Shaving: Blades or Electric

[Mount-n-Groan]

First, I would just like to know what all of you guys use to shave, and then I’m seeking some wisdom and recommendations.

Currently, I’m a blade man. I’ve been using the Gillette Mach 3 for several years now and I don’t think there’s a better blade razor out there. Through their evolution I also used Gillette’s Sensor, Sensor Excel, & the Sensor 3 as they were, at the time, also the best blade razor’s available, IMO. Many years ago I used a cheapy Remington Microscreen electric because I had to shave every day and was limited on time. Now I probably shave 2, maybe 3 times tops, each week.

Well, if any of you use the Mach 3 you know that the blades are horrendously expensive ($6-$8 for 4 blades) with little, if any, discount for buying the 8 or 12 pack. It may be the best blade razor out there, but I cringe every time I have to restock on replacement blades. All of this has convinced me that I need to try to go back to using an electric razor. I understand that there are certain upkeep costs to electrics as well, but I highly doubt that the yearly cost would match what I’m paying right now. In fact, I’ve seen estimated cost comparisons and some even have the cost of using the Mach 3 at $100-$200 more per year. (Hey, that’s another Bronco jersey or two that I could buy.)

So, what do you guys use? If you use blades - what kind? More importantly, for those of you that use an electric let me know what you recommend. Thoughts? Comments?

Thanks.

[BlueDevilsDB]

I've found that although painful, a weed whacker gets the job done fast.

[JWinn]

I use both. Mostly I use a Braun electric, but sometimes touch up with a blade.



Edit.... Opps, didnt read the post before posting.

I like the Braun. It wasnt cheap, they range from about $75 to $200, but there really isnt much upkeep per say. I just brush it off regularly with the little brush that came with it.

I find the better ones are more expensive. I used to use the Norelco triple shavers. The ones with three round cutters, but they needed replacement blades alot, and never seemed to last very long. A year tops before the motors finally gave out.

Get one thats rechargeable! My Braun holds a charge far longer than the Norelcos ever did. I like the rechargeable ones......

Given all that, I find it's mostly trial and error. Although that can be expensive, it also isnt easy finding one you really like at first. I have gone thru several over the last twenty years. Norelco, Remington, Braun, etc. The Brauns may be the more expensive ones, but I find them to be the better ones. And the longer lasting ones. Had it three years now!

Just my experience.......

[NJBRONCOSFAN]

I use both as well...I use the mach 3 for touching up, and a norelco 3 head electric...it's not bad, but it was hella expensive when i bought it.

[Mount-n-Groan]

I've found that although painful, a weed whacker gets the job done fast.

Craftsman or Black & Decker???

Thanks for the insight. I always knew something must have happened to you.

[Amigo_Bronco]

Blades.

I used an electric one for a while, but it irritated my skin. Now I'm a Mach 3 guy.

[BlueDevilsDB]

Craftsman or Black & Decker???

Thanks for the insight. I always knew something must have happened to you.

Actually, I use a $5 electric ShaveMan(which is about the equivalent to a weedwhacker) I got at Osco. It takes about an hour to do anything, but I'm not about to pay like $50 or $60 for a good one.

[PRBronco]

Right now I just use disposable gillettes, although I don't like the waste produced by it, I usually snap the head off and throw the handle in recycling I used sensor excels when I started, and I was happy with those, just got a buttload of disposables in my christmas stocking one year, so i switched. I've tried a mach 3, but i didn't like it, too big, feels like i'm wacking my face with a paddle. I don't like electrics, they don't shave close enough for my liking, and i have a tricky chin and jaw line, so i need my sleek little twin blade to get it done right. I've never thought of the cost, i'll have to do some comparisons, now that you've got me thinking...

[Mount-n-Groan]

I use both. Mostly I use a Braun electric, but sometimes touch up with a blade.

I once tried a friend's Braun and liked it. I'm probably leaning towards that option. I'm willing now to fork out the cash for one; I just wish I would've taken action a couple of years ago when I first considered it.

My dad used/uses a 3-head Norelco, but we have totally different faces and it doesn't work so well for me. Face structure, beard hair characteristics, and skin type all seem to play a role in a man's preference.

Thanks for the comments, JWinn.

[Mount-n-Groan]

Actually, I use a $5 electric ShaveMan(which is about the equivalent to a weedwhacker) I got at Osco. It takes about an hour to do anything, but I'm not about to pay like $50 or $60 for a good one.

Hey man, that's awesome if you have the time because five bucks is damned cheap! $5 gets me 2.67 blades which is good for a couple of weeks - at best.

[Mount-n-Groan]

Right now I just use disposable gillettes, although I don't like the waste produced by it, I usually snap the head off and throw the handle in recycling I used sensor excels when I started, and I was happy with those, just got a buttload of disposables in my christmas stocking one year, so i switched. I've tried a mach 3, but i didn't like it, too big, feels like i'm wacking my face with a paddle. I don't like electrics, they don't shave close enough for my liking, and i have a tricky chin and jaw line, so i need my sleek little twin blade to get it done right. I've never thought of the cost, i'll have to do some comparisons, now that you've got me thinking...

A friend of mine uses Gillette disposables and swears by them. He also uses them to shave his head. For what it is I'm sure it's a great razor knowing the manufacturer. I've seen price comparisons for disposables too - I'll have to relocate the source as I can't remember where they stood.

[Jared]

Permanent hair removal surgery, in the long run, will save you the most money.



Anyway, I started with an electric, but was never satisifed with the shave. I like it so that it feels as smooth as baby skin....or as close to it.


I also find that a razor promotes exfoliation, which reduced my acne 10 fold in high school and still does. When I miss a shaving day, the acne comes right back.


Electrics also promote in-grown hairs, since they sometimes leave a very short little bit of stubble in some of the harder to shave areas (jawline, throat). In-grown hairs can turn cystic, if you are prone to adult acne. VERY painful.

Ultimately, my wife prefers the razor, so cost is not an issue. She thinks its smoother, and to her, that is sexier.

[CH3COOH]

I swear by my Mach 3. I have had a couple of electrics and was never ever satisfied with the shave. It just couldn't get my jawline, and if you have to go back and touch up with a blade why bother with the electric? Just use the blade! Also I like to go 3 or 4 days without shaving, the advantage of being a college student, and electrics on a couple days' growth doesn't feel too hot.

The downside is that I quit shaving about a month and a half ago and don't plan to shave for another 3 but when I get home I need to renew my drivers license so I figure I should shave it, but I lack a beard trimmer so I'll likely bust out some scissors to get it manageable and then take the Mach 3 to it.

Wow that is one big run on sentence

[Jared]

I swear by my Mach 3. I have had a couple of electrics and was never ever satisfied with the shave. It just couldn't get my jawline, and if you have to go back and touch up with a blade why bother with the electric? Just use the blade! Also I like to go 3 or 4 days without shaving, the advantage of being a college student, and electrics on a couple days' growth doesn't feel too hot.

The downside is that I quit shaving about a month and a half ago and don't plan to shave for another 3 but when I get home I need to renew my drivers license so I figure I should shave it, but I lack a beard trimmer so I'll likely bust out some scissors to get it manageable and then take the Mach 3 to it.

Wow that is one big run on sentence

I use the hair clippers, like to use on your head.

Dual use, saves money, keeps the goatee at a very even length all around, in addition to using it on my head.

[dandaman23]

I dont shave yet.. ..But I do have sideburns!!!