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Gene363 Offline
#1 Posted: Fri, Dec 30 2022, 7:14 PM EST
Joined: 01-24-2003
Posts: 30,838
I bought a new single-edge blade shaver that is very impressive. CNC machined and made in Canada.

https://hensonshaving.com

Quote:
At Henson, we’ve been making parts for large aerospace projects for 20 years. When you’re making parts that end up in space, you’re making them with longevity in mind. We made critical components for the OneWeb constellation and parts for the Exo Mars rover. Needless to say those parts can’t come back to the shop for repairs, they have to work and they have to work for decades. Manufacturing parts designed to last a lifetime is part of our DNA.

Through a few happenstances, we turned our attention to razors. One thing quickly became evident: many of the products were more focused on selling blades than supporting them. Imagine skating on blades that were wiggling around, or trying to cut carrots with a knife blade that bent and flexed. You could get the job done, but without the accuracy you would prefer to be safe. So we set about designing a razor with this in mind.

The end result is the AL13 razor. Made of Aluminum (which, yes, is the 13th element on the periodic table), we machine this razor to very tight tolerances in an effort to control both the blade extension and exposure. By minimizing these geometries we believe the additional blade support greatly reduces flex and chatter and thereby irritation.

Since our focus was on blade support, and not the blade itself, we designed our razor to work with standard DE (double edge). These blades typically cost 10-15 cents each. And since they are not unique to our razor, you don’t need to buy them from us.

So in setting out to make a quality product that lasts, and focusing on proper function we actually landed on a fairly poor business model. That model being, you buy a razor only once and you do not have to buy any blades from us at all. Most of the innovation in the shaving industry over the last decade has more to do with business models (subscriptions, direct-to-consumer offerings, etc) than function. And hey, that’s ok too. Many of those companies have built tremendous businesses. It just wasn’t part of our DNA.


Changed Shaver to Razor.
Plowboy221 Offline
#2 Posted: Fri, Dec 30 2022, 7:52 PM EST
Joined: 03-03-2013
Posts: 5,152
My new shaver should be here this evening and I honestly can’t wait. He’s a Puerto Rican fella with 22 years of experience, Victor recommend him.
DrMaddVibe Offline
#3 Posted: Fri, Dec 30 2022, 8:13 PM EST
Joined: 10-21-2000
Posts: 55,507
Jeremy's Razors FTW

https://youtu.be/s92UMJNjPIA
RayR Offline
#4 Posted: Fri, Dec 30 2022, 8:51 PM EST
Joined: 07-20-2020
Posts: 8,927
That looks great Gene, I haven't heard of that company I think but it's amazing the number of traditional DE and SE razors out there these days, they've made quite a resurgence over the years. Even Gillette brought them back.
Traditional artisan shaving soaps and brushes are huge too.

I gave up on those multiblade cartridge razors years ago and have gone back to using only Double Edge and Single Edge razors since. I have some modern production razors but I've been heavily into collecting and using vintage hardware too, Gillette, GEM, Every-Ready, Autostrop, and Schick mostly. I've got some razors going back to the early 1900s. You can still buy new blades for them and they work great.
Jakethesnake86 Offline
#5 Posted: Fri, Dec 30 2022, 9:29 PM EST
Joined: 12-29-2020
Posts: 4,192
I like the motto with jeremys. I don’t have any of his razors but I have far too many razors currently. I use a safety razor off and on. Disposable double blades. I’ve got a pile of Harry’s stuff. I’m not terribly picky. Ol single blade bic does wonders on a week old beard
Plowboy221 Offline
#6 Posted: Fri, Dec 30 2022, 10:03 PM EST
Joined: 03-03-2013
Posts: 5,152
On a serious note, some awesome people and always fast shipping been using them for supplies for years.

https://maggardrazors.com/
frankj1 Offline
#7 Posted: Fri, Dec 30 2022, 10:59 PM EST
Joined: 02-08-2007
Posts: 44,223
RayR wrote:
That looks great Gene, I haven't heard of that company I think but it's amazing the number of traditional DE and SE razors out there these days, they've made quite a resurgence over the years. Even Gillette brought them back.
Traditional artisan shaving soaps and brushes are huge too.

