Shaving

Schick Ultrex Plus and Westman Sintra: A Modern and Vintage Shave

A vintage cartridge razor meets a modern Portuguese shave soap and aftershave in a practical look at three products with very different personalities.

Schick Ultrex Plus razor, Westman Sintra shave soap, and aftershave arranged on a concrete surface

Introduction

Some shaving routines are built around the newest gear, while others lean on pieces with a bit of history. This setup blends both. On one side is a vintage cartridge razor that first appeared in the late 1980s and early 1990s, and on the other are two current products from a Portuguese shaving brand. Together they make for a practical, enjoyable shave that shows how far both sides of the hobby have come.

The razor in question is the Schick Ultrex Plus, a model that was designed as a direct competitor to the Gillette Atra. It is no longer made, but it still turns up as new old stock. The soap and aftershave come from Westman Shaving in Portugal, and the Sintra scent is built around lemon, sea breeze, lavender, neroli, fern, tobacco, tonka bean, musk, and sandalwood. It is a fresh, complex profile that works well for daily use.

The Vintage Contender: Schick Ultrex Plus

The Schick Ultrex Plus is a cartridge razor with a tilting head and a button that lets you clean hairs out from between the blades. It comes with two blades, and there is a good chance those blades also fit the Gillette Atra, which gave Schick a practical advantage back in the day. The razor itself is noticeably lighter than the metal Atra, thanks to a plastic, likely hollow, handle.

Vintage Schick Ultrex Plus cartridge razor with tilting head on a neutral background

For a product that is a couple of decades old, it still performs well. The blade is superb, and the razor does a good job on a single pass. It is not the kind of tool you would reach for if you prefer a heavy, substantial feel, but it is a capable performer that handles the basics without fuss.

The Modern Base: Westman Sintra Shave Soap

Westman Sintra shave soap comes from Portugal and is a current product with a thick, rich lather. The scent is fresh and layered, with lemon and sea breeze up front, followed by lavender, neroli, fern, tobacco, tonka bean, musk, and sandalwood. Even with a plugged-up nose, the fragrance cuts through and adds a pleasant character to the shave.

Wooden bowl of Westman Sintra shave soap with a badger brush resting on top

The soap builds a slick, protective lather that works well with both vintage and modern razors. It is easy to load and produces a creamy texture that keeps the blade gliding smoothly. For anyone who appreciates a well-crafted shave soap with a distinctive scent, this is a strong option.

The Finishing Touch: Westman Sintra Aftershave

The Westman Sintra eau de toilette doubles as an aftershave and leaves a noticeable burn that fades quickly. The scent is the same fresh, complex profile as the soap, and it lingers for hours. In fact, it stays strong for a long time, with the fragrance still detectable eight hours after application.

Glass bottle of Westman Sintra eau de toilette with a minimalist label

This is a product that performs well beyond the shave itself. It works as a daily fragrance that holds up through the day, and the scent is pleasant enough that it draws compliments. For those who want a shave product that doubles as a lasting cologne, this is worth considering.

Buying Advice

This combination works best for someone who enjoys mixing vintage and modern shaving gear. The Schick Ultrex Plus is a collector’s piece that is no longer made, so it is best found as new old stock on auction sites. It is reasonably priced when you can find it, and it offers a solid single-pass shave.

The Westman Sintra soap and aftershave are current products that bring a fresh, complex scent and reliable performance. The soap builds a thick, rich lather, and the aftershave lasts for hours. Together, they make a complete setup that is both practical and enjoyable.

Shaving setup arranged on a bathroom counter with razor, soap, and brush

If you are new to cartridge razors, this vintage model is a good introduction. If you already use a safety razor, the soap and aftershave are worth trying on their own. Either way, this trio shows that a good shave does not have to come from the newest gear on the shelf.

Conclusion

The Schick Ultrex Plus is a capable vintage cartridge razor that still holds up well, especially when paired with a quality soap. The Westman Sintra shave soap and aftershave bring a fresh, long-lasting scent and a rich lather that makes the whole routine feel polished. Whether you are a collector or just looking for a reliable daily shave, this combination is worth a closer look.

Further reading

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