Ditching Disposable Razors

No, this is not a post on how Stacy talks about her recent journey into becoming “au natural.” Even while extremely pregnant and when I struggle to bend over to see my legs, I still shave. Long hair on my legs and under my arms is not something I find comfortable. Braided arm-pit hair isn’t a new fashion trend. So, you can breathe a sigh of relief now. *Ahhhh*

In our attempt to cut out disposables from our lifestyle, I’ve tackled one thing at a time…until one day I realized I was tired of buying those stupid disposable razors. The prices on those things kept going up and up and up…the coupons kept getting less and less. The last time I got hounded at the store from trying to use a coupon on razors, I told myself I wouldn’t buy them again. I’m ornery.

Image by Mr. T in DC

I decided I was going to switch to a safety razor. What the heck is a safety razor anyway? It’s one of those “old school” razors that’s metal and you just replace the blade when it gets dull.  In a way, it’s still a bit “disposable” but cheaper and more old school…and I like old school. It’s how I roll.

I should also tell you that Barry has already been shaving with a safety razor for several years. They seem to do better on his face and he gets less razor burn. He also uses shave soap from Thistle Ridge, my favorite place to get homemade soap.

Now, let’s have a history lesson. My mom taught me to shave using a safety razor when I was young. So, I’ve had experience. It wasn’t something new to me – and I had watched my Papaw shave with one when I was little, so they were very familiar. It was a natural switch for me.

My safety razor

I went ahead and saved up Swagbucks to purchase a NICE razor….I decided on the Parker Long Handled Razor. I figured if I was going to use it for years, I might as well get a nice, pretty one. Plus, this particular razor already comes with 10 blades. I like bonuses.  I think it’s very pretty and I enjoy looking at it while I shave…keeping in mind that I’m also looking at my legs so that I don’t shave off an important body part.

I would love to tell you that the first time that I used it that everything went smooth as silk and I hopped out of that shower like a new woman…but that would be a lie. I got a big head and thought I knew just exactly how to use it. I made two mistakes: I went fast and I was cold and had chill bumps. Now ladies…don’t shave fast with a safety razor. And for Pete’s sake, don’t shave while you’re cold!

I bled like a stuck pig. I spent about 30 minutes in the bathroom mopping up blood off my legs and covering every possible surface with a band-aid. I’m sure my mom (we were still living there) wondered what on earth I was doing in there…and I came out with a very sheepish look on my face. I wore pants for over a week.

Razor inserted

So, if you’ve never shaved with a safety razor before, you might want to read this article from eHow on how to shave with a safety razor and if you’re a woman, just replace “beard” with legs and don’t use face aftershave on your legs.

I thought about making my own You Tube video, but then I realized everyone in the free world would see my stark white legs and who knows what else…and I’m not cool with that. Amen.

Mainly, just go slow and be methodical. You’ll have to practice. After my first slaughter, I haven’t had any problems except the normal “Oops, I shaved the skin off my ankle”…that’s normal, right?

Once you’ve purchased the nice razor, this method is very cost effective. I can get 100 blades for less than $20…that’s less than $.20 per blade. I’m stellar at math.

Here’s something else – these blades last longer. I’ve been using mine for months and it’s still sharp – my FIRST blade.

  1. Keep it dry. When you’re done with the bath, dry it off instead of letting it remain wet.
  2. Sharpen it by rubbing the edge of the blade along the inside of a drinking glass – that’s how my Papaw used to do it.

Disclaimer: I am not a safety razor expert. I just shave with one and like it. I am not responsible if you get one and have a slaughterhouse incident in your bathroom just like I did. My advice: buy band-aids in advance and keep your razor where you child cannot find it and shave the dog.

Switch to safety!

Disclosure: Some posts include links to sponsors or affiliates, which give me a small percentage of the sale. You are not obligated to use these links when you make a purchase, but when you do so it helps to support this site, so thank you!

About Stacy

Stacy is the author of Crock On: A Semi-Whole Foods Slow Cooker Cookbook and a stay-at-home mom to her two children, Annie (3) and Andy (newborn). After an “awakening” in March 2011, her family switched to a more natural, whole foods diet. She likes to blog about how to live on less than you make and how to eat good food while doing it. Her passion is teaching others how to save money and she tag teams with her husband in this endeavor. At Stacy Makes Cents you’ll find information on how to save money in the kitchen, how to have fun with your kids, and how to be thrifty in all areas of life. Her passion is teaching others how to live debt free. Make sure to follow her on Facebook and Twitter to keep up with her daily antics.

