I’ve always used an electric razor since I was old enough to shave. I can probably credit that to its ease of use and illusion of efficiency. The preparation for a shave was nonexistent. I simply cracked open the the case, turned the razor on, and got down to business. Clean up was simple too. I washed out the head and perched it atop its charger if the battery was running low (which was rare since it held a nice charge). Things seemed pretty good, so why the switch? Funny enough, the catalyst for my change was after I had moved states and forgot my charger at my girlfriend’s apartment. Feeling the need for something different and a general dissatisfaction for my shaving routine, I decided to suck it up and go the more classic route: the safety razor.
Before I get into my new routine and opinion of it, I’ll highlight some explicit ways in which an electric shaver and safety razor differ.
The first, perhaps most obvious difference is the amount of time it takes to shave with the two different methods. The electric shaver is extremely quick which makes it a go-to choice for many (including myself up until this point). It doesn’t require shaving cream or any preparation of any kind. The safety razor on the other hand utilizes a wet shave approach which is much more time consuming (if done properly) and isn’t as easy to perform. The benefits however are great. The safety razor will give you a much closer shave and will leave your skin in much better condition. Saftey razors, unlike electric shavers, also have the potential to last you a lifetime as you’ll only need to replace the very inexpensive blade if you purchase a well-built body.
The basic equipment you’ll need to begin is a razor, razor blades, shaving lather, and a shaving brush (preferably made from badger fur). If you’re at all curious about anything related to the art of traditional shaving from process to history, YouTube user mantic59 should be your first stop. He is regarded among many around the YouTube community to be the grandfather you never had to teach you everything you want to know about traditional shaving techniques. When I began shaving with the safety razor, my time spent shaving drastically increased. It took a lot more effort and was certainly harder than my quick electric razor. So why am I sticking with it? Because it simply has the better result. I’m doubtful the electric technology could match what this simple device could achieve. And aside from the cleanness of the shave, my skin looks, feels, and smells much better than before thanks to the scented shaving lather I use. I would encourage any techie still using an electric shaver to give a safety razor a try. I recommend stopping in a local specialist shop to check out some of the products and get some more information on the techniques. The Art of Shaving is a nation-wide chain that carries quality products and has knowledgable staff that could guide you in the right direction. For New Yorkers, I was quite happy with my service at The New York Shaving Company which sells affordable beginners kits for people just starting out (like me) and they also ship from their e-store.
I’d be curious to hear who else has put down their electric shaver for good and has gone the more traditional route. Did you struggle as much as I did to make the change? Was it ultimately worth it or do you regret ever trying to fix what wasn't broken?
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Just switched to electric. You can have the headache. A nice balm after the shave and I can barely tell the difference...don't get me wrong, the traditional shave is better... but not enough for me to ever turn back.
Shaving all depends on what style you are going for. As time went on into my adult years (I'm now 23) I've learnt to use both a wet shave and an electric shaver to shape my beard. Not at the same time but within the week I'll switch it up, either because I'll feel dirty and just want a clean shave or out of random choice.
I'm also still trying to develop a moustache and thick even-layered stubble, so I'll use the electric shaver to trim the surface for a few weeks, followed by a wet shave. Seems to be working. (electric shave I found helps grow my beard quicker than wet)
I prefer the electric shaver still because I can use the trimmer attachment to create a different style with ease; my razor blade (Wilkinson Sword Quattro Titanium) has a trim-blade on the reverse but it's not as good.
And for an even better shave you can opt for a straight razor! I gave up on everything else after going cutthroat.
I'm all about laziness, so I just shave in the shower with a safety razor. After someone else suggested it, it only took me about 2-3 times before I felt perfectly comfortable not having a mirror (though I do check afterwards if I think I missed something), which was my biggest concern.
As for the specifics, a few drops of conditioner applied to the stubble does more for eliminating irritation than any of the fancy balms, ointments, or creams I've tried. Doing it under running water means that there's no cleanup, and it also seems to help with any nicks that may occur. I doubt it'd work for folks with beards that need careful grooming, since you wouldn't be able to be as accurate with your razor, but with stuff like sideburns, they're easy enough to handle by just feeling out the edges with your fingers and then covering the edges to prevent accidental shaving while running the blade parallel to your finger.
I've thought about going electric, but I don't see how it would save me much time at all.
I switched from my Gilette ProFusion Best Shave Ever 50 Blade System™ a few months ago, and I'm not looking back. Sure, it requires me to get up 10 minutes earlier, but the result is amazing. Much smoother and better shave, skin feels great afterwards and it's
1) More economical. Yes, it's a big initial investment, but I bought 50 blades for less than $10 off eBay, compared to 1 Gilette blade for $15 at the grocery store.
2) More environmental. No more blades coming in large plastic wrappers, it's just a small container with 5 or 10 blades in it. Also the blades contain no plastic at all.
