Wet Shaving, your experience please.

spurdog1

In my day you had a wilkinson Sword single blade. Gillette has increased this to two, then three then four, now 5 and pivot head.

I am interested in your experiences (whether Gillette or other).

I got to three blades, then I found the blades clog, weakening a good shave. Dry shave has never been enough for me.

What say you, Is Gillette the best, or on overkill. What about Wilkinson? Other alternatives?

Carrot007

I've had problems for years. I have thick horrible hair growth and it just clogs up the blades on these ridiculous lets have 80 blades nonsence the market seems to have come up with.

Relief came when even though being very skeptical of these online shave cults ;-) I saw boldking and they use 3 blades with decent spacing, which sounded like what I needed.

Am much happier now, as long as I remember to change the blade oftne enough so I don't cause lot's of cuts! But I can't really hold anyone else but me responsible for that!

MattMattMattUK

I use a proper open blade razor, with replaceable double edged razor blades, it never clogs, it is far cheaper (blades cost £0.05 each and last for 4-5 shaves), it gives a better shave and is far better for the environment that the continual flow of plastic disposable razors going to landfill.

spurdog1

Are the open blades still available (the holder, not the blade), in the UK. I presume you refer to this type.

https://www.gillette.co.uk/kingcgillette-double-edge-razor/12551969.html?affil=thggpsad&switchcurrency=GBP&shippingcountry=GB&gclid=Cj0KCQjw5auGBhDEARIsAFyNm9FbwJpMgH2w-vKBY5KjTM6NVEwTX8tGnbqvKPeNgMSfLop6lWb_p8caApLJEALw_wcB

I use 3-blade disposable, but using Matt's was good, but very risky for a nick. Esp with my thick stubble. The cost frustrates me (I only buy when they are on offer). Hence my curiosity with other peeps.

Very grateful to all so far

Penguin_

Before I grew my beard, I used Harrys subscription service. They were great & didn't seem to clog as easy as the brands mentioned above.

MattMattMattUK

spurdog1 said:

Are the open blades still available (the holder, not the blade), in the UK. I presume you refer to this type.

I have one of these, have had it for about 6-7 years now, no issues at all. The blades are available in supermarkets, but are a lot cheaper on Amazon, I tend to buy 100 at a time for less than £10, lasts 12-18 months. 

https://www.amazon.co.uk/Edwin-Jagger-Detail-Chrome-Plated/dp/B005GO38ZY/ref=sr_1_8?crid=ULTBZVMYCXCY&dchild=1&keywords=double+edge+razor&qid=1623933452&refinements=p_89:Edwin+Jagger&rnid=1632651031&s=drugstore&sprefix=double+ed,aps,148&sr=1-8

spurdog1 said:

I use 3-blade disposable, but using Matt's was good, but very risky for a nick. Esp with my thick stubble. The cost frustrates me (I only buy when they are on offer). Hence my curiosity with other peeps.

I have fairly thick beard hair/stubble, I think I probably give myself a tiny cut less than once a month, but it does not bleed much and heals quickly as the blade is so sharp, I probably cut myself less than I would have with a disposable razor. I also use soap and a brush instead of foam, which also works out considerably cheaper, as well as being better for one's skin.

kayeb

MattMattMattUK said:

I use a proper open blade razor, with replaceable double edged razor blades, it never clogs, it is far cheaper (blades cost £0.05 each and last for 4-5 shaves), it gives a better shave and is far better for the environment that the continual flow of plastic disposable razors going to landfill.

My husband switched to this system about 5 years ago, he loves it, so much cheaper.  He says it changed his life!  And he loves the Trumper shaving gear too, great for Christmas presents for him.   He buys the Japanese Feather blades, beautiful quality, but still cheap.  I sometimes whip one to score the top of my sourdough loaves 🤣.

AlphaBetaNegan

I've found the Gillette Fusion 5 Proglide gives me the closest shave. But blades don't last very long though, around 10-14 days if I shave every other day.

I've found Wilkinson Sword Hydro 5 Sense blades give the most comfortable shave but the shave is isn't as close as the above Gillette blades. I've also noticed the Hydro 5 sense blades last twice as long as the Gillette ones. Up until recently i was using using these Wilkinson blades but have now gone back to Gillette as you can get some fairly good deals from Superdrug.

Re: traditional double edged razor, tried this a few years ago and ended up looking like a victim of Freddy Krueger. Really don't have the patience to try a traditional razor again.

ciderboy2009

I've always had a nightmare fast growing, heavy beard and have tried all different types of razor over the years - including "cut throat" ones.

My current favourite is the Wilkinson Sword Hydro 5.

However, the razor is only one part of the story - it really pays to use a good soap & brush and to finish off with an alum block and decent moisturiser.

spurdog1

Do you know what's really nice?

 PPL putting down their experiences, rather than the current "I know better" aggressive attitude. I'm so grateful for ppl's insights.

We're all different, but we are all entitled to our opinions/experiences, without forcing them on others. I could chat on this all day, but I'm beginning to think back to using the butterfly open blade, cheap, reliable.

[Deleted User]

The Aldi 5 blade razors are very good for the money.