Noob.....sick of paying $ for disposable blades trading up to DE... Need advice

[wflynn]

I am sick of paying through the nose for blades for my Mach 4.... Would like to trade up to a dual edge safety razor.

I have normal to sensitize skin with a medium to heavy beard. I am looking for comfort (less irritation) as opposed to baby butt smooth.

Any recommendations?

[BrianK]

That pretty much leaves it wide open.

OK, I like vintage razors for many reasons, so that's what I suggest. A Gillette superspeed or tech will be a fairly mild and easy to learn with razor. With your "nirvana blade" it'll give a comfortable shave and even a BBS without effort. But you need to discover which blade(s) will do that for you, so get a blade sampler.

Are you certain you want a double edge razor? SE razors (not a str8) give great shaves as well and are IMO, easier to use. Blades for these are fewer so there are no blade samplers, but the good news is that what is "out there" all work great from my experience. (not hardware store blades!)

Neither of these vintage razors will break the bank. Look for them on the b/s/t forum, you can't sell yet, but you can buy. There were some there a few hours ago last I checked. No matter which razor you choose it will require technique which you provide. It'll take time to learn, but it's worth it. If you do use the B/s/t, ask the seller for suitability for a noob and if the razor is aggressive. IMO you don't need aggressive yet, if ever. An aggressive razor will just make learning more bloody, which you don't need.

[man00ver]

Welcome, wflynn! Another new member has gotten a lot of advice along these lines today: check out this thread (http://badgerandblade.com/vb/showthread.php/236475-I-m-looking-to-buy-my-first-safety-razor-help-me-out). Feel free to follow-up if you have more specific questions, and don't forget to look at the sticky posts for a lot of good reference material. Sounds like you'll be wanting to start out shaving with-the-grain (WTG) while you work on your technique. See you around!

[wflynn]

Thanks for the info. I read Shmu's thread and I am still unsure of what to get. Might try to see if there are any stores in my area.

[mandoman]

Welcome to B&B you came to right place

[shawnmaze]

I recommend a SuperSpeed. I have kept a few around I lend to friends because it lets you learn angles the nuances without butchering your face. Once your comfortable you may opt for something else, but start with a SS!

[Copierguy]

Welcome to B&B.

If you are just looking for a comfortable shave, you may wish to try a Tech or Super Speed. The Tech with a sharp blade like a Feather has a number of fans around here.

Whatever you decide to do, show us with pictures. Most of us are wacky about this stuff ( that's why we are here), so the more questions the better.

Good luck with you change over.

[KM-instructor]

Could always try shoplifting the blades lol.
Seriously though your at the right place to start.

[the fnger genius]

I would highly recommend an old tech.

[DunEdinRanger]

I would suggest the Edwin Jagger DE89L - it is a fine razor, with excellent craftsmanship, and provides a smooth, close comfortable shave.

[BigFoot]

I have Techs coming out my ears, if you want to try vintage I will PIF you one. Just reply here and send me a PM with your addy.

[Pjotr]

The golden rule with shaving is to only change one variable at a time. I'd suggest not getting a traditional razor yet but start with what makes the difference between a good shave and an average one and that's some decent cream/soap and a brush. Assuming you're can goo-ing it at the moment of course. If you're going to go down the traditional route, a soap and brush are pre-requisites and they really do save you money. Try prepping a bit more and use soap/cream and a brush and see how you go.

[matthew86]

That is a great offer. You are awarded +1 karma points.

[wflynn]

I have Techs coming out my ears, if you want to try vintage I will PIF you one. Just reply here and send me a PM with your addy.

Thanks HD. I really appreciate that.

[jwilock]

I would suggest the Edwin Jagger DE89L - it is a fine razor, with excellent craftsmanship, and provides a smooth, close comfortable shave.

When I started I was a little leary of a "vintage" razor since I had no idea of how to tell whether it worked right or not. The EJ is what I bought - the one with the Barley Chrome handle. Fantastic looking razor, and absolutely perfect for a begginer. I've been using it for over two months now and have yet to cut myself and have only had 2 or 3 tiny dots of blood at all. If you're interested in a great looking razor that can probably last a lifetime, is safe and comfortable for a newbie, and still gives a close shave, this is one I think you should consider.

[Rufust445]

Lord has a virtual copy of the Tech known as the L122, or L5:

http://www.razorslord.com/Packages/L122.asp

I tried one that was lying around recently, and I like the Lord head better than the Tech heads I had been using with this handle. It's a bit more aggressive than a Tech, but still mild. I like it better than the Merkur-style head from Lord I've been using.

Another razor that comes highly recommended to noobies is the Wilkinson Classic, made of Delrin and metal:


http://badgerandblade.com/reviews/showproduct.php?product=7412&title=wilkinson-sword-classic-de-razor&cat=44

It's quite mild, and from what I've read has less tendency to cut in the hands of a neophyte. Still capable of very close shaves with an extra pass or so. It's also sold as the Treet Platinum razor, with two Treet Platinum blades which IMHO are better than the blades that come with the Wilkinson version.

Either of these razors can be found online for about the same cost as a Fusion or Schick Hydro package in a store.

As always, YMMV.

[alex2363]

slim adjustable nuff said

[Chester]

slim adjustable nuff said

+1.
-- Chet