Plan on taking mine down the tip when the time comes
I noticed in my local Tesco there was a metal Wilkinson Sword DE razor with 5 blades for 15 quid. Worth a punt for anyone thinking of trying DE?
I am currently enjoying using the Qshave futur clone
Yup, I got that too.
I have been well impressed with it.
I noticed in my local Tesco there was a metal Wilkinson Sword DE razor with 5 blades for 15 quid. Worth a punt for anyone thinking of trying DE?
I've not seen that one, but I can attest that the plastic WS razor isn't worth the handful of pennies I paid for it. Almost put me off DE completely.
I'd agree the plastic WS one is bobbins.
What’s everyone do to dispose of their used blades?
I use different blades, some of which come in a plastic box (pack of 5). The box has a slot at the bottom so dead blades go in the slot. Once all the blades in the box have been used, dead blades then go in the top slot, where fresh blades came out of. I've lost count of the numnber of blades that can be slotted in to the box, but it's at least 20. Once the box is full, into the bin it goes
I’d agree the plastic WS one is bobbins.
IME all WS stuff is. Blades are crap, soap doesn't lather
the made in england wilkinson sword blades are bloody good in my view, so long as yu like a sharp bade. they are no longer made though. there are the gillette (india) made WS blades and german made classic WS blades though. not got to them yet, but i have some of each, i'm hopeful of the german ones.
The soap i think is ok. its not the best but at 2 qid I find it on a par with some other much more expensive glycerin based stuff. I have softened water though which probably makes a very big difference.
Time for another update. Since last time Ihave used:
Rapira Swedish steel. Only medium 5/10 sharp, first shave ok bt dulled further and second was very tuggy so didn't try a third
Gillette 7 o'clock permasharp stainless (green) also only medium 6/10 sharp, 2 mediocre shaves then a 3rd awful one so binned.
Rapira non swede, similar start to the swedish steel version but slightly more duarable it did 4 shaves.
Super iridium extra stainless (polsilver?) another 4/10 not sharp blade although second shave was sharper before dulling for the 3rd and binned after the fourth as just not giving a close shave.
Used up my last made n england Wilkinson sword and didn't like it as much as the others, higher irritation, made me dial the futur back to 2 (from 3) which seems to have been better for me.
Gillette 7 o'clock super stainless (green) not sharp 4/10, as usual first shave scratchy hen better but dull and binned after just 3.
I then decided to give a Feather another go, with futur set to 1. Oddly this blade didn't seem at all sharp 5/10. first 2 shaves were still rather scratchy and unpleasant but then it smoothed right out and although the shaves aren't super sharp they aren't bad and are not irritating, the blade has now done 7 shaves and is still going...weird!
Sputnik to try next, and then probably an astra again as my 'control blade'
So in summary, not impressed with either of the rapira blades nor either of the green 7 oclock blades, not very sharp or smooth or durable and currently having a very different and better experience with a feather, having had the futur set back to 1 for its use.
Thanks for the alternative shaving cream/soap suggestions. I've just bought three sticks of Arko shaving soap to try. It seems to be highly recommend on the web, so thought I'd give it a go. Will report back with my review later...
i havent got to my arko yet. the simpsons cream ive been using for about 6 weeks is quite nice. almost gone now. it lathers in an instant. also been using the wilko sword stuff in the bowl...going off it a bit...its nothing great but i'll keep it around for now. i read some fab reviews of the wilko sword shave stick, and in photos that soap is blue not white. i understand its a tallow soap, different stuff to the bowl.
REVELATION!!Johnson's Aloe Vera baby oil, £1.50 for 300ml has utterly transformed my shaving experience! I use a little as a shave oil, rubbing into the beard briefly before apply the soap. leads to a thicker lather on the soap, super durable extra lubrication and a smoooooth shave! its so durable the oil is still there after 3 passes and a rinse. i then put another drop on and finally some moisturiser, currently using up some johnsons baby moisturiser found at the back of the cupboard, its then but fine, good as a first product to the skin if I've not oiled as it is absorbed quickly. I find lots of cheap moisture products work very very well for me. the best being vaseline intensive care moisturiser, the cocoa butter one for something thicker, the standard or the aloe vera one for thinner and no greasy feel, the johnsons or sainsbury's own baby lotion for really thin absorb fast. but my my, the aloe vera oil is amazing!
