... most of which are probably pretty dumb. I am completely inexperienced with shaving with a safety razor. I've never done it before, but I've read that the Merkur Progress is a good one so I've been shopping around for a good deal on one. What's the difference between double-edge and single-edge as far as real-world shaving? With a double-edge, do you use both edges? How does that work? Can both be used with any razor? With the Progress? What are the pros and cons of both? Any other bits of information that I didn't think to ask about would be greatly welcome, also. :signs001
Hi Art. Welcome to the Den. Double-edge (DE) refers to the fact two edges of the blade are exposed in the DE razor. The Merkur Progress you're looking at is a DE razor. You can use both sides at any time. Most folks, including me, will take a swipe with one edge of the razor, rinse it off, turn the razor in my hand to get to the other edge, take a swipe, rinse, turn, repeat. Single-edge (SE) refers to having only one edge to shave with on the blade. (NOTE: DE blades are for DE razors, SE blades are for SE razors) SEs include the SE safety razor, the injector razor, and the straight razor. As for pros/cons, I don't see any. I use DEs on the weekdays and SEs on the weekends. The only con most might mention is that SEs (most, not all) are more aggressive than DEs. That's one of the reasons I only use SEs on the weekend. I shave everyday because I enjoy it. I found using an SE everyday gets just a little too close and I start getting razor burn by day three. Click here, then click on the fourth link "What Razor Should I Get?". Bill "Dridecker" has put some great info together on safety razors, both DE and SE. You'll notice there are links to a myriad of more great info. Also check out the SOS thread to get an idea of what folks are using each day. Stick around, there's a ton of other info that the fine folks here at the Den will be more than happy to share. All you gotta do is ask!
The progress you mentioned uses double edge blades. That means there's an edge on each side of the blade,and to use both sides you just turn the razor around. Single edge blades are the type that look like paint scrapper blades you get in the hardware store, there are specific razors for them. I've never used one so someone else will have to explain in greater detail. There's also injectors that use a specific single edge blade, again I haven't used one so slivoitz can tell you all about them. Double edge are the most popular and there are many different brands available to choose from, single edge only have a couple of brands. I would recommend double to start your journey then branch out if you chose to.
Yanno, if I had to start all over again, I would liked to have started with the Progress that I bought long after I had bought up all the other razors that I could get hold of.... But then that would have take all the fun out of our little hobby!
Dang, I've gotten too predictable. I've come to prefer injectors for daily use, and the large blade type single edge as a backup, but this stuff often comes down to personal preference rather than absolute truth. With SE and injector razors, your only choices are "vintage"; the blades are still made, the razors aren't. If you travel with a DE razor, you can probably find acceptable blades in almost any town if you didn't bring enough with you. Shave grade SE blades can sometimes be found in local stores, but don't count on it. Of course, some of the best deals on DE blades are also available only online, and you can find a bigger selection that way.
single edge blades and injector blades are also known to last longer than DE blades where the average person would get 3-4 good shaves from most DE blades they can get 6-7 or more from SE and injector blades which helps to justify the higher price of those blades also with SE you need to be careful not to buy utility blades
