r/Anticonsumption • u/Jhonny99 • 1d ago
Lifestyle Goodbye Gillette.
I dont want to spend 18€ on 8 cartdriges impossible to recycle. Not anymore.
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u/InebriousBarman 1d ago
I've been using the same safety razor for 25 years.
It was manufactured 100 years ago.
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u/suspicious_hyperlink 1d ago
Haha same, but started using it 7 years ago. I spent $10 on blades back then and still have at least 80% of them
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u/DoingWellAndFine 1d ago
Buy alcohol to clean your blades off (displace water) keeping the blade dry after use extends the life and edge of the blade tenfold, and it also disinfects and cleans the blade after use.
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u/GargamelBalls 1d ago
Safety razors are fantastic, just don’t shave your head with them! (Found this out the hard way)
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u/Buck_Folton 1d ago
I’ve shaved my head with a safety razor three times a week since 2006. You’re gonna get some cuts in the beginning, sure, but now it takes me five minutes, and if you dial in the right razor and blades for your head, you just don’t cut yourself anymore.
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u/perthuz 1d ago
Yeah I’m curious about this. As a head shaver myself I’ve always been a little shy to try one of these.
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u/FarmerHandsome 1d ago
I do it, but you need to take your time, unlike with a disposable. Also, double check that the blade is fully and properly seated before starting. I also have one with an adjustable blade height and keep it super low (safer, but not as close of a shave) when I shave the dome.
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u/Ok_Theory_1323 1d ago
Yeah, I don't shave my head with them, but I know that strokes have to be controlled in a downward-only direction, as a diagonal pull can cut you. Seems like it would be hard to get consistent straight pulls each time on a round head.
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u/Jaws_the_revenge 1d ago
Well that doesn’t sound very safe at all!
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u/hobskhan 1d ago
Well, remember, the idea was that these are safe compared to Sweeney Todding yourself.
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u/unventer 1d ago
There are types of razors available that emulate a cartridge razor but don’t use the plastic cartridges, if it interests you.
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u/SteevDangerous 1d ago
Also keep them away from your balls.
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u/Hairy_Wall_6831 1d ago
I can shave my whole body with one of these.
I'm more likely to nick my Adam's apple than my balls or my asshole.
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u/Jhonny99 1d ago
Is it possible to learn that power? I shaved my legs and i havent had any problems, but my nether zone... Gives me respect.
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u/grey_pilgrim_ 1d ago
I was gonna say the same thing. Never had an issue shaving anywhere with mine, except my Adams Apple.
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u/Fiireecho 1d ago
I'm terrified and deeply in awe. You got some mirrors set up or are you just that flexible?
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u/mozalah 1d ago
Not sure if this is sarcasm, but honestly these are great in the nether regions. Balls included.
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u/papayabush 1d ago
how do you shave the balls?? i just don’t understand how that works without injury lmao
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u/Smells_like_Autumn 1d ago edited 1d ago
Bought one three years ago, absolutely amazing. Fuck the three blades, such a stupid useless gimmick.
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u/Jhonny99 1d ago
Or even the ones that have 5 blades.... Too much though
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u/Bigmoosedog 1d ago
I shaved with a safety razor for a couple years, and then went back to the Mach 3. Personally I find the Mach 3 much easier on my skin, and faster. My opinion obviously.
I did stick with the soap and brush for lather though.
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u/burmerd 1d ago
Hell yeah. I don’t even remember the last time I bought razor blades. 10 pack of feathers years and years ago lol.
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u/madalienmonk 1d ago
How did 10 blades last you years!?
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u/TimeDepartment2117 1d ago
He means 10 pack of 10 blades
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u/madalienmonk 1d ago
I was hoping there were magic blades that last forever, oh well
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u/Deathclaw_Hunter6969 1d ago
They do if you sharpen them. I don’t do this but there are little machines that do it from way back when
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u/hobskhan 1d ago
Counterpoint: also from way back when, people used to just throw their old razor blades into their walls.