I've wound the razor back to 1 or 2 for the last few weeks and been getting brilliant shaves. Current 2 blades (one in razor at home, one in razor at work) are going on and on...they've lost the really really sharp edges but are smooth and not tuggy yet. ones a de feather on its 9th shave (!!!!) the other a sputnik on shave #5 or 6. the feather blades i ws finding scratchy for 3 shaves but for some reason tried this last blade another time and since then its been great. odd ho some razor blades go dull and scratchy, others go dull and tuggy, and some just smooth but less close slowly.
Anyway..for those of you that have not tried oil, get some johnson's aloe vera baby oil and give it a try!
Everything you have previously described about blades, extra stropping, etc. Has overlooked the most important part of a good shave. Preparation.
I recommended using a pre-shave oil and dialling your razor back to 1 five pages ago. But you have to learn on your own, I suppose.
Welcome to the world of smooth shaving.
Err yeah, since we all have different water, skin, beard, bristles and so on we do indeed all need to try many things and find what works and doesn't. Hence why I've tried loads of blades, loads of little techniques, loads of soaps, settings from 1 to 4 on the razor on various blades at various stages of use, for various passes, and why I'll keep trying loads too. it's why I started this thread to ask questions and get ideas and to share my own experiences for others to considr trying, its why I've watched various youtubers and read various bits on various shaving forums. All ideas welcome, and thank you for suggesting oil, please don't be frustrated I didn't get to it until now, I've tried lots, something new every few shaves.
My shave routine now, now I'm confident with the futur and equipped with a little unbreakable travel mirror, I'm back to shaving in the shower. At the start of the shower I lather a bit of soap on the bristles and let the foamy water soak them while I do the rest of my shower (a tip i got from another stwer).
Shave brush is soaking in water while this is going on and soap blooming.Then its rinse face, apply a little oil, squeeze water from brush, lather soap on face, 3 passes, with, across, against. I've bristles like tree trunks and need to go against the grain to get a decent shave, but it can be done and I can go very BBS without irritation. Rinse then set shower to totally cold and douse the beard with cold. step out and dry off, then moisturise the face. I've found I prefer medium to sharp blades but I dislike super sharp and scratchy. depends on the blade but futur on 1 or on 2.
I can get a good shave reliably most of the time, but still get the odd bad one from trying something new that doesn't work, or occasionally a random bad one. My skin is much happier than with the mach 3, and each de have is closer and i no longer shave every day, every other is good enough.
right, I'm off for a shave with the sputnik.
quick update and a question.
after initially finding the sputnik very dull it turned out to be one of those blades that sharpens dramatically, 3rd or 4th shave was the sharpest. It is also very smooth and very very durable. I've had 10 shaves from it and its still going to do another couple i think. quite an impressive blade.
question - anyone know if this guard would fit a futur? or know of similar that does?
https://www.theenglishshavingcompany.com/muhle-de-razor-bladeguard.html?fee=2fep=755&gclid=CjwKCAjw8qjnBRA-EiwAaNvhwKuNvvduF3lFktqa_1AffWe4j-YNb7W476yl2cbFPDyVIcD2****85xoCaScQAvD_BwE
Doubt it, the Futur has quite an unusual head.
You can get leather ones that aren’t so ‘fitted’
Something like this
Finally joined the in-crowd. Had asked for a DE razor for my birthday present but finding one for sale in an actual shop is pretty tough - we did find a place in Penrith selling the, but they were £60. Over the weekend though we found that Hoopers in Wilmslow sell Edwin Jagger stuff so Mrs NBT treated me to a razor, brush and stand. Two shaves in now with the Feather blades that came with the razor and all has gone really well - post shower, facecloth soaked in hot water applied to beard, lather and a very light stroke of the razor has gone really well, easily as good as I ever got with multiblade stuff
yep, me too. I bought 100 blades for 11 eur a month ago. I think it's going to last me a couple of years. Then saw a 'special offer' of 5 disposable razors for 25EUR and am so glad to be shot of that crap now
Yes a 100 blades will last a long time! I checked my tin over the weekend to see what to try next and realised I've got likely a couple of years worth, I've given 6-12 months worth to my brother too get him started and have brought a few to work today to give to a lad here. I'll have to check my notes but I think I've used 20 or so blades in 7.5-8 months.
Straight in and good results with a feather! Good result for you!
Ah yes someone suggested those leather razor pouches before I think.
