Another noob

**fortyfive** · 02-22-2011, 08:27 AM

Hello everybody. I've decided to take the plunge and ditch the old disposable and electric shavers and go with a DE. After looking around these and other forums I think I want to start with a Merkur HD and a tweezerman brush.
Can anybody offer commentary on these selections? Any other suggestions? Also which vendors should I consider? I've seen the Supporting Vendors link, but there are several on there.

Thanks for helping me get started.

**Sledgehammer39** · 02-22-2011, 08:38 AM

Welcome Aboard.. The HD is a nice razor, but take a look at the Edwin Jagger DE89L. It's a bit cheaper in price and much better of the two (IMHO).

**btuer60** · 02-22-2011, 08:38 AM

Welcome!

The Merkur HD gets good reviews on this forum as does the EJ DE89 - cant comment directly as I use vintage Gillettes.

The Tweezerman seems to get generally favourable reviews. Have you considered a boar brush? I know it is easy to get caught up in the badger badger badger... badger is king comments and threads on the forum, but a decent boar (Omega, Semogue etc) can give you a quality brush with soft tips and plenty of backbone for the same (or less) price as a Tweezerman.

Just something to think about.

**Jim1968** · 02-22-2011, 08:43 AM

I have the HD and it is a nice razor. It is heavier than my Superspeed, so make sure not to apply pressure or it can burn afterwards. I would recommend watching the Mantic59 video's on youtube to see how it is done.

**delisle** · 02-22-2011, 08:43 AM

Ditto on the boar brush, they are cheaper and my Omega is my go to quite often. I like your screen name, is that reference to a pistol or ?????

**fortyfive** · 02-22-2011, 08:45 AM

Originally Posted by btuer60

Welcome!

The Merkur HD gets good reviews on this forum as does the EJ DE89 - cant comment directly as I use vintage Gillettes.

The Tweezerman seems to get generally favourable reviews. Have you considered a boar brush? I know it is easy to get caught up in the badger badger badger... badger is king comments and threads on the forum, but a decent boar (Omega, Semogue etc) can give you a quality brush with soft tips and plenty of backbone for the same (or less) price as a Tweezerman.

Just something to think about.

I hadn't considered the EJ DE89, but I'll look into it. I also hadn't considered the other brush since the tweezerman was roughly $15, but I'd be glad to look into others.

Thanks everybody for the quick reply.

**drews50** · 02-22-2011, 08:50 AM

Welcome to B & B. There are a lot of choices to be made. If you change your mind you can always get another razor or brush. Most of us have plenty of each. Enjoy the DE experience.

**ackvil** · 02-22-2011, 09:02 AM

Good choices. All of the supportiong vendors are good. Just look for one with the best prices and shipping and go for it.

**Galengwath** · 02-22-2011, 09:16 AM

Welcome aboard. The Merkur HD is good, but there are plenty of other highly recommended razors. Take your time and do your research before you decide what to buy.

**Hawkeyeted** · 02-22-2011, 09:25 AM

Originally Posted by Sledgehammer39

Welcome Aboard.. The HD is a nice razor, but take a look at the Edwin Jagger DE89L. It's a bit cheaper in price and much better of the two (IMHO).

+1000

**k200817** · 02-22-2011, 10:50 AM

Hello and welcome to B&B.

**Eric V** · 02-22-2011, 11:23 AM

Welcome to B&B...

I do like my quality boar brushes, as well as my quality badger brushes. The one inexpensive badger brush I bought a few years ago is not so satisfactory, and is out of rotation.

I also like the DE's I use that have some kind of knurling on the handle, to give a good grip. I've had better luck with the new EJ DE head than the Merkur Vision or the Progress.

**fortyfive** · 02-22-2011, 11:55 AM

Thanks for the suggestions, after looking into the EJ DE89L I think I'm going to go with that choice. I'm still unsure on the brush. I have a little more wiggle room in the budget now thanks to the EJ being cheaper. If there is a good reason a beginner should consider a more expensive brush to start with I'd welcome those recommendations.
As a side not this is a very helpful community, and I really appreciate the guidance. It's a breath of fresh air contrasted to other forums that are typically cynical.

**Luc** · 02-22-2011, 11:57 AM

Welcome to B&B!

I would suggest reading this: http://wiki.badgerandblade.com/index...ted_wetshaving

**nortac** · 02-22-2011, 12:13 PM

I to started with the Merkur HD, but RAD took over and I purchased a slew of vintage Gillettes. You may want to start with a cheaper vintage razor like one of the Super Speeds, they often become peoples" "Go To" razor despite owning more expensive razors. In retrospect, I'd spend more on the brush and soaps or creams to begin with, but as always YMMV. In any event, it's hard to go wrong with the advise from B&B members.

**Optometrist** · 02-22-2011, 12:30 PM

Welcome to B&B!

EJ89L=

**Greyfox** · 02-22-2011, 02:47 PM

Welcome. Glad you joined us. Enjoy yourself here.

**rm71** · 02-22-2011, 03:14 PM

Hello and welcome

**NickCutlip** · 02-22-2011, 04:58 PM

Welcome to B&B !!

**Dave258** · 02-22-2011, 05:14 PM

I started with the Merkur HD, and within a week bought the EJ DE89L. I like both of them, and get great results from each. Make sure you buy a blade sampler pack to find what blade is right for you.
I think you should take a look at the buy sell trade forum. A bunch of good stuff pops up there all the time! You don't have to buy new to start, and can get some pretty old nice razors. I bought four last weekend!

I have heard good things about the tweezerman, but have not tried it.