Ask Aaron Q/A: Cartridge Razors vs Safety Razors – Which are better?
Mark Howard, from the UK, asks:
“I’m so tired of the high prices of cassette type blades to the poing that I’m overusing blunt blades! I want to move to double edge razor but is this a backwards step in terms of shaving and blade technology? If double edge razors are so good, how come people moved to the cassette type? I want to believe!!!!”
AARON SAYS
“Mr. Howard, Your have a good question! Thanks for asking! In short, yes it is a step back, but technological advances do not always make things better! The first patents for “safety razors” came out in the late 1800′s. What we recognize today as a safety razor today became patented in 1907 (if I recall correctly).
Merkur 37C Slant Bar DE Safety Razor
That makes this technology over 100 years old! Cartridge or cassette type blades have only been in production for the past 40 years, since the 60′s. The problem with Cassette blades is that they were designed to give a large average percentage of men a good shave. Note, not a great shave. The blades rest above the skin, so they rely on the process of historesis to give a smooth shave, unfortunately this cause more problems than it solves! Razor burn (from too much pressure and not enough lubrication), razor bumps and ingrown hairs. Plus lots of pulling and tugging (which it is designed to do!).
Safety razors have a blade that rides right next to or on the surface of the skin, providing a smooth clean shave. It does take some technique to learn, but it time you will have no nicks, cuts, or razor burn. All this to say, it might be a step back technologically, but switching to a safety razor will provide you a much closer and better shave.
If you have any questions about how to start, or what products to use, please read through the blog, or contact me again for more information! I’d be more than happy to help.
Smooth shaving!
Aaron”
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Ask Aaron Q/A: DE Razors – Heavy or Light, Which is best?
Steven Cox, from the UK, asks:
“Having never used a double edge safety razor before I do not know whether to use a light or heavy razor. Are there any general guidelines I could follow to help me make my choice?”
Pick a heavier razor like this Parker 80R to begin your journey
AARON SAYS
“Mr. Cox,
Whether you have a light or heavy razor is truly a matter of personal preference. I generally recommend heavier razors for new shaver because it allows them to easier feel the razor and let the razor to the work cutting the hair. All that to say that I would recommend a heavier razor to begin your journey! Thanks for the question!
Smooth Shaving!
Aaron”
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Ask Aaron Q&A: Safety Razors – Closed Comb vs Open Comb
Sean Chawla-Duggan, from the UK, asks:
“Aaron, I have a very tough thick beard hair, and while when I do have the luxury of time I get a very good shave with a straight razor, I’d like to have a safety razor for mid week quickies. Should I use open or closed comb?”
AARON SAYS
“Mr. Chawla-Duggan,
Thank you for writing in! There is much debate surrounding the safety bar vs. open comb with strong opinions on both sides. Open comb razors do tend to be more aggressive and can give an easier shave for those of us with tougher beards. The shave also heavily depends on how sharp your blade is. If you like the look and feel of an open comb, go for it! There is a great open comb version of the Merkur HD which I highly recommend as well as the Muhle open comb.
Happy Shaving!
Aaron”
Do you have any burning questions you would like ask our wet shaving expert Aaron Wolfenbarger? CLICK HERE TO ASK AARON YOUR QUESTION
Ask Aaron Q&A: Finding the best double edge shaving products – Is it a case of trial and error?
Charles Singleton, from the UK, asks:
“Hi Aaron, it seems to me that double edge shaving is not as clear cut as shaving with my Mach 3! Now I have a wide choice different blades, razors, creams and brushes. Looking at reviews on websites and forums I get confused as to what to choose because when I find something that has a positive review I usually find an equally negative one! Is it just a case of trial and error as I can see this getting expensive?!”
AARON SAYS
“Mr Singleton,
Yes! I agree the many choices and options can be a bit overwhelming. If I can let me offer some products and advice to help get you on your way.
To start with get a good brush such as a Simpsons, Vulfix, Kent or Bluebeards Revenge. This paired with a good cream such as Bluebeards Revenge, Taylor of Old Bond Street, Proraso, Geo. F. Trumper’s and Truefitt & Hill will increase the quality of your shave a lot, even if you decide to keep going with your Mach 3. Should you take the plunge and go with a safety razor the Blue Beard’s Scimitar, Merkur HD, and the Parker 98 or 99R razors will be great ways to start. The most subjective part of wet shaving is the blade. For blades I really suggest you start by buying a single pack of each brand and figure out which rand works best for your face and hair types. Gillette, Merkur, Derby and Israeli made blades are great to start with. I highly suggest waiting on the Feather blades until you gain more experience. They tend to be *cough* VERY unforgiving of student mistakes.