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u/OccamsNametag 1d ago
I've wanted one of those vintage ones for ages! I have a beard so I only shave once a week and a small portion of my face at that. But to be able get one of those and have an even smaller cycle of buying blades, please and thank you
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u/TheGreatNico 1d ago
I've got a full beard and have had one for my entire adult life, so take this with a grain of salt, but I bought a 100pk of Astra Feather blades back in 2012 and still have a third of them left. If you don't have sensitive skin, they damn near do last forever.
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u/Jhonny99 1d ago
I think is because they are not advertised anywhere, and maybe people think that because they are older they are worse.
Edit: typo
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u/chrono13 1d ago
I went all in with the bowl and the cream and the real badger fur brush, eventually I ditched all of it but kept a safety razor.
You can do the other things but the razor is the only thing you really need.
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u/CaptZ 1d ago
Best razor ever. Been using them for over 40 years. Blades are cheap and the give a better shave than any disposable ever made.
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u/redditwasamistake900 1d ago
whats it like using one of these? ive only ever used the 5 bladed gilette razors and ive been interested in switching to something else for a while
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u/potat0f4rmer 1d ago
I've used one for 20 years. Excellent shave, blades are dirt cheap, I don't give a dime to Gilllette, there's really no downside
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u/NemoHere 1d ago
The downside to butterfly razors is that you have to pay attention to your shaving in terms of angles, pressure and strokes. Those disposable expensive razors, like Gillette, are like kiddie bikes with training wheels.
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u/revenge_burner 1d ago
I switched to safety razors 15 years ago because they cut so much better. I paid $25 for a 1000 pack of blades, and I just used the last one yesterday. The costs aren't even close to comparable.
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u/Appchoy 1d ago
I have exclusively used a safety razor for about 7 or 8 years. It takes some getting used to and there is a learning curve but once I got it down, it has worked way better for me than even the best disposable razors ever did. Its also soooo much cheaper and theres less waste. I buy 5 blades for $5-10 and each blade lasts for about a month. When I feel a blade start to dull is when I switch it. All I throw out is the little piece of metal.
I used to get razor bumps and ingrown hairs all the time with disposables but now I dont. One of my problems with disposable razors is the heads always clog up in one or two swipes but that isnt an issue for the safety. I also used to shave my legs and private all the time, did it all with the safety razor and initially like I said it was rough but I got it down and it became easy and no bumps or rash or anything after I got good with it.
Also, I have tried aerosol shaving cream and gel tube shaving cream but my favorite for a long time now has been a bar of shave soap that I lather with a luffa. I cant remember the brand name rn and I threw out the packaging. Each bar of soap lasts for a couple months and they come in a pack of three, so I only buy shave soap like twice a year and Im not throwing away nearly as much.
I think safety razors are much less consumption and it works better for me too.
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u/y2k2009 1d ago
You might knick yourself a couple of times as you get used to the angle. But once you got a great shaving cream and maybe an oil with it, it's basically the closest and smoothest most perfect shave you could ever have.
Not only that but a box of platinum razer blades are like 10 dollars for 100s. You can use a fresh razerblade for every single shave and it all comes apart and cleans beautifully.
I never went back and have been using a double edge like this for 10 years.
Also the closeness of shave has a bit of an exfoliation effect.
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u/firelinkcausality 1d ago
Do it! There is a learning curve, but it's by no means insurmountable. You'll always have to pay a bit more attention and go a little slower when shaving with a DE compared with modern multi-blade systems, but that's not a bad thing. I've come to enjoy the slower paced shave that proper use of a DE or straight razor provides.
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u/MourningDove03 1d ago
Better shaves, less razor burn, spend less money, and feel way cooler. You'll get the hang of it in like a dozen shaves
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u/Vivid_Trainer7370 1d ago
The multi blade disposable ones are superior in every way except cost. The day I went back to them from one similar to the OP was night and day. They are way faster and can get around your chin/curved areas way better than the double edged ones. IMO anyone commenting otherwise is just trying to convince their self’s. I can get a pack of “store brand” disposable heads for 10% the cost of gilette and you can’t tell the difference.
