Razor Burn: A Flood of Fancy Shavers Leaves Some Men Feeling Nicked • Hacker News Board

Re: Razor Burn: A Flood of Fancy Shavers Leaves Some Men Feeling Nicked

#11

Post by berberich » Mon, Jul 12, 2010, 2:27 PM UTC

jasonlotito wrote: post #5

I learned a while back about the idea of sharpening your blades. I know, it's obvious. The idea is that these disposable blades that you buy in packs of 4 can actually last quite a while if you 'sharpen' them. Basically, wet the razers, and then run it up your arm. Make sure you drag it across so you aren't shaving your arm, but rather, running the blades face across your arm, sharpening it. Wow. That's a really bad…

Here's the Consumerist article and video that popped up on this a few months ago. It's been working pretty well for me so far: http://consumerist.com/2010/03/make-your-disposable-razor-bl...

Re: Razor Burn: A Flood of Fancy Shavers Leaves Some Men Feeling Nicked

#12

Post by umjames » Mon, Jul 12, 2010, 2:27 PM UTC

brk wrote: post #7

I bought a Merkur Futur a year ago and haven't looked back. The initial investment in going to an old-school shaving setup is about $100. Safety razor, some blades, badger-hair brush and saving soap. But the payoff is huge over time. A $5.00 bar of shaving soap can last 6 or 8 months with daily use. High-quality DE blades are $0.50-$0.80 ea, depending on quantity. As the article states, it takes a little more time an…

I agree. After reading this article a couple years ago, http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/6886845/, I only use my electric shaver for its mustache trimmer.

You shave every day? I thought I shaved a lot at once a week.

Re: Razor Burn: A Flood of Fancy Shavers Leaves Some Men Feeling Nicked

#13

Post by smitjel » Mon, Jul 12, 2010, 2:31 PM UTC

I saw this in Money mag a couple of months back and thought it was silly...but apparently going old-school is not only cheaper but better quality as well. I think I might try it.

http://moremoney.blogs.money.cnn.com/2010/04/29/spend-less-o...

Re: Razor Burn: A Flood of Fancy Shavers Leaves Some Men Feeling Nicked

#14

Post by gcv » Mon, Jul 12, 2010, 2:32 PM UTC

What, a whole article on traditional shaving methods and no mention of straight razors? A straight razor does take time, care, and practice, but it produces excellent results without too much irritation. (I admit that, when I'm in a hurry, I reach for a Fusion.)

I tried double-edged safeties (the aforementioned Merkurs), and didn't like them. They produce a shave quality identical to Mach3 or Fusion, but take quite a bit longer and result in more razor burn. The blades are cheap, certainly, but if you're going down that road, why not try a straight? Think of it as an investment in the environment: no more disposable trash to clutter landfills.

I don't know if supply of razors or blades is a huge problem. classicshaving.com always seems to have everything I've ever needed.

Re: Razor Burn: A Flood of Fancy Shavers Leaves Some Men Feeling Nicked

#15

Post by subwindow » Mon, Jul 12, 2010, 2:33 PM UTC

brk wrote: post #7

I bought a Merkur Futur a year ago and haven't looked back. The initial investment in going to an old-school shaving setup is about $100. Safety razor, some blades, badger-hair brush and saving soap. But the payoff is huge over time. A $5.00 bar of shaving soap can last 6 or 8 months with daily use. High-quality DE blades are $0.50-$0.80 ea, depending on quantity. As the article states, it takes a little more time an…

Same here. I got a Merkur HD about 6 months ago. The initial investment is a bit high, but I wouldn't be surprised if it has already paid off. The blades I got are ~$0.25 each, and last about 1-2 months if cared for.

More than that, though, the shave is just all around superior. It baffles me that people shave with Mach 3s or electric razors.

