My electric razor died a couple of weeks ago, and since my family always asks for Christmas gift ideas, I thought I’d add a replacement to the wishlist and try using a blade in the meanwhile. I’ve never used a blade in my life. Here’s how it’s been going.

The blade: Gilette Mach 3.

Average blood leaks: 2.6 per shave. Nothing a few seconds of direct pressure doesn’t fix, thankfully.

Elapsed shave time: about eight minutes, now that I’m a little more experienced with it. This is comparable to the old Braun, in its death throes. My stupid pointy chin takes twice as long as the rest of my face put together.

Comparative closeness: depends on how much I want to risk bleeding, although it’s definitely gotten better with practice. Today’s was the closest shave I’ve ever had.

So I don’t regret doing this. At least I know that I can shave with a blade, in the event I’m ever without electrical power for a really long time. I also learned that I don’t enjoy smelling like shaving cream. 😛