While I dabbled with electric razors (and still keep one) and cartridge razors when they were introduced all those years ago (the twin blade version), I've shaved with a safety razor, brush, and shaving soap since I was a a teen about 1965-66.
Without getting into the weeds too deeply, I've got razors from early Gillettes (1920's) to Gillettes from the 1940's through the mid 1960's. Maybe 15 or so (maybe a couple, three more
). I do have a few modern safety razors as well (better made but not any better as shavers). I have, literally, close to 3000 razor blades as they're cheap when you buy them buy the hundred and like to try different ones. However, regardless of cost, I find they all work about the same for me from Feathers to Derbys.
I've also got a wide selection of shaving brushes, silvertip badger, boar, and even three synthetics. Maybe 12-13. I use the same 4-5 most often (boar and synthetic as the badgers have fallen out of favor even though they are the priciest brushes). While I have a couple razors from my youth, none of these brushes are anywhere near that old.
The shaving soaps and creams are mostly British with some Italian and even German thrown in. I am, particularly, a fan of Truefitt & Hill as well as Geo. F. Trumper. After shave (balms, not colognes) are from the same countries with Truefitt & Hill being my favorites. I shave almost daily as stubble drives me nuts. Always after a shower. I also have a small collection of vintage Old Spice products (mugs, soap, aftershave) and on rare occasions use them as it makes me feel like a teenager again.
Anyway, this form of traditional wet shaving appeals to me. Nothing is on the counter (we have enough cabinet space in the bathroom that my stuff is all behind closed doors as are my wife's lady things). I have never once tried a straight razor and have zero interest in doing so though it's even more traditional than a safety razor but a man's got to know his limitations!
I find the routine more like a spa treatment than a chore, more so these past few decades since I retired early on and not rushing off to work like once upon a time. Anyone else into it vs. carts or electric?
Without getting into the weeds too deeply, I've got razors from early Gillettes (1920's) to Gillettes from the 1940's through the mid 1960's. Maybe 15 or so (maybe a couple, three more
). I do have a few modern safety razors as well (better made but not any better as shavers). I have, literally, close to 3000 razor blades as they're cheap when you buy them buy the hundred and like to try different ones. However, regardless of cost, I find they all work about the same for me from Feathers to Derbys.I've also got a wide selection of shaving brushes, silvertip badger, boar, and even three synthetics. Maybe 12-13. I use the same 4-5 most often (boar and synthetic as the badgers have fallen out of favor even though they are the priciest brushes). While I have a couple razors from my youth, none of these brushes are anywhere near that old.
The shaving soaps and creams are mostly British with some Italian and even German thrown in. I am, particularly, a fan of Truefitt & Hill as well as Geo. F. Trumper. After shave (balms, not colognes) are from the same countries with Truefitt & Hill being my favorites. I shave almost daily as stubble drives me nuts. Always after a shower. I also have a small collection of vintage Old Spice products (mugs, soap, aftershave) and on rare occasions use them as it makes me feel like a teenager again.
Anyway, this form of traditional wet shaving appeals to me. Nothing is on the counter (we have enough cabinet space in the bathroom that my stuff is all behind closed doors as are my wife's lady things). I have never once tried a straight razor and have zero interest in doing so though it's even more traditional than a safety razor but a man's got to know his limitations!
I find the routine more like a spa treatment than a chore, more so these past few decades since I retired early on and not rushing off to work like once upon a time. Anyone else into it vs. carts or electric?
