Why a double edge razor is technically better than a cartridge based razor system
As Gillette launches its much-hyped Fusion ProGlide Power razor in the UK – I take a quick look at why a double edge razor is still technically superior to a ProGlide or any other cartridge based razor system out there.
For those who use double edge safety razors for shaving on a regular basis, the answer to the question “Why is a double edge razor technically better than a cartridge based razor system?” may seem quite obvious: ‘because you get better results’. However, for the rest of the men out there who use multi-bladed cartridges instead – and let’s face it that includes the vast majority of men in the Western world – they may wonder why they should ever consider changing their shaving method?
My all-time favourite - the Merkur 33C Classic
Well, the real answer to the question above lies within the technology of the types of razor on offer. From a scientific standpoint double edge safety razors certainly have the edge over cartridge based razor systems like the Fusion ProGlide Power razor, Wilkinson Sword Hydro and the King of Shaves Azor.
I recently spoke to American wet shaving expert Mike Sandoval, who runs the Shaving101 website, about why the cartridge razor system was so popular.
Gillette has unveiled the new Fusion ProGlide Power razor in the UK
“The cartridge razor system is appealing to many men because it is advertised to be modern and high performing with innovative designs and multi-blade cutting action,” he said. “High-dollar marketing campaigns feature celebrity athletes that promote modern cartridges as the only masculine option.”
So why do double edge razors produce a closer and more rewarding shave?
The cartridge system razor generally works by using its hinge or pivot point to maintain a constant angle on the face while shaving. And while there may be many other features or gimmicks they offer, this pivoting mechanism is the most important aspect of the razor at making the shave quick and easy to use – which is the key advantage of these razors.
“The problem is that the blades of a cartridge are close together with extremely small spacing between each cutting edge,” explains Mike. “The razor is unable to cleanly cutting hair without requiring multiple passes along your skin, catching and pulling long stubble, as well as constantly clogging during the shave.”
On the other hand, while double edge razors may take longer to get used too – with a short learning curve to overcome – you have far more control over the razor and the closeness of the shave itself. Therefore, with DE shavers the process may take longer, with shorter strokes, but you will notice an improvement in the (even more crucial) performance aspect of the shave.
Mike adds: ”The double edge safety razor uses a single cutting edge that tracks along the skin at a much more comfortable angle and cuts the hair cleanly without grabbing or pulling excessively (provided you choose the right blade for your beard and skin type).
Wilkinson Sword's Hydro 5 razor system
”Although you won’t find many celebrity athletes promoting the double edge razor, there has been a strong resurgence in traditional shaving. Many men are returning to old-school shaving because it is more comfortable and more economical.”
If time really is the most important factor when shaving, a Hydro, Azor or ProGlide may be the answer, but if you are a man who likes to work with engineering excellence that has stood the test of time and has the patience to learn, then maybe it is time to think about leaving those expensive cartridges behind and opt for a results-proven double edged razor.
Gillette launched the new Fusion ProGlide Power razor in the UK this month. It is the latest addition to its growing family of Fusion razors with Gillette’s thinnest-ever blades. The firm says the ProGlide outperforms its existing Fusion razor.
There are two versions of the Gillette ProGlide, a battery-powered model and a manual version. The battery-powered Gillette Fusion ProGlide Power comes with one blade cartridge and is available priced £12.99. The manual version comes with two blade cartridges and costs £9.99.
The Goodfella Safety Razor
Over the last few years, I have used many different brands of cartridge based razor system, including the Azor, Gillette Fusion Power Stealth and Gillette Mach 3 Turbo, Wilkinson Sword Quattro Titanium Energy and Wilkinson Sword Hydro 5 and Boots’ Hydro and Titanium Triple Razor, but personally still prefer the excitement and closeness of a DE razor.
The Merkur 33C Classic will always be my all-time favourite, but I would also highly recommend the Merkur Futur 760, Goodfella, Muhle R89 and the relatively new Bluebeards Revenge “Scimitar” Double Edge Razor.
WHAT IS YOUR FAVOURITE DE RAZOR? LET US KNOW BY COMMENTING BELOW
More articles by Nick Gibbens
How wet shaving can help to reduce acne
Acne is a common part of growing up, affecting around 96 percent of teenagers, while for many men this skin condition also continues into adulthood. For those who are severely affected, it is unlikely that anything other than medication will be of use in treating acne, but wet shaving can still provide a great way of maintaining healthy skin.
If you manage your skin properly it is only natural that your face will start to look and feel fresh and healthy. The formation of acne, which is the result of blockages in follicles, can be made much worse when skin is left oily and clogged with dead skin cells.
Wet shaving can help to reduce acne (if carried out correctly)
The best way to combat this is to take a more careful approach to wet shaving and develop consistent shaving habits. By taking your time when shaving, by allowing the experience to be more of a pleasure than a chore, you will soon notice the effects of clear and great looking skin.