  • Kate

    My hubby switched before me on this because he has such a tough beard and dulls blades fast. His barber friend gave him all the recommendations, and he immediately loved it. Now he’s got me on board and I’m happy I’m not throwing out so much junk (aka pink plastic razors). :)

    • Stacy

      Yes – Barry switched before me too…he converted me. :-)

    • Laurie Ellithorpe

      I am so glad you confessed to using one of these puppies! I had to retire mine last year because I couldn’t unscrew the blade any longer. It was my dads at one time and I confinscated it probably when I was 12. So it was very OLD!( I’m 49 )Just saying, LOL. I will look for one on amazon and use my swag bucks too. Thanks for the hint!

  • Carole

    I use a battery operated razor. I prefer an electric razor but I don’t think they make them anymore. Maybe I’ll find one at a garage sale sometime. My hair is light and if I miss a spot it doesn’t show up very much.

    • Stacy

      That’s a blessing indeed! :-)

  • tamela

    I remember watching my Dad shave with these kinds of razors… And these are the kind that I used when I first started shaving my underarms and legs…40 years back… I am encouraged to return to this style of razor… Thank you….

    • Stacy

      :-) It’s what I learned on too!

  • Yolanda

    I used to use one of those! And I’ve often thought of going back to it, but I would usually nick myself and bleed. But I had no idea there is a “proper” way to do it. I would like to know more about what you mean about the sharpening method. Also, you said you “dry” it after use. Do you open it up or just pat it with a towel or what? Enjoyed the post!

  • Nora

    I have been thinking on how to ditch the disposable shavers. I honestly was thinking of trying the straight razor. My dad used to use one. But I think this might be a better alternative. LOL Thanks for posting on this.

    • Stacy

      You’re welcome – also something else to consider is an electric razor. I’m going to look into that too!

      • http://wholenewmom.com Adrienne

        Any thoughts on the electric razor and why it might be better or worse? Of course, shaving w/o needing electricity is a plus. My husband said that they don’t go as close, but it was a long time ago. Do you know if they’ve improved in recent years?

  • Theresa

    My husband is italian and used to have a shadow by noon! I buy him Mach3 Turbo razors. They are expensive on first look, however, they last an AMAZINGLY long time, and my husband barely has a shadow the next morning. I have been using them on my legs for 2 years now. My current razor is 8 months old. The best part is I rarely cut myself, they are very gentle, and my shave lasts forever which I love because I hate shaving my legs. Sams Club sells them, so you can save a little.

    • Stacy

      Good tip! Thanks for sharing, Theresa!

  • Susan

    I chuckled when I saw this post. That is what my dad used when I was a kid. Every now and then he would shave at night (mostly shaved in the morning), but if he was going out, he would shave again at night. I remember watching him and not really understanding what he was doing, just that the foamy stuff was coming off his face. The 2 memories that are vivid is when he wanted to show my older brother how to shave (who was 12 at the time), my dad took the shaving cream and lathered his face, took the razor and took (with no blade in it), put his hand over my brothers and showed him that is how to shave. But told him he wasn’t ready until he had wiskers. The not so great memory was when I was about 8 years old, walking back from the store, I happened to see one of those razor blades on the ground. I remember my dad telling me they are sharp, and not a toy. So, I picked it up, all dull and blew the dirt off it. I thought, this can’t be sharp, it dirty and rusty, so, I tried it out on my finger – YUP – sure enough, blood started gushing out, and I ran home crying while blood ran down my arm. Needless to say, I learned the hard way and had to get a Tetanus shot.

    Remember, still sharp, even if they look dirty. Thinking of getting one for my husband. He hates disposables, won’t use, but uses the kind you click off the razor head and put another one on. Those are expensive. The blades on these are a good deal for 100.

    Thanks for the post and jolting my memory bank.

    Susan
    p.s. My dad still wears Old Spice and still always has a white handkerchief in his back pocket. I tell my girls, now that is something every guy should have, in case a women cries. LOL

    • Stacy

      Thank you SO much for sharing that memory. :-) I love it when things spark memories of when I was little…and I think it’s great when you share those memories with others. Your dad sounds like my Papaw.

  • http://www.jessicasjottings.wordpress.com Jessica B.

    It’s so nice to know I’m not the only one who is, ahem, not a great shaver. My legs don’t heal very fast, so I’d have streaks of scab tissue (Gag, right?) for weeks at a time. My husband got me an epilator two Christmases ago and I thought it was going to be my miracle cure all. Alas…using it has given me a LOT of ingrown hairs. So, now in my Yeti-like state, I wander the hills and mountains of the internet looking for alternative solutions. (Okay…that might be a *slight* exaggeration. It might just be that I overjoyed when I saw your blog post in my inbox.) ;D

    Thanks, Stacy! And, as I also have legs that I’ve affectionately dubbed “fish-belly white”, I hear you about the youtube video…eek!

