Why am I shaving with a TWIN blade?!?

Norman Gunston (the Little Aussie Bleeder). Photo from
"W.O.C.K On Vinyl" Click on photo to visit the webpage

As regular readers would be aware, I gave up twin blade shaving some time ago. After using a twin blade for ages, I used a triple blade for a long, long time. Throughout my many years of shaving, I have had a love-hate relationship with Disposable razors. I love to hate them. The few times I have needed to use them, I leave the bathroom looking like Norman Gunston (but with hair). So, it was with some trepidation that I accepted the invitation to try DollarShaveClub- Australia's (DSCA) twin blade set-up, the so-called "Humble Twin".

I made reference to the disposable razors because my initial impression of the DSC Australia twin blade was of a high quality disposable razor. It lacked the solid feel of their 5-blade item and had a very plastic and ... well... disposable feel to it. The DSC Australia website implies that this razor is a workhorse- it will work regardless of what you throw at it. It didn't feel that way when I first held it.

And then I shaved with it. Now, I assume that most blokes have a certain routine when shaving. You do

    this,

            then this,

                      then this,

                                then shave,

                                            then other stuff

or some variation to that. For example, you always brush your teeth before shaving. Or, you always apply shaving creme to your face using your left hand. Whatever. There is usually some form of routine. I don't know about you, but when my routine is thrown, it messes everything up. Well, my first use of the DSC Australia Twin Blade was one of those days. 

I cannot say exactly what went outta whack but something happened. Nevertheless, shaving crème on, blade in hand and drew it across my face. The feeling was like trying to shave with a blunt knife, scratching and ripping this way and that. It actually felt like I was shaving without using shaving crème. (I was using it, that much was certain). As you can tell from this blog, I have had some variable experiences with razors and this was most certainly the worst. So much so, I said to Mrs TMB that I wasn't sure how I could keep using such a terrible razor.

Hero that I am, the next day, with dread and fear, I used the DSC Australia blade again. I am not sure what happened between the two shaves but it was blo0dy fantastic. I ran my hand over my smooth face astounded with how good the twin blade shave was. Now, just to be clear, it wasn't as good as a triple blade, nor the DSC Australia "Executive" 5 Blade model, but it was pretty darn good. Easy, smooth, efficient shave that was gentle and easy. Perhaps it was assisted by the excellent quality shaving crème but, regardless of the reasons, this was a great shave.

Trimmer blade? Nope, however I find the twin-blade razors are usually small enough to get into those difficult areas. And, true to form, this blade removed whiskers wherever I needed them removed.

I used that blade for a week and I am still confused about why that first shave was just so poor. Equally, I am so pleased I stuck with it and use it for that second shave. I will post an update on how the future twin blade shaves go. To give you an insight into what I am thinking- my Dad has been using twin blade (disposable) razors since I was a lad. I think Father's Day is going to be a year's supply of Dollar Shave Club (Australia) twin blades!