Comments on: DE Razor Review: Derby

By: webgrunt

webgrunt — Thu, 03 Dec 2009 19:41:33 +0000

Well, with the badger hair brush and the glycerin shave soap, the shave did seem a lot smoother. The soap comes in its own little tub, so I got the brush wet and whisked it around on the soap to make some lather (I’m not sure if that’s how this soap is supposed to be used, and the lather was rather thin, but it provided a better shave than the Edge gel I had been using.) Thanks for the tip!

By: webgrunt

webgrunt — Mon, 30 Nov 2009 22:43:44 +0000

Thanks! I did just get a brush (badger hair, no less) but I haven’t used it yet, probably tomorrow, with some glycerin shaving soap I also bought.

I like the cheaper aspect. I picked up the shaver, new, for $15 on eBay.

By: bbum’s weblog-o-mat » Blog Archive » DE Razor Review: Astra Superior Platinum

Mon, 30 Nov 2009 05:21:01 +0000

[...] blade does, however, pull a bit more than either the Derby or the Feather. It doesn’t necessarily feel that dull, it just pulls a bit and leaves the [...]

By: bbum

bbum — Wed, 25 Nov 2009 22:15:25 +0000

I’d suggest getting a brush and a good specialty shaving cream.

To me, the advantages of the DE shaving experience is three fold; it is cheaper, the resulting shave is smoother and stays smoother for longer during the day, and the actual shaving experience is more relaxing and personally intimate.

After DE shaving for a couple of months now, I can honestly say the skin of my face is smoother and healthier than it has ever been.

By: webgrunt

webgrunt — Wed, 25 Nov 2009 16:59:27 +0000

Well, after shaving with disposable cartridges for twenty-five years, I decided to take the plunge. I started with the feather blades, knowing that I’d have to be especially careful since they’re so sharp.

This morning I shaved with the double-edge (with the feather blade) and I can honestly say that I didn’t really notice any difference between this and the dual-blade cartridges. It felt about the same, and the shave didn’t seem any closer than the cartridges–they both leave sharp stubble on my throat and under my chin unless I go once with the grain and two or three times against the grain, which irritates my skin. I didn’t suffer any cuts with the feather blade, but I don’t usually get cuts anyway. FYI, I’m using Edge “tough beard” formula gel, and I shave immediately after a hot shower without drying my face first.

In fairness, there may be a learning curve to the double-edge technique that I’m not aware of. I’ll have to try different things to see if I can get better results.

I’ve ordered some Derby blades and I’ll give them a try as well.

By: Tony

Tony — Mon, 23 Nov 2009 15:17:28 +0000

Agree completely on the Derbys. Not that I have tried every blade, but out of the selection in West Coast Shaving’s sample pack, the Derby blades were the only ones that (almost) never cut me. I ordered a bunch from Amazon, too.

By: Geo

Geo — Sun, 22 Nov 2009 15:58:06 +0000

Hey Bill,

Let me know if you like to try BLUEBIRD Blades, I’m positive you’ll reconsider your opinion about DERBY!

By: Ashley Aitken

Ashley Aitken — Sun, 22 Nov 2009 15:22:36 +0000

Whilst I haven’t moved beyond twin-bladed cartridges, all this talk of blood doesn’t make the double-edged *safety* razors sound much fun to me, especially since I usually shave half asleep.

I’ve always thought the logic of the twin-bladed cartridge sounded a bit suspicious (i.e the first blade lifts or cuts part of the whiskers and the second completes the cut) but having two blades in a protective cartridge seemed like a reasonable approach (twice the cutting surface). I didn’t go for three, or four, or have I see them up to five blades recently, since it seemed more like feature bloat and somewhat unmanageable with the larger size.

Sure I can believe you would get a closer shave with a double-edged safety razor and it would be significantly cheaper that the ridiculously expensive cartridges (although I tend to make my cartridges last for quite some time), but I think I can live without the absolute closest shave (given that it will grow back in a short while anyway .

That said, I guess I should try a good shave from a reputable barber and see how it feels one day.

Cheers,
Ashley.

By: David Buxton

David Buxton — Sun, 22 Nov 2009 11:31:25 +0000

The numbers are there so you can identify which edge you are using, working through them methodically until all are blunt. I only wish mattresses did the same when it comes to turning them over.