For those of you that don't like going back to nature when out in the boonies and feel the need to shave, may I suggest one looks at the old Rolls Razor. The Rolls Razor is a self contained razor and sharpening mechanism consisting of a stone, a strop and the razor that collapses down into a box a mere three inch by five inch and an inch thick. The housing is a delightful and ingenious mechanism, which is very hard wearing and simple.
I used to collect the things something which started when I was unemployed and could no longer afford those lousy Mach 3 blades, I have had most types, the Imperial No.1 through to three, mixed and matched to create the best of each and now use the later Viscount travel set, which is an aluminium set kept in a leather case along with a spare blade.
I learned how to repair them and restore them, and have passed my efforts out amongst my friends and family. I use them, on a daily basis, that is when I can be bothered to shave, and intersperse the Rolls use, with that of a cut throat, (which incidently the Rolls showed me how to use), and a hand action powered Rolls Viceroy scissor action buzz razor.
Yes, antiques, but a much better option than ecologically and financially unsound throwing away of expensive plastic and steel razor heads that need multi blades to do the job of one high grade hollow ground steel blade, which for those that seek utility in everything, well you have a surgical quality cutting edge that can be sharpened wherever in it's own mechanism.
The difference, well, using a blade as opposed to a multi blade, it is all in the preparation, that includes the skin and the razor itself. No rush, make it a ritual to be enjoyed.
I have a review on buying guide online somewhere, I will look it out for here if anyone is interested.
I used to collect the things something which started when I was unemployed and could no longer afford those lousy Mach 3 blades, I have had most types, the Imperial No.1 through to three, mixed and matched to create the best of each and now use the later Viscount travel set, which is an aluminium set kept in a leather case along with a spare blade.
I learned how to repair them and restore them, and have passed my efforts out amongst my friends and family. I use them, on a daily basis, that is when I can be bothered to shave, and intersperse the Rolls use, with that of a cut throat, (which incidently the Rolls showed me how to use), and a hand action powered Rolls Viceroy scissor action buzz razor.
Yes, antiques, but a much better option than ecologically and financially unsound throwing away of expensive plastic and steel razor heads that need multi blades to do the job of one high grade hollow ground steel blade, which for those that seek utility in everything, well you have a surgical quality cutting edge that can be sharpened wherever in it's own mechanism.
The difference, well, using a blade as opposed to a multi blade, it is all in the preparation, that includes the skin and the razor itself. No rush, make it a ritual to be enjoyed.
I have a review on buying guide online somewhere, I will look it out for here if anyone is interested.
Always strop the blade before and after shaving, don't use the stone unless you really have to. Use good hot water and a shaving brush and shaving soap, and take your time. I find the hardest part when I started was to shave over the old Adams' apple and over my carotid and jugular! Take it steady though and you'll be just fine. The paperwork that comes with the razor says to keep the blade almost flat in relation to the part of the face being shaved but I tend to tip it out a bit more, I still get a good shave but feel there is less likelihood of slicing my face off! 
