Thread: That touch up blade on the back of disposables...

I'm new here. I've been frustrated with the multi-blade disposables for years, they tug and pull no matter how new the razor. I started using the single "precision trimmer" blade on the back of some disposables like the Fusion ProGlide to shave with because even the "thinner" blades still tug and pull. I guess I decided its time to stop shaving with that tiny trimmer and get a straight razor because that's basically what I'm doing now anyway with the trimmer, atleast in theory. Plus those new snap-on heads are like $4 each!
Anyone else ever used the trimmer to shave or am I the only one?
I've been reading about the big learning curve associated with straight razors. Years ago I went camping and forgot my shave kit, out in the mountains all I had was a sharp pocket knife and some water. I shaved with that and it sucked but I got the job done. Can straight razor shaving be any worse than that?

Yes, shaving with a straight can be "worse" depending on what you mean. If you're talking skill level than it's going to be more difficult. A straight will be much sharper and have a much narrower edge than your survival knife. It's not intended to merely get the job done. It's meant to do it well, meaning it doesn't suck to use.

If by worse you mean less comfortable than again, yes it can be. If you rush into it without trying to learn about it you could seriously hurt yourself. Remember: People used to learn how to shave.

Take your time, read the Wiki, ask questions, lurk the forum picking up what you can. If you want to speed things up you can just ask. Personally, I'd recommend you go with a double edge first. It's not necessary but it will save you some questions. The DE will teach you how to build lather and how much pressure you need to use on your face (none). After learning that the only questions left would be specific to the tool rather than the entire process.

Thanks for the advice. I was already thinking the little trimmer was basically a safety razor itself. In simple terms its a single razor that sticks out at 90d to the handle, much like a DE or safety razor. I usually hold it at about a 30d angle when shaving and use very little pressure, I guess I was hoping that these months of using that trimmer would help me adjust to the straight more smoothly.

It may have helped some. I'm not exactly sure what you're talking about to be honest. I've googled the Fusion Proglide twice now for pictures and I'm still a bit confused as to what you're doing.

If you want to try a DE most guys will recommed the Merkur classic. This razor has a very small blade gap making it much less aggressive than some others. For what it's worth you can also get a Weishi with the same blade gap for a fraction of the cost. If you're genuinely interested in going to a straight you'd save alot of money with the Weishi. The Merkur would be a better investment if you decided you'd like to hold on to your DE rather than a tool for a job. Just don't judge by using these razors. I've since gone on to a Gillette Slim adjustable made in 1963 which is the best shaver of all my DE's and completely pantsed the Merkur. I never even thought there was a difference but there is.

http://www.shoeboxshaveshop.com/razors.html
http://wiki.badgerandblade.com/Doubl...d_by_Blade_Gap

If you look at the top of the cartridge on the opposite side as the main blades you see the single blade "precision trimmer". I've been using that little thing to shave my entire face for months because it cuts better than the main blades. I know that is psychotic, which is why I'm here reading about straight razors.

I hope I didn't offend you. I wasn't thinking it was psychotic or strange, I just don't know what those blades look like in person. Having a hard time picturing it.

No you didn't offend me, I have come to my own conclusion that using the trimmer on a disposable is psychotic. I'll have a straight razor in a few days so I'll find out first hand if it is much different or not.
http://www.gillette.com/Content/en-U...ide-blades.jpg

What brush and soap?

Starting to experiment with a boar bristle and vdh deluxe and vdh glycerin. I have a pure badger brush ordered hoping it won't be as abrasive to the skin as the boar. Actually I've been able to get some pretty decent lather so far in the last few days.

I don't mind the boar brush. It's not as prickley because of the thicker fibers. Just feels like a brush. My super badger is still breaking in but it's starting to get to a point where i don't notice bristles at all. It just wipes clouds of lather on. Pretty neato imo.