what razor to buy?

danielsomers · 07-10-2010, 12:24 PM

Greetings. I want to buy a safety razor. I went to Amazon and there are both Parkers and Merkurs for between 25 and 40 dollars that all get very strong reviews there. But then I go to this site and to Shave Den and the few of those razors that are reviewed in both places often have conflicting reviews. What to do? Am I right in assuming these are all pretty good and that I can't go wrong? Or is there something I'm not getting? I did see one discussion (can't remember which forum now, though!) where there was pretty good agreement that a Merkur 34C HD is quite good, but that's a bit more money than I want to spend ($50). Is it worth it? What to do? THANKS. DS

**djh** · 07-10-2010, 12:33 PM

The best thing to do is to check out the B/S/T Forum here on B+B. There you should be able to pick up a used razor in your price range.

rodeo · 07-10-2010, 12:52 PM

I just purchased a brand new Merkur 38C which is a long handled HD for under $50 ($46.95 to be exact) from www.bestgroomingtools.com

I've used it only once so far but it got pretty good reviews here at this forum. The point is, you needn't spend a fortune to get something pretty nice.

34C at West Coast Shaving = $33.50

http://www.westcoastshaving.com/Merk...azor_p_31.html

**JDV** · 07-10-2010, 12:53 PM

Welcome to B&B!

If you want a good razor at a great price, and aren't looking for brand spanking new....Exactly what djh said above. The B/S/T is the place to go. If you are hard set on getting something new, which is very understandable, i'd recommend either a Merkur 34C or an Edwin Jagger DE89. I'd also point you in the direction of West Coast Shaving for the Merkur and a blade sampler. For the EJ, I would say QED, although I have not dealt with them, their prices aren't bad IMO.

**sodajerk** · 07-10-2010, 01:12 PM

Welcome!!

There are a lot of good razors to choose from and you can do some reading as mentioned above. For now, stay away from any identified as aggressive.

For new razors, the Merkur 34C is one you can use from now on. However, having recently purchased one here on BS&T and using it, I recommend the 12C, a heavier, longer handled open comb. It is the best razor I've used for shaving my upper lip ATG comfortably.

There are a ton of old Gillette's that shave good, too, and can be bought at reasonable prices.

**Easttexasman** · 07-10-2010, 01:24 PM

+1 for the Edwin Jagger DE89L,I bought mine at QED and got great service and a good price.Use a personna blade in the red pack and you will get a great shave without cutting yourself.Stay away from the feather blades,they are not for beginners and they can be harsh.

**damooshki** · 07-10-2010, 02:16 PM

For a newbie to DE shaving I would recommend a razor rated at mild to medium (aggressiveness) any more than that might scare a new user away from continuing with the razor through the learning curve. Also, unless you are determined to stick with DE shaving I would recommend a less expensive option to learn with until you know that it's for you. A few razors that come to mind are; Wieshi, Feather Popular, Feather Portable, Gillette Tech Ball End, and Gillette Super Speed Flair Tip. Another option would be a Gillette adjustable and just start at the lower settings (1-3), this option would allow for growth when you begin to hone your technique. I'm also a fan of Merkur Razors, they are a little more $$$ than those above but are good razors. I'm not really familiar with Parker razors or Edwin Jagger razors, so I can't speak to their build or shave quality. Also, don't be afraid to purchased used/vintage razors. Vintage Gillette razors were made to last, there are still very nice Gillettes out there at bargain prices if you watch the B/S/T and surf the "bay" and be patient. These razors clean up very well, just clean and disinfect before use.

Good luck, and Welcome to the B&B!!!

**Speedwell68** · 07-10-2010, 02:30 PM

I'd like to put in a vote for a Mühle R89. It truly is a great razor, the quality and finish of the chrome is perfect. It is a very forgiving razor, although it is still aggressive enough to give a perfect BBS on a 3 pass shave. Having compared the quality of Mühle to Merkur, it is MHO that Mühle provides a much superior product. YMMV.

**Wid** · 07-10-2010, 02:32 PM

Not that I have a ton of experience but the Edwin Jagger is my second razor, Gillette Tech being the first, and imo the EJ is with out a doubt a better razor for me. I have tried a sample pack from WestCoast shaving (excellent CS by the way) and have picked the Personna Reds as my favorite with the Derby coming in at second.

**RazoRock** · 07-10-2010, 02:41 PM

I like my Merkur HD but I like my Feather Portable a little more. For about $10, I don't think you can go wrong with the Feather.

