Comments on: The Simple Dollar Guide To Shaving http://www.thesimpledollar.com/2007/03/21/the-simple-dollar-guide-to-shaving/ Simple, applicable personal finance advice for the modern world Sat, 21 Nov 2009 23:44:30 -0800 http://wordpress.org/?v=2.8.4 hourly 1 By: Kevin http://www.thesimpledollar.com/2007/03/21/the-simple-dollar-guide-to-shaving/comment-page-1/#comment-654942 Kevin Thu, 07 May 2009 06:46:36 +0000 http://www.thesimpledollar.com/2007/03/21/the-simple-dollar-guide-to-shaving/#comment-654942 Of course, shaving in the shower means you are wasting water! In Australia, that means increased water bills, and also due to drought there are water restrictions in many parts of the country. I used to shave in the shower, but I get just as good a result afterwards in front of the mirror - and save water too! Of course, shaving in the shower means you are wasting water! In Australia, that means increased water bills, and also due to drought there are water restrictions in many parts of the country.

I used to shave in the shower, but I get just as good a result afterwards in front of the mirror – and save water too!

]]> By: Jeremy http://www.thesimpledollar.com/2007/03/21/the-simple-dollar-guide-to-shaving/comment-page-1/#comment-581668 Jeremy Thu, 19 Mar 2009 14:07:03 +0000 http://www.thesimpledollar.com/2007/03/21/the-simple-dollar-guide-to-shaving/#comment-581668 I thank this blog for this post!!! I ended up actually purchasing a straight razor - yes, a "meat cleaver" like your grandpa used to use - and I'm not looking back. I'm still trying to get used to holding it at the right angle (this is the primary problem that safety razors + industrialization solved for men in the late 1800's), but it actually does a fine job of shaving... and can last a LIFETIME. That's big money savings. Also, a qaulity "silvertip" badger brush and stand will set you back at least $100, but it's totally worth it. My morning shave isn't a chore now! I thank this blog for this post!!! I ended up actually purchasing a straight razor – yes, a “meat cleaver” like your grandpa used to use – and I’m not looking back. I’m still trying to get used to holding it at the right angle (this is the primary problem that safety razors + industrialization solved for men in the late 1800’s), but it actually does a fine job of shaving… and can last a LIFETIME. That’s big money savings. Also, a qaulity “silvertip” badger brush and stand will set you back at least $100, but it’s totally worth it. My morning shave isn’t a chore now!

]]> By: Beth http://www.thesimpledollar.com/2007/03/21/the-simple-dollar-guide-to-shaving/comment-page-1/#comment-414512 Beth Tue, 11 Nov 2008 19:19:28 +0000 http://www.thesimpledollar.com/2007/03/21/the-simple-dollar-guide-to-shaving/#comment-414512 My significant other and I save money on replacement blades by buying the same brand of razor and buying the replacement blades in bulk. We found that both the women's and men's refills fit both razors. They are the same. So we don't have to get two different kinds. My significant other and I save money on replacement blades by buying the same brand of razor and buying the replacement blades in bulk. We found that both the women’s and men’s refills fit both razors. They are the same. So we don’t have to get two different kinds.

]]> By: Johnson P. Brushface http://www.thesimpledollar.com/2007/03/21/the-simple-dollar-guide-to-shaving/comment-page-1/#comment-367388 Johnson P. Brushface Wed, 03 Sep 2008 15:07:14 +0000 http://www.thesimpledollar.com/2007/03/21/the-simple-dollar-guide-to-shaving/#comment-367388 @ Joey - my badger hair brushes don't tend to dry in a clump between shaves but i do have a 'horse' (?!?!?) one I use for travel that does that...just give it a good rinse post shave & rest it on it's bristles (usually on the hotel toothbrush rack) to dry properly...give it a quick 'zizz' the next morning & it should be ready 2 go...(& I whole heartedly endorse the lather from today's modern beauty soaps while travelling!) That said...badger hair is by far the smoothest for application...(it's like wiping ur bum with silk toilet paper by comparison) But badger or not...buy a proper stand for your brush that lets the bristles rest downwards..sitting it on the handle lets excess moisture gather @ the base of the bristles & weakens the glue (as it won't dry as well between shaves) your poor brush tends to start going bald after a year or 2 of this & runs the risk of falling out completely...(and these things ain't cheap) Johnson P. Brushface endorses this message :^p @ Joey – my badger hair brushes don’t tend to dry in a clump between shaves but i do have a ‘horse’ (?!?!?) one I use for travel that does that…just give it a good rinse post shave & rest it on it’s bristles (usually on the hotel toothbrush rack) to dry properly…give it a quick ‘zizz’ the next morning & it should be ready 2 go…(& I whole heartedly endorse the lather from today’s modern beauty soaps while travelling!)