I gave up on those multiblade cartridge razors years ago and have gone back to using only Double Edge and Single Edge razors since. I have some modern production razors but I've been heavily into collecting and using vintage hardware too, Gillette, GEM, Every-Ready, Autostrop, and Schick mostly. I've got some razors going back to the early 1900s. You can still buy new blades for them and they work great.

talk to whistlebritches (Ron)
for some reason I seem to recall that he is tapped into vintage razor blades, and he is always willing to share his knowledge.
Gene363 Offline
#8 Posted: Fri, Dec 30 2022, 11:02 PM EST
Joined: 01-24-2003
Posts: 30,838
Plowboy221 wrote:
My new shaver should be here this evening and I honestly can’t wait. He’s a Puerto Rican fella with 22 years of experience, Victor recommend him.


LOL Chaanged Shaver to Razor.

Thanks for the link too, they also sell the Henson razors.
Gene363 Offline
#9 Posted: Fri, Dec 30 2022, 11:08 PM EST
Joined: 01-24-2003
Posts: 30,838
DrMaddVibe wrote:
Jeremy's Razors FTW

https://youtu.be/s92UMJNjPIA



I have one, it's OK, a step above Harry's and minus the woke BS. Jeremy's shaving soap is really good, maybe a tiny bit better than Jack Black Beard Lube, but I need to test more. IMO, both are better than soap and a badger brush.
frankj1 Offline
#10 Posted: Fri, Dec 30 2022, 11:08 PM EST
Joined: 02-08-2007
Posts: 44,223
Gene363 wrote:
LOL Chaanged Shaver to Razor.

Thanks for the link too.

plowboy is good peoples
frankj1 Offline
#11 Posted: Fri, Dec 30 2022, 11:13 PM EST
Joined: 02-08-2007
Posts: 44,223
used a soap and brush years ago and loved it, kinda felt connected to a couple generations prior. not a trivial part of the experience, but...
I get the best shave of my life using good old Noxema blue tub stuff regardless of blades.
Gene363 Offline
#12 Posted: Fri, Dec 30 2022, 11:24 PM EST
Joined: 01-24-2003
Posts: 30,838
frankj1 wrote:
used a soap and brush years ago and loved it, kinda felt connected to a couple generations prior. not a trivial part of the experience, but...
I get the best shave of my life using good old Noxema blue tub stuff regardless of blades.


Funny, Jack Black's scent does remind me a little of Noxema.
Jakethesnake86 Offline
#13 Posted: Fri, Dec 30 2022, 11:56 PM EST
Joined: 12-29-2020
Posts: 4,192
Failed to mention the safety razor I have and used quite a bit was my gramps. I grabbed it when he passed. Might scrape up with it next go round.
RayR Offline
#14 Posted: Fri, Dec 30 2022, 11:56 PM EST
Joined: 07-20-2020
Posts: 8,927
frankj1 wrote:
used a soap and brush years ago and loved it, kinda felt connected to a couple generations prior. not a trivial part of the experience, but...
I get the best shave of my life using good old Noxema blue tub stuff regardless of blades.


Girly man. Eh?

Seriously though, I've heard of that and some women use hair conditioner. I've also heard that Pears bar soap was sold as a shaving soap back in the 1800's.

But if you haven't used a good shaving soap or cream lathered up with a brush, you haven't lived Frank.
What's old is cool again.
frankj1 Offline
#15 Posted: Sat, Dec 31 2022, 12:11 AM EST
Joined: 02-08-2007
Posts: 44,223
RayR wrote:
Girly man. Eh?

Seriously though, I've heard of that and some women use hair conditioner. I've also heard that Pears bar soap was sold as a shaving soap back in the 1800's.

