what makes a good razor a good razor?

[peacefrog]

I see the Merkur HD routinely recommended for beginners. What is it that makes it good for beginners? What makes any razor better than any other?

[RazzerRhodes]

I see the Merkur HD routinely recommended for beginners. What is it that makes it good for beginners? What makes any razor better than any other?

Just to further the question a bit, is the actual weight/balance of a razor a high priority when buying first razor? I am seeing a lot of good advice for beginners on B&B stressing the importance of "less pressure" and of letting the weight of the razor do the work etc, could this be elaborated on a bit more?

PS I think I struck lucky getting a Merkur Futur for my frst proper DE and it is
seems to be so incredibly weighted and balanced that surely this must help with shaving with the "right" pressure?

[Steelforge]

I started with a Merkur Futur, and with the benefit of hindsight I would say don't buy one to learn on.

Whilst you can learn on it, it's quite an agressive razor even on the lowest setting. It's a bit heavy, you don't really need the adjustability, the way you fit razor blades isn't as good as on other razors, and it's relatively expensive.

Compare with what I'd call the perfect razor the Merkur HD. It does the job, it's just the right size and weight, it isn't too aggressive yet you can still get a BBS shave from it, it isn't adjustable (which is fine), the blade fitting is more secure, and it's considerably cheaper.

Don't get me wrong I liked my Futur, but it was probably more than I needed in a razor.

You can't go far wrong with a Merkur HD.

[jduffy]

Merkur Classic Long Handle was my choice.

I held the HD in my hand in a brick and mortar store and thought, no way is that little thing going to work with me holding it. The salesman then gave me the Long Handle to hold and I was sold on it right there. Luckily it was the last one he had. It's a popular razor for beginners as well.

It can be a very aggressive razor, particularly when compared to the Gillettes such as the Tech or the Super Speed. Take your time though and the Long Handle Classic is just that, a classic.

[peacefrog]

What makes a razor aggressive?

[webguru24]

Bob, I believe the agressivness of the razor is determined by the blade exposure, i.e. how much of the edge is exposed between the "bottom" of the blade and the safety bar. For example, if you crank an adjustable razor up to it's max, there is a signicficant gap between the "bottom" of the blade and the safety bar, then the razor becomes more agressive and permits heavier and/or thicker beards to be cut with greater ease.

[AACJ]

what makes a good razor a good razor?

A razor that gives you a good shave. What ever razor that may be.

[MasonM]

Quality of construction is obviously a factor but beyond that it's pretty much a personal choice thing.

I started with an old Merkur open comb and recently purchased a Futur which I really like and which suits me well. A good razor is, in my humble opinion, one that feels good in your hand and results in a close and comfortable shave.

For someone starting out a Futur can be too aggressive and result in razor burn if adjusted too high. I learned this the hard way and dialed it down to a less aggressive setting (1) for a while. I can now shave with it set at about 3 and it's perfectly comfortable.

In the end a good razor is the one you enjoy using.

[TimmyBoston]

IMO Every Merkur razor is a quality product, sturdy and well built and will last many years. I personally like the HD for a starter razor, because with the fixed head, you don't have to worry about the settings; you can focus strictly on learning the proper blade angle. It also is quite heavy so if you use a proper grip (Best demonstrated in Kyle's Post, "What Works For Me" this may be the best single piece of simple advice here) When you hold the razor with 2 or 3 fingers and the just guide the razor the weight will provide all the force needed to cut the hairs.

I really recommend the HD, it was my first razor and I wouldn't have had it any other way.

[Leisureguy]

I think the idea of the Merkur HD for a beginner is that it's very straightforward and, since it's not adjustable, one item is taken out of the beginning equation. It is also not so aggressive as, say a Slant Bar (a wonderful razor, but requires good technique). Still, some have started with the Vision and love it (and start with a LOW setting).

[flippantfig]

In regard to the dial settings on the Futur, is it advisable to stick to one setting across your whole face (eg the Futur set to 1.5-2 on all surfaces and all passes)? Or for less aggression in recognised problem areas, could you switch it down to a more 'relaxed' setting? Would this affect/cause problems in developing your technique?

[peacefrog]

Well, you've all convinced me. I've ordered a Merkur HD, and it should be waiting for me when I return home this weekend.

[Leisureguy]

I generally find a setting on an adjustable razor that works for me and don't change it---thus the adjustable becomes "fixed", but at a place I get to choose. Others change the setting for various passes or parts of their face.

[vox_rox]

In the end a good razor is the one you enjoy using.

This was exactly my thinking the whole time I read this thread. Now, having said that, I must also say that my first razor was a Merkur HD, and the fact that it is a well-made, simple and easy to use razor is of more benefit than you know.

After a few months of shaving with an HD, you should have the technique to try any other razor and at least be able to benchmark it to the consistency of the HD.

Even though I like my Gillette 40s SS is my favourite right now, I still use my HD regularly because, well, I like to. So I guess, for me, it's a "good razor" like the title of thread says.

Peace,

Pierre