The age-old "which razor to get" question

[Replicon]

So I'm considering trying out the safety razor approach, but am wondering how much of a difference it normally makes. Like, let's say you're doing everything correctly (and not just applying pressurized gel, etc.), how much of a difference is there between using a DE and some cartridge blade? I guess the price difference overtime is reason enough :D.

Oh yeah, and I know the choice of which to get is really a matter of preference, but... how does one choose to begin with? I know some of you have large collections, but I only need one... for shaving hehe. Also, looking at the list of brands and razors on the wiki, it looks like most of them are discontinued since the 60's or something. Looking at amazon.com, it seems like Merkur is the only company making new ones. Are those ones any good? I'd like to stay away from getting a used vintage one, unless it's REALLY worth the difference (not just from a collector standpoint).

cheers!

[krawlx]

Hi Replicon and welcome,

When I first came to the B&B I posed a similar question as you've posed here. The answer I got was to go for the Merkur HD, often referred to as the Heavy Duty, Hefty Classic, or simply 34. I bought this razor, and have never looked back. I never had any problems with using a cartridge in the days I was using a cartridge, but shaving was just a chore at that time. Now, my shave is one of the best parts of my day. To me, that is the major difference. Others who have suffered from ingrowns, irritation, and razor bumps can give you more information on that.

Saving money is something that is often referenced by many of the dedicated DE shavers, but I think they would all agree to actually save money in DE shaving does take some....well...dedication. Dedication to one razor, perhaps a sampler pack of blades, and a mid-range soap. But, many of the members, myself fully included, have developed acquisition disorders. And believe me, these disorders develop quickly. The saving money part is more of a rationalization to fund more purchases than a reality. And of course, realize that you are joining a group of enablers!

However, don't take this as a knock on the DE experience. If you want to save money by DE shaving, it can certainly be done! But, when multiple razors, soaps, and blades come into play it can get pricey. But, for the extra money I've spent on these products I have gained a measure of enjoyment from the process, and the money spent was well-spent. So, by all means, jump in and develop some disorders of your own. I'm very happy that I did, and thank all of those at B&B who coddled me along. Happy shaving!

[Flaxorca]

Welcome to B&B!

Karl wrote a solid answer there!

+1 on the Merkur HD, it was voted as the best choice for a noob.
+1 on blade sampler packs (try West Coast Shaving (http://westcoastshaving.com/index.php?main_page=index&cPath=2&zenid=dc3e4075589aff1bc03a547294635806), Razor and Brush (http://www.razorandbrush.com/Sampler.html) or edit

There is some really useful information on the web and this forum amongst which are:
Mantic's Video's (http://youtube.com/user/mantic59) (I think you already know these)
Leisureguy's blog (http://youtube.com/user/mantic59)
The B&B FAQ (http://wiki.badgerandblade.com/index.php/FAQ)
And there are a number of stickies in many of the sub forums with good information on wet shaving.

[htownmmm]

Good info in the above posts!

Don't worry about the Acquisition Disorders-either you get them or you don't. And if you don't have one when starting out, you will develop one because RESISTANCE IS FUTILE!


Marty

[Consettmag]

Yip, it was the Merkur HD for me too and I got it from the States here -

http://www.classicshaving.com/Home.html

However, if you are from the UK you can get one here (wish I found this site earlier - Postage and packing etc, live and learn etc. :rolleyes: etc.!!) -

http://www.gentlemans-shop.com/acatalog/merkur-34-razor.html#a45

It is a great all round razor. It was my first, I still cherish it and use it now and again in my rotation.

Good luck...

[Sabledog]

I went the old Gillette route. It opens a lot of options, but whether it's better or just different is a personal choice. From a user standpoint, the New from the 30's, New Improved from the 20's, Superspeeds and adjustables from the 40's-60's give you a large variety to choose from that are simply not available anymore. They are built very well and will last another 50-100 years! My current favorite is an Eclipse razor from 1920's England....

