That touch up blade on the back of disposables...

I'm new here. I've been frustrated with the multi-blade disposables for years, they tug and pull no matter how new the razor. I started using the single "precision trimmer" blade on the back of some disposables like the Fusion ProGlide to shave with because even the "thinner" blades still tug and pull. I guess I decided its time to stop shaving with that tiny trimmer and get a straight razor because that's basically what I'm doing now anyway with the trimmer, atleast in theory. Plus those new snap-on heads are like $4 each!
Anyone else ever used the trimmer to shave or am I the only one?
I've been reading about the big learning curve associated with straight razors. Years ago I went camping and forgot my shave kit, out in the mountains all I had was a sharp pocket knife and some water. I shaved with that and it sucked but I got the job done. Can straight razor shaving be any worse than that?

Yes, shaving with a straight can be "worse" depending on what you mean. If you're talking skill level than it's going to be more difficult. A straight will be much sharper and have a much narrower edge than your survival knife. It's not intended to merely get the job done. It's meant to do it well, meaning it doesn't suck to use.

If by worse you mean less comfortable than again, yes it can be. If you rush into it without trying to learn about it you could seriously hurt yourself. Remember: People used to learn how to shave.

Take your time, read the Wiki, ask questions, lurk the forum picking up what you can. If you want to speed things up you can just ask. Personally, I'd recommend you go with a double edge first. It's not necessary but it will save you some questions. The DE will teach you how to build lather and how much pressure you need to use on your face (none). After learning that the only questions left would be specific to the tool rather than the entire process.

Thanks for the advice. I was already thinking the little trimmer was basically a safety razor itself. In simple terms its a single razor that sticks out at 90d to the handle, much like a DE or safety razor. I usually hold it at about a 30d angle when shaving and use very little pressure, I guess I was hoping that these months of using that trimmer would help me adjust to the straight more smoothly.

It may have helped some. I'm not exactly sure what you're talking about to be honest. I've googled the Fusion Proglide twice now for pictures and I'm still a bit confused as to what you're doing.

If you want to try a DE most guys will recommed the Merkur classic. This razor has a very small blade gap making it much less aggressive than some others. For what it's worth you can also get a Weishi with the same blade gap for a fraction of the cost. If you're genuinely interested in going to a straight you'd save alot of money with the Weishi. The Merkur would be a better investment if you decided you'd like to hold on to your DE rather than a tool for a job. Just don't judge by using these razors. I've since gone on to a Gillette Slim adjustable made in 1963 which is the best shaver of all my DE's and completely pantsed the Merkur. I never even thought there was a difference but there is.

http://www.shoeboxshaveshop.com/razors.html
http://wiki.badgerandblade.com/Doubl...d_by_Blade_Gap

If you look at the top of the cartridge on the opposite side as the main blades you see the single blade "precision trimmer". I've been using that little thing to shave my entire face for months because it cuts better than the main blades. I know that is psychotic, which is why I'm here reading about straight razors.

I hope I didn't offend you. I wasn't thinking it was psychotic or strange, I just don't know what those blades look like in person. Having a hard time picturing it.

No you didn't offend me, I have come to my own conclusion that using the trimmer on a disposable is psychotic. I'll have a straight razor in a few days so I'll find out first hand if it is much different or not.
http://www.gillette.com/Content/en-U...ide-blades.jpg

What brush and soap?

Starting to experiment with a boar bristle and vdh deluxe and vdh glycerin. I have a pure badger brush ordered hoping it won't be as abrasive to the skin as the boar. Actually I've been able to get some pretty decent lather so far in the last few days.

I don't mind the boar brush. It's not as prickley because of the thicker fibers. Just feels like a brush. My super badger is still breaking in but it's starting to get to a point where i don't notice bristles at all. It just wipes clouds of lather on. Pretty neato imo.

A good sharp straight can do wonders, just make sure it is professionaly honed and shave ready and READ THE WIKI It will make things go much much smoother. You may also try picking you some CO Biglow (<$10) shaving cream from BBW it may be easier to lather than the VDH. I started the with the VDH and am now a 99% CO Biglow. Good Luck, Watch your angles and use a very very light hand.