These suggestions should narrow down the choices for you and I hope you enjoy your journey into wet shaving!
Happy Shaving,
Aaron”
Do you have any burning questions you would like ask our wet shaving expert Aaron Wolfenbarger? CLICK HERE TO ASK AARON YOUR QUESTION
Ask Aaron Q&A: I keep cutting myself, am I using the right double edge razor blade?
“I bought a Parker 82R Super HeavyWeight Butterfly Open Safety Razor along with Feather Hi-Stainless Double Edged Razor Blades and to be completely honest have stopped using it after about 6 or more shaves due to the amount of cuts under neck and at corner of mouth. Am I using the correct blade? Why is this happening (I was so disappointed I now use a 150.00 Braun series 9 electric but would love to have carried on using a proper razor, and have always been a wet shaver since 16 so 24 yrs now,” asks Paul Ewing, from the UK.
AARON SAYS
“Mr. Ewing,
Thanks for your question! If you are relatively new to wet shaving I suspect the Feather blades are the culprit. The Parker is a good razor, but the Feathers are extremely sharp and have the reputation of being called “ninjas” on wetshaving forums because of their sharpness. They are great blades but can very unforgiving especially to the beginner. I suggest finding some other blades such as Derbys, Gillettes, or Israelis to use for now. Once you have more experience under your belt revisit the Feathers, they might become your favorite blade!
Smooth Shaving!
Aaron”
Do you have any burning questions you would like ask our wet shaving expert Aaron Wolfenbarger? CLICK HERE TO ASK AARON YOUR QUESTION
Bluebeards Revenge Post-Shave Balm & Scimitar Razor Reviews
My New Year started off beautifully. I woke up suddenly around 9am, entangled with my loved one, and had the startling and somewhat shocking revelation that I was completely hangover-free. I hopped out of bed, had a cup of coffee and some toast, and set about deciding what my first shave of 2011 should look like.
Nick from The Shaving Shack had recently sent me a box containing the Bluebeards Revenge Scimitar double-edged razor and a tub of the Bluebeards Revenge post-shave balm. This, then, was the way to go. I knew a review needed to be written, a beard needed to be shaved, and… Well, it was time to get moving.
The Bluebeards Revenge 'Scimitar' Double Edge Razor - Image by Shaving101.com
My initial impression of the razor was that it was similar in nature to most other higher-end modern razors (see Merkur as a fine example). It displays the Jolly Rodger skull-and-crossbones proudly on the top piece, echoing the “Bluebeard” pirate theme that runs throughout their product line. The fit and finish were absolutely perfect, and the heft and balance of the razor definitely felt great. Perhaps my only complaint – out of the box – was that the grip was a touch slick.
After a hot shower, I popped a fresh Japanese Feather blade in, lathered up with Truefitt & Hill’s Lavender cream (which has quickly become my standard go-to luxury shave cream) and set to work. The razor was just slightly more aggressive in feel than my trusty vintage Gillette Superspeed. I’d put it close to setting 4 or 5 on the Gillette Fatboy adjustable, though very smooth and forgiving at the same time. It made short work of my beard and left me feeling quite happy with the results in 3 standard passes.
I finished up with a thorough rinse and a shot of witch hazel, and then opened up the tub of balm. The consistency was quite thick, so I popped a finger in, grabbed a dollop, and rubbed it in quickly. The first thing I noticed about the balm was that it burned as though it was an aftershave splash, which of course screams “alcohol!” to me. I’m not normally a huge fan of alcohol in my balms – if I want it, I’ll use a splash. In this case, however, it works. I was a little surprised, to be honest, just how WELL it worked. The balm absorbed into the skin, leaving it feeling fresh and moisturized without even a hint of oil or shine. The scent of the balm was pleasant as well, a nice classic barbershop style, though it lingers much too long for my taste.
The Bluebeards Revenge offers a complete shaving range - Image by Shaving101.com
I continued to use the two items every day until this morning, and the only change in my technique has been a switch to Art of Shaving’s excellent lemon shave cream. The razor has completely knocked every other double-edge out of rotation. My Superspeed, Fat Boy, the uber-1970′s Krona, even my Merkur slant – they’re all sitting unused in my medicine cabinet. I’ve not touched the other shave balms I’ve accumulated over the last few years at all lately, and even with daily use for over a month I’m still not even 1/4 of my way through the tub of aftershave balm.
