I call 2019-20, my year on blood thinner (Brilinta), "The Year of Shaving Dangerously." It was a challenge, with peroxide and Band-Aid runs to the pharmacy, bats fluttering outside the bathroom window -- a bloody mess. I tried a Trac II once or twice but decided to stick with DE shaving. After experimenting on my AS-D2 with shims to reduce blade exposure, I decided that was the ticket and treated myself to a Tatara Masamune, whose negative blade exposure (and firm blade control) stood out at the time. It got me through the year and more. I still use it occasionally, and of course there are now many alternatives to consider. But I'm forever grateful to its designers in Portugal for producing a razor that enabled me to cope with this problem. And thanks, Ken, for continually bringing it up.
Ken. I am about your age. My father use DE blades back in the 60s and 70s. His favor blades were Wilkinson sword and Rise shaving cream from a can. When I was younger using cartage razors . These razors were considered up to date and DE razors were old and going out of style . As time went on I found the cartage blade refills getting more and more expensive. In my search for more affordable way to shave I looked back into DE razors. Folks like yourself turned my on to DE shaving. I went on ebay and found a 1957 DE razor by Gillette for about 20 bucks. I got a sampler pack of DE blades from Razor Emporium and my DE journey began and I have never looked back. I bought a 100 blade pack of DE blades for 13.00 dollars and they have lasted me for over a year. I found some blades brands last for 3 days up to one week of shaving depending on use. Using a DE razor takes me back to when I was a child and watching my father shave. I have a fairly decent collection of vintage and newer DE razors and some single edge razors as well. Wet shaving is a very interesting journey, whether you use a Cartage razor ,DE razor, single edge or straight razor. Use the razor that works for you and enjoy your shave.
Although I'm a longtime DE user, I concur that cartridge users should definitely incorporate a brush and quality shave soap into their routine. Takes the result to the next level with no additional time requirement.
I actually like shaving with the MACH 3-5. Like you said it's a close shave without the cuts. My only problem with it, is they give me ingrown hairs. Switching to DE razors fixed that for me. However, I saw this ad for DEFENDER multi-blade razor. I was intrigued since the blades are further apart and it does not clog. I like it and it fixed the ingrown hair issue. Too bad I'm too deep in the DE rabbit hole. lol
I used to shave with the Mach 3, but purchased an original Sensor Excel, which I have nicknamed the “Spencer Excel” and haven’t looked back. I hope you and your family have a very Happy Easter!
I was taught to shave by my father with DE razor, boar brush and shaving cup over 50 years ago. When I could no longer find DE blades in local drug store I tried the cartridge razor and I believe it was a Gillette. That was before they added pads on the cartridges and I could not stand shaving with the cartridge razors any longer. Discovered the DE razors and blades were available for order and returned to my roots. Since returning to DE I found straight razors were also available so gave that a try also. I enjoy occasional straight razor shave, but DE will always remain my go-to Have never had any interest in even trying an electric razor.
@Kensurfs another great shaving video. I used to be a cartridge shaver & my choice was Gillette. My favorite cartridge at the time was Gillette skin guard 2 Blade with big gaps in between for easy cleaning. I would get over 100 shaves with it. The only reason I stopped was that Gillette makes weak hinges on the cartridge that pivots up & down. A very underrated & cheap cartridge razor is from the dollar tree store. There 5 Blade cartridge razor is durable, and their hinges are stronger than Gillettes.
@hassy g Yes, I know people who got way more. We need to stop having that use once & throw out wasteful mentality. One of my other wet shaving mentors, sgrdddy_shaves on RU-vid, got 500 shaves & counting from a Gillette Nacet Blade.
I drop some oil in my mach 3 hinge if it starts to stick, works wonders. I can probably get 40 shaves with one cartridge if i strop on my arm regularly.
