Hey all, I'm new to wet shaving and am about to get my first safety razor. I currently use lavender art of shaving cream and brush, with my gilette fusion. Can you guys recommend a good beginner razor that's not super aggressive? I have med. thick beard and fairly sensitive skin. i've done some poking around on here and know enough not to start with feather blades... but you're the experts, what do you recommend for a beginner razor and blade? Any and all other suggestions are welcome. Thanks! Cheers, -RD
Welcome aboard, enjoy the ride. The Merkur HD is an excellent shaver and it may be the only razor you ever buy ( although i seriously doubt that ) Blades are a personal thing as are brushes , creams, soaps ......do not be afraid of feathers. Astra super platinums are another good blade, Merkur blades are good, although a bit pricey West coast shaving offer sample packs I recommend you have a look there. They sell anything else you might need too. Fozz
Quite honestly, any razor will do you well. Some good mild razors to start with could be: * 40's - 50's Gillette superspeeds * 40's - 50's Gillette techs * Schick Krona * Merkur HD (34C you'll sometimes see it referred to as) is a considered a great beginner razor, but it's really quite great for anyone. If you're wanting to buy "new", then this would be the way to go, although there are cheaper alternatives, the HD gets the most frequent adulations. Many folks have started with adjustable razors, which can adjust from quite mild to rather aggressive. To tell the truth, any DE you get, you will have a learning curve. Watch Mantic's videos if you haven't already, they'll get you going down the right path. As for blades? You know the saying ask 5 people their opinion, you'll get 7 different answers? Or the phrase Your Mileage May Vary? A blade sampler pack is the way to go. Several online vendors offer great blade sampler packs, starting with smaller to larger with much variety. Westcoastshaving.com and bullgoose.com are a couple that come to mind, although there are several more. It seems overkill just starting out, but I cannot recommend high enough you get a blade sampler pack or two, get as much variety of blades as you can afford.
Welcome to The Shave Den, RD Enjoy your stay here! As for your question about razors, I would second the Merkur 34C as a great razor. You also might look at Parker (91R) But as Jim already mentions: There are also great vintage razors available! And blades.......... Get a sampler pack and see for your self what suits you. No face is the same, no feeling is the same and opinions are very wide spread about all sorts of blades. A sampler pack is the best way to start! Enjoy your shaves
QFT This is the one I'm currently using, and is not expensive I've read that Parker razors are also good ones and they are a bit less expensive than the Merkur HD. Now, it is also true that you're not going to use only that razor :happy102 eventually you'll get another one 'cause is like a pringles: Once you pop you can't stop (I myself am looking at a parker that has the butterfly mechanism, they look really nice ... that or another merkur damn) Anyways. I highly recommend you to get a Merkur HD. Just remember this: There is the classic HD that is about 3" long, and the barber pole HD that is about 4" long. if you can see them at a local store then do it. if you're buying online then get a ruler and a 2 crayolas. cut the 2 crayolas at 3 and 4 " and see which one seems to be better for you. Some like it shorter, some like it longer (and yes I know that can be misinterpreted :happy102) You'll be grabbing your Razor by the neck or by the middle point of the handle so in the end I don't think it does too much of a difference. If you have't got your blades yet and are planning on buying them online please read This thread (click me) Have fun and good luck
Welcome to The Shave Den! A great community of guys and gals that enjoy wet shaving, I hope you enjoy your stay! Be sure to sign up for the September Newbie Give-Away for a chance to win some great shave gear!
:signs046 to TSD. You have already gotten some excellent advice, I, too, would recommend watching some of those mantic videos on wet shaving technique with a DE. They are excellent.
Welcome to the Den,.....As 1st safety razor, if you want a new razor, I recommend you the Merkur 23C, 33C or 34C, the head is the same, but the handle is different (small on 33C, heavy on 34 C and long on 23C)......Muhle D89 and Edwin Jagger DE87 are excellent razors for a beginner. For vintage razors there are real experts
Fuzzy, Good to see you posting again. But you are right. He should find a 1912 GEM or ER single edge. Nothing better, well a GEM lathercatcher would be better.
I started with a Merkur HD but I really got some nice shaves in after I went to a vintage 40's SuperSpeed. Whatever you decide on be sure to get a blade sampler. All blades aren't created equal nor do they work the same for each person. goodluck.
