Almost certainly that's what it is. Which means it probably will work to a degree, although diminishing returns will set in with each use on a particular razor. I don't know about 150 extra uses, but it might add an extra 3 or 4, which means it would pay itself off quite quickly if you're using one of the 'brand name' disposable head razors.

I usually use an electric razor day to day - I find it adequate and quicker than a wet shave. I'm currently using a Philips HS8640, which has a reservoir that dispenses what is essentially moisturiser as you shave. I find the rotary head razors have always given me a better shave than the 'flat foil' ones, especially in the difficult to get to spots.

However I do 'wet shave' at least once a week, firstly as it's a kind of 'Sunday ritual' to take my time over it and secondly because it kind of 'resets' my stubble for the week ahead. If I was preparing for something where absolutely the best shave was essential I would probably wet shave for that - the results are marginally better.

One other thing - On Piccadilly station in Manchester there used to be (before it was renovated) a traditional barber's shop. Cutthroat razors, hot towels etc. I used to go in occasionally as it was quite fun and the old bloke who ran it was good company. I remember asking him once what single thing I could do to ensure my face was well-cared for and his answer was 'give it a day off'. Basically, his opinion was you shouldn't actually shave every single day, which was a bit odd given his job but there you go. So these days I try to not shave one day every two weeks - usually every other Saturday - then take extra care with the longer stubble the day after. I do think it's done my skin some good, although it hasn't kept it in the condition it was when I was 18. Life has intervened on that score, 20 years is going to leave a few marks whatever you do...

Jon

I'm using some sort of gel at the moment, but will quite happily use what is available, be it shower gel, hand soap, dishwashing detergent or even nothing.

Moist of the time I use warm water but have used cold water, sea water or no water on numerous occasions.

I use a gillette razor and I think it has 4 blades, I'll try and check some time.

I've tried electric but it doesn't get close enough for me.

As promised, an update on my Razorpit. Today was the 44th day in a row, that I have shaved with the same blade. It's still sharp. Is it exactly as sharp as when I first bought it? Possibly, possibly not. Does it still give a close, comfortable shave, with little irritation? Absolutely.

Wholeheartedly recommended. You will save a fortune if you use any popular, halfway decent, replaceable-head razor. Cost me £20 for the Razorpit and 99p for some foam from Superdrug to make it work. Bargain.

Also, a massive thumbs up to Geo F Trumpers shaving soap as recommended by Prof. Feels great, smells nice and with a £7 brush from Men-U does a fantastic job and looks set to last me bloody ages.

Where did you buy it from, how long did take to arrive, were there any problems and which razors do you use with it?

Used to use the Gillette Mach 3 Fusion power but just went for the Proglide one.

I've just seen how the razorpit works. I've been using that method with a towel for as long as I've been shaving.

mankind.co.uk, a couple of days, no, it works with all the mainstream brands and I will be using Mach 3 Turbos, but in the meantime, they sent me a free Fusion with the Razor Pit.

Matt, how long do you get out of your blades?

You are an arse. I reckon I'm now going to spend something in the region of £100 at that site, if not more.

Current prewash: some orange L'oreal stuff (hydra energetic)
Current preshave oil: King of Shaves alpha
Current foam: Gilette Hydra Gel
Current postshave: L'oreal hydra energetic daily moisturiser

I want to replace all of these but no idea where to start other than looking at reviews at that site. Any suggestions?

That would be pretty hard to say exactly but easily at least 50.

I've bought some, but have yet to shave with it...I'm waiting for a chance to sharpen my razor over the weekend...

I use a set of shears once every week or so.

You can tell

I've never found any way of shaving closely that doesn't destroy my delicate complexion. I can have the perfect wet shave, but two days later my face falls off in lumps.

And that is why I use an electric razor.

Electrics mangle my face just as badly.

I've tried various types of hardware combined with various types of pre and post powders, tonics potions and ointments. Nothing leaves my face intact, except the ones that don't shave closely.

I shaved with a microfish about 2 weeks ago, using a body shop pre-shave powder and a nivea balm. I still have holes in my face to prove it, and I've not been able to shave since.

I have a badger brush and hard soap dish now, I'm liking the process much more than canned foam and appreciating not having a greasy hand afterwards

Current prewash: None
Current preshave oil: None
Current foam: None
Current postshave: None

Dunk the Mach3 under a running tap for 1 second, apply to dry face, dry face afterwards on the towel.

Dave, just use sand paper, it'll hurt less.