Great video! I enjoy reviews of cartridge razors. I think they get a bum rap. I think the best thing about this hobby is having options. So many razors, blades, soaps and creams. And I regularly keep cartridge razors in my rotation along with DE's, SE's, Straights and Savettes. Oh... and by the way, I just saw an add from Proarso advertising a new line of... wait for it... CANNED SHAVING CREAMS! You might want to review that.
I used to shave with an electric shaver, and I hated how much pressure I had to put to get a close shave. Then I trued a cartridge, and it left my face too raw and the fell terrible, as I didn't have any feel for it. Then I tried wet shaving and it was fantastic. It was a mess at first because I didn't know left from right, but the feedback was fantastic. At this point, it's almost meditation.
I totally agree don’t use cheap shave gel. If you use gel pay more for better gel. That stuff will irritate your skin. And with cartridges you are not paying for the blades. You are paying for guard rails and comfort. Also Gillette makes superior cartridge razors. I’ve tried a lot(besides schick) and they just put the science and research into play. I wish I could recycle the cartridges. Asked my dad if he used DE because he was definitely around in the 70s 80s when they were more popular and he said “no I’d cut my face even more if I used those, I always bought the best” which I’m assuming meant Gillette carts 😂 thanks for the video ❤
I tried the Mach 3 when it first came out. In 2006 Gillette sent me a free handle and 1 cartridge of their new Fusion 5 razor. Both gave me a decent shave. The only problem was the cartridges only last for a couple of shaves. By the third shave they would tug and pull. I decided then there was no way I was going to pay what they were asking for cartridge replacements if they only last me 2 shaves. Hence my delve into wet shaving. Now I own several DE razors, brushes, and have enough soaps and after shaves to hold me several years. So much for saving money. :)
Thank you for your honest video regarding cartridge razors. They are great because like you said, you’ll never cut yourself with them. A lot of the DE guys always badmouth cartridge razors. That’s just ridiculous. DE razors are good if you’re looking to save money on blades, however, all the cuts and nicks are free. And you’ll certainly get a lot of cuts and nicks with DE razors. I’ll stick with my Gillette Proglide and Gillette Skinguard, never a cut or nick.
Great shave Ken. That's how I got started. I started using Proraso green with my Omega 10049 Professional boar brush and a Gillette Fusion Proglide cartridge untilI ordered my first DE razor 9 years ago now. I wish that I could have gotten a shave brush and proraso green back when I was using the Mach 3 turbo which added a glide coating to the blades to help guard against cuts. There was no internet back then. Here in a little while, I'll be uploading a video using my RazoRock Hawk single edge.
Hi Ken- Great shave; thank you! Before DE wet shaving, the Mach 3 was definitely my cartridge of choice. Wishing you and your family a very Happy Easter! All the best, Ken!
I’m all for someone shaving however they want but in my opinion cartridge razors suck. For most of my shaving life I was using cartridges razors and hated ever shave because I used to cut myself quite badly every time and my face would be very sore after it but about two years ago or so I started using double edged safety razors and it was absolutely the best decision I’ve ever made I hardly ever cut myself and definitely don’t get anywhere near as sore if at all and I’m loving saving money by shaving this way too.
As someone who shaved with cartridges for 30 years before switching to DE believe me you can still get some nasty cuts from a cartridge. They have their place I guess but I much prefer DE. Enjoyed the video Ken. Happy Easter.
Although I like to use a Mach 3 in a pinch, cartridge razors tend to give me irritation long term. That's why I stick to my DE razors. My go to set up is a Rockwell 6c with the 4 plate and a can of Gillette Foamy.
I tried DE shaving for 2 years but never could get consistent results regardless of the razor/blade combo. Came across the Gillette SkinGuard 6 weeks ago and so far it has given me closer and smoother 2 pass shaves than a DE with no blood or irritation. Still use a brush and some good soaps which I think make a huge difference in the quality of the shave. And with some sellers on eBay, I can get 8 cartridges for $17. If I can get 30 shaves (2 months worth) per cartridge, it comes down to 9 cents a shave.
