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
I started using a DE razor in 2014 because of how much less expensive and environmentally impactful they are. I’ve tried a few different razors and dozens of blades, but to be honest I still get a closer and more comfortable shave when I use cheap disposable razors while traveling.
You’ve piqued my interest again, I’ve been curious to try a 2 bladed DE razor for years, so I just purchased a Saiver razor. These seem to surge in popularity under different buzz words every few years, but apparently the design and manufacturer hasn’t changed since they were produced in the USSR. Some people report loving the two-blade shave, others only use it with one blade for an extra mild shave, some people say it’s a cheap piece of crap, and others say it’s the best cheap razor they’ve ever seen. With reviews like that there’s only one way to find out if I’ll like it!
If that doesn’t work any better for me I might try a slant-bar razor.
Interesting design that Saiver razor. I tend to stay away from double or more blades as I got terrible ingrown hairs, where a hair is cut lower on the second blade, and drops below skin level with a sharp edge to it. For super close I use Feather blades my Edwin Jagger DE89 razor which is slightly more aggressive than the Merkur 34C razor. But otherwise I generally use Astra blades in the Merkur 34C which just gives no problems as it is fairly mild and I can rush if needed without any nicks. I do have two adjustable razors but tend to just stick with a normal non-adjustable. So many options ;-)
I’ve never actually tried a slant-bar razor.
I’ve tried all sorts of blades including feather, but my stubble is extremely coarse, so even when using Feather blades I experience pulling. Couple that with super sensitive skin, and any mild blemishes become inflamed and very easy to nick. There are a few spots where my beard is patchy, so growing it out doesn’t look very good and isn’t a great option either lol.
If it weren’t for the fact that I get a decent less irritating shave with two-blade disposable razors I’d try the slant-bar first, but they’re quite a bit more expensive than the Saiver razor as well.
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.
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.
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!
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.
