Thinking of getting a Safety

[bad-bryce]

Hello everyone,

As my title says, I am thinking of getting into safety razors. I have been using straights for a about 7 months and I am realizing that sometimes i do not have all that time in the morning to use my straights and when they are dull, i need a back up when they go get sharpened.

First question is that how long is the learning curve when I am use to using straights? took me about a month to be okay with straights.

Second question is I have been looking at the Merkur 34c Heavy Duty. I only seen good reviews about this. Is this razor good for thick beards as well? Does any one have any other recommendations for thick beards? I trying to stay in the 50$ zone.

[Sledgehammer39]

I think the learning curve will be pretty easy for you. The Merkur is a nice razor but I like the Edwin Jagger DE89L a bit more.

[ackvil]

If it took you only a month to master a straight it should only take you a very brief time with a DE.

Two suggestions: (1) consider a slim or similar razor. (2) You may want to try a SE razor since they are said to be the closest to a straight.

[Greyfox]

You'll be shaving great with the DE in no time.

[bad-bryce]

I think the learning curve will be pretty easy for you. The Merkur is a nice razor but I like the Edwin Jagger DE89L a bit more.

Why do you like the Edwin Jagger a bit more than the Merkur? Is there a Quality difference or just you get a better felling with the E.J.?

[bad-bryce]

Whoa, never siad mastered, lets just from the first shave with a straight compared to the end of them month. Huge amount of difference in shave technique.

I was thinking maybe going for a Shavette, but i would like to try out Safety razor. They look awesome and want to venture into the unknown.



If it took you only a month to master a straight it should only take you a very brief time with a DE.

Two suggestions: (1) consider a slim or similar razor. (2) You may want to try a SE razor since they are said to be the closest to a straight.

[mandoman]

DE shaving is very easy to master it just takes patients

[KM-instructor]

Your using straights now, you'll breeze any learning curve, probably your first shave and you'll smoke it.

[Sledgehammer39]

Why do you like the Edwin Jagger a bit more than the Merkur? Is there a Quality difference or just you get a better felling with the E.J.?

In a nutshell I believe that the EJ is a better instrument and it has better quality control than the Merkur. Also the EJ is cheaper than the Merkur HD.

[goatee]

definitely going to be a time saver.

[john shea]

I use a Merkur 34G (gold HD) in my rotation and it is a very fine performing razor. I also have the Merkur Vision and 37C
(chrome slant) and have found no workmanship issues with the 3 Merkur razors that I have purchased.

A person who effectively shaves with a straight razor understanding pressure, blade angle, facial hair direction, and preshave prep should have no significant difficulty using a DE razor. With a DE, honing and stropping issues are replaced by the challenge of finding the best performing DE blade for your razor.

[mharris127]

Do you absolutely have to buy new? A Schick Krona or one of the multitude of Gillette DE razors is cheaper and probably better built. Even a GEM SE is cheaper than $50! If you don't mind pot metal, there are a couple of places selling cheap metal (and some plastic) DE razors for $5 or less (Turkey-based bestshave.net is one, there is an India-based business online also selling them). If you go that route, buy some ten packs of different blades as well (most are $1.50 or less per pack, some less than a dollar).

[Fuzzy]

Thick Beard = Red tip, adjust your blade choice to suit the aggressiveness you want, ie. Red IP's to Feathers. I have a medium beard and I grab this badboy when the stubble is deep and load it with a 70's SCHICK PLUS PLATINUM and that is as fun as it is effective.
http://badgerandblade.com/vb/attachment.php?attachmentid=30243&stc=1&d=1221361186 And you can find a real nice Red Tip under $50.
As far as learning curve, if you've been using straights, I'd agree with most of the other comments, you'll have no problem. Good luck and let us know how you make out....and if you'd like some sample blades, shoot me a pm...

[Ozgun]

If you have thick beard like me, I definately suggest muhle r99 from Fendrihan. Excellent open comb razor, gives bbs every time. You can also buy merkur futur.

http://images.fendrihan.com/product_thumb.php?img=MUH99R.jpg&w=222&h=222

http://www.bootblock.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/MerkurFutur3.jpg

[dadvest]

+1 on the Gillette Red Tip! I would go with a vintage model. There are many great razors to be had out there but be sure to try a sample set of blades. Different blades work better in different razors, on different faces and skin types as others. I would look for an adjustable razor also, like a Gillette Fatboy or slim so you can select the blade angle that will work well for you. I have them both as well as the red tip and they all work great for me using a Feather blade. YMMV on the blade razor combo but that would be my suggestion. I also was a straight user but found that time was not my friend! I truely enjoy the close comfortable shave I get with a DE razor and I do not think you will have any problem using one.

[jaworthen]

+1 on the recommendation for the Futur. Perhaps more expensive than you might want to go at first, but it is easy to use and has become my favorite razor thus far (I also have a Slant and 34C HD). I don't have any vintage razors so could not compare there, but some say that the Futur opened up is somewhat like an SE shave with a DE.

[Ozgun]

+1 on the recommendation for the Futur. Perhaps more expensive than you might want to go at first, but it is easy to use and has become my favorite razor thus far (I also have a Slant and 34C HD). I don't have any vintage razors so could not compare there, but some say that the Futur opened up is somewhat like an SE shave with a DE.
s
Its more than a SE shave, its like a shavette shave, above setting 5. But I dont think it needs to be adjusted that aggressive. At 3 it always gives bbs thanks to its massive weight.

[stvince71]

Or instead of going with something that is "like" a SE shave, buy a Gem SE razor. The 1912 should be aggressive enough to get through a thicker beard. I know that the G-Bar can rid my face of 2 days growth with no problems. So a Gem OCMM or 1912 should do very nicely.

[GuitarGuy]

I would definitely go vintage...
Best DE shave for me... Vintage Gillette Super Speed (mine is a 40s) or a Gillette Tech.
Good Luck!!

[Ozgun]

Or instead of going with something that is "like" a SE shave, buy a Gem SE razor. The 1912 should be aggressive enough to get through a thicker beard. I know that the G-Bar can rid my face of 2 days growth with no problems. So a Gem OCMM or 1912 should do very nicely.

G bar is such a beauty, I looooooove mine so much.

[stvince71]

G bar is such a beauty, I looooooove mine so much.

+1
It's the only razor I use now. I PIFed my '49 Gillette Tech to a co-worker last week with a few different blades for him to try because of the G-Bar. :001_tt1:

I made the mistake of letting my oldest try it and now he has "adopted" it. Can't wait for my move to be over so I can get a new one for him.