Woman new to DE & Straight-- Any Advice Appreciated

Hello,
I would love any advice about how to get started as a woman using either DE or straight.

Would like to understand how the popular Gillette Ladies (various colors) star compares to other DEs and/ or to straight shaving particularly for women, dealing with underarms.
(I've seen some posts saying Schick Krona is similar to Lady Gillette, and some (such as soapbuddy) who say it is more aggressive.)

Also, if I proceed as others suggest on this forum and buy a Gillette Ladies Star, is the best place to purchase on eBay, and if so any suggestions of what to look for besides in good working order?

 

E bay has been a hit or a miss for me. I would post a want ad in the Wanted section like JoAnna suggested.

 

Welcome to TSD! This is the best wet shave board on the planet!

I have seen Lady Gillette's for super cheap in junk shops and super expensive on Ebay. The Pink and The Champagne are the hardest to find, followed by the Dark Blue. The Light Blue seems to be the easiest to find.

If you are after a long handle, twist to open razor for not too much money, put aside any hankerings for the Lady Gillette and grab the Schick Krona. Spend the money you saved on brushes, soaps and creams and smile because you are in for the best shaves of your life!

 

Hello Jil! Welcome to the Den!

I have shaved with both, the Krona and the Lady Gillette Stars. I found the Krona to be quite mild and the shave very similar to the Weishi. I shave almost exclusively with the Lady Gillette, I will say though that I use quite a variety of blades that I have experimented with over the last year. With that experimentation, I have found what works for me.

Give them a go and see what works for you!

 

Have you compared the Krona to the Gillette? I am trying to understand better the difference in how they perform.

 

Sorry past question was directed at stingraysrock. Thanks for the advice Shawna. Of all the ones you have tried, would you say the Lady is the best to begin with?

 

After you get your razor, I would get a blade sampler that JoAnna sells at her TSD store. http://theshaveden.com/store/index.php?act=viewProd&productId=213 See which blades work the best for you.

 

I actually started with the Weishi gunmetal, which we still have. Have you tried a shave yet with a double-edge?

 

Yeah, fere shere Ya'll!

I have shaved with the Krona and Lady Gillette... for me, they are very similar. The Krona may be a bit milder, but the real question here is, do you want to have a great shave cheap, or do you want a great shave expensive!

Whatever gender a person may be, The Krona is under-rated for sure.

 

Welcome to the cozy confines of The Shave Den.

Find a comfortable leather recliner and set a spell.

BTW, You are not the first lady who has an interest in the Krona. I think the reason is that it is easy to use, ultra reliable (both in mechanics and comfort) and it is available in large quantities.
You can't go wrong having one in you kit, even if you move up to a different razor.

 

Will definitely get the blade sampler, just trying to figure out which razor to buy first...
Babygirl- I have not yet tried a shave with a double-edge.

 

Jil let me send you a razor on loan to try before you buy. I'll also send you a small sample of blades. Message me your address and I'll try to work out the logistics since I'm out of town right now.

 

Another one bites the dust. Now there is no turning back for you Jilraf. You have gone to the dark side

Way to go BabyGirl, have to love TSD.

 

Thanks so much Shawna, I appreciate your generous offer to loan. I will message you.
JoAnna, I do not yet have a brush or other DE supplies such as cream.

 

Well a brush and cream can be picked up at many local pharmacys or walmart or what not. They mostly have 12-25 dollar brushes and usually an assortment of creams.

That will help with the shave the most i beleive... well for me it did (as a man) haha. The brush and cream make the shave much better while the razor brings it to a whole new level. Just great

Good luck with getting your grear and such set up.

 

ok, makes sense.

Joanna: Of the two brushes (Kent BLK4 and Custom Knotty Badger in Best (a The Golden Nib knot)) that you said are your favorites, which do you recommend buying as a first brush? Also, why do you prefer Taylors of Old Bond Street Avocado?

I have also seen recommendations for Kiss My Face Lavender shave cream, Toms of Maine shave cream, trumpers rose cream, Mama Bear's Hydrogen, TOBS Rose, Harris Rose, DR Harris Pink, Cremo Cream brushless.