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u/Ok-Agent-9718 1d ago
I could probably argue that. Now to be fair, I have a beard. A safety razor is a smoother shave and works better for shaping. I have to take a disposable for my work travels and they do ok especially on the neck. But having gone back and forth between the two, safety razor wins.
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u/IonizedKelpt 1d ago
There's a 3 blade one called leaf I think that I have with a hinged head and it's what I use with the blades and I enjoy it. I think we paid 25 for the razor
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u/GootzMcLaren 1d ago
I mean - I haven't gotten any razor bumps or ingrown hairs using safety razors. Multi-blade systems rely on the 'hysteresis' effect where the first blade pulls the hair up so the next ones can cut it below the skin line, which is exactly what causes razor bumps and ingrown hairs. It’s an unnecessary design loop created to make you pay as much as possible. There's also less anxiety about when to replace since they are so much cheaper.
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u/dick-knuckle 1d ago
Same. I needed one for travel and I found the combo of a fusion 5 and my favorite soap and splash is superior in every way. Expensive though.
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u/madonnamanpower 1d ago
It's really nice. Dosent pull at all. Max 3 shaves. And you do have to lean to not go over board and scrape yourself up till you bleed. Easier to not do if it's sharp and you do little. Half inch passes. Especially if you don't shave often. 1, 2 spin 1, 2 rinse repeat.
But ita so butter smooth of a process. The only thing that is less pleasant is that the safety razor dose kinda get caked in soap/shave cream. Which isn't that big of a deal.
Get some fancy shave cream to really lather up with a brush. Makes it sooooo enjoyable. Especially if you do a pre shave oil. Sometimes I just do the oil if I'm just shaving my cheeks. Above my beard line I'm defining.
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u/Wise_Finance_5315 1d ago
I use the 16 blade one. After the first layer of skin is removed it’s smooth as a babies ass.
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u/VinceInMT 1d ago
I quit shaving the day after I got out of the army. My beard is over 50 years old.
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u/WinterWick 1d ago
Is it incredibly long? Or do you trim it?
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u/Totally_Random0000 1d ago
I’m sure he hit his term long ago.
With beards they only grow to a certain length then they just stop growing. It’s called a term, and every guy’s beard term is different.9
u/Ok-Title-270 1d ago
How does the hair know you aren’t cutting it?
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u/mtnbiker908 1d ago
I always assumed that because every hair follicle has a limited lifespan (2-7 years says the Internet) then it dies and falls out and is replaced, each strand of hair is effectively limited to the length it can grow in the lifespan of the follicle. So that effectively limits the length of your beard and the hair on your head. But I’m admittedly neither a biologist nor a cosmetologist.
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u/Totally_Random0000 1d ago
I don’t know man. I’m not an expert on this stuff. Why don’t you ask the hair ?
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u/WinterWick 1d ago
Thanks, makes sense. I was wondering about that too.
I have long hair, and I'll get it trimmed every few years, but it grows slow and I don't think it would ever get down to my ass like you see on some people
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u/PM_ME_FLOUR_TITTIES 1d ago
I did the same thing. Last had a razor on my face on Mar. 8 '20 and ETS'd Mar. 9 '20. I've kept up with trims definitely, I keep a tidy beard. But absolutely not a clean shave. Fuck that shit.
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u/StayBronzeFonz 1d ago
Same, but for 13 years. Only shaved it off once for a Halloween costume. Not doing that again.
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u/leroyksl 1d ago
Congrats. I've been using one of these for 20 years now.
Funny thing -- I found a blade I really liked, so I bought a few hundred of them online, many years ago. Since they stay sharp for a few shaves, I still haven't run out.
The only time I'll use a disposable is if I need to fly somewhere with a carry-on bag, and it's always shocking to be in that aisle and see how much they're charging for the cartridges now. Incomprehensible to me.
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u/Futt_Buckman 1d ago
You fool! You'll spend more in fancy shaving soaps and aftershave than you ever would have on cartridges!
