I stumbled onto this site after reading a post at LifeHacker about wet shaving. I've read lots of posts here, and I have assembled a list to get me started. I have read good things about the Merkur 38C and see several places to buy them, but I have a question about vintage razors. Is there a particular vintage (year/era) or brand that is "preferred" or better quality? Where should I start with vintage razors?
Thanks,
Jeff
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Thread: Newbie Intro
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08-18-2009, 12:52 PM #1
Wetshaver Wannabe
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Newbie Intro
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08-18-2009, 12:55 PM #2
Paperweight personality
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Jeff,
Welcome to Badger & Blade!
As far as vintage razors, I would start with a Gillette Tech or a Gillette Super Speed. Both provide a very comfortable, mild, fool-proof shave. Both can be bought relatively inexpensive.
Th 38c is a great choice for beginners as well.
Again, welcome!
DL
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08-18-2009, 01:19 PM #3
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Welcome to B&B, Jeff!
Bob O.
"It is better to keep your mouth closed and let people think you are a fool than to open it and remove all doubt." - Mark Twain
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08-18-2009, 01:21 PM #4
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Good question. I don't think it's that clear-cut. Many people love Superspeeds. Some swear by the 40s-style and others prefer the "flare-tip" style. I would say go with what you get most economically, at least at the start. The differences are pretty subtle. Since they made more 50s style flare-tips, you could probably get one of these less expensively.
Originally Posted by JeffCren
The other thing would be a Tech. Slightly easier to maneuver, especially in tight places. Not expensive at all. 3-piece razor as opposed to the twist-to-open mechanism of the Superspeeds.
Good luck.Randall, member of BOTOC
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08-18-2009, 01:45 PM #5
Secretary of Phlanges
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Welcome to B&B, Jeff. For all of the discussion, honestly, you can't go wrong with most any razor to start, so long as you exercise patience, carefulness, and patience.
It sometimes seems to me as though folks who start with a TTO razor (e.g. superspeed) tend to prefer those, while folks who start with a non-TTO (e.g. tech, 38c) lean in that direction. Were I to recommend one vintage razor, it'd be the Gillette NEW, but honestly, just about all of them are worthy.
Keep us posted on what you end up with!Chad
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08-18-2009, 01:54 PM #6
Cow Pasture Pool Shark
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I started with a Tech, then moved on to a 40's style Super Speed, and from there to the 50's style Super Speed. I no longer have the Tech or the 40's SS, but I've got 5 of the 50's style which I've come to like the best. That having been said, you can't really go wrong with any of those, and they can be had very economically on the B/S/T forum here on B&B...
Just remember: once you start buying and trying, it's hard to quit...
Chuck
Purveyor of words
Sisley Creek Press (home.sisleycreekpress.com)
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08-18-2009, 02:00 PM #7
The Australian Connection
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Welcome to B&B Jeff!
As mentionned, you could get a good Gillette Tech or Superspeed. They are very good and cheap. The best era? Mmm, I think you should look for a razor that works mechanically.Cheers, Luc - My Gear(Wiki) - Have a question, PM a mod. That's why we're here!
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Welcome!
Rocco
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08-18-2009, 04:58 PM #9
moderately ambivalent in an apathetic sort of way
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Welcome aboard.
That Merkur is a fine razor and will serve you well.
When your addiction kicks in, you can look for a beautiful Red Tip Superspeed, with its weight and heft, and awesome handle knurling.PhilΜΟΛΩΝ ΛΑΒΕ
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welcome aboard - you cant go wrong with any vintage gillette
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08-18-2009, 06:24 PM #11
B&B's Walmart Greeter
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Welcome to B&B !!
There comes a time in every man's life, and I've had plenty of those. - Casey Stengel
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08-18-2009, 06:25 PM #12
Viscount of Aqua Velva
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Welcome to B&B Jeff, we're glad to have you aboard...Enjoy!!!
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08-18-2009, 06:26 PM #13
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Welcome, Jeff. I would recommend starting with a Gillette Tech. I started with a Merkur HD, and changed to the Tech when I found the HD to be too aggressive. I still occasionally use my Tech, but find my Merkur just gathers dust. The B/S/T forum is a great place to pick up a Tech. Originally Posted by JeffCren
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08-19-2009, 05:59 AM #14
Wetshaver Wannabe
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Ha! I'm a woodworker too, and someone told me the same thing when I bought my first vintage Stanley handplane. Now I only have 12-15! Originally Posted by moonshine44
Just remember: once you start buying and trying, it's hard to quit...
Thanks for all the responses, everyone. I've got my eye on a few vintage Gillettes, I'll post back when I have something in hand.
Jeff
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08-21-2009, 06:19 AM #15
Wetshaver Wannabe
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OK, so here's what I have on the way:
Gillette SS Black Tip from texbilly
DE Sampler Pack from westcoastshaving
I'm going to pick up some C.O. Bigelow (Poraso) from Bath and Body Works
I already have a badger brush from The Art of Shaving and a mug/bowl to use.
I currently use a Neutrogena toner and Neutrogena Triple Protect as a post-shave.
Should I stick to my current post-shave or try something else?Last edited by JeffCren; 08-21-2009 at 06:30 AM. Reason: Edited to add brush
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08-21-2009, 06:54 AM #16
I'm gonna tell you something tomorrow
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Hi Jeff, welcome to B&B.
Jim
"If we knew what we were doing, it wouldn't be called research" - Albert Einstein
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+1 Originally Posted by mdunn
Welcome to B&B !!Alan
No electrons were harmed in the transmission of this message
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08-22-2009, 03:14 AM #18
Peer of the Tallow
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Welcome to the
and Blade!
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Welcome to the forum! As you can see, you will always find recommendations or answers to your questions from among us.
Best
Jeff
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08-24-2009, 07:21 AM #20
I'm gonna tell you something tomorrow
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G'day from B&B. It's gonna be a fun ride!
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