Ask Aaron Q/A: What is the perfect safety razor for someone with small hands, soft skin, and a modest budget?
Felix Clarke, from the UK, asks:
“I’m new to shaving, and have been using an old Gillette Contour nicked off my step-dad. Not as overpriced as some cartridge razors, but still. Up until now it’s been working well, teamed up with King of Shaves shave oil and used after a shower. Trouble is, my stubble’s getting thicker and harder on the blades but my skin’s still soft, and I’m starting to cut myself with the Contour. So I’m thinking it might be time to treat myself to a double-edged razor - preferably one that I won’t grow out of. What combination of razor, blades and prep would you recommend for someone with small hands, soft skin, and a modest budget?”
AARON SAYS
“Mr. Clarke,
Thanks for your question! You prep is great. Showering before a shave is one of the best ways you can prepare your beard. Also you can wash your face with a mild wash or scrub. For a razor I would recommend the Merkur 34c/HD, Parker 98r or the Bluebeard’s Scimitar razor. As for a blade, I generally don’t recommend specific blades because they are highly subjective depending on your skin and hair types. What I do recommend is getting a blade sample pack. 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
Ask Aaron Q/A: Parker Razors vs Merkur Razors: What are the differences?
Paul Broadwith, from the UK, asks:
“I have a Parker Model 91R razor and I have a question about razor in general - what exactly is the difference? When you buy a razor, the blade is the most important part. With the double edged razors you can buy different blades so I’m thinking that the actual razor itself is less important but there are a loads to choose from so I am missing something. I know some of the Merkur razors have mechanics where you can angle them which I think would be a good place to start, but I can’t see what the other razors offer over what I have. So what is the difference, what should I be looking for and what will give me the best shave?”
AARON SAYS
“Mr Broadwith,
I’ll try to answer you question succinctly, because the nuances and differences of razors could easily fill the chapter (or two) of a book. However, in brief the biggest difference you will find between razors is the “mildness” or “aggressiveness” expressed in the differing blade exposures. Typically the more acute the angle the more “aggressive” it feels to the face. The adjustable razors on the market are built with mechanics to change the exposure gap customizing your razor and shave. The rest of the razors that are manufactured have just one blade gap setting. This is the major difference in razors. The rest of what separates razors apart from each other are just different options in physical characteristics such as handle length, weight, handle diameter, finish and other options. Look for what feels most comfortable starting with the blade then to each razor based on your own personal preferences until you find your ideal razor. (which for me at this point in time is the Merkur Futur) Best wishes on finding your ideal shaving equipment!
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
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.
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.
Shaving Shack now stocking Ikon Bulldog ‘Deluxe’ Stainless Steel Safety Razor
The Shaving Shack is delighted to announce that we are stocking the luxurious Ikon Bulldog ‘Deluxe’ Stainless Steel Safety Razor.
These razors were born out of one man’s desire to have a solid stainless steel safety razor made to his own exacting standards.
This has turned into a company producing what many consider the best quality artisan razors money can buy.
Each piece is handcrafted with attention to detail given to every aspect of production. This razor, the ‘deluxe’ version of the Ikon Bulldog three-piece safety razor, is no exception.
The Ikon Bulldog Deluxe, priced at £99.99 on The Shaving Shack, is a precisely engineered and CNC machined version offering much finer detail achieved by machining each and every finger of the open comb into the stainless steel.
The knurling on the handle is flawless, an indicator of a quality production process. It provides a secure grip and with the weightiness of the razor it feels like a proper manly cutting tool.
Most safety razors are metal with a nickel or chrome plate finish, whereas this razor is made entirely of stainless steel - it will not flake, peel, wear down, or rust like other metals. The fantastic finish, which had us fooled into believing it was chrome, is achieved by lengthy hand polishing.
US wet shaving expert Mike Sandoval, from Shaving101.com, recently reviewed the standard version of this razor.
He said: ”Like the popular Feather All Stainless and PILS Safety Razor, the Ikon Bulldog is a precisely engineered and machined double-edge razor. All three razors are made with quality stainless steel and they all implement strict tolerances that allow the blade to seat securely in the razor with precise blade exposure on both sides of the cutting head.
”However, while the other razors boast modern designs, the Ikon maintains a traditional style that has resonated with wetshavers since the early Gillette models of the 1900s. Ikon has successfully combined modern engineering with traditional design.”
Mike then went on to describe how his first shave with the razor went. “For my first shave I used a BIC blade, which I find to provide a great balance between sharpness and comfort on my skin. Throughout the shave, I could not even feel the blade on my face at all and was surprised to find no stubble. The razor cut smoothly and efficiently.
”For subsequent shaves, I moved up to a Feather blade with the same results - very comfortable shave with no harshness or irritation at all. To further test the razor, my teenage son also shaved with it. Despite his areas of acne, the mild cutting action worked well for him and he did not get any cuts or nicks during his shave. This razor proved itself to be outstanding for his sensitive skin and light hair, as well as my normal skin and coarser beard.”
He concluded his review by saying: “The Ikon Bulldog Safety Razor represents the excellence of the new class of stainless steel safety razors. The heft and precision construction of these razors have forever changed the shaving industry and raised the bar on materials, design, and price.”
You can read Mike’s full review of this stunning razor by clicking here.
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?
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).
”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.
Follow Nick Gibbens on Twitter @nickgibbens
WHAT IS YOUR FAVOURITE DE RAZOR? LET US KNOW BY COMMENTING BELOW
More articles by Nick Gibbens
Looking for an inexpensive double edge razor?