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u/gregory92024 1d ago
Haha, nope. I spent $16 on fancy lotion that lasted over a year. Blades, maybe $20/year. Much closer shave.
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u/balls2hairy 1d ago
I tried ALL of the shave soaps. Fancy beaver hair bristle brushes. Purpose made bowls with ridges to induce air into the lather. All of it.
It's a gimmick. Barbasol out of the can is 20x better, it's not even close lmao.
I do still use a brush to get it under my hairs but I don't think that really even helps all that much.
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u/madonnamanpower 1d ago
You have to go all out. Like pre shave oil. Shave cream post shave lotion/astringent and beard oil and wax in order to get close to a couple of cartrages packs and still it last an order of magnitude longer at the least.
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u/CatsInTrenchCoat 1d ago
Do not drop it in the shower. It will become a dangerous projectile for your feet.
Other than that they are great!
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u/Acceptable_Burrito 1d ago
Have done the same with cartridge razors, but yes, these up the possibility of possible injury.
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u/RoyLightroast 1d ago
I wish I found out about these when I started shaving in high school. A 100-pack of blades lasts a stupid long time. I tried using both an electric and cartridge razor on vacation and after getting used to these, the irritation was worse for sure.
Only complaint is I wish my sink got piping hot or icy cold enough to heat/cool down the metal more, but that's on my sink.
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u/grateful_ted 1d ago
Does anyone use a straight razor?
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u/TubeSockLover87 1d ago
There are probably 10's of us.
It does take actual skill and understanding of blade angle etc.
These safety razors are pretty siple comparatively.
I love the straight razor shave though.
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u/CoolFirefighter930 1d ago
You say is simple to sharpen but I can spend hours and my knife still will not cut hair.
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u/audaciousmonk 1d ago
I want a good shave, but I don’t want a 2nd job
straight razor is a 2nd job, safety razor is like 80% of the benefit for no work and cheaper than disposable cartridge
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u/Jhonny99 1d ago
Sorry but i dont want to die in a pool of my own blood.
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u/Failedcasserole 1d ago
You wouldn’t unless you intentionally and forcefully drag across your neck.
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u/Apprehensive_Bit_176 1d ago
I do, but not a hardcore barber style one, one that uses disposable blades. I only use it to trim and shape my beard so top of cheeks and neck.
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u/Jayn_Newell 1d ago
Got one years ago when I was looking at having to replace my razor for the second time because I was struggling to find compatible blades anymore. No regrets, better shave than I ever got with any multi-bladed razors, cheaper and I can use whatever brand of blades I want.
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u/usernametaken99991 1d ago
Keep a container for the spent blades in your medicine cabinet. We use empty hair pomade containers because they are plastic and have a screw on lid. The blades are cheap, but get dull/ rusty fast. Its not safe to just chuck them in the garbage,so we fill up the hair pomade containers and then duct tape them shut. In the old days they just shoved the spent blades behind the wall
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u/mdey86 1d ago
It’s crazy to think about the amount of money Gillette spent on advertising over the past few decades in an effort to convince everyone that 3-5 shit blades are superior to one good blade.
Gotta get a badger brush with it and some shave soap. One wooden bowl of it lasts eons. Refillable with a new puck. Smells better, better for your flesh, shaves better once you get the hang of it.
A big part of the technique is that the brush and soap are lifting your stubble up so the razor can cut it down clean and close.
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u/daveclarkvibe 1d ago
I bought a case of blades a dozen years ago for this type and still have a third of it left
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u/Hamilton-Beckett 1d ago
That’s insane. Those disposable razors, even the dumb expensive ones, can’t even give me a close shave, they clog up, stop working and I have to trash them. Flimsy ass cheap blades.
I switched her to my grandfather’s safety razor from the 1960’s that uses cheap, double sided stainless steel razor blades.
I shave 3 times a week and change the blade once a month. Such a close shave.
I’ve been using a safety razor for at least 20 years at this point. I don’t still use either of my grandfather’s gillettes because I upgraded to a chrome set with stand and a badger shaving brush for the caswell Massey cream I use now.