Re: Razor Burn: A Flood of Fancy Shavers Leaves Some Men Feeling Nicked

#16

Post by pxlpshr » Mon, Jul 12, 2010, 2:34 PM UTC

brk wrote: post #7

I bought a Merkur Futur a year ago and haven't looked back. The initial investment in going to an old-school shaving setup is about $100. Safety razor, some blades, badger-hair brush and saving soap. But the payoff is huge over time. A $5.00 bar of shaving soap can last 6 or 8 months with daily use. High-quality DE blades are $0.50-$0.80 ea, depending on quantity. As the article states, it takes a little more time an…

I have the same razor. What blade are you using with it? I prefer Feathers.

Re: Razor Burn: A Flood of Fancy Shavers Leaves Some Men Feeling Nicked

#17

Post by pxlpshr » Mon, Jul 12, 2010, 2:36 PM UTC

gcv wrote: post #14

What, a whole article on traditional shaving methods and no mention of straight razors? A straight razor does take time, care, and practice, but it produces excellent results without too much irritation. (I admit that, when I'm in a hurry, I reach for a Fusion.) I tried double-edged safeties (the aforementioned Merkurs), and didn't like them. They produce a shave quality identical to Mach3 or Fusion, but take quite a…

I disagree about double-edge, razor burns, and quality of shave. This video covers a wet method shaving technique that you might consider.

http://www.youtube.com/user/mantic59#p/u/35/_VxFXpdLvG0

Re: Razor Burn: A Flood of Fancy Shavers Leaves Some Men Feeling Nicked

#18

Post by mikecarlucci » Mon, Jul 12, 2010, 2:37 PM UTC

brk wrote: post #7

I bought a Merkur Futur a year ago and haven't looked back. The initial investment in going to an old-school shaving setup is about $100. Safety razor, some blades, badger-hair brush and saving soap. But the payoff is huge over time. A $5.00 bar of shaving soap can last 6 or 8 months with daily use. High-quality DE blades are $0.50-$0.80 ea, depending on quantity. As the article states, it takes a little more time an…

I did the same thing. The first couple times were a little tricky - longer time and some cuts - but now I shave almost as fast with the safety razor.

It's so easy to learn and so much cheaper than a Mach3 I can't believe more people won't give it a try.

Re: Razor Burn: A Flood of Fancy Shavers Leaves Some Men Feeling Nicked

#19

Post by brk » Mon, Jul 12, 2010, 2:40 PM UTC

umjames wrote: post #12

brk wrote: post #7

I bought a Merkur Futur a year ago and haven't looked back. The initial investment in going to an old-school shaving setup is about $100. Safety razor, some blades, badger-hair brush and saving soap. But the payoff is huge over time. A $5.00 bar of shaving soap can last 6 or 8 months with daily use. High-quality DE blades are $0.50-$0.80 ea, depending on quantity. As the article states, it takes a little more time an…

I agree. After reading this article a couple years ago, http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/6886845/ , I only use my electric shaver for its mustache trimmer. You shave every day? I thought I shaved a lot at once a week.

Shaving frequency seems to vary by person and age, but yes, I shave everyday, occasionally twice a day (if I'm going out at night and want to freshen up).

I have a feeling there is a significant amount of age and/or cultural difference between us, as I would never consider a weekly shave anywhere near "normal". Though when I was younger (18ish) I could go a few days without needing a shave.

Re: Razor Burn: A Flood of Fancy Shavers Leaves Some Men Feeling Nicked

#20

Post by jsdalton » Mon, Jul 12, 2010, 2:41 PM UTC

RiderOfGiraffes wrote: post #2

I'm seriously considering getting my beard permanently removed via laser hair removal. It's getting affordable, and not having to shave every day, or every other day, seems like a luxury I might now pay for. I'm thinking of asking for next birthday and Christmas getting the cost covered. ADDED IN EDIT: I personally don't like having a beard. Been there, done that, don't like it. Also, my wife would be 100% happy with…

Just grow a beard dude. It requires serious maintenance only once a week.