Posted: 5/15/2025 8:47:20 PM EDT
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This forum doesn't get a lot of traffic, but I hope some of the tried-and-true SME's are still around! I'm a complete beginner with the old double-edge safety razor. I just happened to acquire one new, in the factory package (with a few blades), for the princely sum of $0.00. I've been using cheap disposable razors forever (I'm 70) and thought using it would be a great way to save a few bucks...not like I really use it a lot...I have a beard, so I only shave my neck up to the jaw line, and that only every second or third day. It's not fast-growing, but it is a bit of a bitch to chop off, especially in the Adam's apple area! So far, I haven't cut my throat completely, but I have lost a few drops of blood here and there. Live and learn, right? The blades that were included were branded "Van der Hagen", as was the razor itself. They seemed a bit aggressive on my tender face, so I picked up a few Astra blades to try. They seem to be a bit more 'gentle', as it were. So far, so good. What advice can y'all give an old guy using even older technology? How long should a blade last, or should I just 'feel' it when it's time to change? I'm just using Cremo for lube (I shave in the shower, so nothin' fancy!) Anything I should know? Rust prevention? Etc., etc., etc.. Thanks in advance... Dave |
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I have sensitive skin when it comes to shaving. Regular razors that pull on the hair would leave my face a mess to two days after shaving. A regular DE has been a lifesaver for me. Make sure your razor is putting a good line on your blade when held in place. Some of the cheaper ones, you can end up with a crocked or curved blade that will mess with your skin. I would suggest getting out of the shower to shave. I find the shower would water down and thin out my lather too much. For my sensitive skin a thick lather is best. I would try some of the butters that are thick and have to be lathered up in a bowl with a real brush. This is what works best for me. |
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I've been DE shaving since '09. I have a fairly fast growing and probably moderately coarse beard, fwiw. When I was still working and shaving every workday, my goto blades were Polsilver Super Iridiums, Astras, and Feathers. Polsilvers are no longer available but allegedly Wizamet SIs are the new version. Astra, as you know, and Feathers are still available. Anyway, I could get a full week (five shaves) off a Polsilver or an Astra blade but only about 3 off Feathers. As cheap as the blades are there's no reason to try to get a couple extra days shave out of on. I bought a shitload of all three when I was still working and I sincerely doubt I'll run out before I die. |
| I was greatly afeared..of de razors, since I used "safety" razors in the 70s. Recently I purchased a Henson razor...I thought it was mostly hype but it wasn't. It's a DE razor, uses standard blades but its design is truly a great improvement over razors of the past. It does better than my Harry's razors and Ive had no issues with cuts etc. |
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For OP, if you find DE shaving works for you, and have some money to spare, try picking up some vintage Gillette and/or other brand razors off ebay. I find even with the same blade, different razors will work differently. The most "efficient" razor I've ever used is a vintage Hoffman travel slant razor. A Fatboy on 9 is nearly as good. |
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I like a mild razor with a sharp blade. I alternate between a Gillette Fatboy and a Gillette Slim, both with Feather blades. I change blades once a week. |
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Thanks for all the info, gentlemen. So far, I've found that Astra blades work well. I tried them first since they were reported to be the least hazardous in the 'cut your own throat' category.  Feather blades were rated the sharpest and most dangerous, so I haven't tried them yet.The worst problem I've had with the Astras is RUST. Damn, they're rusting within a week, even when I store the razor in a mineral oil bath between uses. When I'm done with this 5-pack, I'll give something else a try. Maybe one of these days I'll give a different razor a go...I'm still working on getting used to the process! |
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Originally Posted By Stefan-DSO: I was greatly afeared..of de razors, since I used "safety" razors in the 70s. Recently I purchased a Henson razor...I thought it was mostly hype but it wasn't. It's a DE razor, uses standard blades but its design is truly a great improvement over razors of the past. It does better than my Harry's razors and Ive had no issues with cuts etc. |
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I bought a 100 blade sampler on Amazon a few years back. It had a variety of blades. I found several that I really enjoyed then bought a 100 pack of each. I had a ton of razors in the past but thinned the down to about half a dozen Gillette Super Speeds and a few heavy handled Tech razors. Now I just experiment with different blades and creams. |
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Originally Posted By nipster74: I bought a 100 blade sampler on Amazon a few years back. It had a variety of blades. I found several that I really enjoyed then bought a 100 pack of each. I had a ton of razors in the past but thinned the down to about half a dozen Gillette Super Speeds and a few heavy handled Tech razors. Now I just experiment with different blades and creams. |
Allow the weight of the handle and the blade to do the work (especially if it's brand new), just guide it with your hand. If you try to pull the razor with force, you're gonna have a bad time  I have a long handle Merkur and use feather blades. |