3 DE Safety Razor Choices...

[TripleB]

I think I'm going to have to stop searching all of these choices. The more I search, the more rabbit holes I seem to find myself going down

Started searching adjustable razors like the 6c and somehow that led me to Gillette Slims and Fatboys?

So many different options out there! I can't wait to get started with my first one!!!

I do appreciate all of the advice!

TripleB

 

[borwish]

Just to add fire/uncertainty. As some else suggested take a look at the King C. Gillette. It is very similar to the 89s and you might be able to find it locally cheaper. Walgreens and some Walmarts carry it. I personally think that it's the best "compromise razor" for ease of use, efficiency, cost, etc.

The Henson will be much safer and easier than the three you mentioned. Italian Barber just released a razor with a similar design for $40---the Cyber. It was literately just released so I assume no one here has had a chance to try it yet. The Simple Clean Shave/The Razor Company razor is also in the same vain and about $45 and is my top razor.

Most here consider Proraso sensitive to be the least of the Proraso types. Blue and Red tend to be the top picks. I personally rank them Red>Blue>Green>White

 

[TripleB]

Thanks to everyone for your honest input and guidance throughout this process.

I've ordered my shaving cream, ordered a synthetic brush (which I know I'll upgrade in the future, as well as get a quality brush/bowl/holder in the future), ordered a sampler pack of blades (Astra Superior Platinum, Astra Superior Stainless, Derby Extra Super Stainless, Derby Premium, Perma-Sharp, ASCO Platinum, Shark Super Stainless, Gillette Nacet, Sharp Titanium, Treet 7 Days Platinum, Lord Platinum, Shark Platinum...5 blades each), and got numerous videos of how to properly shave bookmarked.

You're right, the razor is missing!

To be honest, I'm really leaning towards the Rockwell 6c.

As a newbie, the ability to move up in plates, going from 1/2 "shave with zero risk of nicks/cuts" to eventually the 6 as I learn and become more comfortable, is very enticing!

As I learn how to shave and progress with it, I know I'll want to buy and try other razors. In the future I definitely want to pick up a vintage Gillette Super Speed or Gillette Slim or Gillette Fat Boy from 1967 (my birth year).

Again, your input has been invaluable and is greatly appreciated!

TripleB

 

[om2000]

Go with Rockwell 6C or any other adjustable razor. I started with a Merkur 34c, then bought a EJ DE89, they're good for learning DE wetshaving, but you can hardly obtain a close shave with them, compared to an electric. At least that was my experience.

 

[Lockback]

Thanks to everyone for your honest input and guidance throughout this process.

I've ordered my shaving cream, ordered a synthetic brush (which I know I'll upgrade in the future, as well as get a quality brush/bowl/holder in the future), ordered a sampler pack of blades (Astra Superior Platinum, Astra Superior Stainless, Derby Extra Super Stainless, Derby Premium, Perma-Sharp, ASCO Platinum, Shark Super Stainless, Gillette Nacet, Sharp Titanium, Treet 7 Days Platinum, Lord Platinum, Shark Platinum...5 blades each), and got numerous videos of how to properly shave bookmarked.

You're right, the razor is missing!

To be honest, I'm really leaning towards the Rockwell 6c.

As a newbie, the ability to move up in plates, going from 1/2 "shave with zero risk of nicks/cuts" to eventually the 6 as I learn and become more comfortable, is very enticing!

As I learn how to shave and progress with it, I know I'll want to buy and try other razors. In the future I definitely want to pick up a vintage Gillette Super Speed or Gillette Slim or Gillette Fat Boy from 1967 (my birth year).

Again, your input has been invaluable and is greatly appreciated!

TripleB

Your blade sample pack is excellent! You should find several that you'll be happy with.
My razor choice for you would be the Edwin Jagger DE89 but I also have Rockwell 6C and love it as well. You can't go wrong with any of your choices.

 

[Ouelljas]

The added bonus with something like the 6C is that being a heavier razor, it will force you to focus and work on your touch and technique as you get through the higher, more aggressive plates. It’s smooth, no doubt, but you still need to pay attention to technique once you get into the 4-6 plates. It glides effortlessly, so it’s the kind of razor that requires a light touch and you just let the weight of it work it’s magic. The only real drawback for me if we’re strictly talking quality of the shave, is the bulkier head, which can make buffing a little more tedious in certain areas. Any adjustable razor will be good in the sense that it will help guide some of your future purchases in terms of aggressiveness and efficiency, if/when you decide to add to your collection.

 

[buyandhold2018]

I would go something machined that will last virtually forever:

Henson AL13
Razorock GC
Razorock BBS
Yates Winning

Nice thing about the rr options is you can always get another base plate if you want more aggression.

 

[mikhou]

Henson AL13+ and the Karve Overlander are my top 2 razors. I was gifted the Karve. I wouldn't suggest that you purchase it as a first razor simply because of the cost. But the Henson is reasonable (in the world of good razors). I would also consider the SCS mentioned above.

 

[emwolf]

As someone who has fallen down the razor rabbit hole, my advice is get all three.

 

[Phoenixkh]

As someone who has fallen down the razor rabbit hole, my advice is get all three.

I didn't advise the OP to get any of the razors I just love..... as they are much more expensive... I was a bit of an outlier here, it seems... I started with a $160 razor at the time... Used it for 5+ months before I tried any others... I was fortunate, as this razor is still great for me after 2.5+ years. I still use it every shave around my nose. <eg> evil grin.

