My Shaving SAGA

[Twelvefret]

So, about six months ago there was a thread here about shaving. Since then I have acquired about 25 vintage razors and one brush. I've passed on six to family and friends.

I've found rare razors by educating myself what to look for inexpensively.

I have found GEM, Schick, Gillette, Barbasol/Conrad, and new PAA brand Bakelite slant type razors.

I am achieving the best results of my life and it is fun.

My oldest razor is a "old type" made in 1916.

 

[Dreamofgilgamesh]

And of course it's a damn sight cheaper than buying plastic multi blade new jobs

 

[Edward]

And of course it's a damn sight cheaper than buying plastic multi blade new jobs

Well, it is and it isn't.... Of course, given how much cheaper the blades are, you do recoup the basic start up costs quickly. The problem is if you get caught by the bug for collecting handles - that can get pricey fast!

 

[GHT]

My oldest razor is a "old type" made in 1916.

Old type as in open blade and leather strop?

 

[ronbo]

I just retired August 1st and for the last 35 years I was not able to have a beard so no more harvesting for now

 

[Twelvefret]

I just retired August 1st and for the last 35 years I was not able to have a beard so no more harvesting for now

I can appreciate not having to shave if you had wanted a beard.

 

[Benzadmiral]

I too have a beard, the trimmed "Commander Riker" type, but I shave nearly every day with one of 5 (for now) safety razors. All Gillettes. The oldest is the latest acquisition, a 1930s "New" model, a 3-piece open comb with short teeth. As I understand it, it holds the blade more rigidly than many other razors, helping to foster a closer shave. I dunno -- but it's a pleasure to use the razors, to try new blades and soaps or creams. All while saving some money over the late$$$t cartridge items from Gillette, Harry's, etc.

 

[Twelvefret]

I too have a beard, the trimmed "Commander Riker" type, but I shave nearly every day with one of 5 (for now) safety razors. All Gillettes. The oldest is the latest acquisition, a 1930s "New" model, a 3-piece open comb with short teeth. As I understand it, it holds the blade more rigidly than many other razors, helping to foster a closer shave. I dunno -- but it's a pleasure to use the razors, to try new blades and soaps or creams. All while saving some money over the late$$$t cartridge items from Gillette, Harry's, etc.

It's a good way to enjoy a daily activity. My oldest is a 1916 Old Type Gillette. Other razors include Schick injectors from the '30's and GEM type from the teens through the late '50's. I have a couple Barbasol Floating Heads made by Conrad. There is one from Sheffield England.

I've decided to try a straight razor and have a Feather shavette style with special safety blades.

I now make my own later using Van der Hagen soap and a very nice synthetic brush.

 

[DesertDan]

Welcome to the world of good ol' wet shaving!
I have been perfectly happy with my 60's Gillette Super Speed. It was my first DE and I havn't felt the need to use anything else.
I started with a boar brush which is still my daily (though it is starting to show the use) and have a nice badger as well.

Now soaps on the other hand have been many and varied. However, my most used is plain old Proaso green followed by Stirling Lime and Stirling Bergamot Lavender.

It is great when one can find things to make mundane tasks more interesting. Wet shaving and the gear/ products that go with it can be a fun hobby as you are well aware I'm sure!

Cheers!

 

[Grayland]

Welcome to the world of good ol' wet shaving!
I have been perfectly happy with my 60's Gillette Super Speed. It was my first DE and I havn't felt the need to use anything else.Cheers!

Same with me. I bought a few when I first started, then settled on a Super Speed. I've never bought another. It works great and I see no reason for variety when comes to shaving.

 

[Twelvefret]

Same with me. I bought a few when I first started, then settled on a Super Speed. I've never bought another. It works great and I see no reason for variety when comes to shaving.

If only shaving is the motivation, I agree. If a varied experience and to connect to the past, there are reasons to explore and gain the skills necessary.