Please help me pick some new shave gear

**s1mp13m4n** · 09-14-2011, 08:18 AM

Hello everyone. I want to treat myself to some new shave gear. I have older Gillette items, but nothing new like a Merkur for example. I want a new razor and maybe a new shave brush. It is not anything that I need, it is a want. Where do I start looking in a new razor and brush that will not break the bank or cost $300? I would like to stay under $100 for all brand new stuff. I would like advice as I am not sure what to look at. What are the "bang for the buck" items that provide great value for the money? Thank you for the help.

**heybatter** · 09-14-2011, 08:22 AM

Edwin Jagger 89 is a pretty popular mild razor that seems to get universal acclaim and can be had for about $30. And how about a Simpsons Duke/Colonel/Berkeley in Best for a brush? You can get one of those for about $50- 80. These both seem to be fairly popular around here.

**alex2363** · 09-14-2011, 09:39 AM

I 2nd the eddy jaggy, no brainer choice and any silvertip brush will get you done.

**edharley** · 09-14-2011, 11:45 AM

I'd say you've already gotten really sound advice.

I also love my Murker 180 ($32. locally) and my Vulfix 660s (WCS $39. +shipping). Did I mention I love my Murker?

**Geordon** · 09-14-2011, 11:55 AM

I really like my Merkur Progress adjustable razor. ~ $60-$70 depending on long vs. short and case vs. no case, as well as where you buy from. You might look at Penworks.us for an inexpensive silvertip brush. That's where I bought mine from and I have loved it for a couple of years now.

**StuMcB** · 09-14-2011, 12:25 PM

If your after low cost search Delux Merkur Omega Proraso Shaving Set on the bay. Just saw a set with a merkur razor, proraso cream and balm for £29.99 plus postage. Alos some places like shoe box shave can save you big bucks if you put together say a merkur 34HD or 1904 with a good omega boar and some great soaps or creams.

**Cagliostro** · 09-14-2011, 03:46 PM

A Merkur 34C Heavy Duty Classic is a rock solid buy, will outlast you and is a fantastic shaver for the price. I think it is about $30 something maybe depends on where you shop, TOBS shave creams and soaps are a shoe-in. Or you can go with Proraso shave cream in a tube or soap, I have NEVER had a bad shave with their stuff and even a corpse can lather it perfect every time. lmao

Also, a good badger brush is irreplaceable and a valuable tool in your kit so don't skimp much on that, a excellent one that is cheap but good high quality is Tweezerman. I have had and been using for for quite a time now, excellent and never needed a second brush with it. Though later some time I might splurge and get one of the very best brushes...super or silver badger likely just so I can see the diff for myself and make a really luxuriant exp.

**FL shaver** · 09-14-2011, 04:43 PM

34C or the 1904, although I would like to try the EJ89L. I have stayed away from it as I hear it is less aggressive than the 34C. My next razor will be the Muhle R89, I think.

As for a brush, do a restore and put a nice knot in it! I guess you are looking for brand new, though...

**baba** · 09-14-2011, 04:52 PM

My biggest bang for the buck item is my brush. A Jack Black Pure Performance synthetic shave brush. I love badger hair brushes, but cant afford to buy the high end brushes that are at the top end of the spectrum, so at just under a hundred bucks, this brush is a good stand in and I think is money well spent. It is a workhorse as I use it almost every day, it lathers like a champ and the bristles are neither too stiff, nor to soft.

A great all around brush that is perfectly suited to be a "go to" type of brush.

**s1mp13m4n** · 09-15-2011, 11:16 AM

Thank you all for this great help. I am waiting for my college refund check, then I will treat myself as I have not done this before. I have never bought anything new for me for shave gear, I think it is time.

**xraygun** · 09-15-2011, 11:35 AM

The 1904 is a very tiny razor. I second the 34C or a 38C if you want to be able to stun a badger.
I think a nice boar brush and a good soap or cream and you'd be under your budget and very happy.

**s1mp13m4n** · 09-15-2011, 01:01 PM

I "think" I want a rather large-ish knot on my brush....larger than the $15 Tweezerman brush. I also want a soft brush. I am not sure what else to say as I do not know the technical ins and outs of brushes. I am looking for value for the money, bang for the buck items....not necessarily the best you can buy. Good all around everyday quality stuff. :)