TSD gang, Have a friend looking to get into wet shaving with a DE razor and has a budget of $75. What would you select in the way of razor, soap, and brush to get a guys started? My suggestion was : Merkur 34C or EJagger DE89 Stirling soaps Stirling synthetic. What would you choose? Can he get a Badger brush or would it be better to do synthetic? Thanks
Strong choice! Can't say I'd vary a whole lot. Maybe Caties Bubbles and or Barrister and Mann soap but Sterling a fine choice also. Astra SP blade to start with. Definitely a synthetic plisson type knot for $15-20 is plenty. Any of the Fine After shaves. Ymmv Sent from my Pixel XL using Tapatalk
In 2010, I started with the humble VDH brush/soap/bowl kit, a Ming Shi TTO, and a small blade sampler. My total cost was less than $25.00.
Gem featherweight (or say a super speed if dead set on DE) VDH luxury kit. Learn the basics of solid technique then spend the extra money.
i've started several guys with one of each from these categories: edwin jagger DE89 or merkur 23c/180 omega boar 10065/66 proraso green tub or c.o. bigelow tube in addition to that, i throw in a couple of Top 10 samplers from tryablade.com ... and that'll keep ya under the $75 mark !!!
Have you shown him your gear, or a surprise? Soap sniffing might help in scent choices, or make him a sampler. A synthetic brush is a good starting point - no break in time. Razors are tough choices but going mild to medium works. A vintage Flair Tip is a great starting point in TTO's. Tapatalk Via Kyocera
I 'd say get a brush he won't have worry about soaking in stage of the game (a no brainer brush thats nice) 11.95 Some nice Stirling can be had on the bay for $12 including shipping If you go vintage razor a Pre or post war fat handle Tech or a nice re-plated Flare ($55). Sorry I went over, but if you go for a nice vintage in a case on the bay you can go way lower.
My first kit was a Merkur 34c, Omega 10066, a puck of Williams, and 100 Shark SC blades. About all I would change out would be a stick of Arko instead of the Williams. It is easier to learn when everything is new. A DE89 would be a fine sub for the 34c.
A DE89 is a good razor, but like @Enrico mentioned above, a Tech or vintage TTO would also be good choices. They can be had for really nice prices and both shave very well. Most any synthetic brush these days are good choices, like from Maggard or Italian Barber. Choice would probably come down to handle style. As for soaps, there are plenty of good ones out there like Proraso. Razorock, Dirty Deeds, Love My Skin, etc. at very good prices.
I had to learn a bit to get the hd to perform like it does today. My beginer advice would be; Pearl tto Astra sp blades Arco stick Route 66 Sweeney Todd Stirling synthetic brush Omega Alum Aqua Velva ice blue Route 66 botanical balm to match Sweeney Todd. This should give two shave preferences, and cost about 80 bucks.
Merkur 34C, it was my first DE and gave me a great start. Because boars take time to break in I would give a synthetic or whippe dog silver tip. Sterling does not work in my lather, because lather is so dependent on water I would give a soap that worked for me in all water. Tabac or Arko would be my choice.
That's an excellent starter kit. However, I have a couple of ideas (of course I have to put in my two cents). A vintage Gillette, such as a Super Speed, New, or Tech, can be picked up rather cheaply. Stirling is a great soap, so I think that is spot on. I recently picked up a Semogue 1520 boar brush and love it. It was less than $15, including shipping. Sent from my XT1254 using Tapatalk
The 34C was my first razor and an excellent one at that. I am determined to replace the one I gave away one day. Sent from my XT1254 using Tapatalk
I can't get myself to spend that much on a razor, so I wouldn't recommend it for someone else. Beautiful razor though, in my opinion. Sent from my XT1254 using Tapatalk
Sorry, my bad. I read Rockwell and I automatically start dreaming about the 6S. Sent from my XT1254 using Tapatalk