My only suggestion for a change is that Bluebeard should release a completely unscented version of the shave balm. Otherwise, I’m extremely impressed with both products and would heavily recommend them to anyone entering the wetshaving world.
Why would I want to change my shaving habits?
Due to the increasing popularity of double-edged razor shaving, many people who know little about this product are now curious as to why this is proving to be so “in demand”. The question this poses to these guys is: why would I want to change my shaving habits?
It is easy to get set in your ways when shaving or undertaking any other regular task. If you have been using an electric razor or Mach 3 blade for what seems like forever, you would be entitled to wonder why you should make a change now. In a previous article we looked at the cost factor which, while very important, is not the only reason to make the switch.
A Merkur is to razors as a Ferrari is to cars! (But without the cost)
For starters, double-edged shaving can be a luxurious process. Affordable it certainly is, but the sheer pleasure you get from your daily routine is unsurpassed, especially when you consider the chore it is to shave at present.
A number of men have simply had enough of the expensive multi-bladed systems and have decided to make the bold change themselves. Word of mouth certainly plays a part as guys tend to discuss these things when they are on holiday together or have just discovered something new and interesting.
You may be used to wet shaving already (Mach 3 users) or have a tried and trusted electric razor and so need an incentive other than money to alter your morning routine. Well, as you start to take the time to perfect your technique with a double-edged blade, you start to understand what all the fuss is about. You not only get a closer, smoother shave, but also start to enjoy the experience.
Double edge shaving offers affordable luxury (unlike this yacht!!!!)
The double-edged razor is becoming extremely popular again as the modern man starts to consider the way the older generation used to shave. Once people get hooked, these retro shaving products allow them to experiment with all the creams, soaps and brushes etc. which are also available. The accessories just serve to make this daily task even more pleasurable.
Double edge shaving offers 5-star luxury without having to leave the bathroom!!
Although double edge shaving is synonymous with luxury, amazingly it is inexpensive to get started. Once the initial kit has been acquired not only will you experience a better way of shaving, but you will save money too! With blades costing pennies and luxury creams that last months there is no reason not to indulge in this affordable luxury.
So, why not give it a try, break your old habits and brave this new world of traditional and luxurious shaving products; you never know, in time, you may even come to look forward to it!
Parker 98R Safety Razor Reviewed by Shaving101.com
We recently sent out a Parker 98R safety razor to Mike Sandoval, who writes for leading US wet shaving website Shaving101.com.
Mike had politely told us before we sent him the 98R that he had already tested the Parker 91R and had given it a “less-than-favorable” review.
Parker 98R Heavy Duty Premium Barberpole
However, he said he was open-minded and really wanted to give Parker another chance to prove they produced quality razors.
So off went the 98R by plane across the pond…
The US wet shaving guru started off his 98R review by saying: “When unpacking the razor, I was most surprised by the weight of the 98R. The handle and cutting head weigh in at approximately 4.3 ounces (121 grams), making this one monster of a razor.
“The handle design is a variation of Merkur’s barber-pole style and has a one-direction spiral-knurling pattern instead of the diamond pattern found on the Merkur. The knurling is cut deep and uniformly, and it provides a good grip surface on the handle.”
He went on to add: “The chrome plating on the razor and cutting head is applied well with no noticeable spots of uneven coating. The two-piece cutting head itself lined up properly when loading a blade and reassembling the razor, leaving an even blade exposure on each side of the cutting head.”
Mike explained that he thought the cutting action of the razor felt a bit more aggressive than he expected due to its heavy feel in hand, but added that the 98R delivered a “solid shaving performance”.
In conclusion, Mike said he found the Parker 98R to be well made and a fair alternative to the more expensive Merkur 38C, adding it is a “good value razor for the budget conscious wet shaver”.
You can read the full Shaving101.com review by clicking here.
The Parker 98R retails for just £21.99 at the Shaving Shack. We also stock a large number of other Parker razors and affordable double edge safety razors.
Desperate move by Asda to halt growing trend towards double edged shaving
It has recently been reported that British supermarket giant Asda is to significantly reduce the cost of its Gillette razors by up to 40 percent.