Great shave. I used mostly disposables from various brands such as Bic, Gillette, and more. I then switched to an electric razor for a while. After that of course, I jumped ship into DE razors and the rest is all you need to know. My birthday is coming up, and I got myself a Stirling Barbershop soap and a few pack of blades to try as early birthday gifts to enjoy. Have a good one!
I ordered Stirling barbershop shave soap a few weeks ago and the smell blew me away. Best scent in my whole collection. Yesterday I received the barbershop post balm and aftershave splash: heavenly.
Sensor Excel was my go to years ago. Still have one and a blade or two. Been using DE for 15yrs. Back in the day a gamechanger would have been using a good shaving soap insread of a can. Might have to pull out the Sensor Excel and give it a go with one of the soaps I have. Cheers
What works for me: the first pass with a fairly aggressive razor and a feather blade to shave the beard hairs, but for the second pass the Mach 3 is ideal for me. Performing the second pass with the safety razor increases the chance of small nicks, while this is not the case with the Mach 3. So I believe in combining different systems to achieve a comfortable shave.
I do this, too! I use a Gillette adjustable to knock it down (Fat boy, Super 84, or Black beauty), then use the Mach 3 for cleaning up. Lately, I've discovered the green sensitive skin cartridges for the Mach 3. Very good for arm pits or "down there".
It looks like they’re trying to incorporate the pivot features from the Fusion and ProGlide to the Mach 3. Interesting. I wonder how that’s working out for them.
Hello Ken. I just happened to be your first like today. I got lucky I guess. Neat shave today. I have my cartridge razors but I have not used them since I started buying and using my DE SAFETY RAZORS. They are the best. I use a new blade every shave as well. I have a coarse beard and do a routine 3 pass every shave. I learned some time ago. the hard way, to change my blade every shave. I love my 4 KENSURFS DS COSMETIC SHAVING BRUSHES and I have one of your mugs in my shave den as well. When are you coming out with a new brush my friend? Thank you again and GOD BLESS.🙂💜
I actually get less irritation from a Mach 3 than I do with a DE. The only DE that gives me a shave as good as the Mach 3 is my Gillette Slim but I always need some balm after using the Slim.
i own this 3D razor as well i like it i change now and again what i shave with Cartridge, DE, SE or Electric, Philip one blade you name it, great shaving video Ken. Stay safe, cheers....Peter
@@kensurfs oh i use something called Razor Pit a silicone made holder for Multiblade look it up easier than explaining it it claims to extent the life of the multiblade and it works its like using the leather strop you can even use the skin on your arm its like Leather go the opposite way of shaving a few times to remove whatever is clogging the blade and straightening the blade is bent a bit or just search sharpening your multiblade razor on RU-vid you´ll see more ways to do what i just explained :)
With a Harry’s, at the most, only two or three shaves. Same thing with my Van Der Hagen DE razor. My hair is incredibly coarse, and even with DE blades - depending on the brand - 1-2 shaves
Great shave, Ken. Used a Trac II for decades until about a year ago. Never liked the 3 or 5 blades, or the swivel heads. DE-only for me now. Nice to give guys options, though. Happy Easter!
I get 2 good shaves from a cartridge. A DE blade gives me 4 before I change the blade. I am probably wasteful myself with DE blades, too. Cartridge razors are just terrible on the 3rd shave for me
I get 1 shave out of a cartridge razor maybe 2 if im lucky, my beard is extremely coarse it blunts the blades straight away, i only ever use a de blade once aswell, they are very cheap so i like a fresh one everytime so i know every shave is with a sharp blade
Ken; I have the same habit. My shave den is upstairs in my home. Some times in a rush I use a cartridge razor for the sake of time. I still find that Gillette has the sharpest razors. I've tried Harry's, Dollar Shave Club and the new Jeremy's. They are all junk in my humble opinion. Simply put they are dull. I get the closest shave with my DE razors.
