Help me pick a razor for my husband...

**abba2010** · 12-02-2010, 08:06 AM

My husband is interested in trying out a safety razor. He has been a long time fan of straight razor shaves, however just recently started looking into a new at home shaving regimen.

He already uses a brush and soap, so I don't need to get that. He'd like a safety razor, case and alum block. I wanted to buy local so started calling around to the local barber supply shops. They all acted like I was talking about something that didn't exist. So, I came to the good old internet in hopes of finding some knowledgeable people that could provide some assistance.

Really the only razor he's looked at is the Merkur Model 180 Long Handled Safety Razor. Is this a good beginner razor? Any downsides? Anything in a similar price range that you'd recommend over that?

I also need an alum block. Is it true that some of the mineral stones marketed as deodorants are the same? Our local food co-op has a variety of different kinds. I saw both the Ammonium Alum and the Potassium. Is one better than the other?

I also need some razors.

Thanks so much for your help!

**armykunin** · 12-02-2010, 08:51 AM

The Merkur 180 is a good razor, some other good beginner razors are the EJ DE 89L and I've recently picked up a Lord razor that works great and costs a lot less than some of the more expensive razor but gives a great shave.

I prefer sharks for blades, which can also be picked up on the bay for about 8cents a blade. Alum block can also be picked up on ebay for around $10 including shipping.

**Optometrist** · 12-02-2010, 08:53 AM

May I suggest for the razor, an EJ89L. Merkur have a good reputation but the finish of an EJ razor is, beyond doubt, of higher quality. The EJ is also not too aggressive and ideal as a starter DE or for the experienced. As for alum, there are mixed feelings as for potassium or ammonium. The better alum blocks, ie Osma block are generally of potassium. There have been instances where ammonium has caused rashes. I am sure other more experienced shavers will be able to add to my suggestions. Happy shopping.

David

**LouieGrandie** · 12-02-2010, 08:58 AM

Everyone has a favorite razor and that is what they are going to suggest be it a EJ89L, a Merkur Progress, Gillette Fat Boy. In the end most shave about the same, give or take a little so it just comes down to personal preference. I would check out the web page, The Superior Shave which has excellent photos of most of the popular razor with well written descriptions of each. The Superior Shave.

I do not think there is ONE best razor, just what is best for you.

**Chester** · 12-02-2010, 10:51 AM

Welcome to B&B!
Glad you found us.

Anyhow, the Edwin Jagger razors are very nice. My suggestion is to look to the simpler handle designs if you're considering one of these.

As far as Merkur goes, consider a Progress adjustable. Most likely, he'll start out at the mildest setting and work his way out to his preference. It's a great razor.

Vintage Gillettes are great (I use one most of the time), but the number of choices and the variability in condition can be daunting for someone that hasn't spent much time with them. I, personally, think that everone should have at least a couple. They don't have to be bank-breakers, either. Take a look at the B&B B/S/T (Buy/Sell/Trade) forum. You might find something nice for not much money. I recommend a flare-tip superspeed as a good starter choice in the TTO (twist-to-open) category, and maybe a tech in the three-piece category. My guess is that you can probably find both for no more than $25.

I don't use an alum block, so I can't comment on them. I have one, though (A "RazorRock"), but have yet to use it. I got it because it's small.

One thing you did not mention, but will no doubt come in handy, is blades. I recommend getting a blade sample pack from WestCoastShaving or Bullgoose Shaving. Both are online retailers, and they offer excellent service.

Hope it helps!
-- Chet

**Walter Sobchak** · 12-02-2010, 10:55 AM

First off: Preach Patience! It takes some time to get the hang of it. If he sticks with it, he will be getting very fine shaves in not too long.

I wouldn't get anything too fancy or adjustable, just a good plain razor. This way he can work on getting his angles correct and get used to shaving with a DE. The EJ89L and the Merkur 34C (AKA the Merkur HD) would both be good choices for a basic first razor.

I would also suggest buying a blade sampler. It's widely agreed upon that different blades offer a different shaving experience and it's nice to find the blade that works best for you in a particular razor.

Personally, I use a simple Potassium Alum block for my face, but there are plenty of people who use Ammonium Alum for shaving purposes. I simply like the block version (which I've found are usually made of P.A.) for my face and I prefer the more traditional pop-up style rounded deoderant crystal (which seems to usually be made of A.A.) for my deoderant needs.

You might check an Indo-Paki type grocery if you have any around you. There's one near my office that sells nice, basic alum blocks for less than two bucks.

