i am so ticked off..

so last night i decided to use my old mach 3 turbo just to see how it shaved because i forgot...WORST choice EVER! it took me a longgg time to get a smooth shave, which wasnt even smooth. i bled here and there with the lightest touch. it pulled my hair. i just knew i was going to get razor burn. i woke up today to what looked like pimples! i looked like a 13 year old kid who just hit puberty! ingrown hairs all over my face. damn was i ****ed. im NEVER doing this again. ive been working on my skin complexion with the art of shaving and it all went down the drain in one session. well im done with my rant. has anyone tried going from a straight to some lame razor like mine? or cheaper disposable ones? if you havent....dont do it.

Yes. I've been there. I tried to cut down the size of my shave kit last time I was on holiday- big mistake.

I think the problem is that straight shaving takes a while to get used to. It takes a while to hone your technique (if you excuse the pun) and you start off with worse shaves that the mach3 but never actually notice them getting better.

I never looked back. I prefer the "straight" path.:w

I have been on the straight and narrow as well since I ran out of mach II blades

[Edit: I take that back - I was strongly persuaded by my boss last spring to shave after I had arrived at work. Since I lived 13 miles away and my shift had already begun, I did not have time to go home. So I painfully acquiesced and purchased some plastic bics at the drugstore across the street. Just hot water and a single blade bic - that was a terrible shaving experience and I had nearly forgotten about it until now. Thanks a lot!]

I trie donce when I was in a hurry. Never again.:chop:

Sometimes I'd forget my razors while travelling, which I always paid for with ingrown hairs from disposables. Eventually I bought a Feather just to keep in the go bag... just in case.

i can't even go back to the DE. i know i got decent shaves before with it, but i am just so used to the straight now that my DE technique is crap, plus i really do like shaving with a straight. i still have the handle for my Mach 3 but no blades. never again will i buy any.

Come on now... I also prefer straights but to say that after a few shaves with a straight you forgot how to shave with a safety razor seems a bit exaggerated... Many people never use a straight in their lives and they live. I spent years if not decades without shaving with a straight and was able to do it without much difficulty. I find hard to believe that switching back to safety razors could be so hard... But again, everyone is different ;-).

Al raz.

Really, I've never gone back, I've thought about it, when I'm pressed for time, but Str8 shaving really doesn't take me that long. Is it really as bad as you guys claim. Shaving with a Quatro, or Mach 3 will tear up my face because I shave with a Straight Razor? I was thinking about this when I got up this morning for some reason. With a Str8, (Don't hang me here) you do multiple passes for BBS, XTG, ATG, etc...i nomally do two passes because of my beard. I never did that back when I was shaving with a Mach 4, I remember getting a decent shave. For me, The Straight Razor is Nostalgic. I remember watching my Grandfather later up his brush and go at it. I remember him taking me to the Barber, He'd get a shave, Sometimes the barber would Hot Towel me, Lather me and pretend to shave me. They were very nice. So, for me, I have fond memories and enjoy stropping my blade and shaving. It brings me back.

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Originally Posted by Alraz

Come on now... I also prefer straights but to say that after a few shaves with a straight you forgot how to shave with a safety razor seems a bit exaggerated... Many people never use a straight in their lives and they live. I spent years if not decades without shaving with a straight and was able to do it without much difficulty. I find hard to believe that switching back to safety razors could be so hard... But again, everyone is different ;-).

Al raz.

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I'm inclined to agree with you.

I tried my old DE just for grins and giggles several months ago and was amazed at just how much blood the skin on my face had been holding in check. :eek:

The old Mach 3 is always there for me in a pinch. I find that, contrary to almost every other poster in the thread, since I have learned to make ueberlather from quality shaving creams and apply it with a decent badger brush, the Mach 3 shave is now better than it ever was. BBS is not a problem. It disappoints only because it puts me back in the disposable world of the MacShave. :(

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Originally Posted by Alraz

Come on now... I also prefer straights but to say that after a few shaves with a straight you forgot how to shave with a safety razor seems a bit exaggerated... Many people never use a straight in their lives and they live. I spent years if not decades without shaving with a straight and was able to do it without much difficulty. I find hard to believe that switching back to safety razors could be so hard... But again, everyone is different ;-).

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i can only tell you what i experience. i shaved the other day with my slim adjustable and it was crap. about 2 weeks ago i had tried the Fatboy i bought for my dad for christmas (just to compare) and had the same thing. the shaves are consistent but not nearly as close and there is a lot more razor burn. that is set on 3 for both of them. i am not saying that the DE is the problem, i am saying that my technique sucks. i must be in the minority here though.

