Thread: Brand New to DE

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Originally Posted by niftyshaving

You will get one to +21 shaves from a DE blade.

21 shaves, or 21 passes? This sounds like King C's sales pitch back in the day:



Which changed dramatically to only 3.65 shaves per blade by 1950:

Originally Posted by GoingPostal

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21 shaves, or 21 passes? This sounds like King C's sales pitch back in the day:

LOL.... when I was 18 me thinks a DE would last me a month.
You can fill in the blank -- was that 31 shaves kid or just one given
the fuzz face I was then.

Today I get 3 to 5 out of a Feather and 2-3 nice shaves out
of a Derby depending on how good my lather and prep is.
Wallmart DE blades continue to amaze me.

Originally Posted by niftyshaving

You will get one to +21 shaves from a DE blade. The number
depends on the blade, your whiskers and the phase of the moon.
When it is dull remove the dull blade and tuck it in the slot on the
back of the fresh blade container. Do not just toss it in the trash...!

Not all fresh blade containers have a slot for dull blades. You can
buy or make a container to safely store your dull blades.

Clean it under running hot water at the end of your shave. There
is no need to remove the blade from the razor. You might open
the razor half a turn so the water flows better and lather and whiskers
wash out better. Some DE shavers open differently so the half
turn and rinse does not apply to all.

There are good and great DE blades out there. A sample pack is
a good way to try some. The cheep ones at the local drugstore
are always worth a try and if you like them -- super.

Once a month or once in six months clean your DE with an old toothbrush
and detergent to remove soap scum. Rinse in very hot water...

How long you can use a blade depends on any number of factors. Ultimately, the choice about when to change your DE blade will be based on your own experience and preference.

I usually get anywhere from 7-14 smooth, close shaves from a DE blade. Then I replace the blade. Here is a link to a so-called "Razor Blade Safe" to dispose of used DE blades:

Vintage Blades LLC*::*Safety Razors & Blades*::*Safety Razor Blades*::*Razor Blade Safe

Happy shaving...

Originally Posted by GoingPostal

All good advice being given here, especially concerning blade samplers. What razor did you buy? Remember that not all DEs are the same, and many also feel that blade performance will vary depending on which razor is used. This, of course, is not an issue unless you have a bunch of different razors to rotate as I do. Personally, I have found that the Astra Superior blades are among the best at working well in a variety of razors, and are the only ones I use. Being as inexpensive as they are, I use one for three shaves and then toss it. Life's too short and blades are too cheap for bad shaves.

I've bought the 1954 (Z1) Gillette SS DE Razor. Which razors should I get.

I would also like to thank everyone for all the advice. Can't wait to try it out when i get my DE and razors.

Originally Posted by kooray83

I've bought the 1954 (Z1) Gillette SS DE Razor. Which razors should I get.

Get a sampler pack if you have to order blades on the internet.
There are many good DE blades. The nice thing about
DE blades is that they all fit. And do not ignore the ones
in the local drugstore or grocery. They are all good
some are better... so try some.

Kooray83, for what it's worth, I think you've bought the ideal razor to start with, well done.

Originally Posted by Arrowhead

Kooray83, for what it's worth, I think you've bought the ideal razor to start with, well done.

Agreed. A Super Speed is the ideal starting point for a vintage DE, IMHO. From this point, you can go milder (Tech, Blue Tip SS), or wilder (open comb, adjustables).

Now you just need to find the blade that works best for you, and as has already been stated, sample packs are the way to go. Something to remember is that it always pays to revisit a blade after your technique has improved because sometimes a blade that you didn't really like while still in the learning process will shave a lot better than you remembered. This is how it was for me. I barely remember using an Astra Superior during my sampler pack days and had chosen Derby as my blade of choice, however, there appears to be some serious QC issues with Derby, and I was getting too many bad blades and bad shaves. I kept reading good things about the Astras, so I gave them another try, and have since stocked up on over 2000 of them.

Check out mantic59's channel on Youtube some great videos on wet shaving with a DE

If you rinse it out and shake it dry, now do you prevent rusting under the blade? Do u have to take it apart each time?