Do you have access to Amazon?
I use the Merkur 180 DE razor and I love it! It has a good weight to it and the handle is long (shaving legs with a short handle razor is tough).
Here's an Amazon link for the razor : https://www.amazon.com/dp/B000NL0T1G/ref=cm_sw_r_awd_VVfsub1BZRSMF
https://www.amazon.com/Thrive-Natural-Shave-Shower-Soap/dp/B076CRXSNY
This stuff is amazing, but I’m sure there are others out there like it, too. It is natural/ethical, and mild on sensitive areas (at least for me!). Best of luck on your search!
Sorry for the late reply. I haven't had the time to get one yet, but I've been debating on whether to look for a vintage one on eBay, or new on Amazon. Here's one on Amazon I'm thinking about
I generally don’t shave my thighs unless I’m wearing a swimsuit. I’m in my 40s and 99.9% of the time my clothing does not go above my knees so no need to shave.
When I do shave my thighs, I use an electric shaver. I never use a razor. When I was young I would get horrible shave bumps. Electric shaver I have provides a close shave without the bumps. Good luck!
I would get a variety pack of blades as one person's favorite could be one you loathe. Also don't be afraid to change blades often. I do after 2 shaves.
Astra-Derby-Shark-Lord-Treet-Voskhod-Rapira 100 Quality Double Edge Razor Blades Sampler (18 different brands) https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07RTM9NB5/ref=cm_sw_r_apan_i_ECM153GCN98MPA57QNNJ?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1
Ah thanks! :) Do you get a close shave with it? Does it last few days? Is it this one by any chance?
Panasonic Electric Shaver for Women, Cordless 4 Blade Razor, Bikini Trimmer Attachment, Pop-up Trimmer, Wet Dry Operation, Close Curves – ES2216PC https://www.amazon.com/dp/B000G0GW6K/ref=cm_sw_r_awdo_HQS8E2N5HMR6VMMPZAW9
I haven't had a chance to try this one. I promised myself I had to use up my first Arko puck (to make sure I actually liked wet shaving!) before I bought too many accessories.
HOWEVER I'm really excited about this one, and it's at the top of my list: MÜHLE SHAVE CARE Sea Buckthorn Shaving Soap 65g https://smile.amazon.com/dp/B001QTDG28/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_830SQW4NQE1VT83S9CG9?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1
Of course if you buy from Amazon, there's a chance it comes in a plastic bag (though that usually only happens for me with clothing). It appears as though there's no extra packaging, just a cardboard box. I'm really excited about the Sanddorn/Sea Buckthorn scent, because it reminds me of my time in Germany. I think it must be expensive, because it's only used in somewhat high end products. At any rate, I know it will smell amazing.
There are two package-free/low waste stores in my town, and it looks like neither of them have shaving supplies. Maybe I should encourage them to carry shave soap!
Those Mineral Salt solid deodorants that you wet to apply work pretty well. Guys use Alum Blocks post shave for irritation. https://www.amazon.com/Crystal-Mineral-Deodorant-Stick-Unscented/dp/B000L978FU
I have no experience with the Leaf...
That being said my first safety razor was this one: WEISHI Double Edge Safety Razor Nostalgic Long Handle Butterfly Open I found myself very slow and had to think about how I was hold it, how much pressure I was using ext.
I got a different one from WCS Starter Kit and the head of the razor is triangle like. It is like the angle is built in and I'm enjoying it immensely.
In additional to exfoliating beforehand and all these great tips, also exfoliate after to keep those ingrown at bay and moisturize after. Before prep and after care are both important.
Also, this products I have found can help:
Tend Skin The Skin Care Solution For Unsightly Razor Bumps, Ingrown Hair And Razor Burns, 8 Fl Oz Bottle https://www.amazon.com/dp/B001ECQ7G4/ref=cm_sw_r_apan_glt_i_N0BAGFWY2T36TKC5TNXG?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1
But mainly exfoliating. I've sinced gone back to waxing, but the maintenance is the same and my waxxer reminds me constantly to exfoliate during my showers as I'm proned to ingrowns. Ouch. Good luck!
Schick/Edgewell also makes these. They should also be compatible.
