Last Christmas, I gave Mr. NeverBored a Safety Razor set up (vintage reproduction safety razor, shaving mug, badger hair brush, mug soap, a gazillion razor blades, and a book to help him learn how to use all that stuff). I must admit that my main motivation when I started looking at razor sets was the fact that Mr. NeverBored's razor cartridges were costing us a pretty penny each month...especially since he liked to have a new cartridge with almost every shave. Add that cost to the cost for my shaving cartridges (I could go at least a couple weeks with one) and $$ just kept adding up. So, I searched around on the Internet and decided that a Vintage Reproduction Safety Razor was the way to go! Not only would it look nice in the bathroom, we were going to save $$ on blades AND take a step in the greener direction of reducing waste (those cartridges and disposable razors create a lot!) So, I took the plunge, bought the set and presented it to him on Christmas morning. He was quite intrigued and that afternoon we retreated to the bathroom, book in hand, and had our first lesson. It resulted in the smoothest shave he's ever had and he was hooked ;)
Here is the book I purchased...
Leisureguy's Guide to Gourmet Shaving: Shaving Made Enjoyable
It was very informative and gave us all the info we needed to get started with Wet Shaving.
Here are items similar to what I purchased:
Badger Shaving Brush:
Colonel Conk Shaving Mug & Soap:
There are also fancy Shaving Kits that include everything:
But, you really don't need to spend that much to get started. You can actually get started for very minimal cost....AND! I'm pleased to report that Mr. NeverBored has not asked me to buy new razor blades yet! The starter pack that came with his set has lasted all these months AND there are still some left...even enough for me to snatch a pack and get started on my own Wet Shaving Adventure ;) ...
Ever since Christmas I have wanted my own safety razor set, but haven't had the extra $$ to buy all the stuff just yet. Then, the other day, I was at one of my favorite thrift stores and happened to find THREE vintage Gillette Safety Razors for only $2 each! They were a bit dingy and grungy, but I figured I could clean them up.
I did a little research on the Internet and here is what I came up with for VINTAGE SAFETY RAZOR CLEANING (check back a little later for the link to my tutorial) ...
The three razors you found are all very mild. You might want to look for a Lady Gillette (photos at the link). Also note this post.
ReplyDeleteBTW, many thanks for your kind comments on the book. And the Lady Gillette shows up fairly frequently on eBay---if you set up a search, you can be notified when one is listed.
ReplyDeleteHi!
ReplyDeleteWe love your book! You are welcome! Thanks for the info on the Lady Gillette...I think I ~need~ one and will start searching. I understand what you mean about “mild” on those razors I found. I just used one and was thinking I might be doing something wrong because I wasn’t getting quite the closeness that I was looking for, but they will work until I find the ~perfect~ lady razor. I need to experiment more. Thanks for all your great info! ~Shellie
Don't hesitate to email me if you (or your guy) have any questions. Yeah, the Lady Gillette is a lovely razor. I have one myself, though I use it to shave my face.
ReplyDeleteIf you decide to try a Honeybee Spa shave stick, tell her that Leisureguy sent you. Maybe you can score some free samples. :)
Thanks for posting the RetroRazor! We have spent a great deal of time putting together an awesome and affordable starter kit that has the vintage feel, without the Old Man Gunk that you find with an older razor!
ReplyDeleteAntique Razors are an amazing way to start up and Recycle!
What do you use for blades and brush.
And props to LeisureGuy for an amazing book as well!
Chadd
Hi Chadd!
ReplyDeleteThanks for commenting! I do like that starter kit you offer and think that's a great way to get started. The vintage razors are just fun and look cool sitting around the bathroom ;) I got a badger brush for my husband, but am still looking for one for myself and we are experimenting with blades. My husband isn't so picky and says all the ones he has used so far are "OK". I just started with this so have no idea what works best for me yet.
Shellie :)
Thanks, LeisureGuy ;) Today, I picked up an interesting vintage Ever-Ready razor with a flip-up top that looks to be in pretty good shape. I'm going to search around for some info, but would also appreciate any info you care to share. What kind of blades does this one use?!? I'll post a photo shortly.
ReplyDeleteIt uses a single-edged blade---Pal makes them. I don't get a particularly good shave with that style---but you're right, they do look cool.
ReplyDelete