I am new to wet shaving but really enjoy SE razors, having purchased a few vintage GEM and newer AC types. While I am intrigued by the idea of trying a Schick injector, I strongly prefer rinsing and drying blades between each use and doubt whether I can do so with with a standard Schick. Am I wrong about this?
(This post was last modified: 08-20-2019, 04:50 PM by Freddy.)
(08-20-2019, 03:32 PM)elbee Wrote: I am new to wet shaving but really enjoy SE razors, having purchased a few vintage GEM and newer AC types. While I am intrigued by the idea of trying a Schick injector, I strongly prefer rinsing and drying blades between each use and doubt whether I can do so with with a standard Schick. Am I wrong about this?
It would be almost impossible, certainly difficult, aside from the Hydromatic types. Like you, I rinse and dry my blades after each use. However, I also take a cotton ball with witch hazel (the type that is 14% alcohol) to help disinfect the blade and have good success with this. For the Schick Injector, I leave the blade in the razor, as I can usually get 5-7 shaves with each blade, rinse it so all soap scum is gone, and then gently give it the witch hazel-cotton ball routine and that works for me. I would guess this would work with straight alcohol, as well.
If my idea doesn’t appeal to you then, honestly, I think your best bet would be to change the blade after each use. Perhaps another member will have a different idea.
I think Freddy's witch hazel/alcohol idea is arguably the best. This approach lets you choose without restriction from the many fine vintage Schick models. But besides this and the hydro magic that @"newrfb" mentioned, there is another option. The additional option is the Supply razor, which is a modern, stainless steel Schick format razor that has a removable "base plate". (NOTE: What I am calling a "base plate" is referred to as a "shave setting" on the Supply website.) Although the Supply can be loaded like a traditional injector, it is easy enough to to remove blades between shaves by removing (unscrewing) the base plate. The razor itself goes for $79, and for another $29 you can get the mild and aggressive plates (aka "mild and aggressive custom shave settings"). IMO if you are going to get the razor, the additional plates are an excellent investment.
Compared to vintage, the Supply razor is expensive. Nor is it necessary, but I've heard no complaints about the build quality (mine is certainly well made), and FWIW I think it is a fine razor.
Compared to vintage, the Supply razor is expensive. Nor is it necessary, but I've heard no complaints about the build quality (mine is certainly well made), and FWIW I think it is a fine razor.
Technique Trumps Tools
Skin Care Trumps Skin Repair
Be Cool, be Kind, and be Well
-- Mike --
Skin Care Trumps Skin Repair
Be Cool, be Kind, and be Well
-- Mike --
I really appreciate all your suggestions. Not being able to remove the blade and leaving it in the razor between shaves is a non-starter for me. Besides having a clean blade, a primary objective is to keep the razor as pristine as possible and to preserve its condition. I don't think that leaving a moist blade in an old Schick would do it any good. I suppose I could blow dry the razor, but even that approach would leave the wet-now-dry blade in contact with the brass. I don't shave all areas of my face, and perhaps for that reason, I've been getting a minimum of 10 shaves per blade. Using a blade per shave would for me be like throwing away a bottle of wine after one glass.
I'll also be thinking about the suggestion regarding the Supply razor (in addition to the Schick E2 and HydroMagic) but I really wanted to use a vintage injector (for the same reasons I shave with GEMs). I recently bought a Colonial General SS and that seems to fill my need for a modern SE alternative.
I'll also be thinking about the suggestion regarding the Supply razor (in addition to the Schick E2 and HydroMagic) but I really wanted to use a vintage injector (for the same reasons I shave with GEMs). I recently bought a Colonial General SS and that seems to fill my need for a modern SE alternative.
I just bought an E2 on eBay (for about $10). Sorted through a ton of eBay pictures and now I think I may be a (self-proclaimed) expert at spotting which ones provide access to the blade. Too bad there are so many listings without decent pictures of the backs of the razors. Depending on my experience, I may also try to pick up a Schick I2, J3, J4, as well as the elusive D.
I'm on the fence about Hydro Magics because: 1) I can't tell whether the lever will merely loosen the blade to allow rinsing or will also permit removal and reinsertion; and 2) the way I think the lever mechanism is constructed, there's no way to tell based on eBay postings whether it would be fully functional and structurally sound/intact.
As I think many of you would agree, learning about these razors; hunting for a reasonable deal; and purchasing, cleaning and optimizing functionality are at least as much fun as actually shaving with them.
I'm on the fence about Hydro Magics because: 1) I can't tell whether the lever will merely loosen the blade to allow rinsing or will also permit removal and reinsertion; and 2) the way I think the lever mechanism is constructed, there's no way to tell based on eBay postings whether it would be fully functional and structurally sound/intact.
As I think many of you would agree, learning about these razors; hunting for a reasonable deal; and purchasing, cleaning and optimizing functionality are at least as much fun as actually shaving with them.
(08-22-2019, 03:09 PM)elbee Wrote: I just bought an E2 on eBay (for about $10). Sorted through a ton of eBay pictures and now I think I may be a (self-proclaimed) expert at spotting which ones provide access to the blade. Too bad there are so many listings without decent pictures of the backs of the razors. Depending on my experience, I may also try to pick up a Schick I2, J3, J4, as well as the elusive D.Hydromagic lever does not allow for removal of the blade, only drops the guard down to enable cleaning.
I'm on the fence about Hydro Magics because: 1) I can't tell whether the lever will merely loosen the blade to allow rinsing or will also permit removal and reinsertion; and 2) the way I think the lever mechanism is constructed, there's no way to tell based on eBay postings whether it would be fully functional and structurally sound/intact.
As I think many of you would agree, learning about these razors; hunting for a reasonable deal; and purchasing, cleaning and optimizing functionality are at least as much fun as actually shaving with them.
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