Recommendations for a DE Newbie & Opinions on the Merkur Futur

Discussion in 'Safety Razors' started by LSUfanBR, Sep 1, 2017.

  1. Linuxguile

    Linuxguile dating an unusual aristocrat

    I use to strop my carts on a strip of denim.
     
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  2. FaceScraper

    FaceScraper Well-Known Member

    Save yourself the hassle. $10 for 100 blades on Amazon. Use each one three of four times and toss it.


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  3. Dansco

    Dansco Well-Known Member

    Amen. One of my main reasons for switching to DE. Not too worried about the number of shaves I get from each now..
     
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  4. LSUfanBR

    LSUfanBR Well-Known Member

    I started with a DE a week ago however and cant stand it so far, so I may be going back to carts.
     
  5. FaceScraper

    FaceScraper Well-Known Member

    What don't you like about it?


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  6. LSUfanBR

    LSUfanBR Well-Known Member

    For my cartridges I usually use my forearm or an old pair of jeans. I know a cartridge cant be stropped so all it really does is clean it but I would like something to keep in the bathroom so I dont have to keep an old pair of jeans lying around to go grab.
     
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  7. LSUfanBR

    LSUfanBR Well-Known Member

    To get a good shave for me so far It takes a long time. I made the mistake of taking long strokes the first time and cut my self up pretty bad. I noticed slow short strokes work much better but it takes longer than my Atra which also has widely available cheap cartridges. I'll keep trying though and work on my technique.
     
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  8. LSUfanBR

    LSUfanBR Well-Known Member

    I know some people hate cartridges but to me they work fine as long as I prep by lathering up a cream with a warm wet brush and then applying it with the brush. However I prefer the Atra and Mach 3 , but the Atra is my current cart razor as Mach3 carts are overpriced for their age.
     
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  9. FaceScraper

    FaceScraper Well-Known Member

    It is an art of patience to start. My first month or so, it took me about 45 minutes for a shave. Cuts will happen. Irritation will happen. Once your technique improves, things get better. The speed comes with time as well.


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  10. Dansco

    Dansco Well-Known Member

    Definitely the biggest downside for me so far.

    I can live with the occasional nick or the slightly increased irritation I'm getting on my neck but it's hard to take the increased time invested in getting a good shave unless you really enjoy it. I've taken to thinking of it more as an experience, and learning a new skill.
     
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  11. Dansco

    Dansco Well-Known Member

    For what it's worth I really liked the shave from my Mach3, then my fusion, and most recently the Proglide but the prices for cartridges were becoming insane. I had started buying the starter packs that come with like 9 blades and a handle (for about £25!!) then just throwing the old handle out which is equally mad.
     
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  12. LSUfanBR

    LSUfanBR Well-Known Member

    I liked those as well but the cart prices led me to the Humble Twin by Dollar Shave Club. That led me to buying an all metal Atra off ebay when I learned the Humble Twin carts fit the Atra. Other than orginal Atra carts, which cost as much as Mach3 carts on ebay, the Humble Twin work the best. I bought some Dollar General (Dorco's) for 1.75 for a 6 pack and will see how they work. Dorco also makes the DSC ones but they are not the same as the DG ones I bought. However I did notice that DG also sells the same ones DSC uses for 6 for 3 dollars in the store, but those do not show up on their website.
     
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  13. FaceScraper

    FaceScraper Well-Known Member

    You have to ask yourself honestly why you want to switch to DE razors. Sure, it can be less expensive than carts. Unless, of course, it becomes a hobby. Then it easily can get more expensive.

    Is it for better shaves? While this is HIGHLY debatable, for me personally, I don't get better shaves than I did with carts. I have more enjoyable shaves with DE. See the difference? I could always get ultra smooth shaves from carts. I always did three passes (didn't re-lather between though). And, I could do it very quickly - less than two minutes.

    I normally got about three weeks to a month on a cart, shaving every other day.

    Speaking solely for myself, I switched to learn a new skill. I don't mind the extra time it takes me for shaving. Actually, I look forward to it. There might be days when you can't set aside the time for using the DE. Skip that day, if you can. Or, if you can't, use a cart that day. You won't go to hell for "cheating on your DE".

    I hope you stay with us. But, do realize that you are learning a new skill. Patience is your friend. My technique is nowhere near perfect, but it has gotten much better. Ya gotta learn to walk before you can run.




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  14. LSUfanBR

    LSUfanBR Well-Known Member

    I like collecting older razors and this forum made me want to try out DE shaving. I'll keep trying but even If it doesn't not end up being for me I picked up two great razors, a Schick Krona and a Gillette Slim adjustable which will make great hand me downs to a kid one day.
     
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  15. Dansco

    Dansco Well-Known Member

    I've already got my dad's tech pegged for my son when he wants it. He's 18 months atm so his beard will be in any day now :sleep025:
     
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  16. Enrico

    Enrico Popcorn

    I miss read the sale; my fault. :shocked003:
     
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  17. Enrico

    Enrico Popcorn

    18 months and still no facial hair; what's the problem. You been giving him too much coffee? :eatdrink013:
     
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  18. Dansco

    Dansco Well-Known Member

    I still have suspicions it may be a girl. It's voice is high. Apparently you can check in the nappy but there's no chance I'm going down there anytime soon.
     
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  19. Linuxguile

    Linuxguile dating an unusual aristocrat

    My offer to the OP still stands

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    Last edited: Sep 14, 2017
  20. RaZorBurn123

    RaZorBurn123 waiting hardily...............

    The Futur is a very good razor
     

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