 

[borwish]

@TripleB A member is selling their Rockwell 6C for $35 shipped in the Buy Sale Trade.

FS - Timeless .68, Razorock, Rockwell 6C, Merkur, Parker SoloEdge

I'm finally getting around to selling off razors that deserve more use than I give them. All razors are in like-new condition - no dents or scratches. All very lightly used. Prices include worldwide shipping. From left to right, top to bottom: Razorock Mamba 53: $50 Razorock Mamba 70: $50...

www.badgerandblade.com

 

[gpjoe]

...I started with a SuperSpeed then later added a Tech. Both or either are fabulous razors for beginners and experienced alike and all you’ll ever need, and they’re a lot less expensive than the 3 you reference.

Wish someone had told me this when I first started.

Not that it would have prevented a buying spree of new razors, but I would have gotten off to a solid start with either of these.

I started with a 34c and EJDE89, and quickly moved on. A lot of guys love them both, I just couldn't get right with either...though it may have been a lack of perseverance on my part.

I would recommend one of the lower plate Gamechangers (.68P or .76P), ...

This would also be a solid choice. A lifetime stainless steel razor that shaves very well for 65 bucks.

 

[gpjoe]

...I started with a $160 razor at the time...

I had to work my way up.

You're much more daring, though I recall that you did your homework, and it paid off.

 

[TripleB]

@TripleB A member is selling their Rockwell 6C for $35 shipped in the Buy Sale Trade.

Thank you for the heads up!!!

TripleB

 

[TripleB]

Is a 1967 (M4) Gillette Black Superspeed TTO a nice razor for a newbie to start out with?

I ask because I saw a very clean one for $40, it was from my birth year, so I offered the person $25 for it and he took it. Now I'm just wondering if it's a great razor for someone brand new to wet shaving or if I should purchase something else* (new) and save the Superspeed for when I get some experience under my belt?

* still intrigued by the idea of an adjustable razor (Rockwell 6c, Parker Variant, etc. - or now that I've got my first vintage razor on the way, even the Gillette Fat Boy or Gillette Slim) so I can move from very mild to aggressive as I get more comfortable/confident

Thanks for any and all opinions!

TripleB

 

[gpjoe]

Is a 1967 (M4) Gillette Black Superspeed TTO a nice razor for a newbie to start out with?

I ask because I saw a very clean one for $40, it was from my birth year, so I offered the person $25 for it and he took it. Now I'm just wondering if it's a great razor for someone brand new to wet shaving or if I should purchase something else* (new) and save the Superspeed for when I get some experience under my belt?

* still intrigued by the idea of an adjustable razor (Rockwell 6c, Parker Variant, etc. - or now that I've got my first vintage razor on the way, even the Gillette Fat Boy or Gillette Slim) so I can move from very mild to aggressive as I get more comfortable/confident

Thanks for any and all opinions!

TripleB

There is a reason for the thousands of vintage Gillette razors on ebay and etsy and found at flea markets and antique shops: Gillette got it right, and sold millions of razors.

You should be fine with your birth-year razor. It will be on the mild side, but still capable of great shaves using any popular, name-brand blade (Astra, Gillette Silver Blue, Gillette Platinum, Bic...etc).

Honestly, I'd be happier with your Superspeed than either the 34c or EJDE89..I've used all three, and only the black Superspeed remains in my collection.

 

[NorthernSoul]

Is a 1967 (M4) Gillette Black Superspeed TTO a nice razor for a newbie to start out with?

Yes, it should be fine. A lot of experienced people prefer the 1950s or later 1940s Super Speed razors because they are not as mild.

 

[njpaddy]

It's nice to have a birth year DE, even if you outgrow it later on. You can always use a more (or less) aggressive blade during the learning process.

 

[TripleB]

You can always use a more (or less) aggressive blade during the learning process.

Is there a website that tells how aggressive the different blades are?

Thanks!

TripleB

As I mentioned above I'm getting the following blades in a sample pack and would like to look up and see how aggressive each blade is: Astra Superior Platinum, Astra Superior Stainless, Derby Extra Super Stainless, Derby Premium, Perma-Sharp, ASCO Platinum, Shark Super Stainless, Gillette Nacet, Sharp Titanium, Treet 7 Days Platinum, Lord Platinum, Shark Platinum

 

[BradWorld]

I have owned all three of the razors in the original post. My first DE was the 34c. I liked it at the time. But since so many posts concentrated on the comparison between the 34c and 89s as the best beginner razors way back then, I had to try them. I started with an EJ DE89. Didn’t like the handle that much. Small dinky little thing. Switched to a Weber Classic stainless handle, which was hugely popular back then. This was all before the days of Razorock and other inexpensive stainless razors.

I ended up really wanting a Muhle R89 despite the fact that it is theoretically the same head as the DE89. I ended up with the R89 Grande. A beautiful razor with a bigger handle than most DE89s. The overall finish, and the handle design of the Muhle are miles better than the EJ. But the cost is also higher. Regardless, they shave the same given that they have similar handles.

Overall the DE89 and R89 are smoother and a bit more efficient than the 34c for me. They are more pleasurable to use. And the three piece format is more flexible. The 34c is a bit rough, and the design is more industrial and utilitarian by comparison. At the time, I had wished I went with the 89 format for my first razor.

After selling most of my old non-vintage razors, I still have and use the R89. All the others are gone.

Hope that helps.