@@kensurfs I tried DE razor first time today. For me it's at least a 2x better experience. it's faster, doesn't grip and will be a lot cheaper in the long run
I always enjoy watching an OPEN MINDED, TOLERANT and NON ELITIST perform a presentation! As much as I enjoy DE razors and accessories; I refuse to become militantly obsessed anti-cartridge or anything else a person wants to use in shaving. Well done and said. Good work! ;-)
WolfRanger2008 Thank you very much. I do like using my vintage Atra razors on occasion and I just found out that Dorco makes an outstanding blade that fit the Atras 👍💈
I'm not anti-cartridge, but I am very anti excessive plastic waste and unecessarily expensive stuff and also just fake information about "More blades = better" , I think ppl over exaggerate cartridge razors with it being bad when they're kinda just mediocre but at a high cost I'd only use cartridges with not more than 3 blades
@@tydshiin5783 I’m certainly not anti-cartridge. I think cartridge razors are the best. Never a nick or cut with cartridge razors. Double edge safety razors are good for the environment. However, they suck because you constantly get cuts and nicks with them.
Another good video Ken. I kind of feel like a tool for wasting so much money on modern cartridge razors. I lived in Boston for many years and they were the home team. After discovering your channel I started using vintage DE razors and have never enjoyed shaving so much. The cheap blades from Family Dollar suit me fine. Once you start looking you see great vintage stuff everywhere. What a great hobby.
True. I started to collect old DE razors. Found 4 of them on an antique-market. All from the early 20th century. Including a bakelite DE razor from Philips. 3 still had their original box. And one even the original blades it came with. My electric shaver was retired and I gave away my Gilette mach 3. Never going back there.
@@YamadaDesigns it's very reasonable... I paid $34.00 for my Merkur 34C long handle razor... $7.00 for a decent synthetic bristle lather brush... they sell expensive Boar Bristle ones too but I've never liked them find them itchy and scratchy. The blades are so cheap it's ridiculous... mine last so long I have to remind myself to change them.... never will I go back to $5 a pop cartridges.
Excellent side-by-side comparison! It did appear at the end that the cartridge side was more irritated. That became evident when you stated that the aftershave burned on the cartridge side more. I think this is DE for the win!
I've abandoned cartrige razors about a year ago.. about 10 years i was shaving (gillette cartrige like mach3/fusion and nivea canned lather) not knowing the bliss of wet shaving with good brush and good shaving soap. had all irritation, ingrown hairs and red dots all over face and neck was very ashamed of my face condition. now i use only DE razors and its fun time to me not routine at all, and my skin is very grateful to me now cause improved tremendously. Last week, out of interest, I tried gillette fusion and it pulls, skin got irritated and i didn't get the pleasurable shaving.
I'm in the process of converting to wet shaving just to bee more old school than I already am_ it'll be a new hobby_ like you say, "Fun time"_ I've currently been using a Bull Dog bamboo handle razor, Bull Dog cartridge blades, and Barbasol canned cream_ I'm not at all disappointed with the Bull Dog stuff or Barbasol_ best shaves I've ever had thus far_ I'll prolly just move that stuff to my travel shave bag, and use the full wet shave lay-out at the house
I use to use the fusion. Would only do 1 pass with it. It would actually break me out pretty good. Since I started using a DE, 2 passes gets it smooth. No razor burn. I'm enjoying shaving now where as before it was just a task...
Outstanding shave Ken. I kept getting bad blades with my Fusion Proglide & their new Proshields are dang near $40 dollars for 4 blades but the traditional soaps & creams along with a brush makes a huge difference for the better in a shave.
Oh yeah I've gotten several like that & at $25+ dollars for 5 blades, that's not good at all. Their new Proshield blades are through the roof in terms of costs. They're about $40 dollars for 4 blades no joke.
Used a cartridge recently after using a shavette for the past year. My neck is still irritated three days later. If you have sensitive skin, there's no shave like a proper wet shave
I know im randomly asking but does someone know of a tool to log back into an Instagram account? I was dumb forgot my login password. I appreciate any tips you can give me.
@Deacon Felix Thanks so much for your reply. I found the site through google and Im trying it out atm. Looks like it's gonna take quite some time so I will reply here later with my results.
