Shaving Wet or Dry

"Why is it I always get my best ideas while shaving?" – Albert Einstein

Shaving, wet or dry?

I have been shaving for decades. Shaving for all those years, like anything else you do for years, you settle into a routine. A routine not only how and when you do things but the tools you use to get the task done. 

Gillette Mach 3 for a Wet Shave

My go to shaver had always been the Gillette Mach3 for a good close shave at a reasonable price. ‘Had’ is the operative word. Now, due to the cost of living, I’ve had to consider alternatives. There is nothing wrong with the Mach 3, I’ve aways found it to be just as it has been advertised. For my sensitive skin, I found it comfortable, while giving me the close shave I wanted. As a senior I must consider the cost of a fifteen pack of cartridges, this is the most economical purchase. However, at up to $50 for a 15 pack of cartridges, on my income I can put that $50 to better use in other areas. 

Remington R2 for a Dry Shave

I was given this electric shaver as a gift. The average price for the shaver is $50. I use the Remington once or twice a week. It is not a comfortable shave, nor does it give a close shave as the Mach 3 would. Its main advantage is its quickness. It helps keep the growth in check, if you want to keep the scraggly look off your face, without being concerned about a smooth finish. I make sure the blades and foil are as clean as possible before I pack it away. I do not use any oil with it, there is no need as it will just gunk up the blades and foil. Use your wife’s hairdryer in an open space, which will clean all those hair clippings out.

Disposable Razors for a Wet Shave

I currently use a 4 pack of 3 bladed ‘Schick Xtreme3 Sensitive’ disposable razors. The advertising printed on the pack claims ‘up to 44 shaves. For me, I found after the 4th or 5th shave, the shave was beginning to feel uncomfortable on my sensitive skin. At that point I would replace it. I am careful when using the Mach3, I have to be even more careful when using disposable shavers. They say you get what you pay for, I agree with that sentiment, but I found this brand of disposable shavers surprisingly effective at giving a close, smooth shave. At up to $7 for the disposable razor pack, a very worthwhile buy.

My Method

I work one day a week, the job requires me to visit up to 20 retail stores, sometimes more, sometimes less. For those workdays I want to have as smooth a shave as I can possibly get. Two days before my workday I will use the Remington electric shaver. The evening before my workday I will use the disposable razor. For me this system works, I feel confident in my appearance. Purchasing the cartridges for the Mach3 is still a consideration down the track if I can give up little indulgences.

Do What is Necessary 

For quickness and convenience, I dry shave once or twice a week. I usually only wet shave once a week, more if a social occasion demands it. There will come a time when I stop traditional work entirely, then I may stop shaving entirely and let the thistles grow. Who knows?

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