    • Stacy

      Girl – I am always blooddying myself in the bathroom….and now I’m thinking about an electric razor because of all the wonderful comments!

  • Madeline Wheeler

    I have one of these that my hubby had first when we married but had to give up using it because we can’t find blades for it anymore. where do you get your blades?

    • Stacy

      Amazon – my favorite place to shop!

  • Stephanie

    Shew, that sounds like something medieval. :( I got tired of buying disposable blades so I switched to an electric razor (rechargeable razor? – idk, it has a charging dock that plugs into the wall.) I bought it for like $20 and I love it. Cut my shower time in half and I have yet to knick myself or end up with those red bumps. But every gal is different. And thanks, I enjoy learning about different options and hearing your stories. :)

    • Stacy

      Between you and a few other readers, I am very interested in this electric razor idea. I didn’t even consider that. What brand/type do you use and does it really work well?

      • Stephanie

        I have used a Remington (from Wal-Mart) since 05 or 06. It is a wet+dry, but I’ve never used shave gel with it. Another expense I don’t have to worry about. :D

        • Stacy

          I’m totally looking into this now.

  • http://www.thesimplehomemaker.com Christy, The Simple Homemaker

    Best hairy legs article I’ve ever read! In the trailer we use an electric razor my grandma bought me when I was 16. Still going. It’s not as pretty (or exciting) as your safety razor, though. Thanks for the info.

    • Stacy

      Now you’ve got me intrigued. I never considered an electric razor – I was just always of the assumption that they didn’t work well. Are you telling me that’s not true?!

  • Jami Balmet

    How interesting! I’ve never heard of a safety razor before lol! I guess I’m not old school enough ;)

    • Stacy

      :-) I won’t make a comment about how young you are – I know you hate it. LOL

  • Janet McCollom

    When I was around 5 I was so fascinated with my dad’s safety razor. I would open and close it repeatedly. One day I decided I was going to shave too. I lathered up my little chin with his lather brush and then proceeded to take a big chunk out of the side if my chin! At age 54 I still have scar. I did start out as a teen shaving with these so maybe I’ll give it another go :)

    • Stacy

      :-) I love the memories that everyone is sharing! I fondly remember my mom using it. :-)

  • Kandi

    I may have to check into this. My husband shaves his head at least once a week, and my oldest son is also having to shave his face often (sniff- they grow so fast – sob). We’ve been using razor cartridges like crazy.

    I heard about http://www.greatrazors.com, which is a business that takes the brand-name razor blade cartridges and cryogenically treats the blades to make them last longer. The person who mentioned it on the radio stated that he used the same blade cartridge for over six months before he had to switch it out! (I wanted to order from them at Christamas time, but didn’t ever seem to have a moment to do it.) If they are as stellar as they sound I’ll let you know. (Of course, by that time, you’ll have opened your own barbershop and will no doubt be shaving your legs – as well as the faces and legs of others – with a straght-edge, because that’s how you roll.) :D

    • Stacy

      LOL I seriously doubt it – my readers have about convinced me today that I need an electric razor. Let me know about those blades!

  • Deb

    Now I use a man’s 5 bladed razor as it shaves very close. Rarely cut myself and don’t go through blades very fast as with the big “M” my hair grows slower. Have never used disposable. Thought they were a HUGE waste of money and always cut myself a lot. I started with one like you pictured. My dad’s. After a short while mom got us one to use ourselves just like the one Dad used. used his shaving cream also. I won’t go back to onelike you bought but I don’t throw out old razors by the handful. Still just need to buy blades and they are expensive but occassionally I find a coupon.
    My hairs are black so it shows a lot. LOL

    • Stacy

      Mine are dark too – and I have heard from multiple ladies that men’s razors are better. Wonder why that is?

      • Deb

        I tried men’s razors when our girls started shaving and they had read about them being better. Maybe because they are made to go over many surfaces and such of the man’s chin and neck area? I use the reg. Fusion brand that has 5 blades. Expensive blades but I try for discount sales or coupons and then stock up. For awhile the girls used Venus but I don’t remember anymore why I switched, Maybe the reusable handle of the venus broke? I rarely cut myself and when I used the safety razor like you have I cut myself BADLY and FREQUENTLY. LOL Shaving gel and such isn’t very good for you. I hate that all those chemicals, unless you make it, go into your skin. the last coup[le weeks I’ve been using homemade soap on my legs to shave and it’s worked well for me.