And while this is an admirable move at last for those who use the brand’s shaving products, especially when you think of how cheap it is to actually make these blades, the fact still remains that razors which utilise disposable cartridges such as Mach 3 and Fusion still do not provide value for money for the country’s men.
Double edge shaving is not just cheaper in the long run but also the choice of real men
The company has decided to finally act against widespread anger from guys who have been complaining about the cost of shaving products over the past few years. Therefore, it is no surprise then that many of these men are turning back towards retro wet shaving products like double edged razors.
Even though the cost of replacement cartridges may be dropping, by over a third, by at least one supermarket, the truth is, Gillette razor blades will still end up being more costly in the long run. As Britain’s men of shaving age are waking up to the thought that double edged razors are not just a traditional shaving product confined to the distant past, but make for a luxurious and much more enjoyable experience, people are growing tired of the gimmick which Gillette started when replacement razors were first introduced.
Marketing can only get you so far, and now men are beginning to take a stand against the rising cost of shaving products from the likes of Gillette and aren’t prepared to shell out a small fortune on blades which only cost about 5 pence to manufacture (with a 4,000 percent mark-up).
They may have been clever in getting top sports stars like Roger Federer and Thierry Henry to promote their shaving products, but this latest move by Asda only goes to show that while the blanket pricing from Gillette may be over, the damage has already been done. For those switching to the affordable yet luxurious world of double edged shaving, all we can do is welcome you to the real men’s club.
Double Edge Shaving vs Mach 3
BEAT THE CREDIT SQUEEZE! LUXURY DOUBLE EDGE SHAVING FOR THE MODERN MAN!
Why are so many people switching from Mach 3? The cost, the affordable luxury and of course the sheer pleasure.
Recently there has been a huge demand for double edge shaving as people increasingly turn away from expensive multi-bladed systems and start to enjoy the daily chore that most men face each morning.
You will save money. As the following example shows, you will actually save money in the longer term. Not bad during a recession, saving money and enjoying luxury every day!
PRICE COMPARISON MACH3 VS DOUBLE EDGE
Based on an average use of one Mach3 cartridge / two double edged razor blades a week
MACH3 CARTRIDGE YEARLY COST
Typical cost for twelve cartridges is £11.99 – (£11.99 divided by 12 weeks of shaving x 52 weeks a year = £51.96 for a year’s worth of Mach3 cartridges.)
DOUBLE EDGED BLADE YEARLY COST
At the Shaving Shack, we do 30 blades for £5.99 (15 weeks shaving at two blades a week). So: £5.99 divided by 15 weeks of shaving x 52 weeks a year = £20.76 for a year’s worth of double edged razor blades.
That’s a saving of around £31 a year and less than half the cost of shaving with Mach3s.
Merkur 570 Chrome Progress Safety Razor
In the first year the saving is more than enough to cover the investment of a double edge razor.
OK, I’m interested! What kit do I need? These are the basics:
Double Edge Safety Razor – by far the most popular for newbies and veterans alike is the Merkur 34C (£28.99) and the longer handled version, the Merkur 38C (£33.99). As a cheaper alternative I would recommend the latest Parker razors (£20.99)
If you really want to treat yourself to a contemporary looking razor then look no further than the Merkur Futur (£44.99), a fantastic piece of German engineering!
Double Edge Razor Blades – buying one of the razors above will qualify you for our free gift of 10 free double edge blades for spending over £9.99 – that’s about 5 weeks of shaving on average and a great start!
Shaving Cream – for the perfect creamy rich lather forget goop in a can! Try some great quality yet inexpensive Proraso (£5.50) or Omega (£3.95) cream.
For affordable luxury and some great scents, indulge in any of the Taylor of Old Bond Street range (£6.95) offering the best value for money quality you will find today.
Shaving Brush – treat yourself to a badger brush such as our popular Buccaneer (£14.99) or Pure Badger (£15.99) brush which is used to apply the lather.
Again, for something a little bit special try the GB Kent badger brushes (from £27.99) or the ultra luxurious Simpsons range (from £64.99).
So, by investing a total of less than £40 based on the recommended products above you can experience this wonderful world of luxurious shaving and make savings year on year!
Lastly, don’t forget our Shave Points Rewards Program which rewards regular shoppers. Example, spend £60 on products and get 60 Shave Points. 15 Shave Points can be redeemed for £1 so the above example would give you the equivalent of £4 off your next order.
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