That said…badger hair is by far the smoothest for application…(it’s like wiping ur bum with silk toilet paper by comparison)

But badger or not…buy a proper stand for your brush that lets the bristles rest downwards..sitting it on the handle lets excess moisture gather @ the base of the bristles & weakens the glue (as it won’t dry as well between shaves) your poor brush tends to start going bald after a year or 2 of this & runs the risk of falling out completely…(and these things ain’t cheap)

Johnson P. Brushface endorses this message :^p

]]> By: Matt http://www.thesimpledollar.com/2007/03/21/the-simple-dollar-guide-to-shaving/comment-page-1/#comment-357852 Matt Tue, 19 Aug 2008 18:01:06 +0000 http://www.thesimpledollar.com/2007/03/21/the-simple-dollar-guide-to-shaving/#comment-357852 @PiFreak: How is $2.40 for razors and 6 bottles of $1 shampoo = $5/year? :) I have a general question for those who use the double-edge Merkur razor.... does this razor work for people who have sensitive skin? With my Gillette multi-razor I still have problems, and I've been longing for a way to shave without irritation. I try to avoid shaving just because I get razor burn and irritation. Ugh. This is an issue I'm willing to spend the money on. But if saving money actually helps my shaving experience, well how can you argue with that?! :) @PiFreak: How is $2.40 for razors and 6 bottles of $1 shampoo = $5/year? :)

I have a general question for those who use the double-edge Merkur razor…. does this razor work for people who have sensitive skin? With my Gillette multi-razor I still have problems, and I’ve been longing for a way to shave without irritation. I try to avoid shaving just because I get razor burn and irritation. Ugh.

This is an issue I’m willing to spend the money on. But if saving money actually helps my shaving experience, well how can you argue with that?! :)

]]> By: Tao Kuei http://www.thesimpledollar.com/2007/03/21/the-simple-dollar-guide-to-shaving/comment-page-1/#comment-189276 Tao Kuei Fri, 22 Feb 2008 10:40:18 +0000 http://www.thesimpledollar.com/2007/03/21/the-simple-dollar-guide-to-shaving/#comment-189276 I generally buy a bulk pack of the single blade BIC razors. I find they do produce a close shave for about 2 to 5 shaves before I have to throw them out. I need to try drying them though, I've never thought of that. I generally buy a bulk pack of the single blade BIC razors. I find they do produce a close shave for about 2 to 5 shaves before I have to throw them out. I need to try drying them though, I’ve never thought of that.

]]> By: PiFreak http://www.thesimpledollar.com/2007/03/21/the-simple-dollar-guide-to-shaving/comment-page-1/#comment-100794 PiFreak Mon, 05 Nov 2007 03:05:47 +0000 http://www.thesimpledollar.com/2007/03/21/the-simple-dollar-guide-to-shaving/#comment-100794 Yeah, I'm 16, and a girl. I've never shaved my legs, and don't plan on it, it's too time-consuming. The hair on my legs is pretty darn thin, and I wear a skirt once a month, so I just use a pair of $0.33 knee-highs if necessary. I've used the same pair for the last year. I wear shorts nearly year-round, but I'm friends with a lot of guys, and none of them have ever mentioned anything (even my boyfriend, who I've been dating a year). Underarms, I use my dollar tree conditioner, and 5/$3.00 razors which I replace about four times a year. I use dollar tree cshampoo as well, and go through 6 bottles a year. So between shaving, and washing my hair, I use all of about $5 a year. You gotta admit, that's pretty frugal. Yeah, I’m 16, and a girl. I’ve never shaved my legs, and don’t plan on it, it’s too time-consuming. The hair on my legs is pretty darn thin, and I wear a skirt once a month, so I just use a pair of $0.33 knee-highs if necessary. I’ve used the same pair for the last year. I wear shorts nearly year-round, but I’m friends with a lot of guys, and none of them have ever mentioned anything (even my boyfriend, who I’ve been dating a year). Underarms, I use my dollar tree conditioner, and 5/$3.00 razors which I replace about four times a year. I use dollar tree cshampoo as well, and go through 6 bottles a year. So between shaving, and washing my hair, I use all of about $5 a year. You gotta admit, that’s pretty frugal.

