Since my dad was a barber when I got to the age to shave, I didn't know that safety razors existed, and bought my own brand new DubLDuck when I was about 13 or 14. I never used anything else until I got to basic training and they wouldn't let you have one in the barracks.

I have tried a few electrics, and consider them a mild form of sado-masochism, aside from never finding one that actually gives a "clean" shave.

The real secret to a decent blade shave is "lubrication." This can't really be accomplished by the lather - or any of those "shaving accessories" that are advertised so much. The proper lubricant is "sweat."

The old-time barbershop routine was to lather the face first. A really "first-class" barber might then massage the lather in a little to relax the customer. The key to the good shave was the step that followed - slapping a steaming hot towel on, and letting the customer "soak" for a bit. (Note: if you could hold the towel in your hand, it's not hot enough.)
The hot soak should cause a mild amount of perspiration on the face, which brings a little natural skin oil to the surface (and also slightly numbs the skin) that makes the rest of the shave almost pleasurable.

Modern "disposable" blades attempt to provide the lubrication with silicone oils and little "soap strips" that are supposed to "lubricate each stroke," but none of these gimmicks get the grease where you need it - on the skin surface - like shaving while you're "in a sweat." They do help some, if you're ignoring the basics, but its the loss of lubricant that makes them "wear out" so quickly, rather than their becoming "dull."

Since I gave up the allover shaves many years ago, I now use a disposable - in the shower, for the areas I do shave. I take a rather hot shower, and once it feels comfortable, do my limited trimming "underwater" quite comfortably - with nothing in the way of soaps or lathers needed. If I'm careful to rinse the razor thoroughly and hang it out to dry, I find that the typical disposable will do for about 3 or 4 weeks of daily use. (Remember, I was raised on blades that last forever.)

Some people with very sensitive skin may find that modern disposals are actually "too sharp" for comfort, and might benefit from giving a new one a very hot rinse and then hanging it up for a day before the first shave. It is not necessary to have the "ultimate" in sharpness for a good shave. (Note here: a new X-acto knife blade isn't usually sharp enough to suit me, until I've "tweaked" it a bit. There's all kinds of sharp.)

For those who might be interested in a "traditional," you can still buy a new one cheaper than most garage sale or antique shop deals if you check your local barber supply outlets. But don't expect a "practicing" barber to know how to teach you to use it.

John