Safety Razors: My Trip from Mild to Aggressive

My head is spinning, ok, so........open comb doesn't necessarily mean more agressive. But the open comb Matador is supposed to be. ok, I think I'll order one on payday and let everybody know how it works out, thanks for all the awesome input. By the way just to see, I'm gonna throw a Derby in my DE89 and see what floats. Derby is about the only blade I haven't tried in that razor.

 

One nice thing about an open comb is when you get it at the right angle it removes the lather as a SB does cleanly. If the angle is too steep or shallow you will see tooth marks in the lather. The open comb is a good check on proper angle shaving.

 

Single-Edge Razor Time!

My first attempt with a single-edge razor. My understanding of SE razors is some models are more aggressive than others—just like DE razors—and one simply shouldn't assume because it's single-edge means your chances of blood-letting have increased.
I'm using an EverReady 1912, a gift from Ryan Foster (PlanofMan) on this inaugural shave. On to the shave...

I loaded a Gem Blue star SE blade—thicker than a standard DE blade—into the razor, a simple, uncomplicated process. Plenty of blade exposure, similar to the Shake sharp image in post#21.
If one defines aggressiveness as the ability to cut through whiskers efficiently in fewer passes, then this razor qualifies. With good prep and decent lather, two passes brought me to near BBS closeness.
This razor is quite a bit smaller than many of the razors in my arsenal. I should clarify that statement: the HANDLE is quite a bit smaller, but the razor head itself is substantial (see photo below).
Finding the proper shave angle wasn't difficult thanks to the broad face on the head. Although the handle is smaller than most, the angled sides and textured engraving ensure a solid grip and easy to maneuver once one gets acclimated to the size.
The solid weight of the handle gives a good balance to the razor. Plenty of audible feedback when shaving as well. Not as loud as the Futur, but you clearly can hear the whiskers being mowed down. Very efficient!

The little EverReady flanked by two Merkur bodyguards….


Overall, a VERY nice first shave with this razor. Nearly BBS results, despite my being overly cautious with it.
Considering one can find these type of razors for a fairly low price, they are quite the bargain in the razor world. If you haven't tried an SE razor yet, the low cost of entry makes it worthy of your time.
I was very pleased with the results and look forward to more shaves with this razor.

 

I have to ask, how easy is it to find single blades? I have never looked for them. Also you mention the low cost, is that due to difficulty in finding razor blades. Also, being that you only have 1 side on each blade, are they 1/2 as much as double sided blades? I am very interested in the single edge razors but know nothing about them. Low cost allways gets my attention.

Thanks, that makes my decision to go open comb much easier.

 

There are two brands I can get locally, Gem and Treet; Gem and ShopRite and Treet at a local grocer. I use Gem and wouldn't give Treets to anyone but my worst enemy. With half the number of edges than a DE, you'd think they'd be half the price. Not so. Ten blades, around $5 where I get 'em. Much cheaper at the TSD Store, but only if you're getting other things to help off-set the cost of shipping.

By the way, most drug stores will carry their house brand of single edge blades.
DO NOT USE SINGLE EDGE BLADES PURCHASED AT A HARDWARE STORE. THEY ARE NOT FOR SHAVING!

 

Pondering becoming Steve's worst enemy, given the above promise of free Treet blades.

 

You're a very sick little man, Jasman

 

The local CVS pharmacy carries the GEM blades.
As far as blade life, I've read 4-5 comfortable shaves per SE blade can be expected. I'll let you know how true that is. One down….four more to go!

 

Nice to know, just as im about to do an open comb, you guys have me intrigued about the single edges. Anybody make a new one or do you have to find an oldie?

All thease razors, so little money...........
Why oh why couldn't I have been rich instead of so dog gone good lookin?

 

The Cobra Classic is a single edge, injector-style modern razor that will certainly fit the bill for 'aggressive' single-edged razor. It costs a few shekels more than a vintage Gem or EverReady, however.

 

Doesnt look bad either

Oh my, a few shackels indeed. $169.00 to be exact
for 169 it needs to lather me up and powder my neck

 

?

 

Did you click onthe link? It will direct you to http://theshaveden.com/forums/threads/a-small-guide-to-single-edge-blades.28037/

A good guide on where to get SE blades

 

I didnt get the link on my screen.

 

Of course if you think The Cobra is the ultimate single edge... Let me introduce you to The Golden Cobra

 

Ok, so are all slants more aggressive or does that vary as well?

 

That varies as well, in particular based on your comparison point. Slants change (some would say redundantly) the horizontal axis along which the blade sits in the razor, and therefore the horizontal axis at which a shaver is naturally inclined to pull the blade across the hair. Slants do not necessarily have a larger blade gap, more blade exposure, or encourage a more aggressive vertical axis to create a closer shave, but again, that's going to be relative to your comparison point. Our resident Bacon Lord is on record indicating that the Merkur 39c is less aggressive than the 2011 version of the Muhle R41, for example.

There's also a touch of YMMV in all of the above, as the prep, soap or cream, and blade you prefer can all play a factor in how close your shave is.