Whipped Dog has started selling a $16 basic DE twist to open razor, so wanting to try something new I picked one up a couple weeks ago. Being a dedicated straight shaver, this was a first foray into using those "newfangled" safety razors... It has taken very little time to see the advantages this type of shaving pose over my preferred method. If I'm in a hurry, I can still get a darn fine shave with minimal blood loss using this razor. I think my shhave this morning took me maybe 7 or 8 minutes compared to my typical 30 minutes for a glorious relaxing straight shave. I also can get some of the difficult areas a little better, like the lower edge of my chin that always seems to want to defy my best efforts. I did manage to give myself some pretty serious razor burn the first time I went for BBS, though. Since then, working more gently, I have managed some pretty smooth shaves with only occasional nics. Today is a great example of not a lot of time to work with but a touchably smooth shave that could hold its own against the best of them. I just need to suppress the urge to feel my face throughout the day...
Mr. OS, I am a more recent user of straight razors having used the DEs for considerably longer. Although I am getting more efficient and faster on my straight shaves (with improving results), shaving with a double-edged razor takes about 1/2 the time as straights. In fact, many mornings, I will still use a DE razor to touch up any rough patches missed by the straight. This 'dual razor dependency' will diminish as my SR technique continues to improve. But for convenience sake, its hard to beat a DE razor for a quick, close shave. HOWEVER— I made up my mind that I will allow myself plenty of time each day (20-30 minutes) so I can enjoy an unhurried shaving episode, no matter the type of razor I choose.
That's what I have tried to do for some time, but lately time hasn't been a friend of mine... Too bad shaving at night isn't a viable option, more time then.
Definitely an evening shaver. I get home from work shower put Pandora on and shave. Then dinner is usually on the table and I talk to my wife. She's actually pretty great at giving me that unwind time after work for myself
That's cool. Unfortunately, if I shaved in the evening, I would just look like I needed a shave all day at work. My stubble comes back too quickly.
May I ask what brand of razor you got from Larry. I'm tempted if there is a chance I might get something interesting. Thanks
It doesn't appear to have any maker's marks. It has a twist to open function right below the head, which works perfectly, and I would say it looks like it could be brand new. Other than that, I really don't know. I can't complain at the $16 price though. It works nicely. The Merkur razors are over $40 last I checked, and I can't see where I would need anything different in a DESR than what this little guy has. Maybe some people would have different needs due to size of hands, but it fits my average sized hand just fine.
My best ever DE is a Gillette Super Speed with a Feather blade so I don't NEED another razor but I'm always looking
I doubt that this one will fill any theoretical holes left by the GSS. It's role I think is "cheap way to get into DE shaving" which it fills nicely.
