Like lifeforms, human culture continually evolves, and for much the same reasons: reproduction with variation, occasional mutation, and a built-in selection process that results in some entities prospering while others struggle or die off. Cultural evolution is so fast that we can trace the evolution of language, music, fashion, technology, and so on. In this piece, Leisureguy takes a look at how traditional shaving has evolved over the past decade and a half.

See https://sharpologist.com/15-years-wet-shaving/

#traditionalshaving #wetshaving #TraditionalWetShaving

  • GadgeteerZAOP
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    23 years ago

    OK interesting as my beard is also fairly course with a sensitive skin. Not overly course though. Some tug usually indicates not sharp enough blade (can’t be the case with Feather blades) or possibly that razor aggressiveness is too mild. It may be worth throwing the issue up on the https://sharprazorpalace.com/ forums and see what advice is given.

    • GadgeteerZAOP
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      23 years ago

      I should add though that for me for sensitive skin, super close with a sharp blade is an issue. I can use the Feather blade in a Merkur 34C (mild) but for a closer more aggressive shave I need to use an Astra or Derby blade with my Edwin Jagger DE89 razor. So it did need some experimenting in the best combination. Sharpest is not always automatically best with safety razors.

      • @Jeffrey
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        23 years ago

        Update: The Saiver came in and I just tried it out for the first time.

        First shave - I loaded it with two Astra stainless blades, shaving with this thing felt amazing: super gentle, no nicks, a very close shave with zero irritation. When using my other razor I need to use a post-shave balm to relieve irritation, but not today!

        The build quality leaves a lot to be desired - it feels cheap, it looks cheap, it is cheap… but so far it works great. Function over form!

        I’ve been using a Parker 22R for years, but if I can get a few more good shaves out of the Saiver I’m going to switch to the Saiver as my main razor. I’ve never been particularly happy with the Parker 22R, so maybe I’ve just been using razors that aren’t a good fit for me, but either way the Saiver was a huge improvement.

        Honestly, I’m amazed how good this razor is for how cheaply it’s made. Apparently the factory sells them for ~1usd/ea, but the only way to get them outside of Russia is through a reseller. Still, I was able to get three of them for less than $20!

        • GadgeteerZAOP
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          13 years ago

          Good to hear, and sometimes a change is also great for shaving. Yes the match of blade and razor is about getting that sweet spot and sounds like the Astra’s work well with it.