]]> By: Leslie http://www.thesimpledollar.com/2007/03/21/the-simple-dollar-guide-to-shaving/comment-page-1/#comment-98054 Leslie Wed, 31 Oct 2007 20:28:30 +0000 http://www.thesimpledollar.com/2007/03/21/the-simple-dollar-guide-to-shaving/#comment-98054 Trent, Are you familiar with Clark Howard (noted frugal radio host)? He has been using the same razor blade for months by just making sure he dries it after each use. Here is a link to his archive, the story is the third one down, entitled, "Drying your razor blades extends shelf life" http://clarkhoward.com/shownotes/2007/08/31/ Trent,
Are you familiar with Clark Howard (noted frugal radio host)? He has been using the same razor blade for months by just making sure he dries it after each use. Here is a link to his archive, the story is the third one down, entitled, “Drying your razor blades extends shelf life”
http://clarkhoward.com/shownotes/2007/08/31/

]]> By: Dave Clark http://www.thesimpledollar.com/2007/03/21/the-simple-dollar-guide-to-shaving/comment-page-1/#comment-63218 Dave Clark Tue, 28 Aug 2007 09:32:35 +0000 http://www.thesimpledollar.com/2007/03/21/the-simple-dollar-guide-to-shaving/#comment-63218 Just a note -your link to the music video for the shaving example is dead. It was pulled for use violation..great article though! I've just started using an old Gillette myself and working into using a shaving brush. Haven't used the aerosol for sometime, use the cream in a tube and it's terrific. Just a note -your link to the music video for the shaving example is dead. It was pulled for use violation..great article though! I’ve just started using an old Gillette myself and working into using a shaving brush. Haven’t used the aerosol for sometime, use the cream in a tube and it’s terrific.

]]> By: feonixrift http://www.thesimpledollar.com/2007/03/21/the-simple-dollar-guide-to-shaving/comment-page-1/#comment-36300 feonixrift Mon, 18 Jun 2007 22:06:27 +0000 http://www.thesimpledollar.com/2007/03/21/the-simple-dollar-guide-to-shaving/#comment-36300 For lady's legs, the best bet I've found: Get a men's razor (I go with 5-blade ones, haven't tried the old fashioned style, but for modern the more blades the better), men's shaving soap (bentonite. seriously.), and a badger brush. Hot water softens skin and hair, which makes things go smoother. The 5-blade razors take a month or so to even start getting dull, and are sturdier than any women's razor I've seen. Don't let the gender fool you, "men's" means "tougher" in this case. For lady’s legs, the best bet I’ve found: Get a men’s razor (I go with 5-blade ones, haven’t tried the old fashioned style, but for modern the more blades the better), men’s shaving soap (bentonite. seriously.), and a badger brush. Hot water softens skin and hair, which makes things go smoother. The 5-blade razors take a month or so to even start getting dull, and are sturdier than any women’s razor I’ve seen. Don’t let the gender fool you, “men’s” means “tougher” in this case.

]]> By: Nick http://www.thesimpledollar.com/2007/03/21/the-simple-dollar-guide-to-shaving/comment-page-1/#comment-35248 Nick Fri, 15 Jun 2007 16:20:39 +0000 http://www.thesimpledollar.com/2007/03/21/the-simple-dollar-guide-to-shaving/#comment-35248 When I grew up (I feel old), we only had safety razors. I bounced around from electric, to disposables, over the years, and now back to square one, safety razors. I read an intresting thing, Gilette got away from safety razors when everyone started making blades for it, cutting into his profits.Not that there was anything with safety razors. There is something for everyone, thankfully, they still make safety razors, tried and true. Good article, and comments. Chow. When I grew up (I feel old), we only had safety razors. I bounced around from electric, to disposables, over the years, and now back to square one, safety razors. I read an intresting thing, Gilette got away from safety razors when everyone started making blades for it, cutting into his profits.Not that there was anything with safety razors. There is something for everyone, thankfully, they still make safety razors, tried and true. Good article, and comments. Chow.

]]> By: Chrys http://www.thesimpledollar.com/2007/03/21/the-simple-dollar-guide-to-shaving/comment-page-1/#comment-31636 Chrys Mon, 04 Jun 2007 03:52:20 +0000 http://www.thesimpledollar.com/2007/03/21/the-simple-dollar-guide-to-shaving/#comment-31636 Oooh, I don't know about that one. I agree about the badger hair brush -- love it! The main important thing about a razor is the handle. A handle with nice weight provides a solid, more comfortable shave. Now, the part that fools most people -- the cream or the soap: While you can get a can of gilette for $5-$8 a pop, it will last you a month. If you get higher quality cream, or even shaving soap, it may cost 2-3 times as much, but it lasts 2-3 times as long, and you get a better shave. I have Kiehl's White Eagle, and the Art of Shaving's sandstone soap. They together have lasted me 6 months already. Just wanted to give my 2 cents and make you richer :) Oooh, I don’t know about that one.

