Razors via subscription

ultralaser · 20 May 2018 at 08:27

Just wondering how many folks have tried the shaving clubs? I really dislike paying full price for Gillette razors (Fusions are about £3 a cartridge when you buy in the supermarket), though I do like a decent shave as I don't like stubble. The big players are Harrys, Dollar Shave Club (DSC), Gillette and Bic. Personally I've been trying Harrys and whilst I really like their products and I'm paying about £1.75 per 5 blade cartridge, and even though I bet about a week and a half per cartridge it still feels a little steep. DSC works out around the same price for their lowest price 6 blade system (about £2 per cartridge). Bic again is £2 per cartridge and Gillette Fusion's work out at £2.05. I did try the Lidl / Aldi razors (and even though apparently the Lidl cartridges are made in the same factory as Harry's I didnt find them as good).

TL;DR Does anyone else use a subscription razor service, if so how do you find it?

Begbie · 20 May 2018 at 08:31

ultralaser said:
Just wondering how many folks have tried the shaving clubs? I really dislike paying full price for Gillette razors (Fusions are about £3 a cartridge when you buy in the supermarket), though I do like a decent shave as I don't like stubble. The big players are Harrys, Dollar Shave Club (DSC), Gillette and Bic. Personally I've been trying Harrys and whilst I really like their products and I'm paying about £1.75 per 5 blade cartridge, and even though I bet about a week and a half per cartridge it still feels a little steep. DSC works out around the same price for their lowest price 6 blade system (about £2 per cartridge). Bic again is £2 per cartridge and Gillette Fusion's work out at £2.05. I did try the Lidl / Aldi razors (and even though apparently the Lidl cartridges are made in the same factory as Harry's I didnt find them as good).

TL;DR Does anyone else use a subscription razor service, if so how do you find it?

Thought about trying DE shaving?

About £10-15 for 100 blades. Saves a fortune.

Kemik · 20 May 2018 at 09:38

Begbie said:
Thought about trying DE shaving?

About £10-15 for 100 blades. Saves a fortune.

To expand, Begbie means double edge razors. They are old school, ultra sharp blades. You buy a handle and then a pack of standard double edge blades. There are a range of suppliers and each blade lasts 2 to 4 shaves. It means replacing them more often but save you a fortune. People argue it also makes a closer shave but it is much easier to cut yourself.

Feek · 20 May 2018 at 09:42

I see a shaving club as something like the old Britannia Music Club. A total waste of money.

esoteric · 20 May 2018 at 09:52

When I shaved with a razor I changed my blade once a year, and that's only if I got another razor at Christmas. Razor blade business is a con.

Begbie · 20 May 2018 at 09:53

esoteric said:
When I shaved with a razor I changed my blade once a year, and that's only if I got another razor at Christmas. Razor blade business is a con.

You must've been ripping your face off. A week with a Gillette and mines is done.

Sankari · 20 May 2018 at 10:00

Begbie said:
Thought about trying DE shaving?

About £10-15 for 100 blades. Saves a fortune.

^^ This.

DE provides a far superior shave at a fraction of the cost. Disposables are a complete waste of time and money.

Rroff · 20 May 2018 at 10:17

Evangelion said:
^^ This.

DE provides a far superior shave at a fraction of the cost. Disposables are a complete waste of time and money.

I can only speak for myself as everyone will get on a bit differently with any blade but Wilkinsons Sword Hydro 5 gives me superior results (as good a cut with less irritation) to the amount of time I'd be prepared to spend shaving with a DE on a regular basis. While I can get better results with a DE or shavette it requires far more time and concentration. (I'm fairly experienced with shaving so not like I'm struggling with a DE).

Unfortunately the Hydro 5 are crazy expensive.

ScoTTyBEEE · 20 May 2018 at 10:20

I bought 100 feather blades around 6 years ago for £20. I'm still using them.

Begbie · 20 May 2018 at 10:24

Rroff said:
I can only speak for myself as everyone will get on a bit differently with any blade but Wilkinsons Sword Hydro 5 gives me superior results (as good a cut with less irritation) to the amount of time I'd be prepared to spend shaving with a DE on a regular basis. While I can get better results with a DE or shavette it requires far more time and concentration. (I'm fairly experienced with shaving so not like I'm struggling with a DE).

Unfortunately the Hydro 5 are crazy expensive.

After buying a disposable because my DE broke, I agree. Whilst I can shave quickly with a DE, shaving with a disposable is much quicker with less issues. But I still prefer the DE, I can shave the night before and still look like I have less stubble than with a disposable in the morning.

Rroff · 20 May 2018 at 10:32

Begbie said:
After buying a disposable because my DE broke, I agree. Whilst I can shave quickly with a DE, shaving with a disposable is much quicker with less issues. But I still prefer the DE, I can shave the night before and still look like I have less stubble than with a disposable in the morning.

I find most disposable/cartridge razors rubbish - I've never found a Gillette that works for me even their most expensive just tears up my face - but some like the Hydro 5 do a great job.

I'm fortunate though in that it takes me around 3 days to get the same level of stubble as most seem to get by the end of a single day.

Diddums · 20 May 2018 at 10:39

I used to use Gillette, can't remember which one exactly but it was one of the fancy expensive ones with all the extra bells & whistles. I then tried a Wilkinson which again is one of the pricier jobbies and they last 10x as long. I shave once or teitw a week and my facial hair is made of titanium or something. It's ridiculous. A blade lasts me about 4 months.

Nugsy88 · 20 May 2018 at 13:56

Like someone else posted I use the same razor blades for around 4-6 months. Was in the forces for years and got inspected on a daily basis for a clean shave so had to shave everyday. I just use the Gillette mach 3 blades and make sure I give them a good clean and leave them in a dry place. Never understood why so many people say they last a week or 2. I can grow a full beard quite quick to so it's not that I don't have anything to shave.

Explosivo · 20 May 2018 at 15:03

DE blades and a badger brush and some sandalwood shaving soap and that's you set for ages.

pooley · 20 May 2018 at 15:10

Explosivo said:
DE blades and a badger brush and some sandalwood shaving soap and that's you set for ages.

never looked back

Schizo · 20 May 2018 at 15:13

I use a kitchen knife and sharpen it once a month,saves me ££££ and makes me feel like a real man.

terley · 20 May 2018 at 15:15

No, men should have beards.

TheBrooder · 20 May 2018 at 15:16

I may have to try this DE shaving. How does it deal with thick stubble as I only shave once a week?

MrRockliffe · 20 May 2018 at 15:44

Rroff said:
I can only speak for myself as everyone will get on a bit differently with any blade but Wilkinsons Sword Hydro 5 gives me superior results (as good a cut with less irritation) to the amount of time I'd be prepared to spend shaving with a DE on a regular basis. While I can get better results with a DE or shavette it requires far more time and concentration. (I'm fairly experienced with shaving so not like I'm struggling with a DE).

Unfortunately the Hydro 5 are crazy expensive.

I only use hydro 5, after trying every other razor on the market.

They never irritate my skin and last a fair amount of time. Shave straight out of the shower every morning.

I get 2-3 weeks out of a razor head.

Use Amazon to get refills - works out at about £2 per head

Feek · 20 May 2018 at 15:50

TheBrooder said:
I may have to try this DE shaving. How does it deal with thick stubble as I only shave once a week?

Have a shufti here. It's our manly shaving thread. But to answer your question quickly - Absolutely fine.