I switched over to DE (Gillette Slim Adjustable) from years and years of cartridge razors. As I got older and my beard filled in more and more cartridge razors will bring tears to my eyes when I get to my chin and around my neck. My beard is just too thick. And if I grit my teeth through it and pull it will give a close shave, but I get bad razor burn from cartridges. I developed this problem after a year in 130° in the Middle East. I have fair skin and a red beard. Switch over to the DE a few months back, I prefer Wilkinson sword German blades as my daily, and feathers if I have some growth. With both blades I get no irritation and zero pull. That’s the difference for me. A nice blade in a DE will just fall down my face, with even my favorite cartridge razor (Mach 3 turbo) I could press it to my face and let go and it will just hang there with 2-3 days growth.
Thank you for the side by side review. I have grown up using cartridge razors, and though the safety razor was old fashion and not worth the work. Now I can see the advantage of safety razor shaving, with the higher quality shaving cream. I may try some of your suggestions, when I shave. Great video.
You do three passes with both, but with the safety razor, which has only one blade instead of five, you have five times less stress on your skin. The winner in all classes is the safety razor.
I’m new to DE wet shaving. Your videos are very informative so I subscribed. I got all of the VDH shaving gear. I just ordered the Wilkinson ⚔️ classic blades hoping that they’ll be slightly sharper than the VDH blades. I don’t mind the VDH blades but I want a little smoother cut. We’ll see how that goes.
Great video Ken! I cringed when I saw you do a third pass with the unnecessary 5 bladed monster. 😖 DE is way better and I must say the Fusion always irritated my skin. The Mach 3, Sensor Excel, and Atra (Atra being the best) never irritated my skin when using those blades.
Great video Ken. I gave up cartridge razors over five years ago. I use DE, Gem and straight razors. DE blades are so inexpensive. I will never go back to expensive cartridge razors.
Animal House, one of my favorite movies. I started using DE razors in 2013, and never looked back. That being said, use whatever works for you. Thanks for sharing the video, Ken!
Yes you can't knock cartridge razors when you've used them for years until you tried d e razors you may like this way of shaving in all said and done its still shaving whatever you use the creams and soaps the cost is relative and not to get too carried away with expense.
just switched from cartridge to de safety. absolutely love it. still trying to figure out how to shave my neck without irritating the hell out of it. i went against the grain and WOW did it hurt when i applied the alum block. i tried doing a cross grain instead of against but it didn't feel like it was picking up anything. i'll have to try again tomorrow. everywhere else on my face i dont get irritation whether it be cartridge or de safety. my neck has always given me issues. my hair growth is so crazy i've never been able to figure it out
I used the Mach 3 razors for years and always hated shaving. I tried every cartridge razor I could find. My hair is thick and course. Safety razors always seemed too old school but I have been using them and straight razors for over a year now. I will never go back to cartridge razors. Shaving is actually enjoyable now.
I used to dry shave with a Gillette Sensor and would stretch a cartridge out for months.I only shaved then cause it was a half too and did not enjoy it even when using cream or gels in a can.I got into wet shaving and love it to such that i actually can't wait for the next shave.The possibilities with wet shaving is practically endless.Thanks for the video.
I’m getting into DE. Just ordered a couple of razors and a wide selection of blades. All because I have my granddad’s shaving mug. Wish I could find his razor... But today I tried out the technique. Took a shower, washed my face, used some pre shave lotion, used my new brush with my mug/soap, and did a 3 pass shave with a multi-blade cartridge. I never go through all this. Shave in the shower. Often use shampoo. Sometimes give a partial 2nd pass. But today my face feels so smooth. I really like the feeling. Now, the DE might add to this, but I doubt it. The process is the key in my opinion. And with DE, there is cost savings. Well, once a recoup my investment in all this apparatus. ;-)
I’m new to DE shaving, coming from every cartridge razor known to man kind.... personal favourite the Wilkinson Sword Hydro 3. I instantly noticed the much smoother tug free shave with the DE, and importantly for me, I am finally able to shave without irritating the shit out of my face the following day. I think it’s simple. With the DE that’s 3 nice clean smooth cuts through the hair... With the Gillette’s etc, that’s 5 tiny ass blades dragging through your hair every pass. I’m never going back. I LOVE shaving, 2 maybe 3 times a week usually and look forward to the whole soap, brush, 3 pass experience.