But if you haven't used a good shaving soap or cream lathered up with a brush, you haven't lived Frank.
What's old is cool again.


might wanna actually read the post of mine you replied to and try again...

used a soap and brush years ago and loved it, kinda felt connected to a couple generations prior. not a trivial part of the experience, but...

and now I'm saying that Noxema in the blue tub (not the aerosol can) is far better. I used the soap and brush before you grew pubes. Listen to your elders and learn.

I grew up in a home furnished in Early American motif. My mother actually had a framed pic of a Pears soap ad in a half bath off the kitchen.

And read s-l-o-w-e-r for content retention. It will save you some of your embarrassing responses.
RayR Offline
#16 Posted: Sat, Dec 31 2022, 12:16 AM EST
Joined: 07-20-2020
Posts: 8,927
Gene363 wrote:
LOL Chaanged Shaver to Razor.

Thanks for the link too, they also sell the Henson razors.


That's a shaving noob mistake. Smile There is one guy that has a shaving channel on YouTube that isn't a noob that calls them "shavers". He's from Oklahoma, maybe that has something to do with it. I don't know.

Ya, Maggards has a huge selection of razors and stuff. Not comprehensive either, there's a lot more out there if you shop around. Even EBAY and ETSY.

https://www.italianbarber.com/
https://www.therazorcompany.com/
https://phoenixartisanaccoutrements.com/
https://www.westcoastshaving.com/
https://www.razoremporium.com/

Just to name a few.
RayR Offline
#17 Posted: Sat, Dec 31 2022, 12:25 AM EST
Joined: 07-20-2020
Posts: 8,927
frankj1 wrote:
might wanna actually read the post of mine you replied to and try again...

used a soap and brush years ago and loved it, kinda felt connected to a couple generations prior. not a trivial part of the experience, but...

and now I'm saying that Noxema in the blue tub (not the aerosol can) is far better. I used the soap and brush before you grew pubes. Listen to your elders and learn.

I grew up in a home furnished in Early American motif. My mother actually had a framed pic of a Pears soap ad in a half bath off the kitchen.

And read s-l-o-w-e-r for content retention. It will save you some of your embarrassing responses.


Man! You girly men are sensitive. LOL It's time to get back connected to your prior couple generations Frank when men weren't woke. Just sayin'
Stogie1020 Offline
#18 Posted: Sat, Dec 31 2022, 12:51 AM EST
Joined: 12-19-2019
Posts: 5,371
Feather handle and blades here, TOBS cream and a badger hair brush, too.
MACS Offline
#19 Posted: Sat, Dec 31 2022, 7:57 AM EST
Joined: 02-26-2004
Posts: 79,824
Tried the traditional razors. Tore my face up. I had so many nicks and cuts my face was covered in TP swatches.

Edge gel... mach 3 blade. No muss, no fuss, doesn't rip my face up.

Edit: Plus... I hate shaving, so I do it once every 3-4 days. Don't want to grow a beard because it's irritating.
tonygraz Offline
#20 Posted: Sat, Dec 31 2022, 9:13 AM EST
Joined: 08-11-2008
Posts: 20,284
I use am old Shick injector single blade for my multi day beards any shave cream will do. For shorter growth electric and Gillette twin blade will do. Haven't had much in the way of cuts in the past few years - tho I haven't changed how I shave
RayR Offline
#21 Posted: Sat, Dec 31 2022, 10:17 AM EST
Joined: 07-20-2020
Posts: 8,927
I shaved with a vintage Eversharp Schick Injector yesterday, made between 1954-1957 with a USA-made in Verona, Virginia Personna blade. Easy close shave, no issues.
RayR Offline
#22 Posted: Sat, Dec 31 2022, 11:16 AM EST
Joined: 07-20-2020
Posts: 8,927
MACS wrote:
Tried the traditional razors. Tore my face up. I had so many nicks and cuts my face was covered in TP swatches.

Edge gel... mach 3 blade. No muss, no fuss, doesn't rip my face up.

