Thread: The 3 razor method

When you are doing handiwork around the house you use the right tool for the job, you don't use a sledgehammer to put in a tack. So why not take that approach to DE shaving? Use a razor optimised for each pass.

So:
Pass one. Merkur slant bar for the maximum possible stubble removal.
Pass two. Edwin Jagger DE89L for the most effective reduction.
Pass three. Weishi to buff and polish without it biting.

An adjustable doesn't have as much range and it is about the whole razor not just blade exposure.

In practice this method gives a better result, faster, as you would expect.

This is an interesting concept, and it may work really well, but I don't think it is a technique I'll be using in the future.

The main advantage to this technique that I can fathom is that you are using a razor that is supposedly optimized for each step of your shave.

There do seem to be negatives though:
*You need more equipment for this method.
*You need to be adept with more razors.
*It adds complications to a simple process.
*There is an additional cost associated with the need for more razors.

I wonder if you could take this a step further and find razor blades that are more suitable for each shaving pass. Perhaps a Feather with the grain, an Israeli Personna across the grain, and then a Derby Extra against the grain?

I also wonder if it is not better for someone to become skilled in using one razor for shaving. Maybe a case of it being the "Indian and not the arrow."

I am looking forward to more thoughts on this.

What do you see as the main differences between step 1 and 2?... when I read it, it sounds like "maximum reduction" and "most effective reduction" to me.

Full disclosure, I think "method shaving" is about on the same tier as zeepk products for me in terms of what I'd invest in it, but I would like to hear your thoughts about step 1&2.

Cheers
Dave

Originally Posted by Del1r1um

What do you see as the main differences between step 1 and 2?... when I read it, it sounds like "maximum reduction" and "most effective reduction" to me.

Full disclosure, I think "method shaving" is about on the same tier as zeepk products for me in terms of what I'd invest in it, but I would like to hear your thoughts about step 1&2.

Cheers
Dave

Step one is about removing nearly all the stubble in one go, which the slant bar will do like no other razor. However you can't take liberties or be too enthusiastic with it. But you don't need to because of what is coming up in steps 2 and 3. So you can be very relaxed in the way you use it.

Step two is reduction so you need a razor that you can be enthusiastic with and not have it bite you. The DE89L is just perfect for this. So after the second pass you are just about done.

Step three is taking things that bit closer to perfection, buffing and polishing, which requires the most benign razor possible, which is where the Weishi comes in. With a bit of practice with getting the angle right this is also a very effective razor.

The nett result of using the right tool for the job on each pass is a better shave. IMHO YMMV. The shave is quicker because you remove the optimum amount of stubble with each pass. It is closer because you can buff and polish all you want with the Weishi. And there is far less trauma to the face. Less chance of nicks, weepers, razor burn etc.

Also I think it has the potential to make the user technically more competent as they concentrate on using the right tool to do the right job in each pass.

Originally Posted by BruceOnShaving

When you are doing handiwork around the house you use the right tool for the job, you don't use a sledgehammer to put in a tack. So why not take that approach to DE shaving? Use a razor optimised for each pass...

Well no, not as a general rule, but I have done it for the sake of expediency once. I'm more of a 'whatever tool is close at hand', kind of bloke. As the best tool for the job is the tool that is the one that you can reach when you're precariously balanced on the ladder holding up the picture frame at just the right spot, only to realise the tack hammer is four rungs down, but the sledge hammer handle is sticking up just high enough to reach.


Mick

You said the right tool for the job not tool chest of tools. That's like saying to unscrew a screw I need a number of screwdrivers. One to muscle the screw to get it moving another to do the actual unscrewing and another to do the last few turns and another for removal or the delicate part of placing the screw in the hole.

There is a balance between over complication and the task to be performed no?

Originally Posted by thebigspendur

You said the right tool for the job not tool chest of tools. That's like saying to unscrew a screw I need a number of screwdrivers. One to muscle the screw to get it moving another to do the actual unscrewing and another to do the last few turns and another for removal or the delicate part of placing the screw in the hole.

There is a balance between over complication and the task to be performed no?

All I can say is try it, until then you are not exactly arguing from a position of strength.
It really worked brilliantly for me this morning, but then traditional shaving is what works best for you.

I forgot who said it, but here it is: "common sense ain't common anymore" IOW it ain't practical.

I can see waht ya say'in , I love the shave but hate the cleanup so I'I bit stickin with 1 razor ...but I will forward the forumala to the missus so she can have a vacum convoy