1. User
2. AnakiMana

Introducing m'self

Hello... I'm Andy.... and... I'm a shave-a-holic!

Two weeks ago I didn't know there was another way to shave besides cheapo disposables, rip-off Gillette cartridge razors, and electrics that never gave me a good shave. The disposables and electrics were sworn off a long time ago, and the Mach3 & Fusion refill prices were pissing me off. My bro-in-law got an early '50s Gillette DE with original case at an antique store for $7.50 and my eyes were opened.

I researched & bought an Edwin Jagger DE89L w/Derby blades, which I've had now since January 7, 2011.

I'm addicted to this website! The wiki entry on Pre-shave Prep has made a huge difference for me. Have now shaved 4 times with my first DE razor, and still trying to minimize nicks (last time I went for a DFS, I succeeded at the price of 15 red spots). Mr. Stytic Pencil and Mr. Aftershave are my new friends until I get my skills up.

Thanks everyone here for a fantastic site. I barely have time for video games anymore!
__________________
AnakiMana (ah-nah-kee-mah-nah) ... but you can call me Andy!

Razor:

<ul>
<li>Edwin Jagger DE89L</li>
<li>Gillette Super Speed, Black Handle (1967) <i>---picked up on 2/5/2011 in case with NOS blades for $9.50 at local antique store</i></li>
</ul>
<br>


Blades:

<table border="1" width="90%" align=center>
<tr>
<td width=175><b>Derby Extra</b> (vertical)</td>
<td></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td><div align=center>DE89L</div></td>
<td><font color=red>4/10</font> (5 passes to achieve BBS. Tons of nicks (like 12-15). Very bad irritation. If forced to use these, I'm stopping at WTG & XTG. I really dislike these!)</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td><div align=center>Gillette SS</div></td>
<td><font color=red>5/10</font> (Stopped at 3 passes (WTG/XTG/ATG) with DFS minus touchups. Two weepers, blood dripping down face. Six or seven nicks also. Oddly enough not much irritation and stinging only half as bad as with my DE89L. Felt sharper with my Super Speed... less resistance while cutting. But both my dripping weepers came on first WTG pass! What the heck?!)</td>
</tr>

<tr>
<td><b>Wilkinson Sword</b> (black box with white label, Walmart)</td>
<td></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td><div align=center>DE89L</div></td>
<td><font color=red>7/10</font> (5 passes to achieve BBS. 1.25-1.75/10 on irritation scale, which I consider only slight. Slight stinging, not bothersome. Never any blood. Blade seems to last a while... was going to use until it noticeably dulled, but its durability won out over my patience -wanted to try other blade samples.)</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td><div align=center>Gillette SS</div></td>
<td></td>
</tr>

<tr>
<td><b>Rapira Swedish Supersteel</b></td>
<td></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td><div align=center>DE89L</div></td>
<td><font color=red>7.5/10</font> (4 passes to achieve BBS. 1.0-1.5/10 on irritation scale. No stinging. No blood. Only used one side of blade since a defect or rust spot was on other side. Felt blade beginning to dull after 2 shaves of 4 passes each. Longevity isn't as good as Wilkinson Swords, but fewer passes needed.)</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td><div align=center>Gillette SS</div></td>
<td></td>
</tr>

<tr>
<td><b>Lord Platinum</b></td>
<td></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td><div align=center>DE89L</div></td>
<td></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td><div align=center>Gillette SS</div></td>
<td></td>
</tr>

<tr>
<td><b>Shark Super Stainless</b></td>
<td></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td><div align=center>DE89L</div></td>
<td><font color=red>8.5/10</font> (irritation 0.5-0.75/10. <u>No stinging afterwards.</u> Quite happy with this one!)</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td><div align=center>Gillette SS</div></td>
<td></td>
</tr>

<tr>
<td><b>Sharp Stainless</b></td>
<td></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td><div align=center>DE89L</div></td>
<td><font color=red>8.5/10</font> (irritation 0.5-0.75/10. <u>No stinging afterwards.</u> This blade feels distinctly different from the Sharks, but I get the same results. These strike me as odd blades, and I'm not sure why.)</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td><div align=center>Gillette SS</div></td>
<td></td>
</tr>

<tr>
<td><b>Personna</b>, from Yokes Market ($2/10blades)</td>
<td></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td><div align=center>DE89L</div></td>
<td><font color=red>5.5/10</font> (Sharper than I expected, but my entire face was irritated and stinging afterwards. If I have to use these I'll limit myself to a SAS or maybe CCS to avoid the pain. I dislike this blade.)</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td><div align=center>Gillette SS</div></td>
<td></td>
</tr>

<tr>
<td><b>Feather Super Stainless</b></td>
<td></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td><div align=center>DE89L</div></td>
<td></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td><div align=center>Gillette SS</div></td>
<td></td>
</tr>

</table>



<br>

Brush:

<ul>
<li>Van Der Hagen Boar Brush (from $10 "Premium Shave Set")</li>
<li>Delong Wood Handle Best Grade Badger (Delong 201420)</li>
</ul>

<br>

Soap/Cream:

<ul>
<li>C.O. Bigelow Premium Shave Cream</li>
<li>Van Der Hagen Soap (from $10 "Premium Shave Set")</li>
</ul>

<br>

Other stuff:

<ul>
<li>Brut Original aftershave <br>

---

--"My dad used to use this when I was little... fond memories... and SWMBO really likes it"</li>
<li>Extra Virgin Olive Oil, for pre-shave prep.<br>

---

--Helped when shaving with Derby's and healed my skin irritation faster than normal.</li>
<li>Nivea For Men Q10 Double Action Balm<br>

---

--My favorite aftershave so far. Takes the stinging away.</li>
<li>Witch Hazel<br>

---

--Supposed to tighten skin while keeping it moisturized. I think I like it, but when skin is stinging it doesn't help me.</li>
<li>Styptic Pencil<br>

---

--Used it a couple times when shaving with Derby blades</li>
</ul>

<br>

<br>

Ordered from eBay seller "idiotdoc" on January 17th: (finally arrived on FEBRUARY 5th!! horribly long shipping)

20 FEATHER NEW Hi-Stainless Double Edge Razor Blades $8.99

<br>