Edit: Plus... I hate shaving, so I do it once every 3-4 days. Don't want to grow a beard because it's irritating.



I used to hate shaving too and like you I would put it off for 3-4 days — when I used multi-blade disposables or cartridge razors that is. The biggest complaint I had and it's not uncommon is scraping your face with multiple blades can lead to razor bumps and ingrown hairs. Not had that problem since going back to shaving with a single blade edge.

There is a little bit of a learning curve when shaving with traditional DE and SE razors, once you got the technique down, where you don't even have to think about it, it's just muscle memory taking over and nicks and cuts are much less common.
The biggest mistake peeps do when shaving with traditional DE and SE razors is they push down on the razor when shaving which you tend to do with those lightweight, mostly plastic multi-blade razors. Applying pressure is where the nicks and cuts occur, it's not the razor ripping your face up, it's the user.

The biggest marketing falsehood is that multiple blades will give you a closer shave. That's total BS. The real reason is Gillette and other manufacturers who make cartridge multi-blade razors make a killing selling those proprietary crazy expensive cartridges. Once their patent is running out and competitors start making cartridges to fit your handles, they come up with some NEW AND IMPROVED, YOU GOTTA HAVE IT proprietary handle/cartridge combo.
With DE razors, a new blade is only going to cost between 10-20 cents usually and they are not proprietary to any one blade manufacturer. A DE blade branded Gillette, Personna, Feather, Kai, Wilkinson Sword, SuperMax, BIC or whatever and wherever that it's made in the world will all work in all DE razors, new or vintage going all the way back to King C. Gillette's first Double-Edge safety razor made in 1903.

Gene363 Offline
#23 Posted: Sat, Dec 31 2022, 11:43 AM EST
Joined: 01-24-2003
Posts: 30,838
RayR wrote:
That's a shaving noob mistake. Smile There is one guy that has a shaving channel on YouTube that isn't a noob that calls them "shavers". He's from Oklahoma, maybe that has something to do with it. I don't know.

Ya, Maggards has a huge selection of razors and stuff. Not comprehensive either, there's a lot more out there if you shop around. Even EBAY and ETSY.

https://www.italianbarber.com/
https://www.therazorcompany.com/
https://phoenixartisanaccoutrements.com/
https://www.westcoastshaving.com/
https://www.razoremporium.com/

Just to name a few.



Thanks for the links, I used to visit Badger and Blade to get blade and soap recommendations. Just like stereo, liquor, coffee, knife, firearm, pens, cigars, etc, aficionados, shaving aficionados are a good source of purchase recommendations without diving into the bottomless vortex. e.g., in a review of one of the Henson razors, the guy mentions he has 50 different shaving soaps.
RayR Offline
#24 Posted: Sat, Dec 31 2022, 12:21 PM EST
Joined: 07-20-2020
Posts: 8,927
Gene363 wrote:
Thanks for the links, I used to visit Badger and Blade to get blade and soap recommendations. Just like stereo, liquor, coffee, knife, firearm, pens, cigars, etc, aficionados, shaving aficionados are a good source of purchase recommendations without diving into the bottomless vortex. e.g., in a review of one of the Henson razors, the guy mentions he has 50 different shaving soaps.


