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Comment by keiferski | Hacker News Reader

Instead of disposable plastic razors (Schick, Gilette, etc.) I recommend getting a safety razor and a big pack of blades (I use Merkur). You will save yourself thousands of dollars over the course of a lifetime - and avoid generating a ton of waste. Maintenance is pretty much just cleaning the razor with vinegar every few weeks.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Safety_razor

If you have the time/desire for it, a straight razor is also an option. It takes much more expertise and time, though, so I would start with the safety razor first.

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Am I the only one who uses their disposable 3 or 5 blade razor cartridges for months at a time? I shave probably once a week and they last almost 5 months for me. I only need to buy a warehouse replacement pack every decade,

If you’re only shaving once a week, then yeah I imagine they would last awhile. The default usage is probably daily for most men.

I moved to Europe 5 years ago and I just changed my last cartridge from the first package I bought

I've been using the same rechargeable Wahl clippers for about a decade and only shave with a razor on rare occasions because the clippers get close enough for most situations.

It's also possible to repair them to some extent. I've taken the body apart to clean it out, and it seems like it'd be easy enough to replace the battery.

Same, but I have the full-sized plug-in clippers. They're probably about 20 years old. I've been wearing a buzz cut for a long time, and also use them to "shave".

I will use a real razor if I'm going to a formal event or something, but for daily use the clippers work fine.

I've replaced the blades once. Normally I'm pretty good at sharpening stuff, but I wasn't satisfied with my attempt on the clipper blades (too many tiny blades, and if they aren't super sharp they pull the hair instead of cutting it... not fun).

I find that you generally get a better shave with a safety razor as well. The multi-blade razors which are commonly sold today get clogged up with beard hair and scratch my face.

I purchased my razor about 15yr ago now, and am still working through the first $25 worth of razor blades.

Similarly, I use Parker's shavette[1] (I believe that's proper word in English). It's like straight razor but with interchangeable blades (same blades as for safety razor). Also, shaving cream and brush instead of canned foam (better and cheaper). After initial cost of about 50€, yearly cost is about 10€ for blades, cream and aftershave. Shavette could last virtually for a life and brush probably ~15 years (trying to extrapolate from mine which is about 8 years old).

[1] https://www.parkershaving.com/p/sr1-barber-razor/sr1-barber-...

It makes you realize how rubbish the big brand razors are. I used to use a Gillette "how many blades can we stuff into this plastic" piece of shite that cost a fortune. My face appreciates the safety razor with a single blade.

I bought a bulk pack of 3000 blades for about $30 from eBay. I got those when my kid was 6 and now he's old enough to be using them. It's a staggering saving.

I have had to replace my handle once though, they don't seem to be made that well, the outer shiny layer bubbled and peeled.

I agree. I also remember seeing a photo from a microscope showing that a safety razor cuts the hair evenly whilst disposable multi-blade razors tend to shred the hair. That increases the likelihood of ingrown hair and it also makes the tip sharper on the touch, for example when kissing another person and rubbing them against another person’s skin. My experience confirms that is true.

After switching to a shavette after using a safety razor for a few years, I'd highly recommend a straightrazor. I actually get a better shave, in about the same time. When I nick myself, it doesn't bleed anywhere near as long, either. Blades last twice as long too, because I only use half each time.

My Merkur safety razor broke after 10 solid years of use - I guess I over-torqued the handle/head screw and pulled the screw out of the head.

I have been meaning to drill out the head and use a bolt in the spirit of this thread, but will probably just buy a new one.

This is a big one. Disposable razors are an epic waste of money. I spent £30 on a good quality safety razor which will last forever, and spend another £4/year on blades.

Or grow a beard and/or other body hair.

Yes, that is the solution to this silly conundrum. Men tend to come equipped with beards once puberty hits, women happen to have fine hairs growing on their legs, both sexes have hair growing in their genital area and under their armpits. Woe to the one who ever came up with the idea of putting a stigma on natural hair growth.

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