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u/Ol_Man_J 1d ago
I used the usual disposable and found the same thing, clogged like crazy and then right in the trash. My wife actually bought a safety razor because she got tired of the goopy womens razors with the moisturizer strips and all dried out while traveling and then same thing. Into the trash. I figured I’d try it, and what’s great is that I can shave every few days instead of daily and it never clogs. Easy to clean out if I need to.
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u/IndependentYam3227 1d ago
I also use the blades until they really start to chafe. I shave every morning in the shower, and I think I've had the same blade since February.
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u/Tommynwn 1d ago
That is a plus, i use it after showering, i noticed more wear if you just go straight to shave (probably skin and hair are more softer after shower?)
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u/MisterSneakSneak 1d ago
Same…. I buy the bulk at Costco when it’s on sale and all them blades last me for more than a year.
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u/davesauce96 1d ago
Wait but no it’s not as good of a shave because there aren’t 23 blades so you get the benefit of all those cuts in just one pass!!!
-razor advertisers probably (definitely)
Truly, well done. I always found my safety razor gave me a better shave and more enjoyable experience. Next step is a straight razor! (Although that brings its own challenges and whatnot. More ritual, more careful upkeep.)
As a beard wearer, I haven’t shaved in the better part of a decade, but I’d never go back to cartridge razors.
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u/bugsbedead 1d ago
I switched to a safety razor about 8 years ago after fricken Gillette raised the cost of cartridges to 30.00 US. If you're in a hurry and don't care about the cost, stick with the disposables, but, if you don't mind taking a little time with your grooming, and want to save a shit ton of money on supplies, go the safety razor route. Do a little research and pick the best product for you. If you have a heavy or tough beard, go with an more aggressive, or "open comb" head on your razor. If your used to the longer handles on modern razors, you can get a safety razor with an equivalent handle length. Using a safety razor is a throw back to when men took a little more time to make sure they had a clean, close save. Enjoy the ritual.
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u/TimberGrey 1d ago
I switched to these a few years ago and recently switched over to shave oil and I will never ever go back
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u/Accurate_Secret4102 1d ago
Ok I got something similar and I cut my legs every. Fucking. Day. Good luck, but the learning curve is rough. I'm finishing the box of razors and getting something else.
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u/Jhonny99 1d ago
Ive tried shaving my legs using only shower gel and everything went perfect. One good tip is to not make force, the weight of the safety razor is enough.
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u/TubularTopher 1d ago
I was confused by this for a second because I have a razor very similar to this one made in the 60s by Gillette.
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u/cafelicious 1d ago
You can still use Gillette tho, I personally recommend King C Gillette safety razor
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u/Some-Platform1968 1d ago
That’s the craziest thing buying a pack of razors and going years before you run out. Safety razors are amazing
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u/grey_pilgrim_ 1d ago
I have my grandpas safety razor. I love it. I bought a pack of blades years ago. Probably legit 10 or more and I still haven’t run out. Which I do go through periods where I have a full beard but still it’s impressive imo.
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u/Useful-Hat9157 1d ago
Been using one for 8 years, still uses disposable blades, but my Pack of 300 cost as much as 2 packs.of regular Gillette.
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u/tsukiyaki1 1d ago
Just get a trimmer and keep any hair you normally shave to a “no guard” length instead of clean shaven. I stopped using a razor years ago, saves money and trouble.
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u/hankrodger 1d ago
Safety razors and shaving soap are slept on for saving money. You can even find sharpeners for those blades too to make them even last longer. I bought my supply of blades and soap 10 years ago and still haven't gone through them all.
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u/madonnamanpower 1d ago
I bought a pack of sample blades more than a decade ago for 20 dollars to decide on which ones I like. I'm still going though them.
So... Didn't go as planned. I just saved 100s upon 100s upon 100s of dollars instead. No idea which ones I like... I guess all of them.
