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**GilaMinumBeer** · 04-25-2011, 01:29 PM

Recently made a switch from cartridge based multi-blade cheese grater shaver (Mach 3) over to an old school Badger, Bowl, and Blade.

First few shaves have been with a Merkur Futur adjustible, Merkur blade, and a Proraso green cake.

I must say, making the switch has made for the most comfortable shaves I have ever had with very little carnage and almost no razor burn in the days after. But my shaves haven't been very close so far. Especially around the neck.

This is, however, a great improvement in what I have settled for over the last decade or so. After trying multitudes of off the shelf multi-edge systems, and electric shavers I had finally settled for a beard trimmer being close enough. Irony is, I use a multi-edge to shave my head. I have yet to brave using a DE for that.

In an effort to improve my shave closeness I have also ordered a Merkur HD Long Handle and a Parker 60R Long Handle of which I should have in the next few days. And, I also have a few other blades to try to find the right combination. As for soaps/creams, I have only used Edge Gel, Proraso Green cake, and a CO Bigelow (Proraso) tube cream.

Post your combo, experiences, tips, disasters, questions, and time invested using a DE or SE blade system.

**Pappers_** · 04-25-2011, 02:08 PM

Gila, I'm not up on the terminology and haven't thought much about shaving, so excuse my neophyte-ness. For the past 30 years, I've used a shaving cup and bristle brush - is that what you are referring to? It works great, for me. I've just never understood the advantage of using an aerosol can of shaving cream.

I don't use a special blade, though. I take it that the cartridge shavers give you trouble. I've never tried a razor like the Merkur. Looks very 'old school'.

You probably already do this, but the simple things sometimes help. After showering, getting ready to shave, I fill the sink with very hot water and put in a wash cloth, which I then lay on my face for a minute or two before applying the shaving soap. Makes a remarkable difference.

Cambone · 04-25-2011, 02:23 PM

I shave with a vintage (50s) Gillette Tech Fat Handle (Gold), prorasso cream, and a boar brush. I switched between an electric and a puck of Van der Haagen for the past 3 years and made the full time switch about 3 months ago.

Closeness will come with practice, and so will speed. Also, you face and beard are going to need some time to get used to the new routine.

Have you seen these series of videos?

YouTube

If not I highly recommend watching all of them.

**GilaMinumBeer** · 04-25-2011, 02:24 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Pappers_

You probably already do this, but the simple things sometimes help. After showering, getting ready to shave, I fill the sink with very hot water and put in a wash cloth, which I then lay on my face for a minute or two before applying the shaving soap. Makes a remarkable difference.

Yup. The brushes are often referred to as a "Badger" in the context that the hair is, in fact, Badger hair. Although, some are made from Boars hair and other sources.

The aerosol gel is a left over from my ME arsenal against burns, bumps, and cuts. It's a huge can and a very small amount makes a LOT of lather.

Yup. I have tried the hot towel treatment and all manner of lotions, conditioners, balms, salves, and voodoo. A tough beard and sensitive skin don't make a clean shaved lifestyle easy.

And then I came across a reference to Badger and Blade here in HBT. Read lots of threads and became more and more convinced it was worth a try based on the countless success stories from similar fellows. So, I bought in.

Only troubles I have had so far are;

- The Merkur Futur is phreakishly heavy compared to a Mach 3 system and it is difficult to un-learn applying pressure when shaving.

- Lather from the Proraso cake soap dries out way too fast for me. Not a huge problem as there is plenty to go around with multiple passes.

- I had a really hard time locating Witch Hazel tonic locally. Between this and a styptic pencil, I MUCH prefer the Witch Hazel as an after shave splash.

**dataz722** · 04-25-2011, 02:27 PM

I have been having trouble getting a close shave on my neck to but think I am starting to figure it out. I am mainly using the CO bigelow tube. I have a few other soaps and creams but don't really like any of them too much. I have tried about 5 or 6 blades so far and far my favorite is the Green 7o'clock and the Shark Stainless.

I tried a Lord blade yesterday and last night and today have really bad razor burn on my neck.

**GilaMinumBeer** · 04-25-2011, 02:28 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Cambone

Closeness will come with practice, and so will speed. Also, you face and beard are going to need some time to get used to the new routine.

Have you seen these series of videos?
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xjhIy9rgWQU

If not I highly recommend watching all of them.

Yes. This I do realize. In the meantime, and after reading many more threads of fellows who also thought they'd start with a Futur, I have decided to give the HD a try. Touted as a beginners tool but also a very respected peice of equipment by many of the most seasoned DE shavers.

I have watched several of those videos. Good Idea for linking so that they may benifit others too.

Inodoro_Pereyra · 04-25-2011, 02:33 PM

Right now, I'm using brush, disposable dual blades, and homemade shaving soap. Those disposable things really are a piece of garbage, but, al in all, using my own soap has greatly improved my shaving experience.
As for a perfect scenario, up until about 20 years ago I used to shave with a straight razor. It takes some time to learn how to use it properly (and most mistakes are paid in blood), but, once you do, no other shaving method can compare. Too bad it was stolen from me...

**GilaMinumBeer** · 04-25-2011, 02:34 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by dataz722

I have been having trouble getting a close shave on my neck to but think I am starting to figure it out. I am mainly using the CO bigelow tube. I have a few other soaps and creams but don't really like any of them too much. I have tried about 5 or 6 blades so far and far my favorite is the Green 7o'clock and the Shark Stainless.

I tried a Lord blade yesterday and last night and today have really bad razor burn on my neck.

This is the one thing I have not varied yet. I have only used the Merkur blade that came with the Futur. I have wondered if maybe the blade is the issue as it is commonly regarded as the reference to all others but is also considered not very aggressive.

Shopping around now a days, I always look to see who is carrying what with regards to blades, soaps, and creams. And have picked up packs of Wilkinsons Sword, and Darby. Beyond that I have some Feather, and more Merkur blades.

I thought I had ordered a variety pack of blades that had not delivered yet but it appear I did not. I guess I just decided to give the Merkur a go until I have learned the new way of shaving. Now, I am thinking I should have ordered the variety pack and saved some shipping since I don't see much variety locally.

**dataz722** · 04-25-2011, 02:37 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by GilaMinumBeer

Shopping around now a days, I always look to see who is carrying what with regards to blades, soaps, and creams. And have picked up packs of Wilkinsons Sword, and Darby. Beyond that I have some Feather, and more Merkur blades.

I think I tried a Darby and it was ok. I might be confusing it with something else though.

I really should try and keep better track of what works and what doesn't.

**GilaMinumBeer** · 04-25-2011, 02:40 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Inodoro_Pereyra

Right now, I'm using brush, disposable dual blades, and homemade shaving soap. Those disposable things really are a piece of garbage, but, al in all, using my own soap has greatly improved my shaving experience.
As for a perfect scenario, up until about 20 years ago I used to shave with a straight razor. It takes some time to learn how to use it properly (and most mistakes are paid in blood), but, once you do, no other shaving method can compare. Too bad it was stolen from me...

Care to share your soap "recipe".

Aside from the cost of the tools ($70 for the Futur, $55 for the HD, $30 for the 60R) I am really loving the savings over the ME cartridge systems. Last time I bought refills it was a whopping $35+Tax for 10 cartridges.

And that was at WalMart! One cartridge would get me two shaves, at best, of my face and head. No more!

I will keep using the Mach 3 for my head until I am more comfortable with the DE. But at $0.95 for a pack of 10 "Best Value" blades up to $8.00 for a pack of 10 Feather blades the savings is still pretty high.