Old Fashioned Safety Razors?

[JayFramer]

Anyone still use an old fashioned safety razor? I decided to buy one from Wal-Mart the other day after waiting and waiting for an employee to come unlock the razor case. One was sitting outside the case so I figured I’d buy it and try it out. Got a sample pack of different razors from Amazon:

So far, I’m really loving it. Shaves really nice and I’ve been reading up on them. Seems these type razors became popular around WW1 and were used for years. Being a millennial, I’ve only grown up with electric razors and Gillette multi blade cartridge affairs.

Well, after this, I don’t think I’m going back. Might be outdated but it’s way cheaper than the modern razors and really satisfying. Sometimes old is new again and what’s old and “outdated” might end up being really really cool.

Thanks for reading, all!

-Jay

 

[photocosmo]

I assume the revolver in the picture is there in case things go south.

Please be careful!
The name "safety razor" is relative only when one compares it to the straight razors wielded by Sweeney Todd, or Jack the Ripper. Even in that configuration, a careless sideways track can produce the kind of annoying, persistent bleeding which can make you late for work!

 

[Mule Packer]

Well...not really. Someone gave me an old Gillette Milord years ago. I tried. I really tried, but nicked myself several times each time I attempted to shave. After awhile I got tired of going to work with little bits of tissue paper adhering to my face.

However, I've used a brush and mug for shaving for over 50 years now. I hope that might give me a few points.

 

[chief38]

Other than using a Track ll Gillette for a few years in College, a Double Edge Safety Razor, Mug Soap and a good Badger Brush has been what I shave with daily for almost 50 years. I also use a Shaving Brush & Mug with Shaving Soap (Colonel Conk's Bay Rum to be precise). My blade of choice is the Persona Blue "Lab Blades" and all of my 5 Gillette D/E Razors are original. I believe my oldest is from the early 1930's and the remainder of them are from the 1940's. One in fact was my Dad's Gillette Tech Razor which I had Gold Plated but use every week on my rotation - still works great!

Believe it or not, 70 & 80 year old D/E Razors can still be found new in box or in excellent condition on ebay for not much money. Sterilizing them is easy and inexpensive so not to fret about using a used or pre-owned one.

West Coast Shaving has a great website with just about any accoutrements, soaps, brushes, blades mugs etc. you might need and they are reasonably priced and have excellent customer service.

There are a plethora of blades to choose from but for me the Persona (USA made - blue box) or Persona (red box - made in Israel) are my fav's. While some rave about the Japanese Feather brand, I find them to be way too sharp with too acute an angle and my face looks like I shaved with a Samurai sword afterwards, so I don't like them at all. The Persona blades cost me about $10 bucks per 100 blades (a few years back - and I stocked up with a lifetime supply) when I bought them so that is 10 cents per blade - can't beat that with a stick! Col. Conk's Bay Rum shaving soap is also a great deal and the soap produces a rich, thick great smelling lather which lasts a long time. I use my original Old Spice Shaving Mug as the Col. Conk's fits in perfectly!

While many have discovered ( or re-discovered ) D/E shaving, I've been at it just about all of my adult life. I was never a fan of the track 2, track 3, 4,5, or what ever they are up to now and am not into spending big bucks on blades that don't last that long.

 

[Texas Star]

I used an old Gillette like yours for years, but prefer newer razors.

I keep several, multi-blade sorts. But the disposable ones are quite good.

 

[s&wchad]

I switched from throw-aways to an old Gillette safety razor a few years back. I’ve had a beard and mustache for close to 40 years, but still need to trim my cheeks and neck so I don’t look like a bum. I’m satisfied with Barbasol shaving cream and haven’t tried a brush and mug.

I prefer quality items that last and am not a big fan of disposables. My philosophy also extends to nice writing instruments and Zippo lighters.

 

[eveled]

I use mine it was my grandfathers and must be from around ww1. You won’t miss all the clogging between the multiblades.

Just in case it isn’t obvious. The new blade pack should have a place to put the old blades to safely dispose of them. Loose blades can be a hazard. I’ve read of old timers sharpening them by rubbing them inside of a glass. I’ve never tried it.

If you aren’t using one already. Buy a mug and quality brush. Then the oldest brand of soap you can find. One cake of soap will last you a year or so. Then you will be shaved my in old school style. Plus your budget will thank you for it.

 

[Wishbone]

I use Personna blues with Cremo and its a perfect shave for me.

 

[The Norseman]

Wet Shaving

1941 Gillette Super Speed. The Blade; ASTRA Superior
Platinum Double Edge Blade.

I think it is my Grandfather's but could be my Great Uncle's.

Found it at our Norwegian Farm House years ago. Been using
it for about 2 years now.

A Friend was looking for ways to save money, started shaving
with a Safety Razor. We got to talking about this, I re-found
the 1941 GSS in my Collections, the rest is History.

We buy the huge package of 300+ DE blades for .06 cents/blade.
We could use a new blade/day (so cheap) but we get
a BBS (Baby Butt Smooth shave) for a good 7 days.

