I've got an antique adjustable Gillette double edged safety razor; I think it is from 1964. I use shave soaps and lather them with a brush & bowl. I've been getting my shave soaps from Mystic Waters, she makes some great shave soaps that are really slick and lather well. I've tried a lot of different blades as well, so far I really prefer Astra and Feather blades. After I'm done shaving I splash on a bit Clubman and I'm good to go. I get such a great shave, it is so much better than the cartridge razors.