Jayaruh Shaving: Double-Edged Shaving

Gillette Fission w/Light

I began shaving at about age 16. Back then I used a Schick injector blade. I continued with the Shick injector razor through high school, the army, and into college. When the twin blade razors came out, I started using them. Then, when the three blade (Mach3) came out, I used them. I tried the Quatro but went back to the Mach3. When the Fusion blades (6 blades) came on the scene, I eventually broke down and tried them. I ended up taking them back. Blades were getting too expensive for the return on the dollar. Where will it all end? I even saw a prototype of the new Gillette Fission with 27 blades.

So, in June of 2011, I decided to go retro. I went back to my father's blade, the double-edged razor. I went on line and purchased a Parker DE razor with 10 Shark Chrome Blades, a stainless shaving bowl, a badger hair brush, and a tube of Musgo Real Shave Cream. This initial setup is thanks to a gift card I got for Fathers Day. Thanks, guys!

I watched some videos on the web about how to make a good lather with a bowl and brush, and I was off. My blades last me about a month, and I could probably use them a little longer if I wished. I have learned that if I turn them over I can get extra days. So, a blade that costs me about 20 cents each lasts longer and gets more shaves that the newer multi blades, and these newer blades are about $4 each.

I started using Van Der Hagen Shave Soap that I found at Walmart for about $1.79. I can easily work up a good lather with it in my bowl. It keeps your skin soft and never dries, provides a close shave, and has a great but faint smell! It lasts me about 3 months or so. It is fun to shave with my Parker DE razor.

I have a shaving ritual now that leaves my face smooth and clean. I wash my face, make my lather, lather up, and shave. I then rinse, lather again and hit the tough spots one more time. I learned that it is best to think of shaving as beard reduction. Don't try to do it all at once. It usually takes me about ten minutes to get a good shave. Since I switched back to DE shaving ten months ago, I have nicked myself only about three times.

Just last week, I was finishing up my last blade of my original 10. I went online and ordered 50 more for $10.97. I figure that should do me for the next five years or so. I noticed that a 6 pack of Fusion blades was $20.99. Lucky if that would last 6 months.

At the same time, I ordered a tub of Proraso Shave Soap. It lathers up great and makes for a smooth shave and leaves a nice clean scent.

I do not anticipate ever going back to the multi-blade razors again. I love DE shaving. Shaving is now a pleasure and an indulgence, and it saves a ton of money.

March 9, 2014

Check out my collection.

I currently am doing an ten day shaving rotation based on ten soaps and creams. Each day I rotate through three brushes and stick to one razor through out the ten days. I am currently using the 1947Gillette Super Speed. It is my birth year razor.

Here are some of my favorite double-edged razors.