Anyone Into Double Edge Shaving? (1 Viewer)

I've spent eons using disposable cartridges and electric razors, and am now discovering the fine art of double edge shaving. Plus a renewed attention to shaving creams (not canned foam) and upscale aftershaves.


No reason other than it makes me feel more polished than usual in the morning.

My Norelco recently died and I dug an old bag of Gillette Mach 3s out of the cabinet. Maybe it's time to try going old school.

What is double edged shaving?

Using a safety razor with replaceable blades:

Was a mainstay for half a century. In many ways it's far more economical an option (after the initial pretty much low investment) than cartridge, and gives a very smooth shave.

Aaron Silverman said:

Using a safety razor with replaceable blades:

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Thanks for the example! I prefer the "butterfly" model, as shown here, which opens up for blade replacement. The other type model requires disassembly.

I thought those were more prone to nicks and cuts.

I found that I cut myself less using a double-edged blade, with a little care. "Badger and Blade" is a great shaving forum, you'll find lots of great info on there. Your skin with thank you!

My friends once called me Fred Flintstone - as I seem to always have a 5 O'clock shadow no mater what I try - can't skip a day without having a noticeable beard.


I still use an electric for under my nose and my chin - based on a lot of scars I can't seem to use any kind of blade on those areas.


But for the rest of my face:


To try and save some money - I switched over to the "butterfly" model as shown above.


+ Saving a lot of money - I change blades once a week - went from over $2.00/week to less than $1.00 (latest 10 pack of blades cost me $7.00)

+ Easier to clean - twist the handle, take out the blade and wash the whole thing out.


- Notice a big difference on my neck - just can't get as close as I want and end up with a bad case of razor burn and lots of cuts - have gone to not saving on Saturday's to give my skin a break. Electric razors don't seem to work well on my neck either - the only thing that ever seemed to work well were Mac 3 disposables.

I use Phillips electric mobile shaver.

Gary Seven said:

I thought those were more prone to nicks and cuts.

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I avoid using such a blade around the nose since it's easier to navigate with an electric shaver or even a cartridge. But otherwise I find it not difficult to avoid cuts.


Yes, Badger and Blade is a good site, as is Sharpologist--register and get a free 47 page e-book on shaving!

I use double every once in a while. My gf knows how to use a straight edge.

My trim 'n go is a Braun and Wahl combo.

Straight edge! That's for experts!

BarryR said:

Straight edge! That's for experts!

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She's military. She knows her way around sharp objects...

I switched to cartridges when the double edge blades became expensive and harder to find. So, where do you get inexpensive blades? I did hear about a return to double-edge shaving several years ago, never really looked into what is available today.

Aaron Silverman said:

Using a safety razor with replaceable blades:

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Oh, ok, yes I use these, but I have to be extra careful to avoid cuts. First time I used it after using the cartridge razors for practically my whole life, I butchered myself. Cut my face to ribbons.

Richard V said:

Oh, ok, yes I use these, but I have to be extra careful to avoid cuts. First time I used it after using the cartridge razors for practically my whole life, I butchered myself. Cut my face to ribbons.

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You might need a less aggressive razor. Mine is so old that I have no idea the brand(bought it at an antique shop when I was in college), but I bought a "new one" 15 years ago that was really aggressive. Hated it, sold it.

I switched to a Merkur Long Handled Safety Razor about 18 months ago. I don't care for the Merkur blades, though. I prefer the Wilkinson Sword blades. I bought 100 of the Wilkinson blades for $20.00. Compare that to $3-$4 apiece for Gillette Fusion blades and the safety razor has paid for itself. I have a beard but I do shave my neck and my cheeks.


The key to avoiding nicks and cuts is to let the blade do the work. In other words, don't use too much pressure. A little practice is all it takes.

Joe S said:

I switched to cartridges when the double edge blades became expensive and harder to find. So, where do you get inexpensive blades? I did hear about a return to double-edge shaving several years ago, never really looked into what is available today.

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Amazon has them. I use Wilkinson Sword double edge blades. You can get a box of 100 blades for $20.10.

Amazon also sells a package of many blades from assorted manufacturers. A good way to find which blade best suits your beard and skin. I like Derby blades the best but you might well prefer another brand.