In a couple weeks I will turn 43 years of age and my mom asked me what I wanted for my birthday . I thought , I want something that's going to out last me, not something that's going to wear out and going to be thrown away. What I am thinking of is a new modern DE but I have no idea what's good or bad out there . What I use most and what I like the best are my fat boy and my English made aristocrat Jr. . I like a razor with heft. I look forward to your suggestions and replies .
Here's some suggestions( all are 3 piece razors): 1 A Cadet(comes in either OC or Solid Bar) or Sabi 3 piece razor from shaveabuck 2 An Edwin Jagger 3 piece (Amazon for one sells them) 3 Weber SS razor with either a BullDog or Classic handle(both handles are the same weight(2.4 oz),but the handle demensions are different) 4 Greistshaving makes heavy handles( no shave heads however) in both SS and Brass.. I'm not sure if they are in stock at this time though? But they are definately worth checking out.. I own and use all of these razors/handles and I think you'll find them well priced and very nice..
I would also consider the HD Merkurs...in short or long handles, slant or straight. I still think my 38c HD Barber Pole gives me the most consistently great shaves!
I like the Merkur HD, as well. I have three. I know some have cited QC issues, but I have zero issues with mine.
I'm surprised no one mentioned the Merkur Futur. Definitely plenty of heft, long handle, sculptural. I don't know if you'd want another adjustable (I have one, as well as my Fat Boy), but if so, check it out.
Strangely enough, I am about to turn 42 in a couple of weeks and my wife is asking what I want. I was thinking of something along the same line as you. I am going to happily monitor your thread for a potential answer to my question. I was wondering about the Cadet. I had never heard of it before this thread. Have any others used it? What are your impressions?
A couple years ago at Christmas time I had the same idea and my mom bought me a scuttle I barely use it I just can't make myself like it. I hope that this doesn't happen with the razor.
LOL We've all been there, I'd bet. You have a choice, though. Think of what you really want and make it count.
So there are a few of us with birthdays coming up this month i see. MIne is the 30th and I'm turning 43 as well. Mom asked what I wanted and since I've never used a modern DE razor I asked for the Merkur 37C Slant from West Coast. Like 43 bucks free shipping! So if you are contemplating a new modern razor, why not that one? It's a beauty!
I haven't used a Cadet, per se - but my first and current razor is the RazoRock 3pc which I've read is a re-branded Cadet...or whatever the original brand is. Comparing it to the vintage razor I just picked up, my RR 3pc is just as heavy altogether. The handle is a little thicker and longer in comparison to a Fat Boy. I have not handled any other modern razors like EJ, Merkur, Parker, etc... but from pics would have to say they look similar in weight and size. The blade gap on my RR is about equal to a FB set at 8/9. I believe that translates to "Fairly Aggressive - Aggressive" in wet shaving terminology. As for comparing shave quality between the two, I can't comment. I'm trialing a blade sampler and I'm committed to not changing my razor during this time, as I know shaves can vary depending on the razor. If you were to ask me if I recommend the RazoRock 3pc to a novice or vet, I definitely would. It's a solid razor and it does the job it is intended to do. If you want to read up on the RR 3pc, check out Italianbarber.com - that's where I got mine from. The owner is a vendor on this site and shipping was fast despite coming across the border from Canada.
Last year my mom asked me what I wanted for my birthday. I ended up getting one of gssixgun's lovely straight razors. This year I opted for Battlefield 3's Premium map packs. For the record, I second the UFO razor handle suggestion. Those are really nice and are instant collector's items.
It has a "slanted" head. It supposed to give more of a slicing action during the shaving stroke. I get the same results with a regular DE or SE by turning the head just a bit and/or doing the Gillette Slide (hold the razor straight up and down like in the photo and making your stroke at a 45 degree angle, top right to bottom left, for example).