I agree about the badger hair brush — love it! The main important thing about a razor is the handle. A handle with nice weight provides a solid, more comfortable shave.

Now, the part that fools most people — the cream or the soap:

While you can get a can of gilette for $5-$8 a pop, it will last you a month.

If you get higher quality cream, or even shaving soap, it may cost 2-3 times as much, but it lasts 2-3 times as long, and you get a better shave.

I have Kiehl’s White Eagle, and the Art of Shaving’s sandstone soap. They together have lasted me 6 months already.

Just wanted to give my 2 cents and make you richer :)

]]> By: Julie http://www.thesimpledollar.com/2007/03/21/the-simple-dollar-guide-to-shaving/comment-page-1/#comment-21769 Julie Mon, 30 Apr 2007 08:10:54 +0000 http://www.thesimpledollar.com/2007/03/21/the-simple-dollar-guide-to-shaving/#comment-21769 I've often wondered about the long-term financial impact of laser hair removal for legs/underarms/bikini area. The time savings alone would be huge, but less easy to quantify. The soap/shaving product, shower water, and razors it requires would surely offer a reasonable break-even point somewhere out in the future, esp. given an age in the 20s. However, I've heard that leg hair tends to thin after menopause. Definitely a procedure I plan to research eventually, if only to satisfy my curiosity. I’ve often wondered about the long-term financial impact of laser hair removal for legs/underarms/bikini area. The time savings alone would be huge, but less easy to quantify. The soap/shaving product, shower water, and razors it requires would surely offer a reasonable break-even point somewhere out in the future, esp. given an age in the 20s. However, I’ve heard that leg hair tends to thin after menopause. Definitely a procedure I plan to research eventually, if only to satisfy my curiosity.

]]> By: Julie http://www.thesimpledollar.com/2007/03/21/the-simple-dollar-guide-to-shaving/comment-page-1/#comment-21768 Julie Mon, 30 Apr 2007 08:07:32 +0000 http://www.thesimpledollar.com/2007/03/21/the-simple-dollar-guide-to-shaving/#comment-21768 When I got married, I used a habit that my parents always used - for whatever reason, my leg hair doesn't require quite as sharp a razor blade (safety razor with replaceable heads) as my husband's facial hair does. So, we have the same razor "base", and I use his razors after they're too dull for him to use, but plenty fine for my use - no increased issues with razor burn. Also, since I tend to be clutzy and shave as fast as I can, the slightly dull blades cut down on the amount of times I cut myself. Also, I never use shaving cream, after I used hair conditioner in a pinch once. It works better for me (more of a "slicker" base for the razor to glide on), and I can buy the cheapest bottle I can find for much less, and it lasts much longer. My husband swears by his shaving soap (goats-milk that I found at a Country Peddler show one time - gets about a year's use per cake, if not more) and his badger brush. When I got married, I used a habit that my parents always used – for whatever reason, my leg hair doesn’t require quite as sharp a razor blade (safety razor with replaceable heads) as my husband’s facial hair does. So, we have the same razor “base”, and I use his razors after they’re too dull for him to use, but plenty fine for my use – no increased issues with razor burn. Also, since I tend to be clutzy and shave as fast as I can, the slightly dull blades cut down on the amount of times I cut myself.

Also, I never use shaving cream, after I used hair conditioner in a pinch once. It works better for me (more of a “slicker” base for the razor to glide on), and I can buy the cheapest bottle I can find for much less, and it lasts much longer.

My husband swears by his shaving soap (goats-milk that I found at a Country Peddler show one time – gets about a year’s use per cake, if not more) and his badger brush.

]]> By: Bill http://www.thesimpledollar.com/2007/03/21/the-simple-dollar-guide-to-shaving/comment-page-1/#comment-14455 Bill Sat, 31 Mar 2007 02:07:47 +0000 http://www.thesimpledollar.com/2007/03/21/the-simple-dollar-guide-to-shaving/#comment-14455 I also shave in the shower, using Dove, but with Gilette Sensor blades (refills cheap on ebay) No more cuts, but since I shave by touch, my sideburns aren't perfect. I also shave in the shower, using Dove, but with Gilette Sensor blades (refills cheap on ebay)

No more cuts, but since I shave by touch, my sideburns aren’t perfect.