Another cause of acne on the facial area is razor burn, which can be unsightly in its own right. However, you can help to prevent razor burn as well as acne by shaving every day and in the right way. This will mean that your skin (and facial hair) is much easier to maintain.
So, be sure to leave enough time each day to shave, especially after a shower when the skin is less sensitive. You can do this by getting into good habits using hot water and steam to soften the hairs and by massaging latheronto the face. If you have particularly sensitive skin, this will provide it with the moisture it needs and in doing so, helping to reduce and keep away acne.
Shaving myth 5: Do you need to use hot or cold water when shaving?
In our fifth and final article on common shaving myths, we ask the question: Do you need to use hot or cold water when shaving?
We always recommended that you have a shave immediately after taking a hot shower
We always recommended that you have a shave immediately after taking a hot shower. This is because the steam and heat opens up the pores and softens the beard. When you have finished shaving you can then use cold or cooler water to close the pores again and shut everything back down, leaving you with a cool face.
Check out our previous four articles on common wet shaving myths:
Is it always necessary to shave downwards, or ‘go with the grain’?
Do you need to use a lot of foam when shaving?
Should I use the same brand for all my shaving products? and
Should I use soap on my face before shaving?
If you have any questions on wet shaving you would like answering leave a comment below. And don’t forget you can now keep up with the latest Shaving Shack news and features by subscribing to our email updates. The sign up box is in the right hand sidebar.
Shaving myth 4: Should I use soap on my face before shaving?
In our fourth article on common shaving myths, we ask the question: Should I use soap on my face before shaving?
Soap dries the face and strips away the moisture content.
The problem with soap is that it dries the face and strips away the moisture content. It is still worth washing the facial area prior to shaving, although it is recommended you try using a cleanser instead.
Missed the first three shaving myths? We have already looked into the following:
Is it always necessary to shave downwards, or ‘go with the grain’?
Do you need to use a lot of foam when shaving? and
Should I use the same brand for all my shaving products?
Please check back on Friday when we take a look at our fifth and final common wet shaving myth.
Shaving myth 2: Do you need to use a lot of foam when shaving?
Over the next few weeks we’re going to debunk some of the myths of wet shaving. In our first shaving myth article we asked the popular question? Is it always necessary to shave downwards, or ‘go with the grain’? Click here to read it.
In our second article on common shaving myths, we explore another frequently asked question: Do you need to use a lot of foam when shaving?
This is asked a lot by men who think that by using more foam, they will benefit from a smoother and more enjoyable shave.
Well, the simple truth is, you don’t. All that using more foam does is to add more product to the skin and thus get in the way of the razor.
The razor’s job is to perform through touching the skin and excess foam just hinders this.
Also, by using products without alcohol or harsh ingredients, it will reduce the chances of you getting any nicks or cuts to the face.
Please check back on Thursday when we take a detailed look at another common wet shaving myth.
If you have a question for our shaving team, please leave a comment below. Happy shaving!!!
Men’s grooming tips: A guide to wet shaving (part 3)
When wet shaving, if you try and follow the tried and tested approach we have been talking about, you are more likely to have a pain-free experience that goes easy on your skin. However, there are a few extra techniques you can use if you are a more experienced shaver, while there is also help out there for blokes with sensitive skin.
Post-shave
Immediately after you have finished shaving you will usually rinse the shaved area with cool water. If you find that this approach frequently leaves you suffering from razor burn and dryness, you can always try a final rinse with hot water instead, before dabbing a cloth soaked with witch hazel across your face.
The British male beauty market is worth £920m
There is also a number of soothing after-shave treatments available to buy which contain aloe to help calm the effects of shaving and alleviate any dryness. These creams, gels, balms and lotions can also encourage the healing of any minor nicks and cuts. You can apply a small amount of lotion evenly onto freshly-shaven skin straight after shaving.
A few final points
While you are shaving it is important to regularly rinse your razor in hot water.
As you become more experienced shaving with the grain, you can always experiment by passing the razor against and across the grain. These techniques are only really advised for those who are skilled at shaving and willing to try different combinations to find out what works best for them.
Everyone’s hair pattern grows differently, therefore it is often only through trial and error that you can determine what gives you a great smooth shave, by finding the right combination of passing the razor that works for you.
The pressure you apply, the amount of lather used and the angle of the razor are other factors that can influence the quality of the shave.
Again, it all depends on your skin, and smoother shaves often come at the expense of skin irritation.
Shaving myths exposed!!
When it comes to men’s wet shaving there are many myths and misconceptions out there about what you should or shouldn’t be doing.
Over the next few weeks the experts at the Shaving Shack will be looking at a few of these common myths.
We start with the question: Is it always necessary to shave downwards, or ‘go with the grain’?
The answer to this very popular question is no. It is certainly ok to go against the grain and the direction of growth. This may be easier for those with thicker beards and skin that isn’t as sensitive, but can still be achieved by anybody for the closest possible shave.
Please check back later this week for the second common shaving myth.
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