Hi, today is my first day on the forums. I did sign in in the newbie section already (and aiming for the 15 posts to get my chance at the giveaway!). I do have some legitimate questions. I decided that I would buy my DH a DE safety razor for Christmas (no, not much time left!) after he had a tantrum over his electric razor. We both use the 5 blade disposables. But I didn't want to buy something so unexciting for Christmas. I looked up purchasing another electric, but for some odd reason the search pulled up DEs too, and they got better ratings than ANY electric, so I just had to check them out. AND after reading all of the wonderful reviews here and on Amazon, I decided DEs needed further investigation. It does seem that there is a plethora of DEs out there and I am pretty clueless. On this site, people seem to be very happy with the Merkur HD 34c (aka 178 on Amazon). I did see that there was also a long handled version, but that it was a matter of preference so I will just go with short and let him add on as he gets better. He is also only 5' 6" tall, so the longer handle might actually be too much. I saw Gems mentioned, but can't find any info on them even on this site (I did a search for gem under reviews and forums and it said it couldn't find anything). I also saw the Vintage Gillette super speed recommended for newbs but I could not find a new one...so I can only assume vintage means no longer made. Parkers also got very good reviews on Amazon...but, I am just not sure about them. Anyway, this is getting long, so I will shorten it up and get to the point. for my husband: The Merkur HD 34c is a good choice? There was also mention of the Merkur Futur, which has caught my eye, since he could change settings as he got proficient in it. Blades? His hair is not overly thick or coarse. I saw that I should get him a sampler pack. I am sure this is what I will do. But which brand is a good sampler pack? I haven't even begun to look into the other things. His face is not overly sensitive that I can tell. But, it does dry out easily in the winter. Brush???? Bowl???? Shaving gel/cream/oil???? Any advice? Thanks for taking the time to read all this! Patricia
I have average hand sizes, I am 1.74m tall and I find the Merkur HD34c a great razor (sometimes tho I wish the handle was longer) Can't say a thing about the Futur tho Blades? Sample pack is the way to go. Look for a sample pack with Astra, Red Personna, Israeli Personna (Crystal), Derby and Gillette. other members can add their favorites but I'm sure you'll see most of them agree on this brands. Brush: a nice starter brush is the Tweezzerman, 13 bucks and works just fine this one is made of badger hair. Bowl, well this only if he intends to bowl lather, otherwise he can facelather which (imho) is way funnier and enjoyable n__n Shaving gel/cream/soap: for starters, get a unexpensive soap. Van Der Hagen are great and you will hardly find anyone saying they are not. What I posted is actually my gear, it's a good starting gear and the brand of blades are the ones I've felt work best for my skin. For the sample Pack, I hichly recommend you to read this thread I made based on my experience http://www.theshaveden.com/forum/showthread.php?t=14463&highlight=Compa I hope this helps Paty EDIT I forgot to tell, you should try to get a container for your soap. a mug works just fine and it's even better if you melt it. You can find help on the forums about melting soaps too .
Welcome! Buy him a Futur! I just love mine! I prefer vintage DE's (FatBoy, President, Aristocrats etc) but among the modern DE's, the Futur is a true masterpiece!
My youngest son is interested in wet shaving. Here's what I got him for Christmas: http://bestgroomingtools.com/shaving-set-de600-series-edwin-jagger-p-1238.html I added some Proraso soap to the package that I already had (purchased elsewhere). But any soap would do, especially the ones sold here at TSD. I don't mean to confuse you, but I use the Edwin Jagger DE87 and it's a very fine razor. The added advantage of the set is it includes a very good brush and a stand and it looks good. It makes a nice gift. By the way, I think what you're doing is very thoughtful and very cool. I'm sure he'll love whatever razor you get him. Enjoy the holidays.
I sounds like you have plenty of razor advice. Avoid Parker and anything under $20 and you'll be safe. Blades: Get a sample pack with 5-10 different blades. Blades are so personal that specific recommendations don't mean much. I'll give one to avoid - Merkur. Despite making very nice razors, very few people like their blades. Brush: Two real options: 1) A quality boar brush. Go for something from Omega, Vulfix, or Semogue. Downside to boar is they take 2-3 weeks to break in and perform really well. Good side is lower price at $10-$30. I'd try to get a nice looking handle since it's a gift, so you're looking $20-$30 for a very nice boar brush. Look at the Vulfix 2233 here as a good option. 2) A Best or Silvertip Badger. IMHO, the cheaper pure badger brushes just aren't as good as a boar brush, so you'll look at $35+ for a nice badger. I'll let others make specific recommendations, I'm more into the boar. Soap/Cream: I'd recommend going cream for starting. While I tend to prefer shaving soaps, he'll learn to lather a cream faster than a soap. I'd recommend a tub of Taylor of Old Bond Street (TOBS) cream, in whichever scent you think he'll like.