I actually purchased a micro touch one safety razor today and I couldn’t find the vanderhagen set at my Walgreens so I picked up some vanderhagen shave cream in a tube and used it to shave tonight and my goodness my first wet shave and I’m in absolute love, I used the Vanderhagen cream, and for aftershave I used old spice classic cologne, look very forward to doing it again
It comes down to personal preference because we're all individuals and our facial contours and hair growth are different. I started on DE, then went cartridge for convenience. I've tried 'em all- some more than once and am still using a 40 year old Atra with Noxzema shave foam. I used Old Spice in a can before P&G foolishly discontinued it in favor of Gillette Foamy. IMO they discontinued the wrong product.
I like how you are not pushing a biased agenda in your video - I have a Gillette Fusion Power and have a nice close shave with some passes, which I think is how it should be used (as you showed) - with each time getting smoother. I am going to be "pampering myself" with some Proraso White after shave cream and ProrasoRed Sandalwood soap ordered on Amazon, and APR Fenchurch aftershave.
@Kensurfs another great breakdown analysis about shaving. I'm loving my wet shaving journey. I do use cartridge blades from the dollar tree store and get 3x 5 blades for a $1.25 & they are as good as Gillette cartridges.
Not long started watching your videos i used to used cartrige razors for years untill i found my old grandads safty razor and now i feel i enjoy shaving now more than i used to would love to try some of the old after shaves but unsure if i can fined the in scotland thank you for your informative videos 😀
Got into DE shaving a month and a half ago. Got a 1957 Gillette Fat boy, Parker 87R and A gold plated Gillette Aristacrat coming in the mail in the next 4 or 5 days. Loving Astra DE blades. I have the Vander Hagen wet shave set on the way from Amazon and can't wait to wet shave for the first time this Thursday. Shaving was just a normal task before I used a DE safety razor now I have fun with shaving. Great video!
merkur 34c is the razor i use... works great as a daily razor. my favorite blade is Astra... i use them 3 times ... 4 maybe ... 2 a week lets say... and use the proraso as well as some artisan soaps... way better shave an no more nasty razor burn i used to have with gillette shaving goo and fusion cartridges.
V. interesting shave Ken. So he’s my 2 cents worth. Last month I visited the UK for a week, not wanting to misplace my DE razor I bought a Gillette Pro Glide (fusion or some 5 blade thing) and it was awful! The cartridge dragged and on the 2nd pass I could feel it like cutting my skin, very unpleasant. Now, upon returning to Switzerland I got myself a vintage Gillette Sensor Excel (France 98 World Cup edition), the difference was night & day! The Senor Excel cartridges were far superior in shave comfort, performance and there was less clogging. Also the Sensor was the first razor I ever shaved with. So to sum up I love the Sensor Excel for a travel shave 🪒, of course like many others I’ll always prefer my DE razors but y’a gotta admit the Sensor is one of their iconic cartridge razors 👍🏼.
My dad uses Harry's razors which are cartridge blades and loves them. I did buy him a brush and some good soad and aftershave, which he really enjoys. I have not used a cartridge razor in years, but I do not think I can get my dad use a DE razor. reat job on this video
I used to use a Mach 3 until about 3 months ago - like you say..similar smoothness BUT the Mach I always had razor burn, the head clogged too easy and yes the price!! $$$. Now I have a few DE razors and same smoothness but little to no irritation plus now I can try open/closed comb, slant, TTO, 3 piece, vintage, new - real or synthetic brush - soaps!!! so much more!!
It really does seem to come down to preference. I found I didn't like the way the Fusion pulled my skin even with a new cartridge while the DE seemed to glide even after three shaves with the same blade. Also felt like I had more control with a DE. Results were pretty much equal.
When I tried both, I feel that I tend to do more passes with cartridge blades just because they feel somehow soft and gentle because of their flex heads. It might actually be purely psychological and totally unnecessary. So yeah, it's very likely that those comfortable multiblade cartridges will cause you overdoing and scratching too much even if you don't need to. But my facial hair is soft, so I have less tendency to ingrown hair and cartridges work just fine for me.
