Single Edge vs Double Edge Razors

New video up about the differences between SE and DE razors. I go over the pros and cons of each platform and at the end I give my personal recommendation on which blade platform I'd begin with. Which would you recommend?

As some one who does both I can say I doesn't really matter what platform you start on as long as you can tolerate the shave. Usually the biggest mistake with SE razors is trying to shave with them like DE razors. the angle needs to be almost flat to the face anything much more than will give you a barn burner of a shave. If I had to suggest one SE platform over the other for starting out as a new wet shaver. I would say start with injectors either vintage or modern, reason being they are the closest experience to carts and easiest to pick up as a beginner. Put it to the face and pull no figuring out shave angles or anything like that.

If you already started DE shaving I will always say that SE compliments DE shaving and will make you a better overall DE shaver if you periodically use any SE platform. Spend about a week shaving SE if already DE shaving then don't SE shave for about a month or more. Once you pick up the SE razor the next pass should be much less harsh than the first time. Your skin and pain receptors will also acclimate to the thicker blades which over time also makes DE blades and razors that felt initially too much become easier to deal with. If you never do decide to go full SE just switching it up every few months for a week at a time is all you need to do.

Great video Shane, thanks.  Lots of good information on DE vs SE blades and pros and cons of both DE and SE.  Naturally, however, when faced with an either/or choice I choose both. I'm a long time DE shaver who just wandered down the SE garden path as of last week.  I have all of two shaves under my belt with the Blackbird Ti Vector / Feather Professional AC blade.  It's different than DE shaving for sure but its still shaving so there really is, in my opinion, more in common between the two platforms than separates them.  I'm following Shane's advice and sticking with the Vector and the Feather Professional for a minimum of 10 shaves.  I'm retired now so I shave every other day so thats going to take me the better part of a month.  

So to compare - do I find the SE Vector gives me more irritation than the DE platform?  No, except when I fall victim to overconfidence - you know how that goes right?  Things are going well, shaving smoothly, this is good, now I'll just get a little closer....then bam, its Homer jumping the canyon on the skateboard all over again.   Comfortable shaves are all about knowing when to stop and you figure that out by going too far.  I got a nik on Saturday the likes I haven't had in years.  As far as weepers and irritation, its nothing that the alum block can't handle but then again, I had the same experience as a novice DE shaver too and I can also go too far with a DE razor so my conclusion is that the SE platform is not inherently more irritating than DE.  

I think the SE shaves closer than the DE.  I know its apples to oranges but a three pass shave with the SE (Vector /Feather Pro) will shave me closer than a three pass shave with say the Rockwell 6s with a Feather blade on plate 3 or 4.  If I went to plate 6 with the Feather it would probably be on par but I dont do that combination very often because it's a bit more aggressive than I normally want.  This depends on what you're looking for in your shaving experience.  I know there are guys who really want the super aggressive shave and if youre one of those you would probably like a SE razor because they just shave closer by virtue of all the blade things Shane discussed in the video.  

I'll post more down the road as I get more shaves with the Ti Vector under my belt.  Theres a lot to like about the SE platform but then the DE platform is pretty great as well.  I'll see how things go as my technique improves.  And I agree with Shane on this point - if you're a seasoned DE shaver don't try SE because DE isn't good enough but rather try it if you're looking for a slightly different experience.  If you want a radically different experience try straight razors!

Excellent video, Shane. I"m not a SE guy so I learned a lot.

Trying to find one of these, espec a Ti, to try before buying. Realize it comes money back 30dd return but disinclined to return a product blind purchased erroneously unless something actually defective.

But this video has piqued interest. Last SE was many many years ago with so much learnt since.

New video up about the differences between SE and DE razors. I go over the pros and cons of each platform and at the end I give my personal recommendation on which blade platform I'd begin with. Which would you recommend?

Just saw your updates post and read the blurb about anodized titanium offerings. Will those of us with titanium Blackbirds and Vectors be able to send them back to you for anodizing?


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New video up about the differences between SE and DE razors. I go over the pros and cons of each platform and at the end I give my personal recommendation on which blade platform I'd begin with. Which would you recommend?

Just saw your updates post and read the blurb about anodized titanium offerings. Will those of us with titanium Blackbirds and Vectors be able to send them back to you for anodizing?


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We’re hoping to offer anodizing and polishing as services this year, but it won’t be immediately available.

I purchased a Sabre a while ago, but never warmed to it.

I will pull it out and have another try.

I do remember how light it handled around the nose.  Perhaps I mistook that freedom for insecurity?

It is hard to generalize about SE razors. Some use very thin half DE blades, some use thicker injector style blades or Shavette style blades (guarded and un-garded) , and some use the very thick Valet Auto Stop blades or GEM spined blades, which if you get the carbon steel variety can be stropped and honed.

The one thing that they all have in common is that they are way cooler looking than DE razors!

Very helpful content