinking about a short handled razor though. |
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Originally Posted By johnh57: Do you ever actually adjust an adjustable razor? Or do you find a setting you like and leave it there? I use a merkur 23c (long handled) razor and feather blades. Thinking about a short handled razor though. View Quote I have the short handled version. The supplied blades were good as well. I now order 100 packs of Astras from Amazon. For whatever reason, the Feathers didn't work for me. |
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Originally Posted By Cooper1: I have the short handled version. The supplied blades were good as well. I now order 100 packs of Astras from Amazon. For whatever reason, the Feathers didn't work for me. View Quote After reading about various blades, I decided to get the Amazon Astra pack to try since my brother had a supply of Feather blades I could also try. I think he might have some Gillette too in the box. |
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Originally Posted By Spleenless-Dave: After reading about various blades, I decided to get the Amazon Astra pack to try since my brother had a supply of Feather blades I could also try. I think he might have some Gillette too in the box. View Quote They don't seem to have Feathers currently but have in the past. |
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Originally Posted By Spleenless-Dave: I never realized how many razors my brother had accumulated, just that he had gotten in to using the de razor. He and I were a lot alike in that we'd get in to a new hobby and go overboard. I did order a Futur and it should be here in a day or so. Also have watched a few videos of properly using a DE so I don't hack my face up. View Quote Look into getting an alum block, and a styptic pencil if you don't have them already. The alum block looks like a small salt lick, you get it wet and rub it all over your face and it will let you know where you are going hard on your skin, and it disinfects your face and prevents razor burn. The styptic pencil is powdered alum that looks like a piece of chalk, you get that wet and touch it to bleeders and it will stop them instantly without leaving a blood spot/scab. Be careful using it on slices though because it will seal them in the open position and you can get some gnarly looking scars ask me how I know . You can get styptic pencils a lots of places Walmart and most pharmacies, but I've always had to order the alum blocks online. Razors are like guns they just seem to multiply all by themselves. Everyone goes through a gear phase in the beginning and collects brushes, razors, soaps, blades etc. You'll eventually settle in to a daily combo you like. I use Barbasol and my Futur usually because I'm in a rush before work, but if I have time to enjoy the experience on a day off I'll use Stirling Soap and my Stirling synthetic brush. "Margaritas in the Arctic" is my favorite scent of theirs, it smells like lime and has menthol that cools your skin. I use the Margaritas aftershave as a cologne when I get dressed up and it's not an overwhelming scent. The nice thing about a lot of soap companies is they sell sample sizes so you don't have to commit to a scent you might not like, once you find one you like you can buy a full size puck. |
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Originally Posted By Vap0rWav3r: Personally the only time I ever adjust my Futur is if I throw in a Feather blade I'll drop it down 2 notches or so. Feathers have too much flex/chatter when it's wide open and I get a ton of nicks, most other blades are stiff enough that I leave it at the highest setting. The only other time I ever recall lowering was when I first got it and was nervous, and when I got really sunburned and wanted to take it easier on my face. If you want a short handle, vintage Travel Tech Gillettes are insane, the handle was about the length of a blade. You can find them on eBay for >$20 without the case depending on condition. https://img1.etsystatic.com/107/0/6640131/il_570xN.1106494173_kb7o.jpg View Quote That's a cool little razor. It's been interesting to look at vintage razors online, and see the various styles and looks. Thanks for the blade sample company link, I'll check them out and see what I can order to try out. I'll check out soaps online and see what any stores around here might have (probably be easiest to just order online and not waste gas) and I have a styptic pencil but could use a new one. I've got some Proraso that was in my brothers kit that I started using after a shave and I like it. I'm so used to the Mach razors and others, it will be interesting to do the first shave with a DE razor. By the way, USPS delivered the Merkur Futur today. VERY nice. Hefty as hell, and well made. |
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Otto is my co-pilot.
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Originally Posted By NathanL: Have a Gillette slim adjustable I inherited. Every day shave razor is a Fatip Lo Sort, open comb slant razor. Will take off 7-10 days of growth in no time with a feather blade. Otherwise a voskhod blade. https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/1337/4655/products/42146.jpg?v=1619615961 View Quote That's interesting with the slanted design. Does that shave differently having the angles? |
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Originally Posted By Spleenless-Dave: That's interesting with the slanted design. Does that shave differently having the angles? View Quote |
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Otto is my co-pilot.