Yes, I agree in general with what you say. It's that bottomless vortex of opinions on minutia that'll make you dizzy and laugh uncontrollably sometimes. If you want a zillion different recommendations on which soap base or blade is the best, they'll drive you crazy with opinions, most of which are different. Just like with stereo, liquor, coffee, knife, firearm, pens, and cigars I suppose. Such is life when there are so many offerings and options.
burning_sticks Offline
#25 Posted: Mon, Jan 2 2023, 9:24 AM EST
Joined: 08-17-2020
Posts: 152
Haven't shaved since I retired from the military in 1994.
Sunoverbeach Offline
#26 Posted: Mon, Jan 2 2023, 9:44 AM EST
Joined: 08-11-2017
Posts: 14,672
So, youse got kind of a ZZ Top thing going by now?
Abrignac Online
#27 Posted: Mon, Jan 2 2023, 10:17 AM EST
Joined: 02-24-2012
Posts: 17,327
Gave myself a DOVO straight razor, some sandalwood soap, a badger brush, some moisturizer and a leather strope for Christmas. Took me a couple days to figure it out. It’s a bit more involved than slapping on some Edge and stroking a few times with the MACH whatever, but the pampering is nice.
RayR Offline
#28 Posted: Mon, Jan 2 2023, 11:58 AM EST
Joined: 07-20-2020
Posts: 8,927
Abrignac wrote:
Gave myself a DOVO straight razor, some sandalwood soap, a badger brush, some moisturizer and a leather strope for Christmas. Took me a couple days to figure it out. It’s a bit more involved than slapping on some Edge and stroking a few times with the MACH whatever, but the pampering is nice.


Shaving like Great Grand Pappy huh? It's a lot more fun without canned goo too.
I never got into straights or shavettes but who knows...maybe someday.
The original safety razors from the late 1800's used wedge blades, which were essentially a short cut off section of a straight razor blade. That gave them the nick name 'Straight Razor on a Stick"

I shaved with a Ever-Ready Lather Catcher yesterday, That nickel-plated brass beauty was manufactured somewhere between 1912-1914. It was one of the first safety razors in the early 20th Century that used GEM style blades. Back then all GEM blades were made of thicker carbon steel. The razor has a stropper attachment inside the handle that you pull out that screws into the handle, insert your blade and strop it on a leather strop. That practice essentially disappeared after replacement blades got thinner and less expensive.
GEM style blades today that are extra sharp for shaving come in carbon steel and stainless steel. They work terrific in all single-edge razors made for the GEM style blades going back to the beginning.
Sunoverbeach Offline
#29 Posted: Mon, Jan 2 2023, 1:03 PM EST
Joined: 08-11-2017
Posts: 14,672
Huh! Interesting and informative. Didn't know you had it in you, Ray
RayR Offline
#30 Posted: Mon, Jan 2 2023, 10:56 PM EST
Joined: 07-20-2020
Posts: 8,927
Sunoverbeach wrote:
Huh! Interesting and informative. Didn't know you had it in you, Ray


Everything I try to teach you is interesting and informative grasshopper. Wink
drglnc Offline
#31 Posted: Tue, Jan 3 2023, 12:07 PM EST
Joined: 04-01-2019
Posts: 715
cool timing on my part, been thinking about switching to a more tradional safety razor instead of the mass produced Harrys style. I always have a beard (only clean shaven once in the last 30 years) so its more edging and lining up for me so the multi blades are pointless and less accurate.
MACS Offline
#32 Posted: Tue, Jan 3 2023, 12:19 PM EST
Joined: 02-26-2004
Posts: 79,824
Okay, Gene... I'm gonna give this safety razor BS one last try. Placed an order the other day and it's enroute.

If it cuts me up... this will be the absolute last time I try these damn things.
Stogie1020 Offline
#33 Posted: Tue, Jan 3 2023, 12:38 PM EST
Joined: 12-19-2019
Posts: 5,371
MACS wrote:
Okay, Gene... I'm gonna give this safety razor BS one last try. Placed an order the other day and it's enroute.

If it cuts me up... this will be the absolute last time I try these damn things.


MACS, if I can offer a few tip to aid in success with the safety razor:

1. Choose your "getting started" blades carefully. I use Feather blades, but I would have killed myself if i started with them. Get a sample pack of blades and try a few out. I liked Shark blades when i was starting out as they were pretty forgiving but gave a good shave.

2. Don't press. AT ALL. let the weight of the razor do the work until you have refined your technique. Once you are practiced, you can EITHER press with the blade OR stretch your skin tight, but I don't recommend doing both at once unless you clot well.

