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shaving technology

2006-07-24 15:09:10.812412+00 by Dan Lyke 10 comments

It's been... well over a decade since I last shaved. Current best of breed technology in blades seems to be the old single blade safety razor and a decent brush, but does anyone have an opinion on blades versus electrics? Are electric shavers faster with decent results?

comments in ascending chronological order (reverse):

#Comment Re: made: 2006-07-24 15:21:39.435028+00 by: meuon [edit history]

The bald dude says: Schick Xtreme 3 Razors

Why: It's the way they flex to fit your head, face, etc..

I've wasted a lot of money on expensive electrics (and some cheap ones). and on MY beard/skull (YMMV) nothing works even close.

(and I'm waiting for that posting of a pic of a bald Dan Lyke.. but will settle for a nicely trimmed Dan Lyke.)

#Comment Re: [Entry #9128] shaving technology made: 2006-07-24 15:31:02.902972+00 by: Unknown, from NNTP

Dan Lyke <danlyke@flutterby.com> writes:

> does anyone have an opinion on blades versus electrics?

IME, blades are much better than electrics (and the Gilette multi-blade heads are quite nice). About the only thing I'll use an electric for anymore is when I'm weed-whacking the winter growth down to a shavable stubble.

#Comment Re: made: 2006-07-24 17:17:13.593919+00 by: ebradway

I've tried various electrics over the years and was generally happy with Braun - but that was about 15 years ago. Since, I've maintained a beard, using a real hair-trimmer to trim the beard (not a beard trimmer) and the triple blade disposables for cleanup work. The new five-blade razors look pretty good too - and they have a single blade on the back to reach those tight spaces.

#Comment Re: made: 2006-07-24 20:15:35.889149+00 by: stevesh

Electrics are only useful for what I suspect they were designed for - a quick shave without removing your shirt. No lather or mess, but not nearly the shave, either.

#Comment Re: made: 2006-07-24 20:39:56.009512+00 by: Larry Burton

And while we are on the subject, shaving in the shower has proven to reduce skin irritation while giving me a closer, move comfortable shave.

#Comment Re: made: 2006-07-25 01:10:17.492858+00 by: meuon

The bald dude says: Schick Xtreme 3 Razors
And adds an Amen Brother to Larry's: Shaving in the Shower.

But Dan, trimmed up you may find you are much more aerodynamic as well as comfortable on those long bike rides.. especially comfortable.

And don't be suprised if you get a whole different set of looks from the women around you.

#Comment Re: made: 2006-07-25 01:57:54.422239+00 by: DaveP

A few years ago I would have agreed with those who say the only close shave is to be had with blades.

Since I've had an electric "with goo" (one of the Norelco Cool Shaves), I've almost quit using the blades.

If you try an electric, the key things (at least in my experience) are: 1 - cordless/waterproof - shaving in the shower means the beard is softer and cuts more easily; 2 - goo-dispensing - the shaving gel works at least as well as shaving cream or gel, but because you're shaving in the shower, it's easy to wash the stuff away, so a built-in dispenser means you can use less and still get a good result; 3 - easy to clean - if the blades/foil get clogged with hair & skin, they work a lot less effectively.

I still use one of the 3-blade units (whichever is on hand) when I want the closest possible shave, but the electric is plenty good for the workday, a lot quicker, and less irritating.

#Comment Re: made: 2006-07-25 12:07:32.274154+00 by: warkitty

No man using an electric razor has failed to provide razor burn.

In my experience anyway.

#Comment Re: made: 2006-07-25 13:07:30.146064+00 by: meuon

and that razor burn is painful when it rubs against your bike seat..(rat-tat-tat! goes the drum)

#Comment Re: made: 2006-07-26 10:31:30.776266+00 by: DaveP

Won't argue with you warkitty. But I don't have an opportunity to provide razor burn on your average workday, so I don't much worry about it. As I said above, when I want the closest shave, I go with one of the multi-blade units (which are all pretty good).

The other thing about the closest shave is that my beard is curly enough that I get ingrown hairs, and they're more frequent the closer I shave, so sporting shadow by early afternoon is fine by me.