SilentBob420BMFJ actually for most of us “fanboys “ as you say... the cartridge razors did consistently chew our faces up.... that’s why we switched lol.
@SilentBob420BMFJ There can be accumulative effect. Initially, I sometimes did too many passes because I didn't believe all the hair is really gone. While shaving, I didn't feel any discomfort, but I assume after shaving some people might have skin irritation etc., more than if they did only one pass with other kind of razor.
Ive been trying this lately for the first time I had ordered a nice razor "vikings blade chieftain" after reading up about everything for awhile, which hasnt come in yet and also got a kit viking revolution. The reason why is because i looked for 2 hours for all the accessories and then i realized the chieftain was going to be a week for delivery so i said screw it and ordered the other kit just to get started! The safety part is very lame on that one, the blade sticks out like 1/8" but i wanted to start practicing so i use it anyhow until the one i wanted comes in. today i actually can say after seeing your techniques that i am really starting to get a close smoothe shave. It could be better but i went over a couple spots 3 times and i just wasnt able to maneuver at the angle i wanted to go to get it down. i was using some egyptian blade today, tried the wilkinson sword the past couple times and it was as you explained mild but it was better as a novice. This egyptian blade was called called shark and it felt good. I had no knicks on my first go but by the end i was knicked up like crazy. then I tried a new aftershave, tea tree and shea butter type (i like the menthol scent and also use a mentholish preshave elemis beard and shave oil i learned about from a cruize ship). The aftershave that came in the viking kit was like a cream and BOY was i not expecting the PAIN from the good stuff haha. i spent a very very long time not shaving at all and am trying to get into it now and your videos are helping so much thank you
i use one disposable razor 5 times and its cheaper than de blade but i use wet shaving soaps and brushes. I get irritation and pimples from de blades. thanks for the review
I switched to de because I used to use electric since I started shaving 3 years ago, then I went to my dad's old Gillette contour which he lets me use, and it was great but I hated the tugging so last week I bought a 2 buck de and even that thing destroys the Gillette, and my skin is the least irritated it has ever been
Gotta love that burn Ken. No carts for me, DE/SE all the way. Asylum RX takes no prisoners. Better be a real shaver to use this one. Nice comparison between the razors. The Merkur 34 is sweet, can't say much about the Fusion except i used to use them and hated them. Just my opine. Proraso is one of the greats, even with all the artisan products out there. Another sweet video, keep em coming. Enjoy!
Watching you shave really reminds me of my grandpa and watching him shave as a kid. One question though; when using a tin of soap, do you place the brush right into the tin or do you scoop some into a bowl?
I hated the Fusion and threw mine away. The Schick Hydro 5 is better. I am seriously considering trying a traditional safety razor. These videos are very helpful!
I tried de for body shaving for over a few years but ultimately it took far too long and too much concentration to the point where I either wouldn’t shave or would cut myself up. It just wasn’t worth it to me. Now I’m all smooth again because with cartridge razors I can shave super fast. I find skin care is the most important part really after a shave
The whole way cartridge razors are designed just makes a recipe for irritation by most users: The relatively broad surface area it covers means that you can really press down on the skin to cut off the hairs below the "resting level" of the skin. (That's why they cause bumps/ingrowns so often on people with nappy hair). Once the skin relaxes and bounces back to its original position, it covers the hair, producing the appearance of the closest shave achievable. That's the one thing where these razors can't be beat, but IMO the price you pay for it in all other aspects makes them not worth it.
Thank you for the good share on shaving. I wanted to comment that after paying $35 on carts I’ve always found 2 or so clinkers in every batch of the 24-36 carts in the pkg. It’s such a rip-off.
