I need a little help making a decision for a first safety razor. Through recommendations made by different members I have narrowed my choices down to the RazoRock Protege or the Maggard MR5 with either the V3 or V2 head. Any suggestions would be appreciated.

Yes.

Really, just get the one that catches your eye first, then later get the other one.

You really can't go wrong with either. I would suggest going with the v3 head on the Maggard to start with if you choose the Maggard. The head on both of these razors is going to shave very similarly so pick the one with the handle you like the most, both come with really nice stainless steel handles. the other thing you might want to get with the razor is a synthetic brush. Both Maggard and RazorRock have a very inexpensive synthetic brush that use the same knot (Plisson style) and they are amazing brushes.

I'm not familiar with the RazoRock razor, but Maggard has nice razors and their customer service can't be beat.

I like that answer. Translated..."Just buy both."

I'd also say buy both

Of course you may want to wait on that purchase now, Considering you just won my newbie PIF!

Check out the RazoRock Yin Yang set .. it's a really great deal as you get the Protoge & Mentor heads plus a very nice handle all for $29.99

Another suggestion is the Maggard V2-OC head and a MR5 handle .. another very good deal and performs great !

Agree on both counts!

I can see a RAD developing right away!! Maggard razors are excellent the MR5 with the V3 head is excellent!!

I'm using the V2 open comb at the moment and used the V2 closed comb for the first two weeks of February. Both have been outstanding. I have a Maggard MR1 handle that is also solid. It seems to be a pretty standard handle - nothing fancy. The V2 heads have been great.

I haven't used a RazoRock razor so I can't compare them. But I think a Maggard razor would serve you well.

I haven't used a Maggard razor in a long time, since I sold/PIFed them all, but actually tonight when some funds are released to my account, I'm planning on ordering the three heads they have on sale to go with some other handles I have. I think they are the v3, v3a, and the v2 OC heads. Not a bad deal at $25 plus shipping. I'm going to try their London Barbershop scent artisan shave soap too. Even though I'm a vintage Gillette man, I like the Maggard line of razors.

Great choices! I have the V2OC with a MR5 handle and love it, its a smooth mild effiecent razor. Also the Maggard soaps are top notch performers, they are actually made by artisan soap company Through The Fire Fine Craft right there in Adrian, MI where Maggard Razors is located ... i have the London Barbershop and the scent and performance are both awesome!

Either one is a EJ DE89 clone, so if they aren't sourced by the same maker, they are going to be so close they might as well be. Go with the handle you like best. You win either way.

Absolutely! I'm working through a Maggard sampler and have yet to find one I don't like.

I think Maggards is half a step ahead of Razorock in the QC arena.

I have never had anything but good service from both of them, but from feedback and comments you read on the forums, Maggards is also a full step ahead in "the customer is always right" department.