Electric Razor vs. Straight Razor

[bevo_daddy]

I have been using an electric shaver for probably 10 years now. Never really used a straight razor (used to have a lot of acne and it just didnt work right for me) but am thinking of switching. I have a lot more hair to shave now and my electric just seems to make a big mess.

Who uses electric razors or straight razors or both and what do you prefer and why?

 

[TheFied]

Used to use a Braun when I was an undergrad. Been straight razor, Mach III Turbo with the vibrating razor on it. I shave in the shower and like it. I use Nivea balm afterwards.

When I used the electric Braun, I felt like it dried out my skin.

 

[Roger]

switched several years ago to the razor above, as long as you invest in the brush and good shaving soap you can't go wrong.

 

[SBGLonghorn]

I have been using the Gillette Fusion for half a year or so and am really happy with it. It has a battery operated head that vibrates to give you a more comfortable shave if you have sensitive skin. Also, I think it has 5 blades which I guess is good.

 

[UTinBigD]

I switched back to the non-vibrating gillette. didn't do much for me and actually seemed to not shave as close.

 

[RyanUTAustin]

I had always used a straight razor but for christmas my pops bought me an electric shaver.

At first it dried out my skin and gave me these bumps but It has been about a month and my skin is starting to get used to it I think.

I just use lotion afterwards and it seems to limit the dryness effect.

 

[txeconomist]

Norelco. Its hard to use a blade while driving to work.

 

[DCLonghorn8]

Braun electric.

Razor blades don't get as close going with the grain. If I go against the grain, I break out at every hair follicle.

I use a Mach whatever every 6 months or so as the beard gets used to the braun and must be taught who is boss from time to time.

Cue the dudes who are contemplating electrolysis.

 

[lazytexasfan]

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[Titan]

I used to use an electric razor and then go back over it with a disposable to get a little closer shave. I have since switched to the Fusion and now shave every 3 or 4 days or so...once with the grain and then immediately again going against the grain. I have fewer cuts and a closer shave than ever before. The Fusion is greatness.

 

[UWUTengineer]

The Merkur is a solid choice. I have the Futur, but like others have said, a double edge takes about a week (assuming you shave every day) to get used to. Double edge shaving takes longer because you need to go over twice to get a really good shave, so I usually use this when I have a little time. A big plus about the Merkur is that despite its steep initial cost, refills work out to be maybe $.50 and last a good 7-10 shaves. During the week, I go with the Gillette Fusion because I get a pretty good shave very quickly. The downside is that cartridges are a couple of bucks each. The other secret to a good shave is getting a quality shave cream.

I used to use an electric razor, but found that it never shaved as close as I would have liked. It was especially noticeable to me by the evening hours. I think this all depends on what the user wants, how fast his beard grows, and the quality of the electric razor.

 

[HatDaddy]

I use disposables. Every few months I used an old Mach 3 I have left over but I was paying WAY too much for those blades and they have only become more expensive.
I think they are the Good News Gillette disposables. No problems for years with them.

 

[CaboWabo]

I use a Gillette Fusion and have bought blades off Ebay for a lot cheaper. I think the last batch of blades I bought are fake because they don't shave as close and comfortable as the ones from the store. The package looked real, the blades look real, they just don't seem to shave as well.

 

[kangsta]

I use the Fusion and it's about as close as it can get. It is amazing. I have the vibrating kind but i never turn it on (and just buy the normal blades) because i can't really tell the difference, and always forget. Shave in the shower, makes it much easier.

Also, don't use that gel shaving cream crap made from gillete or anybody. Get a more lotion like cream. It makes the shave so much less irritating to sensitive skin. I use Neutrogena (sp?) shave cream and it is great. Not expensive either.

My dad got me an electric when i was a teenager and it never seemd to get very close, unless it was just ripping the hairs out

 

[TheFied]

I buy my Mach3 refills at Costco. It's like 2x cheaper per blade than HEB (the last time I did the math).

 

[Idahorn2]

No one on this thread has yet actually mentioned a straight razor. They are what most barbers use to trim your sideburns, not a Gillette or Schick or even a Merkur-which is a great safety razor but mine weighs a ton. Without some serious technique training, shaving with a straight razor is not recommended. OTOH, it could fulfill any suicidal tendencies one might have.

Having been shaving since before JFK's term was ended, I have tried lots of different tools. Right now, I am very happy with a Norelco "Cool Skin" electric which is designed for use in the shower. I use a slippery lotion product called 'King of Shaves' (British, I think) and a plastic mirror that adheres to the shower curtain when wet. It shaves as close as any blade I have used. You might find that hard to believe, but it is true. I will need to get some new shaver heads in a couple of months (had it 10 months now).

 

[Stuck_At_Work]

I use a Gilette Sensor Excel two blade razor because I'm cheap.... but I need to find something new because it simply doesn't do it for me. I have to shave with the grain because I have serious issues with ingrown hair and acne.... what to do, what to do...

 

[hornfan_82]

if you have problems with ingrowns, try using a face scrub before shaving and a shaving brush to lather up.

 

[bozo_casanova]

I use a braun electric- I used to get horrible razor burn from my blade razors, now I don't since I switched to electric.

 

[ScoPro]

Idahorn is correct, THIS is a straight razor:

That is what REAL men use.

BTW - I have my granddad's straight razor that he bought in 1910.

 

[Roger]

I love the idea of a straight razor but not the idea of using it on myself. I have had my barber give me a shave on a saturday morning with my haircut and it was awesome, closest shave of my life. Unfortunately there aren't too many barbers that offer shaves anymore due to the worry about bleeding and HIV, thus if you find a good barber who offers a shave give it a try.

 

[bevo_daddy]

Sorry I wasn't really referring to a straight razor in that sense, I just meant like a gillete or mach 5 or something.

Although i would probably get a shave with a straight razor if the guy was really experienced.

i would be scared that my neck would be sliced open

 

[Roger]

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[Roger]

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[HornHuskerDad]

Still using the Atra I've been using for twenty years. Replacement cartridges are pretty cheap at the BX. And it still gives me a very good shave. "If it ain't broke, don't fix it!"

HHD