Bad blades happen, but consider this, the per cost of a single bad cartridge is horrendous, what is it, US$3.00 -US$4.00 per blade cartridge? Compare that to your DE blades that cost less than US$0.15 - US$0.30 per blade? Also as someone else pointed out that fusion blade cartridge has 5 blades going at your skin at a time, that's like shaving 5 strokes vs per 1 stroke of your DE razor. As for blood thinning medication, yes I understand the issues. I have been on them since my minor stroke several years ago. Cuts bleed longer, healing takes longer and cuts reopen easier compared to before I was medication. But once I changed to a milder razor, or razors designed not to cut / adjustable razors, I no longer have that issue. Am using the Rockwell 6S now, and will be getting an adjustable soon. The Rockwell is a joy to use. Smooth and you can shave without fear. Even with feather blades, the Rockwell doesn't cut or nick especially if you use it on the R1 or R2 setting. I am more often using my 6S on R3 or R4 (I am much more careful when using R3 / R4 with feathers) but to be honest, as long as you don't rush, have decent technique, R3 still feels safe while still giving you a good shave. Great shave though, love Proraso Green and more so when you go all green (Pre shave, Soap, Post shave) I call it Menthol bombing your face. :)
Used my first ever safety razor today (King C. Gillette), im never going back to cartridge razors...my face feels smooth. I didnt want to buy an expensive razor to begin with, but I think I will now!!!
Nice shave vid Ken. I'll still use cartridge razors when I travel and don't want to hunt for blades, but I'd rather not. Cartridge razors invariably caused more razor burns and irritation so I'm glad to be wet shaving. So much more relaxing. Also, thanks for the Captain's Choice Venture video cause it's keeping my ASAD going LoL
Honestly, it’s all about practise, preference & comfort. The Shave I get with the Fusion is so smooth with 1 with the grain pass and 2nd against the grain pass, it literally is baby smooth. Just 1 pass each. Stressing again: Practice, preference & comfort. Know your face and skin, Shave with what makes you happy!! Respect to all!! ❤️❤️
yes for me shaving was a task i dread because of the irritation frm cartridge razors. going to safety razor is way better and I feel real good. I think ill enjoy shaving now
Keep in mind a thick quality shaving cream is perfect for safety razors but it clogs up cartridge razors. The cartridge might be better with a glycerin based soap that makes a thin lather
Eh, sure. But you shouldn't have to use a different lather to shave with a cartridge razor. And to be fair, even my Muhle R89 can get "clogged" with foam unless I rinse it about 5 times during one shave.
I can't get a close shave with any cartridge even with three passes. I use a merkur with feather blades and get the closest shave ever. And are your pupils different sizes or am I tripping?
I use the fusion myself, I found around one bum cartridge per magazine. At five bucks a pop, that is way too much. Recently ordered a Parker 76 R safety razor, going to give the DE a try.( I shave face and head, so cartridge costs can really add up)
@@OZHKAR1 I got the Parker 76r. They can be ordered on line. the company has a broad line of DE razors.It came with six of their platinum blades which were nice. I just used feather ( blade brand reputed to be very sharp) for the first time and was very happy with the results. Being new to DE I tend to be very careful and this costs me a bit of time so that by the time i get to the other side of my face, I notice the lather starting to dry out or well, doesn’t feel as slick. For now i lather one side of my face, shave and then lather the other. I imagine once i feel i have mastery of technique, my shaving time will speed up and the partial lathering won’t be needed any longer.
@@spike.strat1318 I saw the razor, it got nice feedback and the quality looks good too. thanks for the tip, once I get better in this I'll give it a look. Nice that you got what you expected! I'll purchase cheap blades once I finish the ones that came with the razor, this DE thing it's very interesting and it has endless possibilities. I see in general that they use a lot of soap and as you say, you gotta be more professional so you don't waste it, another excellent tip, I'm using just water and regular face cream, not the professional shaving soap and it works good
April 2017 I got into wet shaving. Ordered a DE blade sample pack of of about 50 blades of various brands including Feather, Gillette Platinum, and Astra for $18USD on eBay. At the end of May 2018 I am STILL working my way through that sample pack.
A good comparison video Ken. Yes with proper prep you can get a decent shave from a modern cartridge razor, but from lifting the hair then cutting it then lifting the hair and cutting it again below skin level you are more prone to getting ingrown hairs. I wonder how people who can't use a DE avoid ingrown hairs with the modern multi blade cartridges.
I use a Gillette fusion ONLY for my head because it's all that works for my head. If it wasn't for me having to shave my head I wouldn't use a cartridge razor. I used to shave my face with an electric razor but switched to a safety razor maybe 5 days ago. I enjoy the safety razor shave routine. But still slight redness and irritation & knicks nothing severe. Not sure if irritation is my fault with what I'm using or how I'm shaving. Maybe my skin isn't used to it. We will see. Enjoy the videos
My personal fave is Personna blades (made in Israel, BTW), followed by el cheapo "Daxon." Fave soap: old school William's. Old school aftershaves all the way...Brut, Old Spice, Clubman, and Aqua Velva. 4711 also great. Astra: great...but I'm boycotting Gillette.