The trimmer blade on a disposable is nothing like a DE or a straight. That said it doesn't mean that you will have a ton of trouble switching to a straight razor.
I have some questions:
What razor did you purchase?
Where did you purchase it from?
Have you purchased a strop?
If so, what is it?
What other brush did you order?

The VdH is a decent soap and the brush is a hindrance made from porcupine. I would have to agree with the CO bigelow/proraso cream; very good stuff, easy to lather and readily available. By the way BBW is referencing bath and body works.

Most importantly, welcome to the forum!

I actually got the razor today, it came earlier than expected.
It is a "Faultless", I measured it and it looks like 9/16, and I'd say half hollow.
I bought it from Larry at Whippeddog "Sight unseen" and I'm not dissappointed; I also got his strop kit.

I went ahead and gave it try, and it wasn't as bad as I had imagined in my mind. I was just going to try a small area first, so I didn't really try to whip up a great lather, just a little bit for a small area which was my first mistake. I got that little patch shaved and it was so enjoyable that I decided to try more, so I again just brushed on some thin lather, which was gone after about 60 seconds, so I ended up dry shaving a little more than I should have. I ended up trying every area of my face (wtg and xtg) and only got 2 small nicks (under my nose and side of my chin). I got really brave so I tried atg much to soon, and I very slightly moved the razor sideways as I made contact with my cheek and ended up with a small cut, nothing major.
Best of all, no razor burn or red bumps, I'm hooked!
Thanks for all the advice everyone.

Just an aside for any other beginners that may be reading this: Send Larry an email, he is very helpful and you won't find a better deal on getting started with equipment than he offers. He is no-bs, square dealing and includes good tips and instructions with his sale. You won't be disappointed with Larry.

I believe congratulations are in order: Congratulations on your first straight razor shave! Well done :tu

+1 to that! Sounds like a pretty decent first shave, and you were wise enough to go with a dealer that has a good rep instead of buying ultra cheap or ultra risky via e-bay or Amazon.

Larry is a great guy and will help you out as needed.

I'd encourage you to keep an eye out for a DE as a follow up. I know exactly what you're talking about on the cartridges. I'd use those blades to touch up and to try and extend the life of the cartridge myself. If anything would be a transition between a cartridge razor and a safety razor that would probably be it. But, the DE is a much cheaper and reliable razor in the long run. I use mine as a travel razor and as a go to when I'm really REALLY in a hurry. I'll NEVER shave with a cartridge again. (check the classifieds, local antique shops, etc. for a decent DE razor you can use as a finisher/substitute when you need to get your straight honed).

I like the VDH soap. It's about the cheapest decent soap you can find, though there are a lot of others out there. The VDH brush is okay. It's a workhorse brush with no frills. It gets the job done, but isn't necessarily enjoyable. Bestshave.net has horse hair brushes. I particularly like the feel of the No7...and the price is great.

Keep working on your lather and your shaves will improve dramatically.

Happy Shaving!

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Personally, I'd recommend you go with a double edge first.

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Me, too. Life is simple with a DE razor:

. . . You don't have to strop it;

. . . You don't have to hone it;

. . . You can't cut yourself seriously.

And as that previous post says, the skills you'll develop will be useful if you decide to use a straight razor.

. . Charles

If you used just the blade on the back of the fusion, why not the cheap single blade bic disposables? They're under $1 per razor.

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Originally Posted by gugi

If you used just the blade on the back of the fusion, why not the cheap single blade bic disposables? They're under $1 per razor.

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I'm happy to say those days are behind me. : )

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Originally Posted by gugi

If you used just the blade on the back of the fusion, why not the cheap single blade bic disposables? They're under $1 per razor.

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Dunno about everyone, but I could get through one pass with one of those. I used 2/shave, making them just as expensive if not more expensive than the multi-blade cartridges.

PTL I don't have to deal with that any more. Even my Wilk. Sword blades in my DE last longer than that.

Peace,

Second straight razor shave today. 2 wtg & xtg passes over entire face, only 2 small nicks. Smoothness on par with a typical disposable shave, not feeling brave enough for atg just yet.

2 shaves in one day? I would be burned red if I did that!

No just once per day. Saturday was the first, today was the second.