Regarding brushes, do £10-£20 brushes last? I have recently found one cheap brush, the Wilko sword, has started losing bristles at quite a rate. I suspect this isn't helped by it living in side my Washbag at work, where it never really dries out. The permanent damp state has perhaps softened the glue of the knot. If that's the case I suspect a more expensive brush would suffer the same, so I'll be better replacing with another cheap brush.
the not drying out of the brush probably doesn't help but I got one of these https://shavelounge.co.uk/product/razorock-400-plissoft-synthetic-shaving-brush-silver-aluminium/ last year, and it's lovely in comparison to a cheaper brush
Yep a brush must be allowed to fully dry out preferably naturally. Do you have a locker or desk it could sit on? Synthetics do dry quicker but are very different to badger in use
I cold take it to the desk but i tink I'd get sme odd looks from those around me and since we hot desk if i forgot it one evening there is a risk it would walk. can't sit ON the locker, stuff gets cleared off, i guess i could take it out the washbag and leave it in the locker. stuff dries in there, all be it slowly....my towel is just about dry by the next morning.
Is the towel in there too? That’s a lot of moisture, could try Silica sachets. I have them in my soap draws.
Yes not ideal, towel has to hang in the locker. It gets dry by the next morning though and nothing (the stack of clean shirts for the week for example) seems to get damp.
I just thought, if nbt and leffe would like a few different blades to try I'm happy to do a pay it forward and sort a few out. Pm me your address if you would like a few and I'll see what spares I can send you to try.
Can anyone recommend a razor that doesn't collect hair and soap in the head. I find I have to take the head apart after every shave and clean the blade; always makes me feel a little nervous. Running under water or sloshing in the sink doesn't work. I've even tried using an old toothbrush to clean it from behind but it doesn't work too well.
I currently (and for the last couple of years) use Arko soap, Astra platinums and an EJ DE89.
Would an open comb be better? Any suggestions?
Thanks
I’ve no experience of the EJ or Arko but sounds like your lather is too thick/dry. Try it a bit wetter
I will. I get a good lather though. I had the same problem with Proraso soap too.
Thanks
I like Proraso but that is a definite clogger if you don’t get it right so I think that may be your problem
What do people do with old blades? I could split them lengthways and put them in a can in the recycling? I've seen a "sharps tin" kind of things somewhere to put old blades in? At the moment I just wrap them up in the original packaging and leave them in a pile til I work out what to do with them
@neilnevill, just broken into the blades you sent, cheers for those. Trying that russian one at the moment.
What do people do with old blades?
I had a drink on a plane and kept the empty can - one of those mini ones.
I just cut a slit in the top with a Stanley blade and feed the blades in when dead.
If you did it with a normal drink can it would probably take 5yrs to fill.
no problem nbt, glad to help.
my use blades are now just going in the recycling with the tins and glass. Am i missing something? what's the problem with that? there is plenty of sharp edges in that wheeie bin already
Jeez razor blades in a recycling bin surely somewhat a different level of waste than a few sharp edges on tins given they’re much sharper and also might not be noticed. Plus theres potential for blood etc on them.
The recycling process is pretty messy with stuff getting spilt. If a kid picks up a tin they might cut themselves but a blade it’s pretty guaranteed
Why are kids picking through my recycling? Why is any of it it handled for that matter? glass an metal is all separated by machine. My question should have been phrased differently, 'Have i missed any thing in the recycling guidelines?'
I just checked the council guidelines again and it doesn't list razor blades as hazardous waste. Mind you, the list it does give is clearly far from exhaustive. Anyway I'm quite happy to pop my used blades inside used tin or jar as i put it in to th recycling wheelie bin, although I'm not convinced that makes a big difference
Cor - anyone seen the new offering from Gillette
The Heated Razor - £250! I thought my Titanium safety razor was pricey, but it's nothing on this
Still trying to work out what the heat actually does. Surely it won't open the pores in that nano-second before the blades go over them?
old blades - some blades (feather, derby) come in a plastic case with a slot in the bottom to put the old blades in. You can fit a few more blades in than came in the case. Once you've used all the blades you can then slide more blades into the top slot where the new ones came out. Takes around 30 - 40 blades so you can use blades that come in cardboard boxes (Gillette, Sputnik) as well
'feeling of a hot towel shave'...hmmm... yeah I also find that hard to believe and a flannel in hot water is simple and doesn't cost £250!
