thread on shaving, solid
when i first started shaving, i used whatever my dad had (disposable bics, sometimes an electric razor, gilette shaving cream), and eventually migrated to the mach 3 when it came out a few years ago...and things were ok, shaving was always a chore though, and my shave, while ok, was never exceptional- plus blades cost $$$
so what else is out there?
there are straight razors, you know when you go to a barber, not a fancy ladies salon, but a guy's oldtime barbershop, that's the straight razor- a bit intimidating to try after the relative safety of the mach3
the other option is the double edge razor, and this is a mechanical thing of beauty, we're talking high end german craftmanship (gilette abandoned the market in favor of the more lucrative disposables), and platinum coated stainless steel blades that cost a fraction of the mach 3 blades (under $.50 each, often much less) and they last longer. You drop the blade (picture a razor from a high school science class but better) into the butterfly opening and shave away. it's an entirely different (and imo opinion, better) experience.
But why stop there, besides improving the device, one can drastically improve the other components. Gel or shaving foam from a can? Not only is there a less expensive option, but a more relaxing option that is better for one's skin, provides a closer shave and is overall just more fun to use. A shaving brush and a tub of shaving cream. You work up a lather in a shaving bowl with some hot water that puts cream or gel from a can to shame, and this stuff lasts far longer than the can as it needs far less to work up the lather. Then the shaving brush, or badger as it is made from the hairs of the badger's neck, is used to apply the shaving cream.
This is only the tip of the iceberg in terms of all kinds of additonal levels to better the shaving process, but i am getting long in the wind. i have found that it transforms my shaving experience from mundane, everday drudgery that i would often dread or avoid into an enjoyable practice that makes my skin look healthier, is cheaper, relaxing and overall more masculine of an experience than using a process that is basically identical to how ladies shave their legs.
I also got my free quattro blade, thanks op, but after a single use, you can put more blades on, but as the saying goes, it's still a honda.
lastly, everyone, and i mean everyone who shaves should know about the power of alum blocks or styptic pens.