My fiance wants a decent safety razor (plus accessories) for his birthday. He has been using a cheap one for about a year to see if he likes it, which he does. Help me pick one out! He wants: Butterfly/TTO Double Edge Stainless Steel or Ivory/Wooden Handle Good for sensitive skin. I'm looking to spend around $30-$50 on the razor itself. Thanks!
The Sir shows great restraint keeping to his single razor for a years worth of shaving. I'm not up on New production razors, but folks will be along to offer suggestions. Do you know the brand or model number of his current razor? That may help in suggestions for his next one.
For modern (quality, there are many very cheap Chinese razors our there) TTO razors you pretty much only have a couple of options. Parker (Made in India) or Weishi or Baili (both made in China). There are many re-branded Weishi razors out there and his "cheap" razor is probably one of them. Baili razors are also very inexpensive but have a different look to them. If you start looking at vintage razors you have a lot more options. A Gillette Adjustable (Black Beauty, Slim, or Fatboy) or an Aristocrat or any of the various flavors of Superspeeds would be a good option. None of them unfortunately are made from stainless steel, they are all pretty much plated brass.
Does it have to be new? Or are you open to vintage? I'm guessing stainless may eliminate vintage. Sent from my SM-G930P using Tapatalk
I am open to anything! Also, I think he's fine with any metal, he just doesn't want any handles with colors (i.e. Parker has some black handles, pink, etc. He does want anything like that).
You could probably find a nice high user grade fatboy or SS Flare here. Both would be fitting of what you are looking for I think. Only reason I mention FB is many like them and if he wants to increase aggressiveness over time he can. Sent from my SM-G930P using Tapatalk
A slim or black beauty is a great choice for vintage. They are excellent razors that can be set for a mild or more aggressive shave. Sent from my XT1254 using Tapatalk
I like the Parker 87r, just because it looks like a vintage Aristocrat. Vintage Gillette Adjustables ( Slim, Black Beauty, Fatboy) Gillette Super Speed's: Gillette Aristocrat: *not my photos
If you want a modern TTO, Parker razors will probably be your best bet. One I like is the 87R. Very mild shaver - I've had one and gave it away to a beginner (not because I did not like it, but because I have far too many razors ) https://www.amazon.com/dp/B019245MW0/?tag=thshde-20 Another one that a lot of people like is the 96R, but I don't have any personal experience with that one: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B002IFFSOS/?tag=thshde-20
Black Beauty is a good option as well but was trying to stay away from black per her comments Sent from my SM-G930P using Tapatalk
I have a Parker 99r and I really like it, it's one of 9 razors that I have and I use it every 2 weeks. Sent from my QTAQZ3 using Tapatalk
Parker Variant. $57.00 can't go wrong with it. Adjustable Great Razor. Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
When I got started, I decided I wanted TTO and I cannot remember why. Once I became established, I moved towards three piece. There are a lot more choices out there in the three piece world.
Parker has some nice choices that fit your criteria. If he would prefer TTO they've got several. If he wouldn't mind a three piece razor then they've got wood or "ivory" (white resin) handles.
You will get many opinions on this one. Here's mine: My first real razor (purchased after reading hundreds of reviews on different razors) was the Merkur 34c shown in the photo below. It is an excellent, heavy, and well made razor from Germany. I have many razors now but still use the Merkur 34c more than any other. It is very forgiving and when matched with the right blade for his face, it will provide exceptional shaves. I find that almost any blade will work in this razor. Some other razors can get rather picky. Personally, I do have some vintage razors, but I would not recommend them at this point. They can be expensive and you may not get what you thought you were getting. The Merkur 34c goes for $40 on just about any of the main vendor websites such as West Coast Shaving or Maggard. Here is a link to one site: http://www.westcoastshaving.com/Merkur-34C-Heavy-Duty-Safety-Razor_p_31.html. There are many reviews of this razor at that link. He's a lucky guy.
The Merkur 34C was my first "real" razor purchase also, and still holds a starting spot on my varsity bench. Daily use and still loving it. Very forgiving, easy to find the right angle, well made and great aesthetics. The only downside is that it's a 2-piece, not a TTO.
