All men typically shave their face on a regular basis. I happen to shave almost everyday. I am currently 46 and have been shaving since I was 20ish (ya I started late). Still, that's 26 years of shaving.
Now I am probably like a lot of people out there, I had used either a double blade, or triple blade cartridge or disposal razor almost my entire life with Edge shaving cream.
I'm sure that we all know the cost of these types of blades and cartridges, they are terribly expensive and most really don't give a great shave.
Well, this past Christmas I was given a Parker double edge butterfly safety razor, along with a badger shaving brush, a ten pack of blades and a bar of Williams shaving soap.
Okay, I had never used this type of system before, and it is kinda of a process to start with.
First of all, take a shower first, it helps prepare your beard for shaving. While you are showering, soak the bar of Williams shaving soap in hot water. When you get out of the shower, soak your face and the badger brush in very hot water. Take the brush, swirl it in the bar of shaving soap, then apply it to your face. Very important, then swirl the brush directly on your face in a circular motion. This action will start to create a meringue like foam on your face. Once you get there, brush it on in a paint brush like motion.
Now you are ready to shave. Be careful, this is a double edge razor it is very sharp. I find it is best to move the razor along your face at about a 30 degree angle. The first few time I cut my face. Note that it could take a couple of passes, here and there.
After shaving I apply some Nivea post shave balm, to help prevent burn.
I know it sound like a process, but its kinda of fun. Also after doing it a couple of weeks it becomes routine.
Now here it comes, get ready :)
There is the starting cost of buying the razor $25-35 and the badger brush on average $13-40
Then there is the ongoing cost. razor blades $1.97 for 10. $.97 for the Williams shaving soap and then the most expensive (for me) Nivea post shave balm $6.99 for 3.3 fl oz.
I change blades once a week that is 0.19 per week.
A bar of shaving soap last about ten weeks, that is $0.10 per week.
A bottle of Nivea post shave balm last about 25 weeks, that is $0.28
that is a total of $.57 per week or $0.8 per shave! compare that to disposal systems.
I have to admit there are more expensive products out there. However, you can buy blades from Amazon extremely cheap. Williams shaving soap is not the best shaving soap out there, and I probably will be trying some other product. Still how can you beat this price. Sure there is a startup cost involved, but think of it as an investment over time.
So I recommend this type of shaving very strongly, it is really going to save a lot of money down the road.
