Thread: Disposables

Why not try a Weck? This razor has changeable (disposable) blades which are still available in all beauty supply stores. This razor was introduced in 1909 as a transitional razor that bridged the gap between straight and safety razors. The razor came with a toothed guard that provided the safety element by preventing nicks and cuts by keeping the razor at the proper angle. The guard could be removed to allow its use as a standard straight razor.

Although removable, the blade isn't intended to be casually disposed of. It can be honed and stopped as a regular razor and each blade can last for years.

Many misinformed people refer to this razor as a mustache/beard trimmer or as a hair thinner. It was designed, patented and marketed as a straight/safety razor for many years before a smaller version known as a hair shaper came along.

These razors have always been easy to come by in on-line auctions and can be had in the ten dollar and under range. But, I think, they are looked down upon by straight razor enthusiasts because they lack flash and collectibility.

Regards - Walt

I haven't seen one for ages on the bay.

I have three disposable blades types - Diane 21, Feather, and Shavette. I always use one of these when I travel or when I loan one out to a friend who wants to try straight shaving. They do come in handy and are convenient and inexpensive.

Performance wise, I get a great shave from all of them on the first three shaves. On the 4th shave, it takes a little more technique and the 5th shave can be a hit or miss. After that, the blade losses its effectiveness for shaving. I shave every 2-3 days, when I have enough to justify a shave.

I learned to shave with disposable straight blades, so I have a good sense of their usefulness and they brought me up the learning curve quickly on learning how to shave and understanding just what is meant by a "sharp" blade and how they feel on the 1st, 2nd, 3rd...etc. shaves.

When shaving everyday, the blade will easily last 6 shaves since there is less demand on the blade when shaving everyday. I still work them in on a rotation with my nice straight blade razors.

My Diane 21 is fun to shave with because the blade is only 2.25 inches long and .50 inches high which is a different to my 15/16 razor which is also an awesome shaver.

I like my fixed straights very sharp, but they are never as sharp as a fresh disposable on the first shave. Newbies, be careful with these disposables on the first shave as they will make you pay for being careless.

Can you keep these sharp and reuse them? In theory, if you had the right tools and time. If some knows how, I would like to hear from them.

Pabster

Thanks for all the answers and advice. My honing and thereby my SR shaves are lacking and I did not want to get disappointed and quit. So, I will give these disposables a try for a month or so and then try to come back to the fold.

My Feather is my go to razor for travel and when I just want to just shave and run. It's smooth and sharp, but it's also necessary to focus and keep a light touch to keep from cutting yourself, especially when the blade is new. I love the solid feel of my heavy razors, like the new Filarmonica or the Herbert Wacker, but if for punishment for my sins I was reduced to one razor for the rest of my life, I'd probabaly choose the Feather. Since it's in rotation, I can't keep track of how many shaves I get on a blade, but for me it's a lot. Like DE blades, though, it depends on how tough your beard is.