Great video Ken. When I used cartridge razors I would always get the free sample razors and blades whenever I bought from a vitamin store. A great way to eventually lead me to using DE razors. Happy Easter!
I use a Leaf razor with Astra platinum or Feather blades when I shave my head. When I used cartridge razors I would only get two maybe three shaves out of it before it went to the trash can. I can get 3 or 4 uses out of a feather with my Phoenix Ascension razor.
I'd rather use an electric razor than a cartridge razor, but to each his own. Nothing wrong with trying something different to remind you why you DE shave. 😉 Have a Happy Easter.
hi ken just want to say how much I like your shaving videos you. and your videos are great how ever I don't like the Gillette razor all tho I have one the clads cost way to much
It depends on my moods at night after i get off work because I work at a grocery store in the seafood department so I’m the main closer if i use Barbasol or if i wet shave
So, why use a brush and soap? Using those means you're massaging the soap down to the surface of the skin. Applying shaving foam by hand just lays it on top of the hair, so now you're ripping/pulling the hair instead of cutting it away from the skin.
I just went onto the web site of my local large drug store and read reviews on Mach 3 cartridge razors. Many reviews have indicated the over the years, these blades have gone downhill. Most said the cartridges don't last as long as they use to. If you are going to charge a fortune for cartridge blades, the least you can do is to cut back on quality. Glad I switched to a DE razor. The only thing that pisses me off is that I can't take DE blades with me while I travel because I like carry on luggage.
I'm on Warfarin "blood thinners" , have been for 20 years and will be for the rest of my life. At 40 my blood decided it liked clotting in my veins and nearly killed me twice with Pulmonary Embolism. (doctors still haven't figured out why) It depends on how "thin" (which is incorrect, it doesn't "thin" your blood, it just slows the clotting reaction, but thin is the common lexicon) the doctor keeps your blood, you CAN shave with a D.E. razor without fear. If your "international Normalized Ratio" number (I.N.R. number) is lower (2.0 to 3.0 is considered therapeutic) you aren't going to keep bleeding even if you cut yourself fairly deep. A shaving nick can be stopped quickly with an Alum block quite easy. But, everyone is different and it is good to follow your doctors advice of course... Funny, the Mach 3 was the razor I went to from D.E. and disposables years ago, and then came back from the Mach 3 Turbo to D.E. 2 years ago. I wet shaved with brush and soap puck for 2 years with a custom handled Mach 3 Turbo and boar brush. Oh well, variety is the spice of life as they say. Enjoyed the video Ken, keep up the good shaves. William C. central Indiana.
That advert was the sole reason I switched to a safety razor, has become a hobby now experimenting with blades, razor's, soaps and aftershaves.. Thanks Gillette, you'll never get a penny from me again 👍
Well people want to shave Not buying for political reason and you can’t bring a safety razor on a plane anyway but I don’t buy there cartage razors anymore just there disposable that’s it and beside leave them alone I think eventually the modern gillette will fade like there safety razor because they keep messing up now no one wants to buy it due to the commercial so let them mess up there business we have other brands to fall on but sadly I like gillette I don’t care about there stupid advertisement beside there unrealistic on the shaves his whole face in one pass but to me gives good shaves just the fusion razor is too much to me the Mach 3 is okay the disposable to me are good and besides I find disposable razor at dollar tree can be as good as gillette disposable and there are others so let gillette ruin there own company and be faded away but won’t she that for a long time might be around longer than my life time I guess.
Too bad your son had that bad experience. A mild DE safety razor would probably change his mind. But I'm sure you've told him that. I did shave with a Mach 3 years ago. In fact, I still have some throwaway Mach 3s to shave the back of my neck when I shower. But you can't beat a DE razor for a close, irritation-free shave. Like many others, I started DE shaving under the false premise of saving money. Now that is funny.
