My first double-edge safety razor shave

• November 28, 2014
• meta  

A few days ago I wrote about my displeasure over the cost of razor blades for systems like the Gillette Mach 3 (which I’ve been using for a very long time). I placed my order with West Coast Shaving last Sunday evening. They emailed me Monday morning to say the items had been shipped. On Wednesday the USPS delivered a

• Baxter of California Safety Razor
• Baxter of California Best Badger Shave Brush
• D.R. Harris Windsor Shaving Soap in Mahogany Stained Wood Bowl
• Astra Superior Platinum Double Edge Razor Blades (100 Blades)

I was a bit nervous doing the first shave of my face and head. When I was done I found I had two barely perceptible nicks and the result was noticeably better than my Mach 3 produces. I hadn’t shaved for three days. My Mach 3 easily clogs under those conditions and requires careful rinsing. The new safety razor dealt easily with the heavy growth. I’m a convert.