        • Stacy

          We love homemade shave soap!

      • Deb

        I don’t use shave soap just my reg. body bar I use. I suds up my legs and afdter clean suds again lightly and shave that way. DSo you have a good recipe for shave soap or cream?

    • Deb

      I should elaborate. The only disposable I used was a free one, otherwise never used them. I contradicted myself in that post. Sorry.

  • Susan

    Shaving makes minute cuts in the skin which encourages getting an infection. Putting on deodorant that has aluminum in it after shaving might be risky. It’s scary to think our quest for “beauty” might be endangering our lives.

    • Stacy

      We use aluminum free deo. :-)

  • Shawna

    LOL… This post reminds me of the story of my mom’s first attempt to shave her legs! My uncle (who was 16) was allowed to have a get together/party with his friends at my grandparents house. My uncle told my mom (who was 14)that she and her friend could attend…. Well! This was a big deal ya know! There were going to be 16 yr old boys there! So my mom and her friend decided they were going to really do it up and shave their legs….They used my Pap’s razor, a safety razor…. Well, they took a lot of skin with the hair. My mom said, “there we were at this party, trying to act like big stuff, and we both had 6 to 10 bandaids running up each of our shins….So Glamorous!” I don’t think I’m coordinated enough to use a safety razor–I still nick my ankles with a disposable! I would probably go with the electric…for safety reasons, you know, like you wouldn’t give sharp scissors to a little kid. LOL!

    • Stacy

      That is a GREAT STORY!! :-)

  • Sherry

    I have a Panasonic ES2207P wet/dry shaver that I really like. Bought it on Amazon for less than 20.00

    • Stacy

      I am totally looking into that!

  • Gail

    This is the kind I grew up using. I only did the disposables for a very short while in my life. Just never ever saw anything as truly “disposable” unless it completely biodegrades.
    The same is true for pens. If someone gives me a pen, fine. But otherwise, I’ll take a permanent pen that needs refills..

    As for the bleeding like a stuck pig..keep PEPPER nearby. Any kind of pepper – black pepper, white pepper, cayenne pepper..Sprinkle on the cut (it doesn’t burn) and the bleeding stops IMMEDIATELY. Great to keep those ‘fast food’ pepper packets in your purse and diaper bag.

    • Stacy

      Oh my gosh! For REAL?! I almost hope I cut myself so I can try that. LOL

      • Gail

        Yes! It absolutely works! And INSTANTLY. So, for my coworkers with kids, I mention keep pepper packets in the car; purse; diaper bag, etc and also for survival bags.

        On the bigger scheme, you can use cayenne tinctures (which I now make) and it can stop serious bleeding or hemorraging until further first aid or hospital attention. Hope I never have to do so, though!

        Next time you cut yourself in the kitchen (or shaving!) – try it! :)

        • Stacy

          I am TOTALLY going to do that! :-) Gotta pick up some more pepper – almost out.

  • Jen

    Can you use this on underarms, too? Looks dangerous compared to a Venus razor – is that so? Why didn’t you go with something like that? Was it just the cost you were considering? I’m intrigued!

    • Stacy

      The refills for Venus razors are EXPENSIVE! And yes, it was mostly cost and because I embrace old-school. ;-) I do use it under my arms with no problems. I actually do better there than on my legs. LOL
      I am now thinking about an electric razor after some posts here by readers. It would be nice to have both options.

  • Jen

    Which non-alum deodorant have you guys found to be effective?

    • Stacy

      We like Tom’s of Maine – I want to try making some. I know Lexie Naturals sells a deo that I want to try too. And Barry just got a deodrant crystal but we haven’t tried it yet.

    • Gail

      I LOVE the Crystal one on Amazon.

      In reality, we shouldn’t ‘need’ to use deodorant but occasionally. The Crystal deodorant has lasted me two years now.

      • Stacy

        Well, I hope Barry likes it then! Ours is from More Than Alive. :-)

  • Janette

    Have you ever tried this disposable razor sharpener? https://www.lehmans.com/p-675-disposable-razor-sharpener.aspx It really does work well.

    • Stacy

      No, I haven’t ever seen that. Thanks for sharing! :-)

  • Deborah

    I have used a crystal, but it has aluminum in it as well. The thing that works best for me is after I shower, I apply a little rubbing alcohol under my arms and then a little baking soda. The best part is I used to get little red bumps under my arms after shaving, but they are gone since using rubbing alcohol. This is also cheaper then buying deodorant.

    • Stacy

      I have heard the alcohol trick! I always forget it.