Nice video Ken, Proraso Green is good stuff. You shouldn't have to do 2 passes, wait...3 passes on a modern razor! I'm hooked on it as I have already purchased a Gillette 1967 Slim, 1959 Fat-Boy and was gifted a 1960 Flare-tip. I've used numerous blades for the experience like Wilkinson-Sword, Astra Green, Gillette Platinum and Platinum Plus. Used Proraso Green first then got some Old Spice "Original" cream and some Williams Mug Soap.
Great comparison shave Ken! I figured the cost of cartridge shaving to be about $150 per year just for the blade cartridges alone. If one buys DE blades in bulk, some great blades can be had for under $20 per 100. In my personal use, the would mean my blade consumption cost $7.81 per year. It would be a great savings if one has good self control and zero RAD, SAD, ASAD, etc.
MrPleers My experience was a pack of four Gillette Fusion cartridges cost about $15 and I used 10 packs a year. I shaved daily and they ended up clogging or became tuggy after 8 to 10 shaves. DE shaving is much better in the regard to me. YMMV.
I only switched to DE shaving because of the cost of the cartridges got insane. I'm now down the rabbit hole chasing the mad hatter! Got about 50 razors and about 2 dozen soaps and aftershaves. Glad I'm saving money...lol! Love the hobby and not going back to cartridges!
Nice comparison and I appreciate that you were fair to the cart's performance. That said, though, barring a dud, a four-pack of Fusion cartridges really is a year's supply. A single cartridge will easily last me 3+ months of daily 2-pass shaves. So it's not as outrageously expensive as it may seem at first.
On WHAT planet can you get 3 months of daily 2-pass shaves from any cartridge??? What are you shaving, only 3 hairs? Lol. I get about 2 weeks of daily 2-pass shaves from a cartridge razor, that is why I switched! The shave from the cartridge is close and comfortable though.
I have a pretty full beard, no worries. Even Gillette admitted users can get 35 shaves from a Fusion, which is a lot more than the week they used to say a cart lasted. If you do good skin prep, use good soap and properly dry the cart between shaves, yes, you can get 90 shaves out of a single Fusion cartridge. When you let a cart air-dry, deposits form on the blades that make the blades feel like they're going dull much more quickly.
It helps if you clean the cartridges, so that the inter-blade spaces do not "clog" (use high rate/pressure water-flow, e.g., under a BATHTUB faucet), and DRY(!!!) the blades. My DE blades also last me, on average, 3 months, because I remove them from the razor, and rinse, dry, then "cloth-strop" both sides of each edge (this takes about 10 seconds, total), after EVERY shave.
I switched from a cartridge razor to a straight razor loaded with DE blades and I've not been troubled by razor burn since. Watching you shave I realise why. You shave in smooth, even strokes with the DE blade and go over and over with the cartridge. They may be more convenient but they're MUCH more expensive and they cause far more irritation than a single properly sharp blade held at the correct angle.
Kensurfs yep - I just put it under water (in the sink), and gently scrub it with the toothbrush. Re the 20 shaves, that's 20 very light daily shaves, made even lighter by the fact that I touch up with an electric during the day. HOWEVER, currently experimenting with a DE - if I shave really close with it, seems I can go 24 hours without need to touch up.
I just tried almost the same shave. I used a Schick Hydra 5 which I always felt was smoother and better than Gillette. I used the same blade and my new Vintage Series Black Tiger razor. No contest My Aqua Velva gave me a clear winner same as you.
Nice shave Ken! It would be interesting to see the Rocwell with a feather, to see which plate works best for your skin/beard growth; to see that razor tame that sucker.
Ken...new to the DE razor clan and I have gotten a lot of good info from your videos. I have a question that I hope maybe you can help with. Shaving against the grain...specifically on the neck. I will do one pass with the grain and and the second pass against however my neck will get so irritated and cut up. do you have any tips to help me out? I just can't get a close shave on the neck.