Patricia, I'm pretty new to this myself. Haven't tried any of the new razors. I've been basically stalking flea markets to get Gillettes--since Gillette doesn't make double edge razors anymore, this is one of the ways to find them. Antique stores, garage sales, and the classifieds here are other ways. Ebay has them as well, but I enjoy the hunt more than the acquisition, if that makes sense. There is a review section on these forums, and I do a lot of reading in there. I almost find it as confusing as being completely ignorant on the subject at times. But the reviews are a great resource, and once I get a better feel about how things vary, it will make things simpler. I wasn't shopping for a present, but being an "instant gratification" type, I found that the VDH soap/brush/bowl combination you can find at a Rite-Aid or CVS did suit my needs as a starter. I'm probably going to upgrade eventually, but it definitely got me off the ground. The blade sampler packs are great to experiment with. I started with drugstore blades (instant gratification again), which can be a turnoff for beginners because they aren't exactly great. But on the other hand, you don't want to buy a 100 blades only to find out that you don't like them. I'm going through a sampler set now, to find the brand I really like; then I'll buy that brand in bulk and take advantage of the savings that way. I'll probably do the same with soaps, but only after I'm done with the blades. That way, I'll know the differences. Boar's hair/Badger hair brush? :shrugs: All I know is my stupid cheap boar's hair and soap that came with the set feels a million times better than the canned cream. And if he's coming from an electric razor, it's not even remotely close. Witch Hazel. Get him some, because he'll probably want to try the razor on the day he receives it. Very soothing. Maybe not the most glamorous of gifts, but his face will appreciate it. I use the stuff you find by the hydrogen peroxide at Wal-Mart. Try after-shave balm, if his skin dries out. It moisturizes, at least for me. One last thing--point him to the videos on this site before he takes whatever razor you get him in hand. They are very helpful. Hope this helps.
good info I have been researching everything you all have suggested. There is just so much out there. I think I just need to do it and let the chips fall where they may. If I research too much more, I will just give up. I am trying to find the videos on this site...where are they? I found pics, but I am not sure how to search for videos. At least I am not pulling anything up when I try to search for them. I had hoped for a TTO razor, but none of those seem to be the ones suggested for a beginner, so I will go with what you all are telling me. I did find that the razor EJ87 comes with a "sample" of blades, but it doesn't say what kind except "assorted Lord Double-edge blades" (off of bestgroomingtools.com website). These blades were not mentioned in the ones suggested, so I assume they are of an inferior quality? And, I should order other blades to go with it? Edwin Jagger Double Edge Safety Razor 87- Ivory Pure Badger K37 Ivory Shaving Brush by Edwin Jagger Razor and Shave Brush Modern Holder Now I am just trying to find the creams recommended. TOBS has several varieties. Which has a mild smell that is not overpowering? Any recommendations there? I read that there are other brands from a tube that are better. I would have just gotten the whole set recommended by DesertTime, but it is sold out :mad: Thanks for all the advice!
The sticky under the Shave School forum--"Mantic's Tutorial Videos." The first post has a link to a YouTube playlist.
LORD blades are not inferior. Some like them and some don't, but it's not a quality issue. Since you're looking at bestgroomingtools, they have TOBS cream. You can aslo get a couple good brushes there in the Omega 49 Boar and Edwin Jagger Best Urn.
videos were perfect Thanks for letting me know how to get to them. I have watched them and they helped me and I can't wait to show them to my DH.
more questions ChemErik would this brush Pure Badger 600 Series Shaving Brush by Edwin Jagger be similar to the Urn you recommended? Prices are about the same individually. I ask because it comes in a set... * Edwin Jagger DE 86 Ebony * Edwin Jagger 600 Series Pure Badger Shaving Brush Ebony * Edwin Jagger Nickel Shaving Stand Included FREE $3.75 Value - 15 Assorted Lord Double-Edge Blades Included FREE - 3 Try-Me-Size Edwin Jagger Shave Creams (Aloe Vera - Sandalwood - Sea Buckthorn) Double-edge razors and pure badger shaving brushes from Edwin Jagger are available in this moderately priced shaving set. The DE 86 Safety Razors have the new Jagger heads that are receiving all positive reviews. The 600 Series Pure Badger Shaving Brushes with resin and nickel handles match with the razors and stand. Total cost for that $85 (not including shipping or tax)
Patricia, Eventually your husband will want to experiment with other blades. But to simplify your shopping, the Lord blades can get him started. Everyone finds a blade (soap, razor etc) that's right for them and that takes time and experimentation. Hence the attraction of a sampler pack. But he'll have the Lords to get him started for now. You can get yourself frantic going all over the place. Part of the fun of wet shaving is researching all the many options and products. Get him started and let him dig in and research and he'll end up like the rest of us: horribly addicted.
Definitely go with a sampler pack for blades. West Coast Shaving makes up sampler packs, go to their site. Also, there are one or two vendors on Amazon who sell samplers. FWIW, my favorites are Feathers and Shark Super Chromes. Also, typically a new Merkur razor will have one sample Merkur blade with it. There are a number of good choices for the razor itself, and the 34C is one of them.
Thanks to all Thanks everyone! I decided to go with DesertTime's suggestion and link. It made my life easier having it all in one package. The set came with a sampler pack of blades (Lords) and 3 shaving creams (EJ). This should be a great starter set. Especially if I am not sure he is going to like shaving with DEs. This was also easier on my pocket book which also influenced my decision. Who knows, if he does not like the art of shaving, maybe I will try it and become a RAD. LOL Patricia
Got DHs gift! I JUST received the Christmas present. I am so excited. I want to try it out myself. It looks nice. It was the EJ set that DesertTime recommended. So, is it bad luck to make sure everything works before I wrap it up as a present? Thanks again for all the help!
Patricia, Just so you're aware, there's no hard and fast rule that says women can't shave with cool gear too It would seem that it may be time for you to shop for some gear as well. I'm sure your beau will be way psyched about his new toys. If you'll shoe him over in our direction I'm pretty sure he'll be as obssessed and addicted as the rest of us in short order. The fringe benefit is that he'll probably be shaving every day (just for fun) whether he needs to or not. Before discovering this wonderful hobby, I took every possible day I could OFF of shaving. Since discovering the wonders of wet shaving (and collecting a few toys) I wouldn't dream of taking a day off. The fringe benefit is your man will be immaculately shaved daily. While my bride still doesn't understand what she see's as a ridiculous obsession, she does appreciate the fact that I no longer look like Bobo the homless man on the weekends.