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u/kor_en_deserto 1d ago
r/wicked_edge - been wetshaving for nearly 15y now. I think I've only spent about 100$ on blades, and I buy the really nice Japanese, platnium coated Feather blades.
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u/butidrathernot 1d ago
I’ve been a safety razor convert for at least 6 years now! congratulations 😎
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u/butidrathernot 1d ago edited 1d ago
one did break but it was ~£25, i got tonnes of use, and I am very clumsy so I dropped it a lot which probably didn’t help. the next one is still going strong! I think I’ve bought maybe four packets of 100
razorsblades for ~£8 each in that time (not all used yet). So I guess so far it has cost me approx £10 a year?
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u/MayorMcCheese89 1d ago
I bought a box of razor blades after my barber recommended them. I bought the box in 2018 and still have many left. I have a beard but shave my neck and a little face. I use 1 blade a month.
Safety razors are the way to go.
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u/zen_and_artof_chaos 1d ago
Pro tip for these for travel. First is leave it in a accessible spot so that you can pull it out going through security. They will stop you every time. I put it in its own bin all by itself so that TSA cannot hold my bag hostage by flagging it, and also to make it very apparent I am familiar with the silly game they play for these. Second, you can stick the razors in random places in your bag and they will not find them. I stick about 3-4 in various places and haven't been stopped once for it. But if I do get stopped, I'd only be down one.
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u/tesla_dispute 1d ago
I got two that were left in an old house I was rehabbing. cleaned the hell out of them, bought a pack of replaceable blades and havent had to spend money on shaving equipment for the last 7 years, and still have like 15-20 blades left
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u/puffdiamond28 1d ago
Best razors! I have one that was my dad's, its probably 60 years old. Blades are cheap to buy. You can buy a lifetime of blades for what 20 cartridges cost you.
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u/NegaScraps 1d ago
Heck yeah! I bought a stainless safety razor a decade ago and have since spent five dollars in blades. All recyclable. My wife too. She has a triple blade, pivoting head, something or other that uses recyclable blades.
I will never go back to the plastic crap.
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u/DemonOfVacuums 1d ago
Got one of these 12 years ago. I think I've spent about $40 for new blades the entire time.
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u/Manwich555 1d ago
Congrats on joining the club! I made the switch as well around 10 years ago and almost feel embarrassed at the money thrown away on those overpriced Gillette cartridges.
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u/pandaSmore 1d ago
I bought a box full of hundreds of razor blades fot thirty something dollars eleven years ago and still haven't finished the box.
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u/scavengercat 1d ago
I bought a safety razor for $15 and a box of blades for $20 in Feb of 2020. I'm still using these today.
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u/dumbinick- 1d ago
I have tried so many times to switch to a razor free of all the single use plastic junk, or at least one with just replaceable blades. Idk what it is, but I cut myself 10X more with any razor that's not the cheap and disposable shit. So many more times that there's a clear difference. It's not brand specific either, I have tried many of the disposables and many of the reusables. It's just awful.
Has anyone dealt with this and found a solution?
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u/loud_secrets 1d ago
I’ve had this exact razor for over a decade and scored a 1k count box of Japanese steel replacement heads the day I bought it. I’ve probs used 6-8 large Bronners bottles and haven’t looked back. Definitely one of the best “uneventful” purchases I’ve ever made.
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u/JealousAd8805 1d ago
I got one of these 6 months back. Took a few trials to figure out how to shave without irritation, but now it’s super easy. Grats.
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u/royalewithcheese51 1d ago
You really want to be anti consumption, just don't shave.
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u/thegildedman25 1d ago
While you are at it, dont use soap or shampoo to clean your body. Wipe your butt with your hand instead of using toilet paper.
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u/iron_annie 1d ago
Bought one of these nine years ago. Still use it all the time and haven't run out of blades from the original pack.
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u/Jacktheforkie 1d ago
Those are significantly better in my experience, and dirt cheap to use, soap lasts ages, blades last a decent bit, are recyclable (should go in a blade bank ideally, you can make one with a glass jar or empty can, disposal can be done in a scrap metal container)