Be aware!! You could be unleashing a beast. Your hubby might want to buy and try more razors and blades just to find the 'ultimate' shave. So many of us have walked that path. I'm happy to say I think I have found my perfect couple of combos, finally!

It can turn into a fun and practical hobby.

B&B will always be here to help along the journey.

**jgjoneslaw** · 12-02-2010, 10:56 AM

I would suggest you look into GEM razors. The most popular is the GEM 1912 but the G-Bar and Micromatic are popular examples as well. I am not familiar with straight razor shaving but the consensus is that the GEM's give you the closest to a straight razor shave in a safety razor.

**abba2010** · 12-02-2010, 01:06 PM

What is the difference between the EJ De89bl and the DE89L and the DE89LBL?

http://www.amazon.com/Edwin-Jagger-D...1323851&sr=8-2
http://www.amazon.com/Edwin-Jagger-D...1323937&sr=8-1

**ackvil** · 12-02-2010, 01:32 PM

I believe the lined one has a different handle while the other one is smooth. Other than that they are identical. Some say the lined one is easier to handle with wet hands.

**abba2010** · 12-02-2010, 01:56 PM

Originally Posted by ackvil

I believe the lined one has a different handle while the other one is smooth. Other than that they are identical. Some say the lined one is easier to handle with wet hands.

Thank you

**RCC** · 12-02-2010, 02:02 PM

Originally Posted by ackvil

I believe the lined one has a different handle while the other one is smooth. Other than that they are identical. Some say the lined one is easier to handle with wet hands.

that's pretty much it. No difference in the head that holds the blade.
IMO - that's a great choice for a mild shaver. Very forgiving and smooth.
a Merkur 34C (HD) is the other highly recommended 1st razor.
If your husband is used to straights, he might prefer the slightly more aggressive nature of this razor to the EJs.
It's not as well finished as the EJs, however. Doesn't look as clean and polished.
In any case, blades are very important.
He'll need a sampler pack.

HTH

**RCC** · 12-02-2010, 02:58 PM

case suggestions:
http://www.leesrazors.com/categories...s/Travel-Bags/
http://www.westcoastshaving.com/Travel_c_104.htm
http://www.classicshaving.com/Travel_Needs.html

can't help with the alum questions. sorry

**luvmysuper** · 12-02-2010, 04:31 PM

I'll concur with those that recommend the EJ89 or the Muhle R89 (same razor, different handles). Try West Coast Shaving, they carry the Muhle.
Muhle makes a case for the razor that is beautiful and not terribly expensive.
You can buy the Crystal Brand Deodorant block, it works perfectly fine, I use it frequently and have never had a single issue with it. Sold in most drug stores and health food stores.

Here's a pic of the Muhle Case, 25 bucks from

http://www.smallflower.com/muehle/me...or-razor.html?

**abba2010** · 12-02-2010, 04:46 PM

I think I've decided on these:

Osma Alum Blok
Edwin Jagger DE89L
and these blades http://www.royalshave.com/p/409-012-00/

I found a coupon and can get all three things for $54 shipped. Seems like a good deal. I'm going to let him pick out his own case post Christmas.

Does this look ok for now?

**Mike'sWorld** · 12-02-2010, 05:46 PM

Originally Posted by abba2010

I think I've decided on these:

Osma Alum Blok
Edwin Jagger DE89L
and these blades http://www.royalshave.com/p/409-012-00/

I found a coupon and can get all three things for $54 shipped. Seems like a good deal. I'm going to let him pick out his own case post Christmas.

Does this look ok for now?

All of this looks great!!! Good pricing, too.

**ackvil** · 12-02-2010, 06:20 PM

Originally Posted by abba2010

I think I've decided on these:

Osma Alum Blok
Edwin Jagger DE89L
and these blades http://www.royalshave.com/p/409-012-00/

I found a coupon and can get all three things for $54 shipped. Seems like a good deal. I'm going to let him pick out his own case post Christmas.

Does this look ok for now?

Looks great. I hope your husband appreciates you!

**abba2010** · 12-03-2010, 06:04 AM

Thank you everyone for all of the suggestions and help. I imagine I'll be back here around father's day with more questions.

**Hex** · 12-03-2010, 07:28 AM

Originally Posted by ackvil

I believe the lined one has a different handle while the other one is smooth. Other than that they are identical. Some say the lined one is easier to handle with wet hands.

+1

I have tried both the lined and smooth and prefer the lined. When I get soap on my hands while shaving, the lined is easier to grip.

Do you have a sister ?