3. Unlike with the multi-blade setups that encourage one long smooth stroke over an area, using a safety razor requires you to make shorter, overlapping passes as you shave a "strip" of your face. From neckline to jawline, I might lift the razor (and restart) five or six times before I get all the way to the jawline.

4. Shave right after you shower. Your beard whiskers will be softer.

5. Don't shave your balls. It will not end well.
HockeyDad Offline
#34 Posted: Tue, Jan 3 2023, 12:48 PM EST
Joined: 09-20-2000
Posts: 46,163
Maybe just use Nair.
Gene363 Offline
#35 Posted: Tue, Jan 3 2023, 12:57 PM EST
Joined: 01-24-2003
Posts: 30,838
MACS wrote:
Okay, Gene... I'm gonna give this safety razor BS one last try. Placed an order the other day and it's enroute.

If it cuts me up... this will be the absolute last time I try these damn things.


I hope it works well for you.

I used it again last night, no soap, just hot water on a one-day beard, no blood on the washcloth and it was not harsh for the third shave on the same blade. I get away using a blade longer being old and blond when I was young, being thrifty also figures in there too.

The blades Henson sends/sells are made in India. I have some Czechoslovakian Astra brand and Japanese Feather brand blades I'll try next. I have a German Merkur Progress 500 adjustable DE razor I'm going to toss in the trash, the Henson is so much better.
Gene363 Offline
#36 Posted: Tue, Jan 3 2023, 1:01 PM EST
Joined: 01-24-2003
Posts: 30,838
Stogie1020 wrote:
MACS, if I can offer a few tip to aid in success with the safety razor:

1. Choose your "getting started" blades carefully. I use Feather blades, but I would have killed myself if i started with them. Get a sample pack of blades and try a few out. I liked Shark blades when i was starting out as they were pretty forgiving but gave a good shave.

2. Don't press. AT ALL. let the weight of the razor do the work until you have refined your technique. Once you are practiced, you can EITHER press with the blade OR stretch your skin tight, but I don't recommend doing both at once unless you clot well.

3. Unlike with the multi-blade setups that encourage one long smooth stroke over an area, using a safety razor requires you to make shorter, overlapping passes as you shave a "strip" of your face. From neckline to jawline, I might lift the razor (and restart) five or six times before I get all the way to the jawline.

4. Shave right after you shower. Your beard whiskers will be softer.

5. Don't shave your balls. It will not end well.


Good points. Those Feather blades are sharp as F***, very unforgiving and in my old Merkur razor a real blood-letting situation.
RayR Offline
#37 Posted: Tue, Jan 3 2023, 1:01 PM EST
Joined: 07-20-2020
Posts: 8,927
HockeyDad wrote:
Maybe just use Nair.


That's what Girlie Men do.

MACS, just remember, men and woman were using tradition DE and SE razors for generations before those silly cartridge razors came along, and they learned how to use them, and they survived without ripping themselves up and bleeding all over the place.
An occasional little nick is no biggie, it happens to everybody, just don't make it a regular thing.
RayR Offline
#38 Posted: Tue, Jan 3 2023, 1:49 PM EST
Joined: 07-20-2020
Posts: 8,927
Gene363 wrote:
I hope it works well for you.

I used it again last night, no soap, just hot water on a one-day beard, no blood on the washcloth and it was not harsh for the third shave on the same blade. I get away using a blade longer being old and blond when I was young, being thrifty also figures in there too.

The blades Henson sends/sells are made in India. I have some Czechoslovakian Astra brand and Japanese Feather brand blades I'll try next. I have a German Merkur Progress 500 adjustable DE razor I'm going to toss in the trash, the Henson is so much better.


I don't own a Merkur Progress, but everyone says it's an aggressive adjustable, so not exactly recommended as beginner's razor or for somebody that has sensitive skin. Don't toss it.