In a pinch for travel, if you don't want to deal with the straight paraphenalia, a standard double edge safety razor is a great option. I was shocked at how much better of a shave I get with a safety razor as compared to a Mach 3. My wife hasn't tried a straight but I definitely sold her on safety razors a long time ago.

Using Mach III became a funless chore plus my blessings from Straight Razor Shaving are slighty more profound:

1. Since I retired, I did not want to lose my excellent dexterity to idle old age-my hands are still steady at 63 1/2 summers. (Old people drop things and fumble with delicate tasks.) The IXL will be pried from my cold dead fingers!

2. Eye/ hand coordination has actually IMPROVED! (Nicks to face and to strop paid for that improvement.)

3. PATIENCE GREATLY IMPROVED! ( Hone, hone, hone,...Strop ad infinitum...!)

4. Clear- minded thinking without daydreaming IMPROVED! ( Nano second thoughts about watermellon, etc.= bleeding.)

5. Skin health IMPROVED! (A cleaner smoother face with a confident grin.)

6. After learning curve (it took a toll), less beer consumed. (Money saved goes to RAD, HAD).

7. Now I have a unique hobby which allows me to dominate conversation whenever 3 or more are gathered.

I am post-DE and a happy shaver/collecter, trader, and BS artist indeed for fooling with straight razor shaving.

Thanks for the Forums, stay healthy. Robert

i have maybe 24 mach 3 razors that i got from a freind who works at costco and im just thinking about throwing them away or giving them to my kid brother whose thinking about shaving his tiny mustache. i wouldnt mind seeing him bleed and scream with pain though hahahaha jk..kinda

I gave my crappy stuff to the son in law ...snicker...snicker
guess what else he's getting for Christmas and no it's not a straight. :w

Happy Holidays to All

i still use a disposable during my work days because i put in 16+ hours a day and sometimes a straight is not a option if i want to get any sleep :cry:. of course the shave is terrible but i always look forward to my off days to relax and get a great shave with my straight :D

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Originally Posted by Alraz

Come on now... I also prefer straights but to say that after a few shaves with a straight you forgot how to shave with a safety razor seems a bit exaggerated... Many people never use a straight in their lives and they live. I spent years if not decades without shaving with a straight and was able to do it without much difficulty. I find hard to believe that switching back to safety razors could be so hard... But again, everyone is different ;-).

Al raz.

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A voice of reason! :nono: It must be banned!
J.

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Originally Posted by igitur55

The old Mach 3 is always there for me in a pinch. I find that, contrary to almost every other poster in the thread, since I have learned to make ueberlather from quality shaving creams and apply it with a decent badger brush, the Mach 3 shave is now better than it ever was. BBS is not a problem. It disappoints only because it puts me back in the disposable world of the MacShave. :(

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I still have a bunch of Shick disposables and use them when I'm in a hurry. The shaves with the Shicks have improved since I started with the str8. I get an adequate BBS shave with the Shick, but not a great shave, like my str8s.

Dave

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Originally Posted by hoglahoo

[Edit: I take that back - I was strongly persuaded by my boss last spring to shave after I had arrived at work. Since I lived 13 miles away and my shift had already begun, I did not have time to go home. So I painfully acquiesced and purchased some plastic bics at the drugstore across the street. Just hot water and a single blade bic - that was a terrible shaving experience and I had nearly forgotten about it until now. Thanks a lot!]

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Why would your boss make you shave?

My (private) high school made a few of us shave when they started a new rule.... all must not have any facial hair. Back then, I had a goatee.... those that banded together to boycot their rule were made to shave in the nurses office. I refused but came in the next day without the goatee. I remember shaving it off like it was yesterday.

I use my straights almost every shave, but when I travel I use a DE or M3 and get great shaves from them too. With good brush and soap those give great results, just aren't as cool as straights. And on balance I think my skin feels better when I'm using straights.

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Originally Posted by mikedelo

Why would your boss make you shave?

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It was a corporate requirement handed down to him

I shaved at work one day with one of those little matchbook shavers we use for chest hair (for ECG lead placement). That was the first razor burn I had since going to a straight.

i have a gillette fusion for the hurry ups. the mach 3 just doesnt compare.

I was traveling and forgot my razor so I borrowed my brother's Gillette 2 blade that was the precusor to the Mach 3 (cant remember the name) and it was like hell. I had to use it for 4 days! You cannot go back!