]]> By: Kevin http://www.thesimpledollar.com/2007/03/21/the-simple-dollar-guide-to-shaving/comment-page-1/#comment-14448 Kevin Sat, 31 Mar 2007 01:31:11 +0000 http://www.thesimpledollar.com/2007/03/21/the-simple-dollar-guide-to-shaving/#comment-14448 Trent & Sarah: If you watch your coupons and deals, you can get a supply of disposables (and even non-disposables) for cheaper than replacement razors. We typically throw away even razors that could have their blades replaced because to replace the blades would cost us more money than to buy new ones with the coupons in the paper. It's a shame that this is such a waste economy, but does it make financial sense to pay 2x for blades when we can get entire razors w/ blades? Trent & Sarah:
If you watch your coupons and deals, you can get a supply of disposables (and even non-disposables) for cheaper than replacement razors. We typically throw away even razors that could have their blades replaced because to replace the blades would cost us more money than to buy new ones with the coupons in the paper.

It’s a shame that this is such a waste economy, but does it make financial sense to pay 2x for blades when we can get entire razors w/ blades?

]]> By: Exurban Jon http://www.thesimpledollar.com/2007/03/21/the-simple-dollar-guide-to-shaving/comment-page-1/#comment-14095 Exurban Jon Thu, 29 Mar 2007 14:40:49 +0000 http://www.thesimpledollar.com/2007/03/21/the-simple-dollar-guide-to-shaving/#comment-14095 Nice blog and excellent tips! I recently posted recommendations for an inexpensive, complete "retro shaving" kit at http://exurbanleague.com/2007/03/12/retro.aspx . Since beginning using my Merkur and badger brush, I actually look forward to shaving every morning. Nice blog and excellent tips! I recently posted recommendations for an inexpensive, complete “retro shaving” kit at http://exurbanleague.com/2007/03/12/retro.aspx .

Since beginning using my Merkur and badger brush, I actually look forward to shaving every morning.

]]> By: Wintermute http://www.thesimpledollar.com/2007/03/21/the-simple-dollar-guide-to-shaving/comment-page-1/#comment-12839 Wintermute Sun, 25 Mar 2007 01:23:16 +0000 http://www.thesimpledollar.com/2007/03/21/the-simple-dollar-guide-to-shaving/#comment-12839 Ordinary bath soap works just fine, and it cleans your face at the same time. Like 'mg', I use Dove. But that's just a personal preference; probably any bath soap would do just as well. Ordinary bath soap works just fine, and it cleans your face at the same time. Like ‘mg’, I use Dove. But that’s just a personal preference; probably any bath soap would do just as well.

]]> By: mg http://www.thesimpledollar.com/2007/03/21/the-simple-dollar-guide-to-shaving/comment-page-1/#comment-12793 mg Sat, 24 Mar 2007 19:10:57 +0000 http://www.thesimpledollar.com/2007/03/21/the-simple-dollar-guide-to-shaving/#comment-12793 I shave while in the shower - the resulting cut is far better because of the hot water and steam, especially as a I have sensitive skin. Here's a tip though: I used to buy shaving cream / foam: it's expensive, then I found that something as simple and cheap as dove soap (which, you'll know, is softer and gives a better lather than standard soap) actually works as good as, if not better than these expensive creams and foams. Although dove soap is more expensive than normal soap: if you (as I do) only use it for shaving, it lasts a long time and is far more price effective than anything else. Give it a try. I shave while in the shower – the resulting cut is far better because of the hot water and steam, especially as a I have sensitive skin.

Here’s a tip though: I used to buy shaving cream / foam: it’s expensive, then I found that something as simple and cheap as dove soap (which, you’ll know, is softer and gives a better lather than standard soap) actually works as good as, if not better than these expensive creams and foams.

Although dove soap is more expensive than normal soap: if you (as I do) only use it for shaving, it lasts a long time and is far more price effective than anything else. Give it a try.

]]> By: Joey http://www.thesimpledollar.com/2007/03/21/the-simple-dollar-guide-to-shaving/comment-page-1/#comment-12728 Joey Sat, 24 Mar 2007 12:57:19 +0000 http://www.thesimpledollar.com/2007/03/21/the-simple-dollar-guide-to-shaving/#comment-12728 Great post. I had tried using a cheap brush I bought from CVS but after a few times it was nearly impossible to clean and the cream would make the brush dry rock solid. Is this because it was just cheap and not a badger hair brush? Are there any brush cleaning secrets? Thanks. Great post. I had tried using a cheap brush I bought from CVS but after a few times it was nearly impossible to clean and the cream would make the brush dry rock solid.

Is this because it was just cheap and not a badger hair brush? Are there any brush cleaning secrets? Thanks.

]]>