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07QHGR86P/ref=cm_sw_r_oth_api_i_w.tGEbHKMD3WD
https://www.walmart.com/ip/Equate-5-Blade-Disposable-Razors-for-Women-3-count/46309442
I know you said only cartridge razors, but these, Kai About Body Bikini Razors, really help my wife get in to those crevice areas around her labia majora. https://www.amazon.com/About-Body-Shaversper-Confidently-Maintaining/dp/B07Q1FL7ZF?th=1
here's the brush on Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Exfoliating-Brush-Prevent-Ingrown-Hairs/dp/B07NSBV7K6
Yes isopropyl alcohol (I use 70 percent) is key to sanitizing your tools, clippers trimmers or razors))
It's not adjustable but I love my Murker 23C, Amazon lists it as Murker Long. Its mild and easy.
As for blades, get a sampler to start. I found I like astra's, but also gillette platinums. This sampler is a great place to start, just hold off on the feathers untill you have done a few shaves.
Finally, get a good soap. For years I shaved with a bar of dove and it worked okay with a cartridge razor. My safety razor much prefers a better soap. I recommend Stirling because they have a great quality at a good price and actual feminine scents. The smell doesn't really linger but it's nice to work with.
TEN SHAVING SECRETS 😎 - Sterilize tools w soap/hot water/rubbing alcohol - Only 1-2 blades - Shaving cream+steam 2min prep - 1-2 slow, short passes per area - Don’t press so hard - Shave WITH the grain - Shave 6 days apart - No lotion/Yes aftershave - No super tight clothes - Exfoliate daily https://www.amazon.com/Exfoliating-Brush-Treat-Prevent-Ingrown/dp/B07NSBV7K6
Safety razor is the way to go! But you’re probably still gonna want a disposable for your armpits, I can’t ever get close enough. I also use an exfoliating rag to shower and witch hazel after my shower on my legs.
Btw the safety razor is super easy to use and cheap af - safety razor I use
I went through this a few months ago. I had the Target Up & Up five blade razor. Tried the Amazon Solimo version. Tried Billie. Tried Flamingo. Tried Athena. Tried Venus Disposables from Costco.
Billie is seriously the same 5 blade razor head as the Amazon Solimo or the Target Up & Up with a different color handle. The Target one changed the connector while ago so you have to snap a small plastic piece off to use it on the Billie handle now. Either way, all three are the same and neither lasts very long.
Not Amazon, but I got a starter kit from Maggard Razors. It comes with a variety pack of blades so you can get a feel for which kind you like, and you can customize the other options. I got the MR18 handle, V3 head, synthetic brush, soap (can't remember which scent), and added on an alum block.
Three years later, I still use everything in it... I just had to order more blades.
You should try Pure Shave Scrub on Amazon. It will give you the smoothest razor glide, protect your skin while you shave and leave it feeling silky smooth! Pure Shave Scrub
How do you exfoliate? That chemical exfoliating cream/soap can be expensive. Maybe before that you could try Italy Towels which are cheap and were a total game changer for me.
I discovered them when lived in Korea, everyone uses these to exfoliate their body weekly. You can go to a spa/bath (jimjilbang) there, and pay someone to scrub you down with one of these. It's AMAZING how much dead skin you'll see come off. They have totally saved my legs and I no longer get little bumps or ingrown hairs. I just use the italy towel once at week at the end of my shower.
Using these wash cloths have helped me this similar issues.
I exfoliate with a salux cloth and after my shower I use Cerave SA Cream. This has done wonders for cutting down on razor burn and bumps for me.
this is my very first razor. I still have it a year later and she's a dream. I have thick, fast-growing, stubborn hair as well! To make it more aggressive, I shim (trim a blade and stick it under the shaving blade) and I use rapira blades-- very, VERY cheap at about $10 a box of 100. Otherwise, Wilkenson blades are nice too. With this, I get such a close shave that I exfoliate my skin just by shaving, even after scrubbing with something that should be exfoliating as is! Blades are very important. With the same razor, I can get a crappy shave or a real nice shave just based on what sort of blade I use.
If you want something REALLY aggressive, Fiance has a fatip piccolo that is almost kinda' scary to hold at first. It doesn't have a long handle though, so you might look into that after you get the basics of safety razors down. I use it sometimes with no problem.
The soap you use is also pretty important, I find. I don't know much about kiss my face, but I find the thicker and slicker the lather, the better the shave by far.
I use Magic Razorless Cream Shave. You can find it in the razor section at Walmart. The instructions say not to leave it on for more than 4 min, but I leave it on for 12 min. The instructions say to scrape, but if you do that then it won't get the whole hair. Grasp the hairs with a towel and pull. Afterwards, completely rinse off the cream.
If you want to shave, do it after a shower, as the water softens the hair.