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Originally Posted by sharphands619

i have a gillette fusion for the hurry ups. the mach 3 just doesnt compare.

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I have to second that. I was quite shocked when I first tried a Fusion at how good, fast and comfortable it was. I can honestly say they give me a perfect shave. And if speed and closeness were ALL that mattered, I would still use them now. Makes me wonder why Mach3s are always referred to as the standard alternative to "real" razors.
I must point out that (A) I never get razor bumps so I'm spared that downside of cartridge razors, and (B) I used shaving oil with aloe vera gel on top. The gel was essential to stop the oil from clogging the blades, but probably gave other benefits like retaining moisture and lubricating even more.

I stopped using canned foam years ago, but was tempted into buying the Fusion foam (after all it's part of the "system".) Sadly that turned to be as bad as every other aerosol foam I've ever tried. Seriously, what is the deal with that stuff? It expands beautifully, like that sprayed on loft insulation, but does NOTHING to improve a shave (like that sprayed on loft insulation?) I wonder if they make it from surplus loft insulation. It's like having a layer of styrofoam hovering just above beard level. How do they get away with it?

Thankfully I've discovered the pleasure of taking the time to make real lather with a brush. My DE works as well as the Fusion (thanks to Mantic59's videos!) and I'm getting better with my straight razor. Hope I don't have to turn back to the Fusion any time soon.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by zib

Really, I've never gone back, I've thought about it, when I'm pressed for time, but Str8 shaving really doesn't take me that long. Is it really as bad as you guys claim. Shaving with a Quatro, or Mach 3 will tear up my face because I shave with a Straight Razor? I was thinking about this when I got up this morning for some reason. With a Str8, (Don't hang me here) you do multiple passes for BBS, XTG, ATG, etc...i nomally do two passes because of my beard. I never did that back when I was shaving with a Mach 4, I remember getting a decent shave. For me, The Straight Razor is Nostalgic. I remember watching my Grandfather later up his brush and go at it. I remember him taking me to the Barber, He'd get a shave, Sometimes the barber would Hot Towel me, Lather me and pretend to shave me. They were very nice. So, for me, I have fond memories and enjoy stropping my blade and shaving. It brings me back.

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Why are you using a M3. The Fusion is much better. However, even with that, I was doing 3 or 4 passes to get smooth. Mainly because how clogged it gets.

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Originally Posted by Rajagra

I have to second that. I was quite shocked when I first tried a Fusion at how good, fast and comfortable it was. I can honestly say they give me a perfect shave. And if speed and closeness were ALL that mattered, I would still use them now. Makes me wonder why Mach3s are always referred to as the standard alternative to "real" razors.
I must point out that (A) I never get razor bumps so I'm spared that downside of cartridge razors, and (B) I used shaving oil with aloe vera gel on top. The gel was essential to stop the oil from clogging the blades, but probably gave other benefits like retaining moisture and lubricating even more.

I stopped using canned foam years ago, but was tempted into buying the Fusion foam (after all it's part of the "system".) Sadly that turned to be as bad as every other aerosol foam I've ever tried. Seriously, what is the deal with that stuff? It expands beautifully, like that sprayed on loft insulation, but does NOTHING to improve a shave (like that sprayed on loft insulation?) I wonder if they make it from surplus loft insulation. It's like having a layer of styrofoam hovering just above beard level. How do they get away with it?

Thankfully I've discovered the pleasure of taking the time to make real lather with a brush. My DE works as well as the Fusion (thanks to Mantic59's videos!) and I'm getting better with my straight razor. Hope I don't have to turn back to the Fusion any time soon.

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Back in the day, I shaved with a M5 and a friends shaving cream. He used a straight. The difference between the canned stuff and the stuff people use for straight is incredible. I went out and bought a tub of that stuff. And shaved with that for years. The clear skin stuff, (like the 6 dollar can of gillette) is nice. But no where near as smooth as the stuff people use for straight razors.
The problem with them, is they feel fine for about 1.5 shaves. And it just isn't worth the 14 dollars for the 4 blades.

why do you even need to go disposables/DE? the straight razor shave doesn't have to take very long. you can do a surprisingly clean 1-pass ATG shave in a couple minutes max.

that said, i think the Mach3, Fusion, and DE razors are all capable of excellent shaves, and are equally good. the straight is above the rest though, by a tiny fraction.

besides, straight razors are super cheap so you can buy a bunch and put one everywhere you go. i have so many straights now i use them as box cutters, steak knives, and pocket knives. the cutting performance of a straight razor is exceptional.

