Shopping for new blades for my old razor I realized that the gel used on the blades could not be vegan. I didn’t want to check online if they were vegan and as I realized that the blades for my old razor cost about the same as a saftey razor + 5 blades, I bought the safety razor.
Like it so far, was a little concerened to cut myself but slow and steady wins the raze (haha, get it…?) It leaves a tiny, tiny stubble, but maybe that is just me getting used to the new razor. What I like is that it is much easier to clean, since you can remove the blade and rinse it off or even disinfect it. Should I disinfect my blade? Dullsters on the internet, what is your wisdom?
I’ve been shaving with a safety razor and a straight razor for well over 20 years at this point. What works for me doesn’t necessarily work for others, and our skin/hair is all of different needs and consistency. So grain of salt here.
When you start using a safety razor it takes both practice, and time for your skin and routines to start to adapt. It goes pretty quickly, and you’ll find your shaves get better and better every time for the next month or so. I shave usually 3 times a week, sometimes more depending on what’s going on, and I use my safety razor probably 95% of the time. I don’t disinfect it or really do much of anything to it, it’s very unlike the straight razor (which is an entire production - it’s a rewarding shave but it’s slow and you have to do some work to your blade pre/post shave). I also am lucky enough to have facial hair thats pretty soft, so I can go a month to a month and a half without changing the blade, depending on what brand of blades I’m using. I do find the feather blades to be better than most, but I also have had decent enough luck with Derby blades, and they are much cheaper. Find what works for you, try to get your hands on a few different manufacturers and try them all out as they all have some differences.
Get a stand, and get a brush. I prefer shaving soap, but good soap or creme is a must. While you are showering, soak your brush in a bowl with warmer (but not scalding hot) water. Be generous with the shaving creme, make a big ol mess, and learn to enjoy the process. Biggest tip, is to not apply any force at first. Let the weight of the razor do the work (that’s why it’s so heavy). Also just do two with the grain passes at first, until your skin adapts, and it will quickly. I do a first past with the grain, second rep is against the grain, third is again with the grain. That’s what works for me.