Hello everybody. As the title implies, I pretty much have 0 knowledge about razors. Been using a norelco for a few years now and am no longer happy. As I was googling for a replacement, I kept reading that manual razors are a lot better than electric ones, so after a few more searches, here I am. From what I've read so far, Merkur's are a good choice for quality and performance. First model I read up on was the 38c, but it's a little too pricey for me (around $55 on amazon). I've also found the 23c, which had good reviews for $35 (fits my budget much better). So my first question is, is there a more suitable DE out there for a beginner? Maybe a different model or brand? Though I'd much prefer one that will pretty much last for years. What else do I need to research about? So far I know it's better to shave after a hot shower as hair is softer during that time. Shaving cream is also a must. What about aftershave lotion? Thanks a lot in advance!
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 August Newbie Give-Away for a chance to win some great shave gear! If you haven't found it yet, be sure to take a look at the Shave School Master Sticky List for loads of great info for the new wetshaver. I took the liberty of moving your thread into the newbies section, our fine forum members love to help new wetshavers.
Read Bill's links, also be sure to browse our vendors, such as West Coast Shaving and Bull Goose. There are many other great vendors as well, I tend to use those two the most however. John and Phil's prices are usually better than most places on amazon, their service is better as well... Phil at Bull Goose, usually throws in samples with your purchase, which is always nice I only tend to use amazon for strange things that can't be had else where....
Cool. Will check them out tomorrow. I've read the link which listed recommended shavers, still clueless as to which model to get. Edit: did a quick browse on the 23c and 38c on that site and they do have better price than amazon. Unfortunately, they are out of stock on the 23c (my preference at the moment, until someone suggests something else)
Phil has them for $29.00, I messed up his link in the other post though lol oops... Well my 2 cents on razors, best 3 piece imo, EJDE89L best tto 40's Super Speed... But hey
Listed only because you mentioned Amazon, and I know some folks prefer to deal with them. Aaron's choice, the EJDE89L.
If you decide on the 23c try the vendor , The Superior Shave, its $28 and free shipping. I've ordered from them twice, excellent service, order before 2pm and your order will get to you in 3 days. If you have a Rite Aid near you you can buy The Real Shaving Cream Co. shaving cream, you can use it without or with a brush, its good stuff.
First, Welcome to TSD! Second, every product mentioned so far is a great product that won't disappoint you. Just don't let the confusion keep you from purchasing some basic wet shave gear.
Welcome to TSD! This is the best wet shave board on the planet! All of the links posted so far are pointing you in the right direction. You might consider a vintage Gillette Super Speed or Tech, or even Schick Krona. Better yet; buy all three! You can buy two or three razors from our very own TSD classifieds for the price of just one new DE. If you go with new, I also will throw my hat in the ring for the Edwin Jagger DE89L. When you finally obtain your gear, be sure to let us know the results. The most important part? Enjoy those shaves!
+1 on all counts. Though also consider a vintage Gillette double-edge--they can often be had for less than $20 shipped (sometimes for under $10 shipped) in shavable condition (i.e., not for collectors). One model to keep an eye out for is a Gillette Tech--they're mild shavers, often recommended for the beginner (though they are three-piece, like the Merkurs, meaning you have to unscrew the head to replace the blade). A '50s Superspeed is another possibility--there're a ton of variations, but they're generally mild shavers, and widely and cheaply available (off ebay, forums like TSD, Etsy, &c). Avoid adjustables for the moment--the last thing you need is another variable to worry about. The Merkur 23c is a quality razor, though (I've got one myself, though it's taken a backseat to my '30s Gillette NEW), so don't let me discourage you from it.
Welcome! I'm a mediocre beginner myself, so you have given me something to shoot for! I think you'll find a lot of great info here.
Oh, also--if you're interested in a shave brush, look at your local Target for a Shea Moisture Brush -- it's a very nice Badger brush for $9. (I've got one myself, and it honestly makes a better lather than the silvertip I picked up after it). You can lather in pretty much anything you want--I use a wide, flat-bottomed mug I found at Goodwill. (Steep sides are a plus, since otherwise lather just spills out while you're whipping it up.) Oh, and one other thing -- don't forget to have fun.
Thanks to all. Wow didn't expect so many replies so quickly. So it seems like quite a few people like the EJ DE89L. Well you guys know better, so i'll seriously consider that. Is a brush necessary? I thought shaving creams come in an aerosol can and squirts out already whipped and bubbly?
Oh, and another thing--if you see that brush at Target, whatever you do don't buy the soap or cream of the same brand. The scent I can only describe as "nauseating", they don't lather, and I've heard they can clog drains. That EJ razor is very, very mild--I've heard some people even say it's unusably mild. I've got a thick beard myself, so I never really considered it, but it's definitely a possibility. If you go that route, remember, if you're not shaving as close as you want, the solution isn't to bear down. Settle for socially acceptable shaves for a while, and maybe look into more aggressive blades once you've got your technique down.
You'll find the majority of folks here look down very long noses at canned "goo". After using soaps and creams with a brush, I'll never go back to anything shave related that comes in a can. But that's me. If it works for you, go for it. As I say in my tag line, "It's your shave. Enjoy it your way." You might want to check this about lathering soaps and creams with a brush.