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Originally Posted by cotdt

why do you even need to go disposables/DE? the straight razor shave doesn't have to take very long. you can do a surprisingly clean 1-pass ATG shave in a couple minutes max.

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I hope you mean across the grain:eek:, but if you can do an entire 1st pass against the grain then /salute:rock:

(Airline travel would be the main reason for switching I guess.)

Being able to begin and finish ATG in one pass is heavily dependent on skin type. Those of us with sensitive skin likely wouldnt even be able to touch our faces if we tried that.

I've never had a problem like that , I can switch between my mach 3 turbo and a straight any day without any irritation, though I have to say I never had a problem with the mach 3 I just decided I liked the idea of straight shaving.

After reading this thread I threw out my last remaining M3 cartridge to avoid any temptation (The kind of temptation that tells me to drink a whole bottle of cheap scotch just to remind myself what a real hangover feels like). As of the start of this year I have only used a straight and I never want to go back

Did you use lather or canned goo? If you use proper lather with the mach3, you're gonna get burned. It takes much more preparation with the real stuff than with Gillette's sensitive gel. With the gel I just rub it into my face, make a couple of passes without really re-lathering, and splash some AS in my face and call it done, no irritation. With soap I need to shower before shaving or at least spend time massaging hot water into my face. Then I proceed to rub my face with pre-shave oil, and then I whip up some lather against my face. Then I start shaving, making one pass, washing out the brush and whip up some more later, re-lather, make the second pass, relather without washing the brush, then touchup with some blade buffing and j-hooking. After that I wash my face with cold water and splash some AS in there.

My skin feels better after the proper stuff, but that's only happened recently after I did some thinking and refining. The gel shaves has always been quite good as long as I used new blades. Makes me think someone actually thought about how to get a nice shave when they made the Gillette Mach3 system. Having said that, the gel really eats blades, 2 shaves and you're done, while with proper soap you get maybe 5-8...

So I had one fresh fusion blade kicking around in my medicine cabinet and a bit of its canned goo to finish off so I thought I'd give it a try. If your willing to buy a new blade for every shave I got a pretty good shave out of it not quite as good on the cheeks but better on the tuff spots on my neck (since its a shorter length its easier to get a good XTG pass there). And yes it took 3 passes to almost get what I do in two on the cheeks.

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Originally Posted by timberrr59

7. Now I have a unique hobby which allows me to dominate conversation whenever 3 or more are gathered.

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I love that reason! :rofl2:

I just calculated in the thread about the economy of straight razors (under frontpage stuff I think) how much money I spend on cartridges, 440€ per year, and that's with two shaves per blade :) My straight razor itself with a coticule and strap only came in at 168€, and I calculated that if you subtract the cost of the Mach3 handle from the cost of the razor (since the handle isn't free either, and I do need to shave with something, the savings from not buying cartridges only have to make up for the additional cost of a straight razor), it turned out it would pay for itself in about 115 shaves, and since I shave about 6-7 times per week that doesn't take very long, and every year after that I get 400€ to spend on shaving crap :)

The soap/brush combo takes a while longer to pay for itself as I used about a can of goo per month, and a can costs 4€ and my soap and brush cost 60 € which makes the brush and soap pay for itself in about 1 1/3 of a year, which is about as long as a puck of soap lasts, but after that I start saving 40€ per year in goo costs since a refill soap only costs 10€. And the huge cartridge savings also eats the cost of soaps and brushes fairly quick.

Now imagine what would happen if I had a fusion which cartridges costs 3,50€ instead of the 2,60€ for the Mach3's. :D I would be up to my ears in shaving parapheila and still have money left over.

Sometimes I envy my friend who is a year older than me and still only shaves once or twice per month and can make a Fusion blade last for 16 months. Then I rub my beard and thinks that the benefits of that doesn't outweigh the downsides (having beardgrowth like a 15 year old (which is like what I had when I was 13) when you're 20 just isn't good)

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Originally Posted by cotdt

*snip*
besides, straight razors are super cheap so you can buy a bunch and put one everywhere you go. i have so many straights now i use them as box cutters, steak knives, and pocket knives. the cutting performance of a straight razor is exceptional.

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This makes me sad.:cry: I hope those blades are not salvageable for face work.
J.

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Originally Posted by jfreaksho

This makes me sad.:cry: I hope those blades are not salvageable for face work.
J.

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I must say, I'm guilty of this too. I once got my hands on my grandfathers old rusty invicta. It ended up being used as a letter opener. But in my defense it was rather rusty and had a hairline fracture in the middle of the blade.