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
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!
Men taking much longer to get ready in morning
The average US man only spends seven minutes less on getting ready in the morning than the average woman, a new study has revealed.
The British male beauty market is worth £920m
A recent survey by GQ and Allure magazines discovered that a man’s beauty routine now takes 22 minutes on average, about two minutes longer than in 2005.
The 2010 Grooming and Beauty Study also revealed the reasons behind the trend, with seven out of 10 men stating that they felt “under more pressure to care about their appearance”.
Eighty per cent of American men said they now felt more comfortable buying grooming products.
According to the survey, men across the pond now spend an average of $121 a year on grooming products, compared to $194 for women.
What is a cut throat razor?
Cut throat razors, also referred to as straight razors, have been around for many years and are generally recommended for those who have experience in the art of wet shaving.
Dovo Bismarck 6/8 Open Razor (Red)
Cut throat razors are still very popular male grooming products today, especially with ‘real men’ like Tom Trueman who are looking for a closer shave.
If you are looking for something that will give you the closest shave, then listen to those who use them, who still argue that this is the only way to shave!
Straight razors, which have a blade that can fold into its handle, must be used with great caution as they are extremely sharp razors, but without the protection of a safety razor.
Dan, customer services manager at the Shaving Shack, said: “At one time, these razors were the main way that most ‘real men’ used to shave. However, they require a considerable amount of skill to use, so be careful. This skill can be honed through practice, but as long as you take care during shaving the results can be amazing.”
If you are new to traditional razors, help and advice is available here.
Our best-selling cut throat razors include the Parker 34R White Shavette (SRW), Cuthroat/Open Razor Starter Kit and the Dovo Bismarck 6/8 Open Razor.
Men obsessed with personal grooming
A recent survey has found that men in the UK are obsessed with personal grooming.
The British male beauty market is worth £920m
A quarter of British males spend as much on their looks as their partners, the survey by shaving company Gillette revealed.
And almost half of those asked would forfeit a night in the pub to afford their beauty regime.
Mike Shallcross, deputy editor of Men’s Health magazine, told the Daily Express newspaper: “The findings are further proof that British blokes have moved on from the old lager lout stereotype.”
The British male beauty market was worth a whopping £920m in 2009.
Well-groomed men get more bedroom action, study finds
Men, get out your razors and quick. A new study has revealed men who shave regularly have twice as much sex as those that don’t.
Well-groomed males have more sex
The survey, conducted for Milford-based razor maker Schick by US market research company StrategyOne, found that men who shave at least five times a week are having sex 15.5 times per month, compared to 7.8 times for unshaven men.
The latest study also reveals that well-groomed males are also happier with life, more outgoing and sociable and much more likely to report living their dreams.
According to the survey, men who shave five times a week are twice as likely to have a job as those who shave twice a week, and far less likely to live with their parents.
Three-quarters of women also agree that a cleanly-shaven man is more of a turn-on because they see such men as having a higher self-awareness, deeper commitment and greater comfort with themselves.
The Shaving Shack offers men a new approach to grooming. We stock a no-nonsense range of top quality products designed for Real Men, direct to your door.
Shaving brushes, razors, creams and shaving sets to suit every budget…and regular shoppers get even better value with our Shave Points Discounts!
-
Stay connected:
-
Keep up to date
-
-
Polls
Loading ...We’re listed on:
-
-
-
-
The Bluebeards Revenge News Feed- Wayne Rooney voted Premiership’s manliest footballer
- Bluebeards praised for soothing and moisturising qualities
- The Bluebeards Revenge Tested in The Heat of Battle!
- Look and feel like a ‘Real Man’
- Shiny new point-of-sale material arrives
- Hard Hitting & smooth shaving for MMA champion
- We Bought a Zoo has New York premier – Remember Sacha’s shaving stunt?
- Youtube success for The Bluebeards Revenge
- Bluebeards Revenge makes BBC Radio 4 airwaves
- Hairy mo-ment for MK Lightning ice hockey stars