The '41 is not a aggressive shaver. Does not tear up
the Face. Weight is just right. A very Safe Shaver.
If you find one cheap, better Buy it, and put it in
your Collection.

The DE promotes Savings, nice Skin Complexion, no
Ingrown hairs, and decreases Acne/stops it.

Looking back at it, the Cartridge Multi Blade shaving is
very very Expensive, a real scam brought on by Fake
Advertising, there was no need to ever change.

I recommend DE Shaving and I really enjoy it.
The '41 blade w/the best shaving Blades.

 

[Old TexMex]

[Just in case it isn’t obvious. The new blade pack should have a place to put the old blades to safely dispose of them. Loose blades can be a hazard.]
.....................................................................


I know...this is weird, but here’s the medicine chest in my 1937 model house. Note the slot to the right? That’s for dumping used blades. When I remodeled there were hundreds of old blades between the studs piled up on the floor plate. (inside the wall)

 

[The Norseman]

Huge Blade Vault

Funny you brought up the "Slot in the Back of
Medicine Cabinet".

My Millennial Friends had seen that "SBMC" but
never related it to DE shaving. They were utterly
surprised when I told them what it was for.

I use my "SBMC", but thinking maybe using some
thing different. All those DE Blades lying in there
Creeps me out. Think; flying debris in a Tornado or
Gas Explosion.

Thanks for sharing one of Life's Fun Facts/Mysteries.

 

[CajunBass]

I grew up using one, but haven't even seen one in years. I didn't really know they still made the blades.

I use a cheap plastic double blade from Wal-Mart that seems to last forever, but then I've got a beard, so I'm only shaving a couple of strokes on each cheek, and a bit around my neck.

I've used a brush and mug for years now, but I just toss the broken pieces of a bar of Ivory in the mug and use that. I keep meaning to buy some real shaving soap, but keep forgetting it. Besides, the bath soap was good enough for my Dad. Good enough for me.

 

[bigwheelzip]

Hubby still uses the same handle he got as a teen, from his older brother who was annoyed at him for using his. He uses any blade brand at the supermarket, and never uses cream, just wet shaves after a shower.

I posted this recently, a WWI US Army shaving kit that was issued to my husbands maternal grandfather. Razor, blades holder (still one unused blade inside), polished metal "mirror" to see yourself.

Husband's uncle (the son of the soldier issued the WWI shaving kit) shaving out of his helmet, in the jeeps side-view mirror. We think it's in Korea, about 1960.

 

[Bob L]

I tried for years to use a DE razor and finally gave up on it because my face would end up red from the blood. Of course, I have also cut myself using electric razors so I am thinking that it is just my face. But reading The Norseman's post, I might give it another try. Nothing like a little bloodletting to clear the mind.

 

[gman51]

I use the safety razor my dad used. I bought a big box of blades, persona from Israel I think, for cheap years ago and still have most of the box left. I will say the throw away double blade shavers do give me a closer shave though. The throw away type aren't so cheap anymore especially since they don't last very long.
I have never used shaving soap to see if I get a closer shave or not.

I do switch time to time and use an electric shave but it takes to long to shave if more than a stubble of hair. I actually can get a closer shave with it as well but takes a lot longer to shave with it to get a smooth shave.

 

[IAMSWUTIAMS]

DE blades are so much cheaper than the multi-blade razors, and give a comparable shave. I've been buying them from West Coast Shaving for years.

Sent from my SM-G935V using Tapatalk

 

[hoc9sw]

I grew up with straight razors and safety razors. My leather strop disappeared from storage while I was overseas, it was my GGGrandfather's.

For those who followed the axe thread, a razor sharp hand axe was critical.

I used "Blade Man" blades for many years. My uncle bought them in mass quantities from a peddler who would ride the train in during WWII and wander the town selling. When uncle found out he was a wounded/crippled WWI vet (as was uncle), he would buy whatever the guy brought. I still have "new" handkerchiefs from then (they fall apart if washed.

The chemo and radiation folks want me to use an electric razor, and only shave once a week, lest I pick up some sort of infection.

 

[Clarke Hammer]

I switched to a double-edge safety razor about 3 years ago, and I was kicking myself for taking so long to do so. I buy the 100-pack of Astra blades for $10. At that price, I never reuse an edge--it's a fresh sharp edge with every shave. I have never cut myself--don't know if I'm lucky or just careful. I think I had been doing my skin a disservice by stretching out the lifespan of the modern multi-blade cartridges just because they're so expensive.

 

[Stevens]

I used them for years, I was told that wiping the blade dry and flipping it over after every use makes them last much longer. I believe it did, maybe "placebo effect"?
Now I use disposable for a close shave or electric for everyday. Stick on mirror (Face view only!!) on shower wall and safe for shower use battery electric.
Steve W

 

[ACORN]

I’ve got an old Gillette my Dad found in an old house he was rehabbing. NIB. I’ve misplaced it while on vacation last year. Been using throw always since. Hope it turns up soon. I bought qty of blades or Amazon for cheap compared to the new multi-bladed jobs.