Shaving Like Grandpa, Without Bleeding to Death.
A few months ago, I came across a posting on Reddit linking to a web site that outlines how to shave like your grandpa (http://artofmanliness.com/2008/01/04/how-to-shave-like-your-grandpa/). At the time, I was 27 years old and only recently began shaving regularly. Since dorm days, I have been using a Gillette razor. I've gone through the regular upgrades from Sensor XL to Mach 3 and last year to the Fusion. Typically I upgrade because typically the local Ralph's supermarket ran out of refills (or they got stolen). Occasionally I upgrade due to price (even though the starter kit comes with only one or two cartridges, it can be cheaper than a 4 or 5 pack of blades).
But beyond that, I also suffer from razor burns and irritation... so when I read the article saying that my suffering could be a thing of the past, I had to try it. I bought myself a 'Merkur HD Classic "Barber Pole" Long Safety Razor-#38C' from Amazon.com along with the shaving soap and authentic badger brush. From what I read, folks with big hands should get the long version of the razor. Upon arrival, I was surprised at the size of the razor because it didn't seem that long. It's not longer than my Gillette razor handles.
I was slightly apprehensive using the razor considering the comments I had read on various web sites saying how bad the safety razors really are... but those people must have been doing something wrong. My only complaint is the slight odor of wet badger. Hopefully the badger odor will fade, but the excellent odor from the shaving soap makes it worth it.
My first attempt was a great success. I had no cuts. Except for missing a few spots around the jaw line, I had the best at-home shave I've ever had in my short number of years shaving without a drop of blood drawn.