Help me start my collection!

**MBlatt** · 10-18-2006, 12:14 PM

So I've also caught the shaving bug. Thanks to a wonderful ramen diet, I have enough money to purchase some new razors to keep my Merkur Futur company.

So what vintage or new razors should I purchase to begin my life-long collection? I think my next razor should be a Slant Bar, next possibly a Gillette Fatboy or Tech, I'm totally open to suggestions!

This holiday season I think I'll be asking "santa" for a shavemac xxl.

**castlecraver** · 10-18-2006, 12:23 PM

I would definitely go with the Slant Bar. No wetshaver's repitoire is complete without one.

**MBlatt** · 10-18-2006, 12:40 PM

Just ordered a Merkur Slant from leesrazors, so what should I get next?

**Dennis** · 10-18-2006, 12:49 PM

Tech

Dennis

**thestubblefactory** · 10-18-2006, 01:14 PM

Your "shave bug" may eventually lead you to want to try straights. They add ambiance and new skills to the shaving process. If they provide a better shave and/or shave experience depends on the user's skills and tastes. So why not try one now? Perhaps a Feather, which is a disposible blade straight. While it is different from using a regular straight which you need to lovingly hone and strop it is a good start. Just my $0.02

**MBlatt** · 10-18-2006, 01:26 PM

Originally Posted by thestubblefactory

Your "shave bug" may eventually lead you to want to try straights. They add ambiance and new skills to the shaving process. If they provide a better shave and/or shave experience depends on the user's skills and tastes. So why not try one now? Perhaps a Feather, which is a disposible blade straight. While it is different from using a regular straight which you need to lovingly hone and strop it is a good start. Just my $0.02

Thanks for your advice, I have thought about where my "shaving bug" might eventually lead and everyone has pretty much stated that it may be to straight razors. I think I still need a little more time with safety razors until I'm ready for a straight razor. Thanks for the advice, but I'd probably end up slicing my aorta

edit: plus, most straight users enjoy maintaining their gear as much as using it. I think I'd be missing a lot of the experience if I just got disposables.

**Dennis** · 10-18-2006, 01:43 PM

I would say not really. I don't think there is a whole lot of correlation between using a DE and using a straight. I sure do feel completely awkward using a straight, but I am still working at it. A Feather straight would be an interesting addition to the collection. I recommended the Tech because it is such a mild razor that it would be an interesting contrast to the others you have. I love a Feather in my Tech - I don't think a nick is possible and the shave is excellent.

Dennis

**BlackLabelBrewer** · 10-18-2006, 01:44 PM

Originally Posted by MBlatt

Thanks for your advice, I have thought about where my "shaving bug" might eventually lead and everyone has pretty much stated that it may be to straight razors. I think I still need a little more time with safety razors until I'm ready for a straight razor. Thanks for the advice, but I'd probably end up slicing my aorta

edit: plus, most straight users enjoy maintaining their gear as much as using it. I think I'd be missing a lot of the experience if I just got disposables.

Probably depends on your focus: either equipment and paraphernalia; or technique, shave quality, and experience.

For example, this thread I created. On one hand, Joel had a pretty bad "scrape" with one of those Feather gizmos once apon a time (see pics!). On the other hand, most injuries seem to happen when the blade is away from your face (i.e. while "maintaining your gear").

Though you won't get to do the same maintenance, the Feather is arguably safer and will give you the straight experience, I think.

Depending on where I'm at in the not so distant future, I will probably reach for the Feather, myself.

**Leisureguy** · 10-18-2006, 01:48 PM

Three possibilities leap to mind:

A Gem G-bar
A Schick injector
A 1940s Super Speed.

The first two are single-edged but interesting.

**ouch** · 10-18-2006, 02:20 PM

An xxl brush? Why don't you just put a snurdle of cream of one of these bad boys?

http://www.sharperimage.com/us/en/ca...ic_shoe_buffer

What I love about razors is having a mix of old and new- Merkur HD's and slants and Gillette fat boys and superspeeds. Ancients straights and new TI's. It's all good.

**MBlatt** · 10-18-2006, 02:33 PM

Originally Posted by ouch

An xxl brush? Why don't you just put a snurdle of cream of one of these bad boys?

http://www.sharperimage.com/us/en/ca...ic_shoe_buffer

What I love about razors is having a mix of old and new- Merkur HD's and slants and Gillette fat boys and superspeeds. Ancients straights and new TI's. It's all good.

So let me get this straight.. I'd only need one third of a matta for that sucker?

**htownmmm** · 10-18-2006, 02:46 PM

Originally Posted by MBlatt

I think my next razor should be a Slant Bar, next possibly a Gillette Fatboy or Tech.

Exactly!- resistance is futile.

Marty

**MBlatt** · 10-18-2006, 04:37 PM

Thank you all for the great suggestions (KEEP THEM COMING), I'll keep my eyes and ears open on ebay for some of the classic vintage razors.

**Gatorade** · 10-18-2006, 05:01 PM

I have focused my collection on the Super Speed family. This starts with the Milord and works it's way up. That is what I have done. What you do will impact your wallet as you decide.

**dszpiro** · 10-18-2006, 05:18 PM

I have accumulated about 10 razors by now, but my favorite is my adjustable Aristocrat. From a casual observation this is basically a gold-plated Fat Boy. I suggest you find one of these (depending if you like the gold or silver finish). The adjustable Aristocrat / Fat Boy have the weight and balance that work well for me.

Cheers,

**MBlatt** · 10-18-2006, 05:31 PM

Is there a good resource where I can see all the models from Gillette over the years and possibly from other safety razor manufacturers.

**dszpiro** · 10-18-2006, 05:37 PM

Originally Posted by MBlatt

Is there a good resource where I can see all the models from Gillette over the years and possibly from other safety razor manufacturers.

Here is a place to start right on B&B.

Do a search on eBay for "razor" and you'll have hours of entertainment!

Seriously, there are dozens of different models of DE razors for sale on eBay at any one moment.

Cheers,

**MBlatt** · 10-18-2006, 05:58 PM

Originally Posted by dszpiro

Here is a place to start right on B&B.

Do a search on eBay for "razor" and you'll have hours of entertainment!

Seriously, there are dozens of different models of DE razors for sale on eBay at any one moment.

Cheers,

that's a great thread, the superspeeds and adjustables look fantastic.

**dszpiro** · 10-18-2006, 06:36 PM

Here is another thread in another forum at another wet-shaving site that features lots and lots of photos of DE razors (and straights) with the correct names.

Cheers,

**TimmyBoston** · 10-19-2006, 12:32 AM

I'd go with a brush, either a Shavemac or an SR silvertip.

But if you've got yoru heart set on razors, Go with the Slant, then I'd look a '40's SuperSpeed, or a Gilette Tech, or branch out into straight, they really are things of beauty. A trusty HD is never a bad investment either.