Those are RK brand blades that are made in India, I heard they are not bad, but I never tried them. Feather DE blades are extremely sharp, they induce fear in some inexperienced people. I never had a problem using them myself, but I was very experienced before I ever used one.
You should be fine with them in a Henson I would think since it is a mild razor.

How old are those ASTRA blades? They haven't been made in the Czech Republic in very a long time. Astra as well as most other DE blade brands that Gillette owns are made in St. Petersburg, Russia at the Petersburg Products Int. factory, although a few brands are made in India.
After the collapse of the Soviet Union, Gillette (this was before P&G bought Gillette) went on a buying spree, buying up popular trademark brands and factories in Europe. After the new St. Petersburg factory was opened in 2000, they closed the old factories including Astra Diu in the Czech Republic where Astra and Nacet brand blades were made, and consolidated production in St. Petersburg.
MACS Offline
#39 Posted: Tue, Jan 3 2023, 2:20 PM EST
Joined: 02-26-2004
Posts: 79,824
Stogie1020 wrote:
MACS, if I can offer a few tip to aid in success with the safety razor:

1. Choose your "getting started" blades carefully. I use Feather blades, but I would have killed myself if i started with them. Get a sample pack of blades and try a few out. I liked Shark blades when i was starting out as they were pretty forgiving but gave a good shave.

2. Don't press. AT ALL. let the weight of the razor do the work until you have refined your technique. Once you are practiced, you can EITHER press with the blade OR stretch your skin tight, but I don't recommend doing both at once unless you clot well.

3. Unlike with the multi-blade setups that encourage one long smooth stroke over an area, using a safety razor requires you to make shorter, overlapping passes as you shave a "strip" of your face. From neckline to jawline, I might lift the razor (and restart) five or six times before I get all the way to the jawline.

4. Shave right after you shower. Your beard whiskers will be softer.

5. Don't shave your balls. It will not end well.


Huh... used feather blades last time. Maybe why I cut myself a half million times.

Was already told don't press, but if i don't press at all it doesn't shave me. My beard is thick.

I do short strokes even with the Mach 3.

I always shave after I shower.

I'm a man. My nuts and junk are sposta have hair. Trimming is okay. Shaving bald is queer.
Stogie1020 Offline
#40 Posted: Tue, Jan 3 2023, 2:46 PM EST
Joined: 12-19-2019
Posts: 5,371
^ HAHA, well said.

I am guessing the Feathers were the root cause of 98.2% of your issues with your first go around. Kind of like learning to drive on a Lamborghini Diablo. Possible, but not advisable. Shark, Astra, Derby would all be safe bets.

In terms of pressing (my beard is thick, too), rather than using pressure, try a few passes in different directions. I usually shave (1) with the grain, then (2) against the grain, then (3) across the grain. Let the blade do the work and you will get MUCH less irritation. It takes a little longer, for sure, but the results speak for themselves.

Good luck!
RayR Offline
#41 Posted: Tue, Jan 3 2023, 3:23 PM EST
Joined: 07-20-2020
Posts: 8,927
Don't forget to get the angle of the razor against your face right.

Mantic59 has a web site and YouTube channel on traditional shaving 101.

https://sharpologist.com/

https://www.youtube.com/user/mantic59
Gene363 Offline
#42 Posted: Tue, Jan 3 2023, 3:46 PM EST
Joined: 01-24-2003
Posts: 30,838
RayR wrote:
I don't own a Merkur Progress, but everyone says it's an aggressive adjustable, so not exactly recommended as beginner's razor or for somebody that has sensitive skin. Don't toss it.

Those are RK brand blades that are made in India, I heard they are not bad, but I never tried them. Feather DE blades are extremely sharp, they induce fear in some inexperienced people. I never had a problem using them myself, but I was very experienced before I ever used one.
You should be fine with them in a Henson I would think since it is a mild razor.

How old are those ASTRA blades? They haven't been made in the Czech Republic in very a long time. Astra as well as most other DE blade brands that Gillette owns are made in St. Petersburg, Russia at the Petersburg Products Int. factory, although a few brands are made in India.
After the collapse of the Soviet Union, Gillette (this was before P&G bought Gillette) went on a buying spree, buying up popular trademark brands and factories in Europe. After the new St. Petersburg factory was opened in 2000, they closed the old factories including Astra Diu in the Czech Republic where Astra and Nacet brand blades were made, and consolidated production in St. Petersburg.


The Merkur is indeed more aggressive, I'd never set it past 3 out of 10 increments.

I've had the Astra blades for a few years, I'm guessing five or more years ago.
Gene363 Offline
#43 Posted: Tue, Jan 3 2023, 6:52 PM EST
Joined: 01-24-2003
Posts: 30,838
RayR wrote:
Don't forget to get the angle of the razor against your face right.

Mantic59 has a web site and YouTube channel on traditional shaving 101.

https://sharpologist.com/

https://www.youtube.com/user/mantic59



This article explains a lot, the sharpest blade, may not be the right choice:

https://sharpologist.com/the-science-of-blade-sharpness/
MACS Offline
#44 Posted: Tue, Jan 10 2023, 7:49 AM EST
Joined: 02-26-2004
Posts: 79,824
So I ordered one of these things like... 10 fkn days ago. Shipping says it has been sitting in Austell GA for the last 4 fkn days.

FOUR DAMN DAYS IN THE SAME DAMN SPOT!

CS says... after 30 days they'll ship me a new one.

What. The. ****!
HockeyDad Offline
#45 Posted: Tue, Jan 10 2023, 9:05 AM EST
Joined: 09-20-2000
Posts: 46,163
They prolly watching Bulldog football.
RayR Offline
#46 Posted: Tue, Jan 10 2023, 1:53 PM EST
Joined: 07-20-2020
Posts: 8,927
Gene363 wrote:
This article explains a lot, the sharpest blade, may not be the right choice:

https://sharpologist.com/the-science-of-blade-sharpness/


That's true, there's a relationship between the razor and the razor blade.
Most people who are transitioning from cartridge razors to DE razors don't know that not all DE razors are the same as far as how aggressive they are and that blades from different manufacturers are not all the same as far as sharpness and smoothness. A lot of it is still subjective to the user, their beard type, skin sensitivity, and the proficiency of their technique.
Even those charts made by that engineer, Charles Smith showing the comparisons between the blade sharpness of different blades, well... numbers may not lie but a lot of people may still disagree with the numbers based on their own personal experience.

I was watching some YouTube shaving video reviews of the Henson razors and the general consensus from the seasoned DE users is "it's a mild razor", even the medium aggressive AL13-M aluminum model. For some people, using a Feather blade in a Henson might be just right, for others, it might still be too harsh for them. I would suggest that a newbie do a bit of research on what DE razors are out there and not choose one that is too aggressive or there will be blood.
Also purchase a blade sampler pack so they can get an idea of what works best for them in that razor.
The Henson being not an aggressive design looks like it is a safe bet as a good beginner's razor but you don't have to even spend that much if you don't want to for a good beginner razor if you forego the CNC machining bit.
HockeyDad Offline
#47 Posted: Tue, Jan 10 2023, 2:06 PM EST
Joined: 09-20-2000
Posts: 46,163
Y’all make shaving way too damn complicated.
RayR Offline
#48 Posted: Tue, Jan 10 2023, 2:18 PM EST
Joined: 07-20-2020
Posts: 8,927
HockeyDad wrote:
Y’all make shaving way too damn complicated.


It's a man thing.
Ram27 Offline
#49 Posted: Tue, Jan 10 2023, 2:20 PM EST
Joined: 04-30-2005
Posts: 49,051
Agree HD,youse need to get your MAN CARDS PUNCHED . d'oh!
DrMaddVibe Offline
#50 Posted: Tue, Jan 10 2023, 2:28 PM EST
Joined: 10-21-2000
Posts: 55,507
I wonder how many days before we have a "I castrated myself with a razor" thread?
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