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Originally Posted By NathanL: Much more agressive, it slices the hair along the blade so to speak. It will cut a weeks worth of growth off in a single pass. Then a follow up pass to clean it up if needed. Some people find it too agressive. View Quote Definitely sounds more aggressive than a standard style, and probably aimed at people that are long time de shavers, unlike me. I'd be slicing my face off. It's a cool design. I remember seeing some other brand that had an angled head while looking at razors online. I'll have to see I can find it. |
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Have a game changer, I'd recommend it.
https://www.razorock.com/?buynow=razors Been happy with voskhod blades. |
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Originally Posted By Smurf10161: Have a game changer, I'd recommend it. https://www.razorock.com/?buynow=razors Been happy with voskhod blades. View Quote Thanks! They've got a nice variety of styles to choose from. |
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Originally Posted By Spleenless-Dave: Thanks! They've got a nice variety of styles to choose from. View Quote I have two Game Changers. I have one with a vintage thick bar handle and the 0.084 base plate and another with the 0.064 base plare and a slightly longer handle. Here's the Game Changer with the vintage thick bar handle. The vintage thick bar handle is the same length as many of the classic Gillette razors. It really is the perfect length https://www.italianbarber.com/products/handle-only-razorock-vintage-thick-bar-handle-316l-stainless-steel When your order the handle, order both kinds of base plates and also order a top cap. By changing out the base plates you can adjust the aggression of your shave. https://www.italianbarber.com/collections/razorock-razor-heads/products/razorock-game-changer-68-p-base-plate https://www.italianbarber.com/collections/razorock-razor-heads/products/razorock-game-changer-84-p-base-plate https://www.italianbarber.com/collections/razorock-razor-heads/products/game-changer-top-cap-special-request-2 |
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Adopt stray dogs; but never adopt stray women.
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Nice collection, I love those old Gillette razors.
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Got into the DE game several months ago. I bought this to try different blades.
I prefer the Lord platinum blades. Since I was just getting started, I got a decent razor that looked cool.
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Andrôn gàr epiphanôn pâsa gê táphos - Pericles
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ShaveMyFace.com was a great site I was at for a long time. Try a few blades, Feather is probably the sharpest but dulls quick. I use Derby blades in a vintage Gillette Slim Twist. As far as collecting, I have a Ranger and a couple TV specials that I have been thinking of selling.
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Your brother had a nice collection of razors. When I started out I bought a new Merkur 34C and then soon got a vintage Gillette Super Speed with the butterfly opening. The Super Speed is by far my favorite of the two and I almost exclusively use it at this point. I’ve been meaning to pick up a razor with an open toothed comb for when I go a while between shaving my head and my Super Speed clogs between every pass.
Just go slow and pay attention. Apply very little pressure and you can always add some more shaving cream/soap and do another pass if you go too light. |
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I just ordered a Rockwell R1, Merkur 42C and a variety of blades. I used to use a DE and it got damaged in a move and I never got around to going back. I wasn't into the whole brush/bowl routine, so switching to cartridges wasn't that big a change and I'd used those when I was younger so nothing new.
I was in the store and the price had gone up again and I was thinking, this is stupid, I know there's a better way. My R1, Merkur and blades (and misc other stuff) haven't even arrived yet and I was on ebay this morning ordering a vintage Super Speed. If you don't mind it not being one of the rare ones or in perfect condition with a case they're cheap. It's not like they didn't make massive numbers of them. Gonna have to play around with different razor/blade combos to see what my favorite is again. I may just gift the R1 and a blade sampler to someone who wants to try DE shaving. I just bought it to try out TTO but unless the Super Speed is not as described I doubt I'll even take the R1 out of the box. |
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I use the Henson, it works great, and is as close to the shape/ ease of use as a regular disposable razor.
Its also very safe - very hard to cut yourself - safe to the point of using it around 'delicate areas' which is something I'd definitely not do with most safety razors. https://hensonshaving.com/products/henson-al13-in-aircraft-aluminum Biggest advantage is not closeness of shave - a brand new Mach 3 is as close or closer. The advantage is cost. A 10 cent Astra razor blade provides 4x perfect shaves (2x shaves per edge). |
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https://yatesprecision.com/collections/safety-razors
I keep saying I'm going to buy one of these to try out. I've been following him on Instagram for a long time, I'm emotionally invested now. |
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A small amount of advice. I am 66 and recently started with a safety razor.
1. Remember that even with the d.e.razor and all, this style of shaving was a daily chore for your predecessors, just as your shaving is now. 2. At the end of the day, it is still simply shaving. Spend all the money you want, it's yours and I don't care. I didn't spend much at all, got the butterfly handle free. 3. This type of shaving will take you Muuuuch longer than you are used to but, it's your time, not mine. 4, and to me, the best. This type of shaving can be verrry relaxing. The time, the "ritual," can be very calming. I am a horrible mechanic but I try. Got frustrated working on the car last week. Quit early, came in the house, showered and shaved. Took about 15-20 minutes on "the ritual." No more anger or frustration. Calm. Enjoy. |
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Use a 1962 Gillette slim adjustable that was my grandfathers.
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Originally Posted By Spleenless-Dave: I'm still considering picking up a Futur, it's an interesting design. I'll probably start off with something basic though to get used to shaving with a DE razor. I have a feeling I'm going to end up with multiple razors though. I did that with guitars and guns. View Quote while I like the razor, I would not buy the real one for $80. |
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Will not shelter in place
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