Shaving - Single Blades vs Multi Blades

ShortyX on 09/10/2016 - 23:40
Last edited 10/10/2016 - 01:27 by 1 other user

I typically let my stubble grow into a short length beard and shave around the beard ever 2nd day or so with a Gilette Fusion shaver to keep it neat and tidy. After about a week or two, I clipper my beard back to stubble and start again.

A pack of 4 cartridges isn't cheap so I have been wondering about the single razors. My old man has used one with the cheapo razors from the supermarket ever since I can remember. For some reason, I always thought that the multi blade shavers were superior (clever marketing I guess) but now I'm not so sure. It seems there is a resurgence back to single blade shavers, and I'd like to give it a try. Even the old school barbers use a single blade.

Note: I've tried electric shavers before and they don't seem to work on my face. I think it's because the hairs in my beard grow in all different directions.

So for all the single bladers out there, what is a good model to start with and where do you buy your replacement blades?

Would this one be any good?

http://www.shavershop.com.au/online-store/blade-shavers/mens…

Thanks

Health & Beauty

Comments

  • Donaldhump on 09/10/2016 - 23:57
    +1

    just get some bics

  • niner on 10/10/2016 - 00:55
    +1

    Get a $200 electric shaver and some cheap disposable Gillettes/Schiks to finish the job.

    Braun Series 6 should work fine on someone with a wild beard.

    Multi-blade razors just eat away at your skin.

  • derpdeder on 10/10/2016 - 06:49

    I went through the exact same thought process as you and got a single blade shaver. It does not give a good shave and there is a reason multi blade razors exist. Single blade as far less expensive but the quality of the shave is poor - that is the compromise you need to make.

    I would recommend before you make the plunge and get the full single blade kit is that you go to a barber who does a cutthroat shave and see how it feels when they are done. Your shave with a single blade after you've given it a genuine crack will be of similar quality.

    • Malarkey on 10/10/2016 - 11:13
      +1

      I disagree, I've been using a DE safety razor for about 5 years now and I get a far superior shave compared to disposable. There is some time involved in finding what blades work for you but once you have the technique and blade selection down pat you get an amazing shave.

    • ShaveRave on 28/11/2016 - 00:52

      I am a vendor for DE Safety Razors etc and I pretty much reckon DE safety razors exceed in areas. That said, one of the few areas where I think cartridge have an advantage is whole head shaving. Purely because they are less sensitive to shaving angle and can be easier to use when on an awkward angle (behind the head) though they are ridiculously expensive….

      Mod: Please don't link to your store in other posts. Guidelines

  • aoeueoa on 10/10/2016 - 08:01
    +1

    Single blades make huge economic sense if you keep things simple. Problem is that it becomes a fun hobby and you end up buying all sorts of soaps, new razors, blades, to try out so the cost could blow out! Shave-wise the DE (double edge) razors are as good as any and there's a reason they were successful for decades. They're cheap as bee piss to replace and and cut as close as you want. There is a learning curve though.

    Regarding clippers, I think you need to try a quality set of Wahl wired clippers. I find battery-powered clippers have a much weaker trim on my beard that the Wahl's just surpass by miles.

  • mreddie on 10/10/2016 - 08:30
    +1

    Mach 3 (the original), the way to go.

  • dassaur on 10/10/2016 - 08:38

    As someone with a thick, short beard which gets trimmed back every month with hair clippers, for general shaving the single blade razor is far superior to any other non-electric device (I haven't used electric devices). It's so much better than any of the supermarket type triple or double blade. If you use it every day change the blade every week or otherwise every 2 weeks. A pack of 100 cost me $10. Just make sure to use a good shaving cream/soap too. Don't just use water!

    [edit] by single blade I mean the butterfly style 'safety' razors (the very first images):
    https://www.google.com.au/search?q=single+blade+razor&biw=19…

  • djsweet on 10/10/2016 - 08:54
    +1

    Single blade is great. I use a Merkur 37C, but I would recommend starting with something like a 34C. Probably recommend getting a starter kit so you can sample a few different blade brands.

    Single blade razor advantages:
    * Doesn't cause ingrown hairs. With multi-blade cartridge systems the hair often get pulled up by the first blade and cut by the second, meaning that it is actually cut at a point below the skin surface. This causes ingrowns and is completely avoidable with a single blade razor.
    * Cheap to run. Blades are dirt cheap. I like the Feather and Personna blades. Buy online (eBay or shaving.ie).

  • Skramit on 10/10/2016 - 09:52

    They key to economical shaving, single or multi blade is to clean it properly with a rubber mat after every shave. Blades become blunt because of grit and grime and skin that sticks to the blade and builds up over the days, not because the blade wears down or becomes "less sharp". The rubber mats remove a lot of that gunk when used each time and prolongs the life a fair bit.

    • Kangal on 10/10/2016 - 11:19

      I heard one of the best ways to clean them is to use a Cleaning Putty.

      I normally rinse them (get rid of skin/hair/muck), then sloppy-dry them on a towel.
      But my stubble doesn't grow nearly as fast as everyone else's.

      • Skramit on 10/10/2016 - 13:16

        Yeah rubber or putty….its the same concept to remove the gunk off the blade after each shave.

  • cameldownunder on 10/10/2016 - 10:45

    I have about 5 different handles, and when something is on sale ( mostly Coles ) I stock up.
    Gilette Excel is my favorite because of quality / price.

  • Malarkey on 10/10/2016 - 11:14

    Invest in a good quality DE starter pack and experiment with some blades and you'll never look back!

  • pantsparty on 10/10/2016 - 11:16

    I think the best blades are the Feather Japanese made blades. Super sharp and they work out to $0.35 per blade if you buy enough:

    http://www.mensbiz.com.au/shop-by-brand/feather-safety-razor…

    The fancy multi blades (which work horribly) are around $4 a blade. So for $70 you can get $200 Feather blades or around 17 multi blades. The only difference is you need to make the initial investment in the razor to use these blades with. The model I use goes for about $80 but will last your entire life.

    • Domingo on 10/10/2016 - 13:27

      Which model is that?

      • pantsparty on 10/10/2016 - 14:28
        +1

        Merkur 37C, same as the other guy. He suggested starting with with the 34C, which is exactly what I did. In hindsight I regret it, it means I spent double what I could have spent as I ended up buying two razors. They are both excellent razors but the angle the 37C holds the blade at slices through hair much better in my opinion. Lots of people online say this makes it more dangerous for a beginner but either way there is a learning curve using these razors and they take a bit of practice. I say buy the 37C straight off the bat, you won't regret it.

        Looks like it is $65 - http://www.mensbiz.com.au/merkur-hd-slant-bar-double-edge-ra…

  • [Deactivated] on 18/10/2016 - 04:35

    Gillette Mach 5 (disposable, not cartridges) was about $10-12 for 5 units at Coles. They used to last forever. I noticed they have now deleted the line for a cartridge version which is about $15 for 3 cartridges!!!! Well, its all about making money. I now try and get them online from places like Amcal online. I hope they have not stopped making them.

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