Newbie with a couple questions

[cstone28]

I'll make the background as quick as possible. A few months back we moved my grandparents into a retirement community and while cleaning out their house my mom set aside a DE that she found for me. I'd never used a DE before and had no idea what to do with it. It sat in a drawer for a few months until a few nights ago. Something reminded me of it so I searched out a YouTube video on how to use it and off I went. I have to say it was great, a very cool experience, and a very good shave.

Now for the questions.

I've done a little hunting online and I sort of know what I have but I'm not sure exactly. I figured the members here could shed some light on what this razor is, vintage, rarity, ease of learning curve, suitability for a newbie.


The second question is about going forward. Since the razor above is my grandfathers and I'd like to preserve it, I don't think it will be my only razor or even my daily driver. I'm pretty baby faced, with a pretty light beard, and fairly sensitive skin. If I were to invest in a new razor to use as my daily shaver what would be a good start? The only brand I know I have access to is Muhle so recommendations from them would be welcomed. Also if anyone knows a good shop in the Toronto, Ontario area that would be great too. I'm located about an hour west of TO.

[Samjax]

You have a 1940ish Fat Handled Gillette Tech with Triangle Slots. That is an excellent razor - slightly more aggressive than the later rectangular slot models. Throw a good blade in there - maybe a Feather or Astra SP, and enjoy a very nice (and safe), shave.

In regards to shaving with it - go for it! You're not going to hurt it and if you ever wanted to restore it and do a replate, it's easy to do. That razor is meant to be used and it will serve you very well. It's not a particularly "rare" razor - so no reason not to enjoy it. I have one myself and shaves as mild and smooth as anything out there...including my R89 recommendation from the Muhle line.

Muhle R89 would be a great start for you in regards to a new razor.

[ackvil]

Welcome to B&B.

[Dennard]

Welcome! That's a really nice looking razor.

[Foyle]

You could hardly have a better razor to begin DE shaving with. Welcome aboard.

[shm]

Oh, The Fat Handled Tech.

My all time favourite DE


And I'm not kidding

[Agravic]

Welcome to B+B!

[NickCutlip]

Welcome to B&B !!

[Sledgehammer39]

Welcome Aboard, nice razor!

[Andy]

Welcome to B&B!

[demaro]

Welcome to B&b !!

[Mike H]

Welcome!

[cstone28]

Thank you all for the welcome. I now realize that there is a online retailer right in my back yard (Fendrihan), anybody have experience with them? Samjax thank you for the suggestion on the Muhle r89, what about a Merkur 34c, Fendrihan has what looks like a good starter set that includes it? I also love the look of the iKon stuff but I don't think I'm in that league yet.

[takeshi]

If I were to invest in a new razor to use as my daily shaver what would be a good start?

You'll quickly find that there are no one-size-fits-all answers to questions like that. There are a number of popular DE's for beginners out there but "good" is very subjective/YMMV and odds are that you can't convey the info we'd need to give you a recommendation suited for you. The Merkur 34C, 38C, EJ DE89, Muhle R89 and others are popular options. That said, many also start off with vintage models. It's really your call to select one based on the existing comments on them. Ultimately, it's first hand experience that will tell you what is and what isn't good for you.

...and, as stated above, daily use won't really harm the DE you found. Again, your call.

[ricardo9505]

if you want a new razor, I got the edwin jagger de89 barley chrome razor. awesome feel in the handle and weight. the razor does the work. I use crystal blades which I like.change every 5 days. get a quality brush, badger or boar, and some shaving soap or cream. watch some of mntic59 videos on youtube. or others in the link,s best of luck and enjoy

[sparco]

Welcome to Badger & Blade.

[bcraig.waciii]

Nice razor, and welcome to B&B, your online source for AD of all types!

[Shave A Buck]

Hello and welcome.

[Krato]

I started off with and still use a Merkur 34c HD and couldn't be happier with it. As far as the Muhles go the R89 and the black handled version (R106?) are always highly recommended for beginners. I can't say from personal experience but word is the Muhles are less aggresssive when compared to the Merkur 34. Also the Muhle and Edwin Jagger razors have the exact same head (for the closed comb models anyway), so the only difference would be the handles. Hope this helps.

[gwav64]

The Merkur HD 34C is a good razor for beginners. It has a short handle, which forces one to learn good shaving technique. It is also quite heavy, which allows one to let the razor do the work.