Best shaving razor blade: Gillette Sensor

I’ve tried the newer razors with three, four, and yes even five blades. They are more expensive and I’ve found that they don’t offer any better of a shave than the 2-bladed variety, and the extra bulk in fact makes them more difficult to maneuver around the sharp contours of my face near the nose, mouth, and chin.

The Sensor Excel might be easier to find, but it is more expensive and the only difference is a strip of rubber fins which doesn’t do anything to improve the shaving experience.

Finally, you should consider buying from GreatRazors.com. I’m working my way through my first shipment from them, and I’m convinced that their cryogenically hardened razors stay sharper for longer. However they do cost about 25% than Amazon, so it’s a toss up if they’re worth it in the long run. But they are more environmental since you will be using fewer of them over your lifetime.
Get Gillette Sensor from Amazon

Best shaving cream/gel: Total Shaving Solution

I’m not the world’s most careful shaver. I do it in the morning when I’m still half asleep, and my mind tends to wander while I’m shaving. I used to experience a lot of nicks and cuts. And then I discovered Total Shaving Solution via the Cool Tools blog.

I never really bought into the whole marketing claims how shaving cream “lifts and softens” the whiskers; maybe if you’re shaving off several days worth of growth. But for every day shaves, the cream is really just a lubricant.

So it seems particularly brilliant to simply use oil for shaving — an excellent lubricant that doesn't rinse off with water. I’ve had no nicks or cuts since I started using the Total Shaving Solution. And as a bonus, I can actually see what I’m doing. You only need a few drops, so a bottle will last you a long time — the better part of a year in my experience.

If you want to go the really cheap route, I suppose any cooking oil would work fine as well, though I haven’t tried that yet.

If you’re not ready to commit to buying a bottle (or several to save on cost and amortize shipping), request on of their sample sizes. Anyone local in the Silicon Valley area who pings me first can get the sample they sent me with my order.Get the Total Shaving Solution