Need Help: Suggestions on a Safety Razor

dmdmorris · Nov 13, 2012

I've decided to try my hand at a real Safety Razor and need a recommendation. I've done some research, and Merkur seems to be a good brand.

For those with experience, please suggest a model or another brand.

Thanks in advance,

Dave

tealseal · Nov 13, 2012

dmdmorris said:
I've decided to try my hand at a real Safety Razor and need a recommendation. I've done some research, and Merkur seems to be a good brand.

For those with experience, please suggest a model or another brand.

Thanks in advance,

Dave

I use a merkur adjustable that I got new from Art of Shaving. I highly recommend it. Adjustables can be a bit tricky to learn, but totally worth it.

TallCrownDave · Nov 13, 2012

Dave,

For in depth information on blade shaving check out the forums at badger and blade

http://badgerandblade.com/vb/forum.php

Dave

Grayland · Nov 13, 2012

I bought a new Merkur and it worked well, but then picked up a Gillette Super Speed w/ Red Tip. I only bought it as I like vintage things, but it shaves me great and I see no reason to switch razors. I actually picked up an adjustable Gillette made in 1964 (my birth year), but it doesn't shave me as well as the red tip. Once you get used to safety razors, you'll love them. I don't find that they take any longer to use and the blades cost me 10 cents a piece.

http://www.ebay.com/itm/ws/eBayISAP...9941&item=230878269941&lgeo=1&vectorid=229466

Edward · Nov 13, 2012

After the learning curve, I found the quality of shave I get with a safety razor to be far and away superior to a modern cartridge razor. I use a Merkur Progress, with which I am well pleased.

BR Gordon · Nov 13, 2012

I started with a Merker 11C, it's a good razor but a little mild for me. Additionally, I wanted something vintage. The second was a Gillette Slim adjustable. I was never able to get comfortable with the Slim. I tried a couple of other modern razors, but finally ended up with a couple of vintage Gillettes, the "NEW" long comb and the "NEW" short comb. Finding the correct razor is just the beginning, you'll need to find blades that work the best with your face and the razor that you like. I have tried, probably, a dozen different brands of blades.

Lt.Tom · Nov 13, 2012

I'm still hunting for a "New" to try. In my humble opinion, the Merkur 34c and the Edwin Jagger 89 series razors (the 89s are all the same head, just different handles) are the best bet for "new and easily available" razors. The Gillette Super Speeds are a great reasonably easy to find vintage razor to start with. I ended up liking a slightly more aggressive razor. (the two new ones I mentioned are both a little more aggressive than the Super Speed.)

Feraud · Nov 13, 2012

Lt. Tom, have you tried the a Gem Micromatic? They are one of the more aggressive razors and a favorite of mine.

53Effie · Nov 13, 2012

I have been using the Edwin Jagger de89l for the last three weeks or so. It is working well for me...not too agressive. I am still experimenting with blades. As recommended on many of the shaving forums, I purchased a variety pack of blades and I am working my way through that. I am getting nice close shaves with the razor and still developing technique. No cuts so far, so I guess I'm doing okay. I has been fun. I haven't used a DE razor in probably 35 years or so. I am pleased with the results thus far.

Benzadmiral · Nov 13, 2012

Dave,

On a lark I purchased a Merkur 23C, the long-handled model which approximates the proportions of the usual cartridge razor you see in Target and so forth. I'm using Personna blades in it. Learning curve was almost zero; I've nicked myself only about three times in the month I've used the razor, always on my lower lip, so I take more care there.

Since I wear a Commander Riker-style beard, I have less face to actually scrape and so a lower chance (theoretically) of slicing myself up on a given shave. But it is fun.

Gin&Tonics · Nov 13, 2012

I use a Gillette Tech made in 1932. If you hit up the local antique shop, you can probably get a nice vintage one for a song. You can clean up the rust and soap scum very quickly and easily with boiling water and baking soda, and then polish it up to a mirror sheen with some metal polish, then you're away to the races!

Welcome to the world of the traditional wet shave. Take the time to learn the proper techniques and products to use, and your face will thank you.

jodbirch · Nov 13, 2012

I would start with a very basic safety razor like the Merkur 33C. I've had fantastic luck with this model. Very basic and does a great job...and not too expensive. Another option is like Gin&Tonics suggested...find a vintage Gillette Tech or similar razor at an antique shop or flea market. I think I paid $3 for the first Tech I ever found in a flea market. Great razors too.
Next step...find a quality boar or badger hair brush and some shaving soap. If you're in the U.S., a good starter brand for brush & soap is Van Der Hagen. It's available at most Wal-Marts and Walgreens stores.
Most importantly...take your time, watch your blade angle, and let the weight of the razor do the work for you (don't press it against your skin). It's a totally different animal than using a cartridge razor. There is definitely a learning curve, but once you master it, you'll never look back. You will actually look forward to the ritual of shaving! Good luck!

DeaconKC · Nov 14, 2012

The Knack by Gillette can be found dirt cheap. It was one of Gillette's last DE razors and delivers a great shave. It really summed up what they knew about the needs of a simple. good shaving razor.

Lt.Tom · Nov 14, 2012

Feraud said:
Lt. Tom, have you tried the a Gem Micromatic? They are one of the more aggressive razors and a favorite of mine.

Feraud, I've tried two of them (both were borrowed). The first was a Bullet tip;

and the other was an older EverReady 1912 model;

Both had to be wielded with respect, but gave amazing shaves. I've got to have one, but I'm taking my time, searching for a really nice one

DeaconKC · Nov 14, 2012

A suggestion for your soap, Bath & Bodyworks' C O Bigelow shave soap is one of my favorites. Try it out.

Cooperson · Nov 14, 2012

I love this combination: Edwin Jagger de89, Astra Super Platinum blade, Proraso green shaving cream. Finish with an Allum block and Nivea Sensitive Balm - best shave ever!

As already suggested, the Badger&Blade forum is *the* place to be for all shaving knowledge.

Lt.Tom · Nov 14, 2012

Just to add onto the last 2 posts, Bath&Bodyworks C.O.Bigelow cream is Proraso cream from Italy, re-packaged. Wonderful stuff. The round Proraso container in my picture is their "soap". I found the cream in the tube a little easeir to learn to use.

BR Gordon · Nov 14, 2012

The best lather that I've used is made with the C.E. Bigelow and Mystic Water shave soap. Put a small amount of Bigeloe, about the size of an almond, in your mug, then load your brush with Mystic Water shave soap and lather as usual. This super lather is the smoothest, slickest that I've come across. Any other good quality soap along with the Bidelow will work, I just like Mystic Water the best.

dmdmorris · Nov 15, 2012

Thanks to all who replied.

This is what I decided to get as my first kit:
1.Edwin Jagger DE 89811 with iKON Bulldog Handle
2. Simpson's Duke D3 Best Badger Brush
3. Muhle RHM SR Set Razor Stand
4. Simpson's Shaving Mug
5. Vulfix Ceramic Classic Shaving Mug
6. Osma's Alum Block
7. Truefitt & Hill Balm
8. Assorted Soaps: Mama Bear's Aged Spice, Mitchell's Wool Fat, Tabac
9. Proraso Nick Sealer
10.DE Blade Sampler

Hoping that this will last me for some time and be more satisfying and less expensive over time than plastic throw away cartridges.

Let me know what you think.

Thanks,

Dave

Cooperson · Nov 15, 2012

That's a great setup Dave, you should get superb results with that lot. I wouldn't bank on it being less expensive though, it might seem so initially but once you get the DE shaving bug, just watch that collection grow

Enjoy!

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