3) Preparation has gone from taking some gooey from a box to actually using proper products -- like a pre-shave cream to soften the hairs and help open the pores, the shaving cream, mixed together with a brush and not chemicals when you use the gas container it comes in.
I never really liked electric razors myself. I could never get a good close shave with any electrics and they always tore up my skin if I tried for a close shave.
I've always stuck with razors and I have to make sure the stubble is long enough to support a close shave. If its too short, I can't get a good shave.
I've been a Gilette user for about 15 years now.
you know what's better than both? not shaving!
I can't believe anyone actually uses an electric shaver. I started using a safety razor 20 years ago; every 5 years or so I try the latest and greatest electric, but nothing has ever come close to the safety razor for speed, quality, or comfort. As a bonus, a safety razor is easier to travel with. Gillette and Schick both seem to give good results, but the cheap generic single or double-blade razors are generally c*ap.
I shave in the shower with a fog-free mirror. It probably takes me less than 2 minutes.
A couple months ago I read an article on the Art of Manliness site that convinced me to switch to a safety razor. For years I dreaded shaving every time with my 2 and 3 blade razors because it seemed no matter what I did or what I used I would get horrible razor burn and ingrown hairs. I bought a cheap Merkur safety razor for $40, and some Proraso shave cream and my shaving experience has improved 100%. Once you get the hang of using the safety razor it doesn't even seem like a hassle at all because the end result is so worth the extra bit of time. I am thoroughly impressed that such old technology surpasses anything new by far.
I have an EMERSON electric shaver I stopped using it because it takes a lot of passes to cut
and it makes my face itch!
I used an electric years ago, and was never satisfied with the result. I used to use disposable razors and shaving cream from a can. Two years ago I switched to a safety razor, and mug and brush. Like you I found Mantic59 an excellent resource.
Before making the switch, I had terrible issues with Rosacea, but since making the switch, it has really toned down. Sure it takes a few minutes longer, but your face will thank you.
I used an electric razor for years and never got a close shave, ever. To make matters worse, the more frequently I shaved, the more likely I was to get significant razor burn. My neck was an absolute disaster.
I switched to a Mach V and shaving cream and the razor burn started to clear up but the blades would last maybe 2 shaves before they were useless. Then I switched to a Fusion Proglide and I'm much happier. My razor burn is finally cleared up (almost a year later!) and I don't burn through blades super fast. Also, if I travel and I forget my razor, I can just pick something up at the hotel or convenience store and I don't have to worry about not knowing how to shave properly without an electric razor.
The manual razors save you money in the long run. A good electric razor is going to run you a minimum of $150. Sure, you can get one cheaper, but they are always crap. Replacement blades and/or foils every 6 months ($25-60 depending) and replacing the unit when the battery ceases to charge anymore really add up.
My husband rocks the safety razor (and from time to time tries his hand with an even more old fashined straight razor) and for the ladies I can attest that #1. they are AWESOME for the underarms for the same reason that #2. they are terrible terrible terrible for the legs. Reason: all the weight is in the head and ours is so perfectly balanced for a downward stroke that its effortless. Your face/armpit seems to shave iteself. (The up-stroke, necessary for leg shavin', is awkward and difficult.)
Mostly we love the cheap durable blades - I believe we pay $1 for a package of 15.
Like another commenter my husband got hooked after reading the Art of Manliness article a few months back. I LOVE his safety razor. He can shave (which come on, it worked for your grandpa and still works today and you look like a real man shaving!) and it lasts for days super smooth. Its SO nice.
He uses Jack Black products (by far the best I found. Art of Shaving is a joke. Overpriced ridiculousness. I started him on that and he threw it away. Steer clear and don't waste your money) and I make him homemade aftershave after I got tired of spending 40 bucks on the little bottle of stuff he liked from L'occitaine.
Sorry, even safety razors give me terrible razor burn. The cost of all the product to go with it also adds up.
I got a Panasonic wet/dry razor a couple of years ago, a $120 model. Soap up as usual and just shave in the shower. No irritation, a close shave, no additional product to buy, and cleanup takes about 5 seconds.
I'd agree that dry electric razors suck, though.
You'll smell so yummy after you use those scented shave creams - and I'll be sneezing so much I won't be able to appreciate the closeness & smoothness of your shave. Having your scent in my personal space is like being shouted at. Please reign it in. You should not be audible/smellable until someone is in your space.
Hi Mike, I can definitely recommend checking out Mantic59's blog and You Tube videos. Everyone should switch to wet shaving.
Okay call me crazy (and this is coming from a younger woman) but I find that I much rather my partner to use a manual razor or even a straight edge razor. Growing up even as a girl I use to sit on the edge of the tub and watch my grandfather shave with a straight edge razor. He would lather his face with the brush and then go to town, it was so masculine to me. LOL I would be so quiet I would hold my breath for fear I would make a noise and he would cut himself. Now that I am older and have had 2-3 boyfriends (and an ex-fiance) I still prefer the shave of a manual or straight edge razor when I touch my partner's face.
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