If you are a guy who is after a close and comfortable shave but has had enough of the more expensive cartridge razors then look no further than the remarkable double edge razor. And when you do need to replace the blades you will find that quality double edge blades are available at just a fraction of the cost.
A double edge safety razor is able to provide a shave that is much closer and smoother than with cartridge razors too. This is because the two blades are able to cut the hairs at various angles and you will find that performance is improved somewhat.
So what double edge razors should I consider buying?
When you have decided you would like to try a double edge razor to see if it is the right shaving tool for you, the next stage can sometimes be a little daunting, especially with all the products on the market.
Merkur 510 Chrome 'Progress' Safety Razor (Long Handle)
There are many top quality double edge razors you can now get online, and at prices you can afford. These include safety razor models from major shaving brands like Merkur and Parker. We will consider a few of the most popular razors below:
Parker double edge safety razors – The fact that you can now get a three piece safety razor with a nickel plated finish for under £20 just goes to show that you don’t have to spend a fortune to get a really close shave. Why not go for an 89R model or the 91R?
Merkur double edge safety razors – Again, for under £20, you will be able to get a quality razor in the 33C Classic which is chrome plated and a great beginner model for those starting out in improving their technique. For a few pounds more you could also consider the 23C Long Handled Classic which is perfect for those with larger hands.
Whichever model you eventually go for, you can be safe in the knowledge that these razors offer a great level of performance and due to the big savings they offer, will certainly pay for themselves.
Slice through stubble the Bluebeards way with the ‘Scimitar’ safety razor
The Shaving Shack is delighted to announce the safe arrival of The Bluebeards Revenge “Scimitar” double edge safety razor.
These razors are beautifully balanced allowing the weight of the instrument to deliver the blade at the optimum cutting angle resulting in a close and rewarding shave.
The 'Scimitar' has been designed for real men with tough stubble
Laser etched with the iconic Bluebeards Revenge logo, the “Scimitar” weighs 67g and has a length of 9.5cm.
So slice through your stubble the Bluebeards way with this luxurious double edge razor!
The Bluebeards Revenge “Scimitar” double edge safety razors are priced at just £29.99 on The Shaving Shack website.
Goodfella safety razors back in stock
The Shaving Shack is delighted to announce that the Goodfella safety razors are back in stock, but probably not for long!
Available in either chrome or satin black, these double edge safety razors have been designed for the stylish shaver.
Our first shipment of Goodfella razors sold out in a matter of weeks; so if you want to add one to your razor collection, don’t hang around!!!
The Goodfella Safety Razor is a product of today's technology
“The Goodfella Safety Razor is a product of today’s technology. Through computer aided design and selecting modern durable materials the manufacturer has rejuvenated the old school, classic shaving razor,” said a spokesperson for the firm.
“The Goodfella Safety Razor is perfectly balanced allowing the weight of the razor to deliver the blade at the optimum cutting angle resulting in a smooth and close, yet mild shave.”
Weighing 57g each, and made in New Zealand, these razors are hand finished. Each head is checked three times during production ensuring strict quality control.
As well as being popular with our customers, the razors have also been a hit with the media, with The Australian Telegraph saying: “The classy, Sean Connery-Bond style of the Goodfella Safety Razor makes it look straight off the silver screen”.
Luxury Magazine added: “This razor makes shaving fun again”, while Tone Magazine said it “prefers the feel of blade on bristle than the lawnmower-like grind of an electric shaver”.
The Goodfella safety razors are priced at £59.99 on the Shaving Shack website.
Shaving Shack now stocking stylish Goodfella safety razors
The Shaving Shack is delighted to announce that we are now stocking the Goodfella safety razors.
Available in either chrome or satin black, these double edge safety razors have been designed for the stylish shaver.
The Goodfella Safety Razor is a product of today's technology
“The Goodfella Safety Razor is a product of today’s technology. Through computer aided design and selecting modern durable materials the manufacturer has rejuvenated the old school, classic shaving razor,” said a spokesperson for the firm.
“The Goodfella Safety Razor is perfectly balanced allowing the weight of the razor to deliver the blade at the optimum cutting angle resulting in a smooth and close, yet mild shave.”
Weighing 57g each, and made in New Zealand, these razors are hand finished. Each head is checked three times during production ensuring strict quality control.
The razors have also been a hit with the media, with The Australian Telegraph saying: “The classy, Sean Connery-Bond style of the Goodfella Safety Razor makes it look straight off the silver screen”.
Luxury Magazine added: “This razor makes shaving fun again”, while Tone Magazine said it “prefers the feel of blade on bristle than the lawnmower-like grind of an electric shaver”.
Hans Henrik Appel, from leading shaving blog The Shaving Detective, was also full of praise for the Goodfella safety razors.
He wrote: “The Goodfella is a classic chrome Double Edge razor in a clean, almost clinical, design. At first, it struck me as a very small razor, but it actually handles extremely well and is perfectly balanced. The Goodfella was my first attempt at a DE razor, and I must say that it impressed me with its great looks and the gentle shave it provides.
“At first, I thought that the short and slick handle would be slippery and hard to hold once it got wet. It turned out to fit perfectly in my hand - and never slipped a bit! The centre of balance was perfect for me, but I will not guarantee that it will fit anyone just as good.
“Like it goes for any other razor, it really is a matter of preference. The Goodfella is not an aggressive razor - in fact, you have to try quite hard to cut yourself with the open comb design.”
The Goodfella safety razors are priced at £59.99 on the Shaving Shack website.
-
Stay connected:
-
Keep up to date
-
-
We’re listed on:
