I’ve tried a few shaving methods since I started growing a beard in puberty. I started with a Gillette Mach 3, various no-name shavers because the cartridges are cheaper, and two electric shavers.

None of them satisfied me, so I usually shaved once a week or less. But then my beard started to look unkempt, and it started to itch.

After reading about safety razors a few times, I became curious. They were praised as being much cheaper, gentler on the skin, and they were said to shave more thoroughly.

At first, I was a little afraid to use such a sharp tool and that I might cut myself. But after watching some videos on how to use them, my worries were calmed.

I got myself a Mühle R89 razor and Astra Platinum blades.

After a week of almost daily shaving, I can say that safety razors are indeed a cool thing. Because there’s only one blade cutting the hair, it seems to be much gentler on my skin. I have a lot less irritation and because I’ve been shaving almost every day and the hairs are very short, it doesn’t itch anymore.

I haven’t cut myself either. Just little scratches, but after the third time none.

But I don’t really see the more thorough shave yet. Maybe it’s my technique, but I’m still not able to shave in a way that makes my skin feel like a baby’s skin. When I tried to shave against the line, I got little itchy spots the next day. Maybe I need a sharper blade? Maybe a more aggressive razor?

A few days ago, I also bought some Proraso shaving soap and a Mühle travel shaving brush (with synthetic hair) because I wanted to try the difference to gel. It’s much easier to get a thin layer of foam on my face. And it’s a nice feeling, too. 😄

All in all, I like my new safety razor, but I’m still not completely convinced by the hype surrounding it on the internet. Yes, it’s nice, but it’s not rocket science. I’m also not sure if I’m going to stick to my strict shaving schedule or if I’m going to go back to shaving once a week or even every other week. As for the rest of my body, I will continue to use my Braun electric body groomer.