Interesting article in the Wall Street Journal on shaving and expensive razors

[xCxStylex]

Since I'm Asian, I only need to shave every other day.

I use disposable razors for about 6-7-8 weeks or until they get filled with crap, since I'm Asian and cheap.

They do the job just fine, and a disposable razor used less than 2 weeks gives a cleaner shave than my electric

 

[SunnyD]

I use the same disposable head on my razor for about 3 months or so. Given I only shave maybe once a week at most, plus doing so only right after a hot shower, they last plenty long enough. I think I use the Sensor XL's.

 

[SlowSpyder]

I've been using a CVS 3 blade disposable (not sure if it's the same as the author uses in the article or not). I get 4 of them for something like $7. They work great and are cheap.

 

[robphelan]

double edge FTW.. can't beat the closeness and the inexpensiveness of the blades.

 

[foghorn67]

Can you shave with a DE without looking in the mirror?

I shave in the shower with my Mach III, and since I'm near sided I have to do it blind with no mirror.

Yes, but that will take way more practice.

 

[CptObvious]

With wet shaving I've found the type or condition of the blade doesn't matter so much as the condition of my face. I can shave with a relatively dull razor if I do it after a warm shower or scrubbing with a face scrub (I use Nivea for Men). I've spent more money on razors and shaving creams than I care to admit to figure this out. Now I'm back to the Mach 3 and regular gel shaving creams. I've been using the same cartridge for a month with no problems.

 

[TheRickRoller]

Personally, I'm disgusted by the fact that they think we're only worth 5 blades. Excuse me? Son, I want so many blades that I need to take out another mortgage just to buy a refill. Where will they fit thousands of tiny blades? I don't care. Put blades on the handle. Put connectors on the sides for extra blade room. Make me feel like the man I am.

 

[Eli]

I don't even bother with razors. I just use a trimmer. Gives that 2-days-after-shaving look, which I'm fine with.

 

[terrypun]

This video shows how to sharpen multi-blade razor blade cartridges after they have exhausted their normal usefulness... the inventor of this technique, Terry Pundiak of Easton, PA , has been using the same cartridge for over 20 months, continuing having close, smooth shaves with no facial nicks.
When a razor cartridge starts to give you that sharp, nicking feeling that it is time to replace it, simply, slide your razor up your forearm, backwards (so as NOT to shave your arm), with moderate pressure about 10 times. It has worked for me for the last 3 years.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5ADaRIqy0Dc

 

[DT4K]

Looks like journalists think we all want articles on money-saving advice these days. Where was this journalism 5 years ago?

I still use my dual-bladed Schick with Tracer FX refills -- 5 for $5+. Yes, they still sell them at Wal*Mart.
Packaging is deceptive though. The cartridge holder is designed to hold 6 cartridges but they only fill it with 5.
I've never used any razor more grandiose than a Gillette Sensor Excel or Schick Tracer FX - both only 2 blades.

I had been using a Mach 3, but I just grew a goatee for the first time and found that it was easier to trim the edges with my old Sensor Excel because it was thinner. I can't say I notice any difference in the shave I get between that and the Mach 3.

I frickin hate shaving. If I could, I'd just grow a full beard and trim it once a week, but I can't. My hair comes in fairly dense around my mouth, but it's really sparse further out on my cheeks. So the goatee looks ok, but a full beard would look stupid.

 

[PepePeru]

I and my wallet are thankful that I need to shave once every 1.5 to 2 weeks. Blond whiskers for the win.

 

[Perknose]

I will begin my next shaving session with some garden shears.

 

[Jeff7]

I've heard the best way to have blades last longer to remove the water after you finish. Water on the blades makes the blade lose it's edge. Same for knifes.

I wonder if a diamond blade would ever go dull. Though you would think a SS blade would be good for a few years against facial hair.

Depending on how the blades were made, a ceramic-based blade might be feasible, as long as it would be designed so it would resist breaking due to things like being dropped, or simple pressure against your skin. I'd imagine that the blade would remain sharp for a long time though.
I do know that ceramic kitchen knives are now available, though they're not cheap, and they're likely only for use in a few specialized applications. Ceramics are not at all flexible, and especially on a thin beam such as a knife, breaking it wouldn't be difficult at all.

 

[slag]

Ive proven that washing and drying your blades doubles or triples the life. I change my gillette blades once every two months and get a good shave to the end. You have to clean them once or twice, but its worth it. By the end, the white comfort strip is almost 3/4 gone from the end - none of this "change it when the blue line is gone" crap.

Tried this and it has no effect for me. Wet or dry, the strip lasts about 2-3 weeks tops, and thats shaving every day or every other day, depending on the mood. I have thick facial hair though so its subjective. i change blades every 2-3 weeks because after awhile its like dragging sandpaper across my face and i get red and irritated skin. I shave in the shower and put the razor upside down on a ventilated holder that goes over the shower head area so it air dries naturally now

 

[DawsonsDada]

Hmmmmmmmmmmm, my facial hair is thick and almost like wire in some places so I use an electric trimmer to keep it trimmed (beard for now) and just recently started shaving my head.

Have never used a DE or straight razor before but wouldn't mind trying it sometime.

I use disposable's when I want to carve my face like a roast beast on a holiday so those are out for me.

I used the Gillette Trak 2 for a number of years, not to bad a shave if I take my time.

Currently use the Mach 3 and it works great for me, however given some of the comments above I will take a look at the Walmart & CVS "house" brands in the future.

COSTCO saves me when it comes to blades which is one of the reasons I am still using the Mach 3. I change my blade about once a month after shaving my head about every two days and the same or a bit longer depending on how motivated I am in the morning.

 

[fleshconsumed]

Meh, maybe I'm not picky about my shave, but I just use cheapo single blade disposable BIC razors bought at walmart. I always shave right after shower, and during shower I always make sure I wet my face to soften the skin. This makes shaving a so much easier you guys wouldn't believe it. I also only change blades every other month or so, I actually hate using new blades because they feel too sharp, slightly dull blade as in 1 week old blade is perfect for me as I can be a little careless when shaving and still get a close shave.

3, 4, 5 blades? ha! Keep wasting your money...

 

[dabuddha]

Meh I use a fusion but I only change my blades every 5-6 months or so.

 

[Gooberlx2]

+1 for DE. Been using my Merkur for years now....though I've long since tossed the brush and mug soap. I just use my hands, regular soap and a shitty fogless mirror while in the shower. All that really matters is warm, soft, wet skin with a good layer of suds.

 

[Nitemare]

Use a Mach 3 on my face and Gillette Atra refills in my headblade for my scalp.

I am anything but impressed by the 2 blade Atras. I have been using the same Mach 3 on my face as I have went through about 5 of the cheapy refills for my head and it is not really showing any indication of getting dull.

I just got it because it was buy 1 get 1 free.

 

[skace]

I kept expecting the article to pimp classic shaving. But itn ever went there.

 

[yh125d]

You guys are chumps


10 months no shave here

 

[Gooberlx2]

You guys are chumps


10 months no shave here

So which is it then? Big bushy beard, or the face of a pre-pubescent child?

 

[yh125d]

So which is it then? Big bushy beard, or the face of a pre-pubescent child?

Big and bushy. 4.5" if stretched straight in some parts, though my moustache is seriously weak

 

[ussfletcher]

I'm in college, appearance doesn't matter and my girlfriend likes scruff. Therefore I use my electric razor like once a month.

 

[olds]

I use the cheap, 2 blade disposables.
I have a "fog free" mirror in the shower.
I lather up with bar soap and shave.
Profit.