I'm considering taking the plunge: where to buy?

**B-rad** · 07-08-2010, 05:37 PM

Well, I heard how much better the shaving experience is with a safety razor, and how cheap replacement blades are compared to the 18 dollar 8 pack of mach 3 that I currently use.

But...I really try to avoid buying stuff online if I can help it, and to be honest I'm sort of excited to try it out as soon as possible. Are there any stores that regularly carry safety razors and blades? I found a badger brush at macy's while I got some cologne, but that's it.

**DavyRay** · 07-08-2010, 05:40 PM

Welcome to B & B.

I do not know of walk-in stores which carry DE razors, unless you count antique malls and junk shops. Maybe someone else knows ...

**Shane** · 07-08-2010, 05:45 PM

Welcome to B&B.

You aren't going to find brick & mortar stores that will sell you a DE razor. Antique stores and junk stores are a good idea, as Davy said.

That said, you're going to have to shop online to find a lot of the things you will eventually want. A great place to start is the Buy/Sell/Trade forum right here at B&B.

**Slash McCoy** · 07-08-2010, 07:20 PM

Last time I saw a DE in a US drugstore, grocery, or department store was probably 10 years ago. But blades can still be found. The Personna and Wilkinson blades can still be had. The house brand blades at Dollar General and a few other chains are made by the same company that makes the Personnas, but they are going through financial woes and might or might not continue to make blades.

There are shops that spcialize in shaving gear in some big cities, and you might check larger tobacconists because they often have gift type shaving items.

Flea markets are sometimes productive. Antique shops often have a selection of razors, SE, DE, straight, and whatever, but sometimes the owners have grandoise ideas of the value of their items. For instance you might find an old EverReady SE razor for 50 cents at the flea market, and find the same model in an antique store for $25, and maybe there are three available on ebay in the $5 range or as part of a lot.

You can find a decent razor without going online, but it is probably going to be cheaper, certainly going to b easier, to find just what you are looking for, online. If you are leery of using your credit cards, or if you either don't like PayPal or have technical difficulties you can't resolve with your paypal account, you can always ask to pay with check or money order on the BST forums.

**Catseye** · 07-08-2010, 07:27 PM

I got my Merkur at a local Tobacco/cigar shop. They had a small display of Merkurs, badger brushes, stands, straight razors and mugs.

**mblakele** · 07-08-2010, 08:37 PM

Welcome to B&B!

If you decide to try an online vendor, most of us think very well of http://www.bullgooseshaving.net/ and http://westcoastshaving.com/ - you might also look at the starter kit at http://gentlemensbest.com/ShavingKits.aspx

**Luc** · 07-08-2010, 08:57 PM

Welcome to B&B!

It depends where you are located but see this link: http://wiki.badgerandblade.com/index...Shopping_Links

**ackvil** · 07-09-2010, 05:25 AM

First, Welcome to B&B.

Second, where do you live? Some larger cities - such as NYC - have stores that carry DE razors and supplies. Also, check you yellow pages under barber supplies. Much to my surprise there are some barber supply companies that carry DE Razors.

**NickCutlip** · 07-09-2010, 06:37 AM

Welcome to B&B !!

**B-rad** · 07-09-2010, 01:32 PM

Thanks folks. I ended up ordering from west coast shaving (merkur HD and the choice sampler pack).

I ended up finding some replacement DE blades at my local drug store. At least I have a place to go to if I'm in dire need of blades. While I'm here, what are your favorite brands of blades? Once I find the one(s) I like, I plan to buy them in bulk so I don't have to worry about it for a while.

**Marco** · 07-09-2010, 01:50 PM

Welcome to B&B!

By the way, West Coast Shaving =

**Luc** · 07-09-2010, 01:53 PM

Originally Posted by B-rad

Thanks folks. I ended up ordering from west coast shaving (merkur HD and the choice sampler pack).

I ended up finding some replacement DE blades at my local drug store. At least I have a place to go to if I'm in dire need of blades. While I'm here, what are your favorite brands of blades? Once I find the one(s) I like, I plan to buy them in bulk so I don't have to worry about it for a while.

That's usually the plan, try them, like them, bulk them!

**DanOK** · 07-09-2010, 04:00 PM

Welcome. As others have noted it depends on where you live. I live in the Oklahoma City area, which is not the largest metro city by a long shot. Still we have three specialty retailers that come to mind that sell a good selection of soaps, creams, razors, and brushes to get you started and keep you supplied. Of course blades are always a different story.

Suggest a sampler pack from John at West Coast Shaving.

**rm71** · 07-09-2010, 09:31 PM

Welcome.

**gearhead** · 07-13-2010, 11:07 AM

Welcome. You are about to discover the best shaves of your life. In addition to the fine online retailers previously mentioned, Amazon has a good amount of equipment as well, and some from the same vendors listed on B&B.

**California Cajun** · 07-13-2010, 04:22 PM

Originally Posted by B-rad

Well, I heard how much better the shaving experience is with a safety razor, and how cheap replacement blades are compared to the 18 dollar 8 pack of mach 3 that I currently use.

But...I really try to avoid buying stuff online if I can help it, and to be honest I'm sort of excited to try it out as soon as possible. Are there any stores that regularly carry safety razors and blades? I found a badger brush at macy's while I got some cologne, but that's it.

Before buying anything, read the link in my signature that contains the article that got me interested in retro shaving. See if you are willing to slow down and make multiple passes in exchange for a better shave.

If you want a new razor to start with the best entry-level razor is the Merkur 34C. I had a bad experience with a Parker, so I would advise you to avoid those for the few extra bucks it takes to upgrade to a Merkur.

If you are willing to spend about $15 more, you can buy the Merkur Progress and experiment with the various levels of aggressiveness.

If you are willing to start out with a used razor, the Buy/Sell/Trade section of this forum is a much better bet than ebay. Generally the seller will explain why he wants to sell it, and point out any cosmetic imperfections it has. You can often get a vintage Gillette or Schick double edge razor, or one of the Merkur models at a good price.

Good luck to you.

**pauls51** · 07-13-2010, 05:15 PM

Welcome to B&B Mate!

**bran** · 07-13-2010, 05:26 PM

+1 for Bullgoose. Phil is a great guy with exceptional customer service. West Coast is also good to deal with. Both of those companies understand what true customer first, customer service is.

If you have a Walgreens close by go in and talk to the Senior Beauty Advisor. My wife holds that position and in most stores they can order things for you.