I used the Mach 3 for a long time, and got fed up with the cost of cartridges and the so-so shave quality. I guess unlike most posters, I went in the other direction - more blades. I bought a new five-blade 'store brand' cartridge shaver from our somewhat upscale drug stores, Shoppers Drug Mart. Pretty good results, and the replacement cartridges are affordable. The downside is that they are only found at Shoppers locations - can't dash to the local corner store and pick up a Mach 3 pack anymore. I get a close, smooth shave relatively quickly, and don't have any problems with pulling or irritation. I do get a little redness on my neck, but I think that's moreso just the beard's edge and maybe the result of friction from shirt collars or whatever.

I shave in the shower too, which I think makes a world of difference. I go through the usual evolutions first - shampoo, wash up, etc. - then shave at the end when my skin is nicely hydrated with the pores wide open. Lather up with a decent Schick shave gel and shave, and I'm done in under a minute. Obviously the downside is that I can't see myself, but I've gotten good enough at it so that I don't miss spots anymore.

But then again, I've never used one of those safety razors before, so I can't really compare.

That's how I cut the hair on my head. Lean over the trash can and just buzz it all away every 10 days or so.

I currently use Derby blades, but I'll switch to Japanese Feather blades the next time I need some new ones, they're supposed to be the sharpest you can get.

I've used the old fashioned, double-edged, HAR HAR HAR! "safety" razor, since I started shaving in the third grade.

Once you've shaved with it enough to have completely carved away your Adam's Apple you should have the hang of it. That is if you haven't inadvertently cut your carotid artery or jugular vein by then.

Don't bother saving the pieces of face you slice off. They can't sew them back on.

Cheers!

Rick...

I don't think we should be letting Sauron near any razors! lol

Interesting post Semmern. Went on a vacation with my wife to visit some of the islands of Indonesia and see Bali about a year and a half ago, and got waylaid in Tokyo, with a free night at the local Hilton provided by our airline (bc of the flight delays). That Japanese Hilton had some tiny single blade (non-cartridge) razor from a company I had never heard of, called Nakamura and a tiny bottle of menthol shaving foam. Well since our luggage was still in transit, I was left without my shower kit and so I tried the Japanese stuff.

And wow, it was like going from my usual Gillette Fusion 28 blade over marketed super thingy at a 5 out of ten, to a 9.9 out of ten. I loved it so much, I went downstairs and checked the gift shop for more (of which their were none), and then managed to find a desk clerk who arranged for me to get 27 more razors and 43 cans of the menthol stuff. And that lasted for more than a year, but is now sadly gone. I have never used a safety blade but when I look at the reviews at the Amazon link closely, they ring of truth. Gonna look into this. Appreciate your post and your time. (and yes, I am one fairly hairy caucasian dude who hates beard growth or stubble)

(btw, right now, I am using the Gillette ProGlide cartridges (way, way, overpriced) and Gillette menthol shaving cream. It is about a 6 out of ten for me, but very expensive, and as others noted, some facial irritation. The ProGlides are very sharp but only for about one shave, and after that, they dull quickly)

I've got some Derby's and they are indeed sharp. Too sharp. LOL
The Merkur isn't as sharp, but a lot smoother to use somehow.

Some good sites to check out for those that haven't looked into this before:
http://www.classicshaving.com/Home.html

Good reviews:
http://theshaveden.com/forums/#reviews.61

It's nice to spend 15-60¢ a blade. You can experiment cheap to find what suits you, and also afford to swap out the blade often enough instead of feeling like you've got to stretch them out due to cost. I get the 50 pack of Merkurs right off of Amazon for $25-30.

All right then. If you guys just have to have the full-testosterone shave, here's what you need to do.

First, shell out the big bucks that it takes to purchase a really good straight razor. Good ones are not cheap. And get a strop and maintenance kit with it and learn to use all of it.

Next, get yourself a huge supply of high quality white terrycloth towels. You'll be heating them to near boiling and applying them to your face before putting on the shaving cream.

Lastly, you'll need a good shaving mug and brush, and some powder for mixing a nice hot mug of camphor and menthol shaving cream. You need something that will really clear the sinuses.

Half measures will not do. Safety razors, while treacherous and potentially life threatening, are not the zenith of manly shaving. You need a straight razor.

Cheers!

Rick...

Same here. I look like a baby when I shave.

I shave with my lightsaber, but I wouldn't recommend that unless you have an extremely high midi-chlorian count, and have a few years of training in the Jedi temple.