razor (blade) recommendations

Inigo_Montoya

Im considering changing the razor I currently use which is a Gillette mach 3 Turbo for something (significantly ?) cheaper but hopefully close the same quality in terms of smoothness of shave & ease of shaving

Due to the very cheap blades I tested out a weishi safety razor but didnt like it at all so I have discounted the basic 'safety blade' option - IIRC I bought something like this
http://www.barberblades.co.uk/index.php?route=product/product&path=48_35&product_id=85

I also found this useful link on 'cartridge' razors which is probably a bit out of date now
http://www.thesun.co.uk/sol/homepage/news/money/captaincrunch/2687122/Captain-Crunch-advises-you-on-where-to-get-cheap-razors.html

Some of the cheaper ones listed in this link do not seem to be that easy to get hold of unfortunately

Does anybody have any further advice / recommendations

goodybags

take a look in morrisons for king of shaves
theve had 4 pack of cartridges for 2.99 recently

not sure how much to buy the body
ive been using them for ages

got loads of heads at tesco a coupple of years ago
but like most razors its silly prices i most places
but 2.99 for 4 heads not to expensive

Ben84

I do like safety razors - but I did have to try various blades before finding ones I like and I found a wide difference between the different brands. Some places (including on eBay) sell trial packs which contain many different types of blades so you can find out what you like without buying whole packets of everything.

jenniewb

I recently read a Which? report which after running tests put Gillette miles above any of the other razors (I think Bic got the worst results) the test was run on many things but also how well they work and how long they last for. I now feel I'd be wasting money if I were buying anything other then Gillette and have to say they do last a great deal longer then other brands and seem to cut skin far less.

I think Wilkinsons got second in the listings but the difference in results was quite considerable and wasn't enough to make me consider them as a result tbh.

Be careful with Ebay though- there are many fakes when it comes to Gillette razors.

Lugh_Chronain

The problem with Gillette type razors is they are marked up way too high. I currently use Wilkinson Sword Xtreme 3 after trying a free sample. The ones I have were on offer quite some time ago though even these were very expensive, even at the offer price. They do feel nice though and will do until I finish the lot a have at the moment.

I've recently heard though that double edge razors (a double edge razor uses blades that you put into the razor. You unscrew the top, place the blade in and screw it back down.) are very popular now due to that fact that they are much cheaper to purchase than safety or cartridge options. Of course you do need to be careful when using these for the first time, but apparently they are easy and most razors are quite gentle too.

There was an offer a week ago at TheShavingShack, 100 blades for £10.99 though unfortunately are now out of stock. Not seen much else otherwise. Not sure what the best price is for the razor itself though you can also get a Wilkinson Sword Classic Double Edge Razor at Amazon for £4.37 + 5 blades (with Subscribe & Save £3.93 (don't forget to unsubscribe after receiving your items)).

Have a look here, and TheShavingShack offer was posted here.

There are some razor dedicated shaving forum websites as well though I personally don't know of any, you could however try posting a query on HotUKDeals as well, people on there should hopefully be able to help if you need any as it appears quite a a few people on there are known for using double edge razors.

http://www.hotukdeals.com/submit?type=deals (click on Deals Request)

You may want to enquire about what type of brush to use as well, preferably badger to whip up a creamy lather.

Inigo_Montoya

thanks for the replies

I really wish a double edge safety razor was an option but as I mentioned i have tried one & so know this is not for me personally despite being the cheapest option

I know the DE razor has certain advantages eg
http://grahamduffy.hubpages.com/hub/Double-edge-razors-vs-Cartridge-razors
but I just didnt like having a blade right next to my skin & the extra time you need to take because of this

I am prepared to pay for the added convenience a cartridge provides (eg far harder to cut yourself & a fair bit quicker to shave)

Just out of interest does anybody know if its only Gillette that do a vibrating razor ?

Alfie37

I had used Gillette blades ever since I started shaving, then read a Which report about 5 years ago rating Tesco Matrix triple blades quite highly. I have switched to these and was very impressed as they perform almost as well as the Gillette, however they are about a quarter of the price of the equivalent Gillette blades at £4 for 8. I reckon I have saved at least £100 since switching to the Matrix.
In my opinion the Gillette blades are a complete rip off, the mark up must be huge.

Lugh_Chronain

Is this the razor you have Alfie? Tesco's Matrix Triple Blade System Razor? Currently £2.90.