Hi Everyone, New to this forum and DE shaving. Looking for some sage advice......I'm sure many of you have seen this question many times: Starting researching which and where to buy DE shaver, brush and cream/soap for a newbie and there are many choices out there so it can be a bit overwhelming. I'm 61 and have been using the plastic Gillettes on and off for many years so have experience with "a blade." Small face and hands and shave every 3 days unless I need to shave after 2. If I shave after two days I usually get irritated not so much after three, but still do 50 % just not as bad. I use to watch my Dad shave in the 50s and 60s and he used a butterfly model. Would like to keep the cost of my first razor under $50.00 and if all goes well try out others too. Thanks for your help..........
first off welcome to TSD! each person will have their own idea of what is best for a beginner since there are so many options out there. usually a twist to open is good for someone new because it is easier to use. they can be found at local beauty supply stores for around $10 or others can be found online for cheaper.
Glad that you landed here at TSD, @Raya . I'm sure you will fit right in. Shaving is about to get way better. Join us on The Shave of the Day thread. It is fun, and you will see all kinds of products. And please Mark YOUR location on the TSD map - instructions here.
Welcome to TSD! As you have already noted, there are lots of options to get started with. I used a Razorock Mission from ItalianBarber.com. It sells for $20 and includes 20 blades from 3 different manufacturers, so I feel it is a pretty decent value. The handle is solid brass, so it has some heft to it. A lot of people recommend the Edwin Jagger DE89 variety, and I have a razor with this head. It is definitely a good razor, and I don't think you would go wrong with it. If you don't mind a used razor, vintage Gillettes can be a good choice. They can be had off of eBay; just be patient in your search if you go that route. This is great site with friendly people who are more than willing to help with advice.
Welcome to The Shave Den! I second the suggestion regarding the Edwin Jagger DE89. I have the Muhle R89 (same head as the DE89), and it's a really nice razor. You can pick up an Omega boar brush for less than $15 on Amazon. I have the Omega Professional 10098, for example, and I couldn't be happier with it. Taylor of Old Bond Street and Proraso (sold under the "C.O. Bigelow" label at Bath and Body Works) offer some great shaving creams at reasonable prices. Most folks here suggest a blade sampler pack, which will allow you to try different blades to see what works best for you, as a great way to get started. You'll get plenty of great advice to help you get started from the folks here. If you have questions, just ask away! I'm glad you to decided to dive in, learn, and have fun along with the rest of us.
Welcome! I'm pretty new. I bought my Edwin Jagger DE89 off Amazon and the price was pretty fair. They have some good blade samplers on Amazon also. Throw in some Proraso products, which are very user friendly at least for me, and an Omega brush and you are on your way! Enjoy! One good thing is that you, like me, at least early on used a DE razor, and muscle memory works.
A warm welcome to you from North Texas. You might want to take a look at some of the references contained in my signature line below for discussions of the 30 Day systems and more on shaving hardware and software or CLICK HERE! With that being said ... Welcome to the Den. We know you'll fit right in. So grab yourself a comfy chair, and give our threads a spin! Burma Shave
Again my thanks. Pretty amazing responses in a very short time. Have been on numerous other types of forums and none has responded as quick or as helpful as the "alternative" shavers......
Thanks and BTW there are plastic DEs that are much higher quality than you realize. You may go from using a metal razor to plastic and back again and still use DE blades. http://theshaveden.com/forums/threads/sos-july-13-2015-july-19-2015.45962/page-13#post-861252 http://theshaveden.com/forums/threads/sos-july-13-2015-july-19-2015.45962/page-16#post-861743 http://theshaveden.com/forums/threads/sos-july-13-2015-july-19-2015.45962/page-19#post-862025
welcome! i will second and third and fourth the suggestions for: EJ89lbl, omega boar 10066/65, tub of proraso green, and some sampler blades (a couple packs of Top Ten Sampler from TryABlade.com). that's a tremendous start to a DE den! i have an amazon prime account and most of my purchasing starts there. there are also some shave vendors who are excellent, though! if you do go the amazon route, might i suggest this Amazon Partnered Link ... to help in supporting this great TSD site. once you get your supplies, take a look at @GDCarrington's page for the 30 day rule/focus to work on technique, technique, technique ...
to TSD "Raya" I hope you enjoy your stay with us. If you want to go modern and not spend more than $50, you really can't go wrong with 3 piece EJ89(lined handle is a bit grippier than the smooth one). Cadet, Sabi and Parker also make decent inexpesive 3 piece razors. I think the QC is better with EJ however. If you don't mind spending money stainless steel razors such as Weber, ATT and iKon are also good, albeit more expensive, choices. If you must have a TTO the Feather "Popular" is a very well made Japanese razor and it's pretty inexpensive as well. Other than that any vintage Gillette in working order will be a good buy depending on the price. You must be careful buying vintage on ebay as many times they are overpriced or at least can be had cheaper. Do your research ask ALOT of questions both here and especially to the seller. You can easily get Gillette Super Speeds in good working order(which is probably what your dad used)for under $50. Just a FYI, for a few years(mid 50's-60) Super Speed's were made with 3 different colored TTO knobs: Blue=mildest, Silver=medium, Red=most aggressive. Just my opinion but I feel the 47-50 Gillette Aristocrats were the best non-adjustable TTO's made, they are a bit pricier on ebay however. I hope this helps you out. Good Luck and remember if in doubt ASK.
