Electric Razor vs. Blade: Which One Should You Choose?
When it comes to achieving a good shave, the choice between using an electric razor or a blade is a matter of personal preference. Both have their own advantages and disadvantages, and the right choice depends on your priorities regarding ease of use, closeness of the shave, and skin care.
Using an Electric Razor
If you prioritize a shave that is easier on your skin over a very close shave, an electric razor is a great choice. Electric razors are convenient, especially for those with busy schedules. They can be used almost anywhere, without the need for water or disposable blades. Many find them safer and less prone to skin irritation than using a blade.
Using a Blade
If a close, smooth shave is what you value, a traditional blade razor is the way to go. There are many types of blades available, from straight razors to safety razors, each offering a different level of performance and cost. Let's delve into the different types of blade razors:
4 Key Types of Blade Razors
Straight Razor Shave
The straight razor shave is considered the pinnacle of shaves. It is a manual razor with one edge that is honed sharply and used in a comb-like motion to remove hair from the skin. This method requires significant skill and practice but offers unparalleled closeness and comfort once mastered.
Shavette Shave
The shavette shave is less intimidating than the straight razor but still achieves a very close shave. These are razors that resemble straight razors but use disposable blades. They are more affordable and easier to maintain than full straight razors. With a shavette, you can enjoy a close shave with less skill and effort than a straight razor.
Double Edge (DE) Safety Razor
The Double Edge (DE) safety razor is a popular choice among shave enthusiasts. It uses two-blade disposable cartridges, and the blades are very affordable, often costing as little as 6 cents each in bulk. This makes DE razors highly cost-effective compared to cartridge razors. They require a little more skill to use than a shavette or straight razor but still offer a very close and efficient shave.
Schick Injector Platform
The Schick Injector platform is a more user-friendly version of the DE safety razor. It is compact, easy to handle, and has a “hoe” configuration that makes it simple and comfortable to use. This razors are a great compromise between the convenience of a cartridge razor and the closeness of a DE razor.
Single Blade Throwaways
For those who want portability and ease, there are also single blade throwaways. These include brands like Bic Metal, Bic Sensitive, and the Kai disposable razors, which are all-in-one units with a single blade. These are highly portable but may not offer the same closeness as DE razors or shavettes.
Multiblade Razors
The multi-blade razors are at the bottom of the heap, often touted for their advanced technology but ultimately providing lower quality shaves at a higher price. They are less cost-effective and less effective in terms of skin care and closeness compared to single-blade razors, DE razors, or shavettes.
Electric Razors vs. Blades: A Comparison
Electric razors and blades are fundamentally different tools, and comparing them is like comparing a machete to a lawnmower. While some commuters find it convenient to shave with an electric while driving to work, a properly maintained and used straight razor delivers the most comfortable and irritation-free shave. The shave achieved with a straight razor is as close as you can get to the feeling of hair removal without any tool at all. However, it does require some practice to get good at using or maintaining, and it is more of an art than a simple tool.
We who shave in the manly fashion tend to walk a little prouder than ordinary men. Yeah, that's elitist. So what? Sue me.