Ready to take the plunge and buy a razor

**matsum91** · 05-28-2010, 07:52 PM

I've stuck with my fusion and been practicing using a brush and soap as per yalls advice.

So far I've been loving my experimentation. I have a puck of VDH soap and a cheap VDH brush both from walgreens, and I can say I'm never going back to my old gillette goo.

Yall gave me some great advice to start me off and I'm hoping yall can give me some more advice moving over to a razor.

I originally planned on switching to a straight blade, but after further consideration (and some input from yall) I've decided to go for a DE Safety Razor. I've been looking around and I think I'm going to get a Merkur HD. It seems like a good starter razor.

Any thoughts or advice? Especially on where to purchase a razor?

Thanks

**Don** · 05-28-2010, 07:55 PM

Don't start out with Merkur blades, buy a blade sampler.

There are many fine places to buy your razor, including eBay.

Cheers!

**Hayden** · 05-28-2010, 08:04 PM

If your interested shoot me a pm I have an HD ill sell you. If not I would recommend the EJ de89 from the English shaving company.

**FLTiger** · 05-28-2010, 08:18 PM

I am kinda partial to Schick Injector razors. Decent shaving ones can be had for not too much in the BST (and on ebay). Finding good blades for them takes a little bit of effort, though.

That said, don't let me dissuade you from trying a DE. You may well end up trying both, eventually.

**Uncle Erik** · 05-28-2010, 11:22 PM

The Merkur fixed blade razors are OK, but I prefer their adjustables.

The best new fixed blade on the market that I've come across is the EJ DE89L. You cannot beat it for the price. A recent thread says that you can get it for $27 and change. I'd be all over that if I were looking for a first razor. I still think it would be worth it for twice that price.

**amspratt** · 05-28-2010, 11:31 PM

Were I to do it all over again I would probably get the Edwin Jagger DE89/DE89L as my first razor. They are very good and can be had, as mentioned, for under thirty dollars when purchased from The English Shaving Company. Another good route is to get a vintage Gillette Tech on eBay or the BST. They are smooth, forgiving razors which provide surprisingly close shaves.

**matsum91** · 05-29-2010, 12:33 AM

Thanks for all the advice! What are the differences between the merkur and the EJ?

Also, are there any stores that sell razors locally? I like the idea of being able to buy items in person. I can use my dad's credit card and pay him back, but it's easier just to buy things myself if possible.

**rm71** · 05-29-2010, 12:44 AM

I think the HD is an excellent choice. Try as many different blades as you can to find the one that suits you best.

**Fairchild86** · 05-29-2010, 12:51 AM

Originally Posted by matsum91

Also, are there any stores that sell razors locally? I like the idea of being able to buy items in person. I can use my dad's credit card and pay him back, but it's easier just to buy things myself if possible.

If you have an Art of Shaving store nearby I believe they have a small selection of Merkurs. Also some cutlery stores may have DEs. You could also try your luck at an antique store and try and find a vintage razor.

**RayH** · 05-29-2010, 01:08 AM

Merkur is and excellent choice. Don't worry about vintage razors for now. That AD can come later. Just get the HD and learn how to use it. You'll love it.

**matsum91** · 05-29-2010, 02:23 PM

http://www.theartofshaving.com/shop/group/11/3

There are two art of shaving stores fairly close to me. None of the razors have names though. Any insight?

**PIPS** · 05-29-2010, 02:36 PM

Edwin Jagger DE89L gets my vote..

**Luc** · 05-29-2010, 05:03 PM

Online would be the place to buy.

Here's a list of online vendors: http://wiki.badgerandblade.com/index...ks_-_By_Vendor

Also, grab a razor blade sample pack!

**DizzyArnaz** · 05-29-2010, 05:23 PM

Originally Posted by amspratt

Were I to do it all over again I would probably get the Edwin Jagger DE89/DE89L as my first razor. They are very good and can be had, as mentioned, for under thirty dollars when purchased from The English Shaving Company. Another good route is to get a vintage Gillette Tech on eBay or the BST. They are smooth, forgiving razors which provide surprisingly close shaves.

I am thinking the same. I love the fat-handle Tech I started with, but the DE87 I just got a couple of weeks ago is a clearly superior shaver, and I wish I had started with it.

**SRock** · 05-29-2010, 08:52 PM

Welcome, best of luck and enjoy!

You can't go wrong shopping in our very own B/S/T.

I also frequently purchase from West Coast Shaving and Gentlemen's Best

**matsum91** · 05-30-2010, 01:02 AM

Just bought an EJ DE89L and a blade sample pack! Very excited to get started. Both supposed to come between the 4th and 9th so I guess I'll just grow out while I'm waiting.

Thanks for all the help!

**Mr. Styptic** · 05-30-2010, 05:19 AM

I started wet shaving about a year ago with an old Gillette three-piece (unsure of the model). I've since bought a black-handled Super Speed and a Merkur HD. Both of these provide great shaves, but the Super Speed's twist-to-open feature makes a snap to change blades, and I prefer it over the HD. Plus, a good-looking Super Speed can be bought for less than half the cost of an HD. But either way, you won't be sorry.

**wimbouman** · 05-30-2010, 05:30 AM

Has the Edwin Jagger DE89L already been mentioned?

Great choice.

Seems to be at least at par with the Merkur HD now as the most suggested 'non spe......t, non vintage, non exclusive' razor on the B&B now!