I initially wanted a TTO (Twist to Open) type like what I played with when I was little (sans blade) that is otherwise offered only in cheaper built products new.... It also occurred to me that I could try several older razors (properly cleaned and sterilized, of course) for about the cost of a new one.....

Of the Gillettes, Gillette techs are inexpensive and mild and a great way to learn technique. 40's super speeds are the best to begin with of the TTO. Slim or Fat adjustables seem t be the progression point from there.

I found this place looking for a good, less expensive brush deciding I wanted to do soap and brush with my M3.... Using that daily for a few weeks, I decided I had enough of razor burn and ingrown hairs and DE has, after a little practice, taken care of that and has been great!

Like others say, try different blades, try different razors, and now shaving is a treat, not a chore!

[SilkySmooth]

If you're just starting out, I would suggest the Merkur Progress. It's similar to the HD, but it's adjustable. It can be customized to your liking. It's a little more than the HD, but well worth it.

[ada8356]

Merkur HD.

One of the best, easiest to use razors you can purchase.

[Boogie]

If you're just starting out, I would suggest the Merkur Progress. It's similar to the HD, but it's adjustable. It can be customized to your liking. It's a little more than the HD, but well worth it.

God Bless you SilkySmooth, this is a great suggestion. I’ve never understood why it’s suggested that all newbies start with a fixed head razor. Adjustables are the way to go, and the Progress is the best adjustable you can get, IMHO.

[judge]

I like Mercur 23C but speaking from experience, it will not matter which you start with the forum will get you to start thinking hmmm i think i need a new razor. Will you need a new razor? That is the razor acquisition disorder talking. If you get an HD, you will think do I need an open comb, a slant, an adjustable, an injector. Whatever you pick, you will focus on your blade angle, technique, you may even map the direction of hair growth on your face. In a short time, you will be a wiz at that razor. In my opinion, all of them are good BUT each have a certain idiosyncrasy that you will pick up with use.

Enjoy.

PS get a slant after you master a good everyday one. You will hear and learn the slants are fickle mistresses. (sometimes they are sweet...)

[Suzuki]

I think the classic model with the long handle (23C) is every bit as good as the HD and the longer handle makes for a more comfotable grip/ergonomics - especially if you have larger hands.

[ada8356]

I’ve never understood why it’s suggested that all newbies start with a fixed head razor. Adjustables are the way to go, and the Progress is the best adjustable you can get, IMHO.

IMHO a fixed head is great for beginners. When you are first starting there is SO much new already and so much to tweak... having options on your razor just complicates things even more.

[Replicon]

What's "adjustable" on it? Is it just the amount of blade that sticks out, or is there other stuff (e.g.the head angle)?

Since the 'correct' technique for getting the angle is to place it on your face at 90 degrees, and then angle it down until the blade just touches, wouldn't adjusting the amount of blade exposed change the angle of the shave, and therefore potentially cause a worse shave? I would think a well-designed fixed blade would be optimized for the right angle (unless the "right angle" differs from face to face).

[drumana]

+1 on Merkur HD and sampler pack combo

Also consider the Merkur Classic - this is an under-rated razor I think. I really enjoy mine.

[The Boston Blade]

I have to say that ever since i switched to DE I get a MUCH closer shave with less irritation. I used to have the "hommer simpson" five-o-clock shadow right after i shaved on my neckl area with me M3. Now with the DE its BBS. Try it out. It takes a few trys to get the motions and techinique down but after you get it....wow..just wow

[ada8356]

What's "adjustable" on it? Is it just the amount of blade that sticks out, or is there other stuff (e.g.the head angle)?

Since the 'correct' technique for getting the angle is to place it on your face at 90 degrees, and then angle it down until the blade just touches, wouldn't adjusting the amount of blade exposed change the angle of the shave, and therefore potentially cause a worse shave? I would think a well-designed fixed blade would be optimized for the right angle (unless the "right angle" differs from face to face).

The adjustable part has to do with the blade exposure. You can minimal blade exposure, or you can widen the gap for much more blade exposure and a much more aggressive shave.