Today's thrift store find: vintage Stahly "Live Blade" vibrating safety razor. After winding the base the razor vibrates for about 3 mins. These were made between the `40s and early `70s. Date code B stamped on head, guessing this is a later model as the head feels like aluminum.
I admit I'm a little nervous moving a vibrating razor blade across my face. I'll shave with it tomorrow morning and report back on whether it was a close, comfortable shave or a bloodbath.
Verdict: more of a mild skirmish than a bloodbath. Similar # of nicks as any time I use a brand new blade and fewer than I normally get when trying a new razor. Close, comfortable shave. Actually pleased with the results and looking forward to the next shave.
I'd actually recommend this for someone new to safety razors. The mild setting on the head combined with being weighted opposite most razors (bottom of handle instead of head) means it's a lot easier to use minimal pressure and let the blade (and vibration) do the work.
@kyle my Dovo may actually need to be sharpened after like a decade of getting by just honing on a leather strop. I have the stones here with me to do it. Maybe I will.
@ajmartinez I shaved with a straight razor (Dovo Shavette) the last few months when I had my beard and really liked it, but last time I used it long-term on my full face I had a few... mishaps... on my chin that made me opt for more safety over risking a scar.