New here and a question about ClassicShaving's "Vintage" razors

[bill_mchale]

Hi all, I have been mostly lurking for the past few days (Though I made one post to participate in a Newbie PIF).

I am seriously thinking (Ok for the most part decided) to make the switch to wet shaving). I am 39 and have been shaving since my teens. When I was a teenager and in College, I shaved with a cheap electric... when I started working, I switched to disposable blades so I would be presentable for an office job I had for a while. I then went back to school and gave up shaving with the disposable because frankly I use to bleed a lot and my skin was very irritated... since finishing school, I have been taking advantage of the fact that grooming standards are not that high in the Computer Industry and been shaving with rather pricey electrics for the last 10-15 years. I usually only shave 3-4 times a week with the electric because it still can irritate my skin. I have only shaved with a blade once in the last decade or so (Not even on the day of my wedding) and that left my neck covered with little weepers (If I understand the turn correctly)... it was a 3 or 4 blade disposable.

Anyway, my main electric is dieing and I was researching razors when I ran into wet shaving. I was intrigued.. both because of the reports of better skin and better shaves and because it less wasteful than either using cartridges or electric razors (Though frankly, at the cost of cartridge blades these days, electric is definitely a cheaper alternative).

This site is a really great resource, and I think most of my questions about a start up kit and basic technique have been answered (for now) by researching the forums and the reviews. I figure I will probably get a Merkur Hefty or Barber Pole razor. That being said, I like the idea of a butterfly razor. As a result, I am kind of curious about ClassicShaving's "Vintage razors. Does anyone have any experience with them? Are they aggressive or easy? Are they simply rebranding of another company's razors? Of so, whose so I can do some research on them.

Anyway, thanks in advance.

--
Bill

[6Jetwrangler]

Welcome!
You are only a few steps behind me I have been at this for a total of maybe 5 weeks. I started with an ebay special, a Super speed z-4 butterfly opening with blades and soap for 14 dollars delivered. Went to walmart got the VDH kit: brush soap and bowl for around 8 bucks. So, little investment. Before i even bought the stuff I watched the hell out of Mantic59 ( http://www.youtube.com/user/mantic59 ) shaving videos. My upper face is like iron it can take a beating my neck is ultra sensitive. I still get a way better and closer shave with wet shaving than with electric or cartridge, and way less irritation. Give it a shot you will more than likely be very impressed, I know I was. I will worn you, for some reason, this hobby becomes an addiction. I truly love shaving NOW and enjoy acquiring new products and razors.
Hope this helps

[JPM]

I have purchased things from Classic and been very satisfied with their service, but have not tried the Vintage razors. I'm sure you'll hear from someone here soon.

Welcome to B&B!

[funkyb]

Welcome to the forum and I hope you enjoy your new journey!

I started about 2 months ago, and have both the HD and a vintage Superspeed. Both are excellent razors, but I prefer the HD because I can get more done in fewer passes. This causes me less irritation by limiting the number of times the blade scraped my face.

The superspeed is nice, but at least for me it's almost too mild and loading blades in the HD isn't so much of a hassle that I long for TTO features. I don't find the HD so agressive to the point of fear, it's really quite nice. No more aggressive than the disposables you've used.

With my big hands I thought I might have been better off with the barber pole, but now that I've had several dozen shaves with the HD I'm glad I opted for the shorter handle. Just a personal preference.

[bill_mchale]

Ok, figures, as soon as I ask a question, I answer it for myself :). It looks like the "Vintage" razors that ClassicShaving sells are simply Parker razors.

I am still curious though, particularly about the 82R which seems to have gotten some good reviews in the review section. Is the head on the 82R now on all of the TTOs from Parker?

Oh, one other question, Super Safety Razors has a set including the 82R, a Stand and a Parker Badger Brush for $70. That seems a reasonable price for the kit, but I have seen no reviews on Parker Badger Brushes.. are they any good?

--
Bill

[Luc]

Welcome to B&B!

[michiganlover]

Oh, one other question, Super Safety Razors has a set including the 82R, a Stand and a Parker Badger Brush for $70. That seems a reasonable price for the kit, but I have seen no reviews on Parker Badger Brushes.. are they any good?

--
Bill

I thought the razors through Classic Shaving were Parkers, but couldn't remember where I had read that. Their prices seem a little bit high.

As for the Parker set at Super Safety Razors, this set at Bullgoose Shaving seems like a far better deal:

Complete Parker 92R Shaving Set at Bullgoose Shaving for $70.75

You get:

Parker 92R
Vulfix #2006 Pure Badger Brush
Razor/ Brush metal stand
Cyril Salter Shave Soap in Beechwood Bowl

For the same price, you get what should be a better quality brush, and the inclusion of soap in a wood bowl as well!!

Plus Phil is offering $4.95 flat rate shipping at the moment as well. So you can throw in a blade sampler, some additional shaving creams/ soaps, and incur no additional shipping charges.

[bill_mchale]

I thought the razors through Classic Shaving were Parkers, but couldn't remember where I had read that. Their prices seem a little bit high.

As for the Parker set at Super Safety Razors, this set at Bullgoose Shaving seems like a far better deal:

Complete Parker 92R Shaving Set at Bullgoose Shaving for $70.75

You get:

Parker 92R
Vulfix #2006 Pure Badger Brush
Razor/ Brush metal stand
Cyril Salter Shave Soap in Beechwood Bowl

For the same price, you get what should be a better quality brush, and the inclusion of soap in a wood bowl as well!!

Plus Phil is offering $4.95 flat rate shipping at the moment as well. So you can throw in a blade sampler, some additional shaving creams/ soaps, and incur no additional shipping charges.

That does seem like a good deal. I will keep it in mind over the next few days as I make my final choice... Though Super Safety Razors has free shipping for any orders $25 or more. So many decisions. Maybe I should base it on their return policies.

--
Bill

[NickCutlip]

Welcome to B&B !!

[Jooky]

Ok, figures, as soon as I ask a question, I answer it for myself :). It looks like the "Vintage" razors that ClassicShaving sells are simply Parker razors.

I am still curious though, particularly about the 82R which seems to have gotten some good reviews in the review section. Is the head on the 82R now on all of the TTOs from Parker?

Oh, one other question, Super Safety Razors has a set including the 82R, a Stand and a Parker Badger Brush for $70. That seems a reasonable price for the kit, but I have seen no reviews on Parker Badger Brushes.. are they any good?

--
Bill

I don't know about the Parker brushes but I do know that I really like my Parker 82R. I think it is a great razor to start with. Mine seems to be very solid and well put together which was a concern when I first ordered it. It seems from my research on here that the Parkers used to be a bit shoddy, but it appears that that has changed for the better, especially with their new head design. With any luck, I will eventually get a hold of either a vintage Gillette or a new Merkur so that I can compare them against the Parker.