Update time. SInce the Sputnik I've been focusing on Gillette 7 oclocks. tried a platinum (black) after its suggestion above as a sharp blade and my mileage varied...i disliked it, was tuggy at first but sharpened, but i found it scratchy. Then redid both the greens, the permasharp and the stainless. the permasharp like last time it blunts and goes euuck in just 3 shaves. the stainless seemed better for this go, not great but not awful and lasting 7 shaves. Then bck to a sharp edge yellow. Yep for me its sharp and smooth. it starts gong off after 3 to 4 shaves but will do a few more just less sharp. sharp edge are a goo blade for me.
brush wise, I've bought an omega to try but in the meanwhile started drying my cheap brushes on my towel and leaving out of the washbag so it dries completely. both seem to shed less bristles, wich is nice. They should go for a few months yet now i think
I'm getting on well with the gillette 7 o'clock sharp edge in the yellow pack, i find it sharp, smooth and fairly durable. it doesn't cost much either. I have about 10 blades of other makes to try out still but i wanted some more sharp edge to use as my control/ go to, so I just bought 100 blades for a princely sum of £9.60 If anyone wants to try these blades give me a shout and pm me your details and I'll pop a tuck into the post. you might get a random blade or 2 of the types i've tried and I'm not as keen on too
I've not had much to update for a while as I've been doing back over blades I've tried. Picking a fresh blade but a row I've already tried, and checking my views haven't altered now I have more experience. No changes found
I have tried 2 new blades, Gillette Wilkinson sword (these are Indian made I think). Ok first shave, smooth, but goes down hill fairly quickly. Also tried Gillette 365, very similar results.
Soap wise I used a fire and forge bay rum holyzeus sent me... Meh. Ok. Now on Palmolive, very good! Leger's fast, nice slick lather, nice smell. Very impressed for a such a bargain soap.
11 months in now, used 36 blades, about 18 different ones, saved enough to pay for one of my futurs. Getting good results. Hooked.
Bloody hell. Certainly haven't read all this and don't really feel inclined to either! To be honest I'm happy with the shave I get from a Gillette Blue 2 and Nivea foam, just want to try DE to cut down on waste. Done a bit of reading and losing the will to live but think I'm going to just get either a Merkur long handle, an Edwin Jagger or a Bluebeard Cutlass. Have a pretty coarse, dense beard (have been nicknamed "Dibble" in the past) and don't shave every day so needs to cut well and not clog easily. Any comments on these? No essays on how I should be doing it please, I'm not spending more than 10 minutes max on a shave! Meditating for an hour beforehand to become one with the blade isn't going to happen.
And I'll obviously need some blades, think Astra and Feather are the popular choices so guess I'll start with one of those two
Ahh but its all about the meditation! 😉
pm me your address and I'll post you a selection of the blades I've tried and found a bt mleh, and some of the gillette 7 oclock sharp edge that I bought 100 of (as i do like them). IN the mean time Astra SP are fairly good for me and my bristles sound similar (skin may be different though), I really didn't get on with feather though.
can't comment on the razors other than they are decent makes.
nivea foam should be fine, but in time....give it time....you might want to try other soaps, brushes....bowls....oils.... who knows 😉 I've found a 3 quid brush and palmolive soap is a cheap and satisfying way to go, long with johnsons aloe vera baby oil as a pre shave oil. the oil is £1.50, a bottle, the soap about the same for a stick....they are cheap to try.
update on blades, after trying a couple I've found the gillette 365b to b variable quality, will try a third.
Also tried the german made wilkinson sword classics, not bad, quite sharp, nearly but not quite as good as the original English made. Astras are better though, for me. which reminds me, I ought to go back and try an astra again as I am sure to have learnt quite a bit since i last used one
That's very generous of you, ta. Will pm you now
My old man doesn't want much for Christmas other than some Gillette blades that seem to be discontinued in the UK.
[url= https://i.postimg.cc/XvddyzDb/IMG-20191213-WA0009.jp g" target="_blank">https://i.postimg.cc/XvddyzDb/IMG-20191213-WA0009.jp g"/> [/img][/url][url= https://postimages.org/ ]post a picture[/url]
[url= https://i.postimg.cc/v8qgDyHn/IMG-20191217-WA0004.jp g" target="_blank">https://i.postimg.cc/v8qgDyHn/IMG-20191217-WA0004.jp g"/> [/img][/url]
Those are the pics he sent me. I know, doesn't help masses.
Can anyone tell me whether these are really unavailable or alternatively, an alternative....
Thanks in advance...
Hmm, I've been working through lots of different Gillettes but I'm afraid I don't recognise those.