I really really like the looks of the SS Feather but it's pricey.

**Uncle Erik** · 07-10-2010, 04:49 PM

Welcome to B&B!

My vote is for the EJ DE89L. I've got about 25 new and vintage models, and I keep going back to the DE89L. I could easily live with it being my only razor.

**Luc** · 07-10-2010, 04:52 PM

Welcome to B&B!

Consult the shopping links, it should help you make a decision: http://wiki.badgerandblade.com/index...ing_by_Country

**lstorie1971** · 07-10-2010, 05:18 PM

Before I found this place, I just read reviews at Amazon and decided on a Parker 22R. It seems many here consider it a bit inferior, but I didn't know the difference at all when I bought it.

It is true that the blade loads a bit uneven as many have noted, but I do get a good shave. I don't know how aggressive this is compared to others, but I have not cut myself once and have not had any razor burn with it. It's not a bad starter razor at all and it's cheap.

**Nicktheswede** · 07-10-2010, 05:30 PM

I started with a Merkur 33C. It still today is one of my favorite razors. I would definatly recommend that. Otherwise if you want you can go with an Old Gillette razor. All of them are excellent razors and can be found on both eBay and the BST. If your going with an Old Gillette I'd recommend anytype of Superspeed such as a Flare tip, 40's style, Black or Blue tip or any type of Tech. My favorite is the Fat Handle Tech. Its a great mild easy and forgiving razor.

If you'd like I actually have a few Gillette razors for sale. I'll be glad to help you out. I can even set you off with some blades too.

**dpmtherrien** · 07-10-2010, 07:15 PM

Welcome to B&B. Take a look at the Merkur Classic 1904, same head as the HD, but not as expensive. I find the 1904 to be an excellent razor.

**TheRuckus13** · 07-10-2010, 07:18 PM

Honestly you have got to go vintage to be satisfied. You have to be the burliest manly man to enjoy the Merkur HD as a first double edge razor IMO. My vote is for the Gillette Adjustable left on setting three, or a Gillette Tech.

**DunEdinRanger** · 07-10-2010, 07:24 PM

Originally Posted by danielsomers

Greetings. I want to buy a safety razor. I went to Amazon and there are both Parkers and Merkurs for between 25 and 40 dollars that all get very strong reviews there. But then I go to this site and to Shave Den and the few of those razors that are reviewed in both places often have conflicting reviews. What to do? Am I right in assuming these are all pretty good and that I can't go wrong? Or is there something I'm not getting? I did see one discussion (can't remember which forum now, though!) where there was pretty good agreement that a Merkur 34C HD is quite good, but that's a bit more money than I want to spend ($50). Is it worth it? What to do? THANKS. DS

The Merkur 34C HD is only $33.50 at West Coast Shaving -http://www.westcoastshaving.com/Merk...azor_p_31.html

I haven't shaved with a Parker, but just on looks and finish, I would go with with Edwin Jagger DE89L ahead of the Parker.

**DunEdinRanger** · 07-10-2010, 07:26 PM

Originally Posted by TheRuckus13

Honestly you have got to go vintage to be satisfied. You have to be the burliest manly man to enjoy the Merkur HD as a first double edge razor IMO. My vote is for the Gillette Adjustable left on setting three, or a Gillette Tech.

What would you say if it was a Slant?

A Gillette Adjustable on a setting of 3 does not cut my stubble. It was as if the blade was afraid of the whiskers.

If you're going to go vintage, join the Gemocracy.

**DavyRay** · 07-10-2010, 07:35 PM

Well, DS, Welcome.

You have seen many recommendations. It seems that there are many good choices. I started shaving with Gillette DE razors as a young man, so when I returned to this, I got a Gillette SuperSpeed Flair with the Red Tip. If that means nothing to you, don't worry. You can shave with almost any razor. They are all good. The guys on the Buy/Sell/Trade forum are usually trying to reduce their clutter while helping out the newer guys. It is a good place to pick up used gear at bargain prices.

Anything mentioned favorably here is a good choice.

**Space** · 07-10-2010, 08:15 PM

I like the merkur 23c. it was $26 I think. It's a 3-piece so it's real easy to breakdown and clean. also the handle is nice and long which is great if you are just coming off of using cartridge razor.

on amazon it's the merkur 180. check it out it has a ton of good reviews on there too.