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Comment by opwieurposiu | Hacker News Reader

Cartridge razors are garbage, but they are idiot-proof. I use a straight razor (cuthroat) and hone it a few strokes with 8k diamond after every use, no leather strop. Even with the time spent sharpening it is faster than a cartridge razor because it cuts a wider swath and never clogs. It took me quite a few iterations to find a razor/sharpening tool combo that worked properly. A safety razor works almost as well with no fuss sharpening. The other downside of a straight razor is if you drop it could cut your d* off so I always put on shorts before shaving.

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I like the middle-ground; safety razors. They're exceptionally cheap and idiot proof. Mine really doesn't clog like cartridge razors either. Cartridge razors seem like a scam in nearly all respects, although I concede loading them is probably safer for the elderly or generally those with dexterity problems.

Safety razor requires more time to shave than cartridge razor because it requires more strokes. But I actually prefer it because usually I don’t shave every day. Cartridge razor clogs up in this case. When I shave every day I use either cartridge razor (Dorco) or wet electrical (Braun 9000). Both work greatly for daily shaving, fail for shaving every few days.

> Safety razor requires more time to shave than cartridge razor because it requires more strokes.

Not sure about that. I generally do 2 passes with both cartridge or safety razor.

I had started with safety razor, then moved to cartridges for many years, and now am back to safety razor, with a better razor.

Safety razor probably take a couple of extra minutes since I'm slightly more careful with it than am with cartridges.

You can get a razor that has 3 blades and uses the standard double edge blades. You just snap them in half inside the wrapping and then load the 1.5 full size razor halves in.

Like this one? https://leafshave.com/

I read that it is hard to shave the upper lip area with one of these.

Also: entirely recyclable.

Yes, but I can't imagine scrap metal people like dealing with them.

This is a great way to do it if you don’t have a good local option: https://gillette.com/en-us/about/terracycle.

I fill up a coffee can with the used blades (it takes years to do so) and have a place I can take them locally.

Edit, to add: terracycle also takes a lot of other recyclable items that you can seldom-if-ever recycle curbside, like guitar strings. Most big cities have music stores that have partnered with the program and you can drop all musical instrument strings there. Here are all of their programs for those interested: https://www.terracycle.com/en-US/brigades

Another nice middle-ground is a shavette, which is a disposable blade straight razor, like what barbers use. Although it definitely requires a lot more care/practice than a safety razor initially, you can get a really close shave once you get used to it.

Shavettes are extremely affordable, like $10 for the base. Unlike a "real" straight razor, shavettes never require sharpening since they just use standard disposable single-edge blades, or a double-edge blade split in half.

Switched to a safety razor (Also called a Double Edge) after Mach3s had been out for awhile and they started jacking up the price. That must have been 2005ish and I've not really used anything else since. For quality of shave there is no comparison. Badger & Blade forum had a good process at the time where you started with a certain blade and worked up the sharpness ladder as your skin toughened up and you found the blade/razor combo that worked best for you. I'm a Personna Prep and Merkur 34C guy myself.

Shaving with a double edge instead of using a disposable is comparable to preparing your own dinner rather than going to McDonald's. It's a skill, it takes time, it's far for economical, there's a ritual to it, and it's enjoyable. It's also a uniquely positive masculine thing (and I think that that does matter) and one day I can pass the razor to my son or grandson.

> Merkur 5C

I used a "cutthroat" razor after being sick of others getting dull that quickly. With changeable blades though. They are always in pristine condition and my barber said it is better for most people. 100 pieces à 5$...

But even with a good brush, which is as essential as a sharp blade for that kind of shaving, it just cannot compete in my opinion. It takes longer and is more bloody. Boy did razors made technological improvements, I think the plastic ones really can compete today.

It looks easy how barbers do it but it is another thing if you do it in front of a mirror.

I have been using a safety razor for shaving my face for a few years, now I just have a beard and don't shave anymore apart from shaping the beard.

But I do have to shave my head and I just can't figure out how to use a safety razor or straight razor for that. I keep cutting myself. The margins seems to be quite narrow and boy does your head bleed if you cut it...so I am stuck with cartridge razors which actually works really well. Just means spending more money and dealing with clogging.

I am using a safety razor for my head. Once every 2-3 shaves I cut myself (usually on my non-handed side) but otherwise no issues. The cut usually heals by the time I'm done and I have rather thin/sensitive skin.

Derby or Feather blades and a cheap €15 handle. I try to shave once with the grain, once sideways. The blade is held at quite am angle but with very little pressure.

Thanks! Did that work for you from the beginning or was the learning curve bloody?

I still have many Derby blades and the safety razor from my non-beared times. Might give it another shot.

I switched to safety razors because the place where I used to get my straight razor sharpened stopped accepting orders from regular people.

If someone knows someone in Sweden who will do a good job of making my straight razor... well, razor sharp, I'm all ears.

This is the stone I am currently using, 8k(3 micron) diamond. Made by sprinkling diamond dust on a steel block while electroplating the steel with nickel. The nickel holds the diamonds on pretty firmly so it lasts a long time if you do not abuse it. Cost about $80 https://www.sharpeningsupplies.com/8-Extra-Extra-Fine-Diamon...

In the past I have used fiber optic polishing film, it works and cost around $1 a sheet. It must be stuck to a very flat surface like a glass table or your bathroom mirror. You want something in the range of 1-10 micron.

https://www.ebay.com/itm/114106443536

I have a Hart steel straight razor and was never able to restore the edge myself using a 4k then 8k wet stone. I always had to send it off to someone in the UK, which made the whole thing untenable; maybe I should try this polishing film?

Very thin (~1mm) diamond stones are now available from China. Dirt cheap.

https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/123879373096

I think the trick with straight razors is to finish the blade with a denim strop with abrasive compound. I only have two stones, a 2k and a 5k. From there, I strop with a strip of denim that I put a little bit of automotive "swirl remover" (it's like car wax with a bit of abrasive in it, but the point is almost any kind of "polish" compound will work.)

This blog describes why denim works so well: https://scienceofsharp.com/2016/04/14/simple-straight-razor-...

That description makes it sound like it's very easy to make small mistakes that completely ruin the edge. I've just started sharpening my kitchen knives (since a couple of years back) and I'm not confident enough in my honing abilities to risk a razor. Maybe in ten years' time or so!

I sharpen my straight razor at home. Get a 3K, 5K, 8K and maybe a 12K naniwa superstone. Unless you massively damage your razor somehow, You would be good for life.

How many toes, you got?

I got plenty of toes, but only one d*. Toes are expendable.

I dropped a kitchen knife on my foot from a dish drying rack yesterday. Granted, it was not my toes, and luckily, it was just a surface wound, but I would probably be wearing shoes while shaving.

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