I am sure this has been debated many times before, and if there is a detailed thread(s) somewhere, please post it here for me.
I am new to wet shaving/DE razors, but I have surprised myself at how well I have done. I have a 1970 black SS Gillette TTO (my wife's grandfather's) and what most assume is a Weishi, labeled as the "Micro One Touch". I can get a very good shave with either of them, using Noxema in the shower, followed by pre-shave oil, then a good soap, Thayers witch hazel, then good old Pinaud's AS. I am not experiencing any cuts, bumps, or neck burn that doesn't go away completely within an hour or two. My only complaint is that I must make at least 4 passes in the usual different directions, followed by chin and neck touchups. I am thinking that I might do better with a more aggressive razor(s), but I know that in retrospect, I might well end up preferring the milder razors. I have a EJ DE89L on the way.
So, on to my question(s).
I see that many guys go through multiple razors, but most end up with only a very few that are actually their "go-to" razors. I can see myself easily going down the same path. If I spend $300-$500 on 7-10 decent vintage and/or new razors, and then decide to buy one or two "expensive" ($75-$180) DE razors, and end up preferring them, I have "already spent several hundred dollars. On the other hand, If I pick up several decent razors in the $35-$60 range, I get to try more safety razor styles for less money spent per razor, just deciding if I like the style (open comb, safety bar, slant, adjustable etc, etc.).
I live in a small city, and the closest larger cities that might have some "Gentlemen Shops" with several razors to at least hold and look over are 4-5 hours away. So, the only feasible option is to buy online and wonder what I am getting until it is "used".
Are the >$75 dollar DE razors (like Webers and up) so noticeably better that people who buy them never look back, or do a large percentage of them end up with a $25-$65 razor(s) that they like better? It seems risky to tryout razors at $150 a pop, and then sell them a month later for 30% less, if the aren't "all that". I already know that I like a razor that feels a little "heavy in my hand", over something real light.
Should I just assume that most guys (who don't switch to DE razors and wet shaving solely to save money) end up as hobbyists and keep spending money on razors looking for the "Holy Grail", or simply because they like trying out different stuff? Compared to sports cars and/or vintage musical instruments, razors seem pretty cheap!
I have little doubt that I am going to want to try every type of DE razor style commonly used by others, just to see if they work better for me. But I do know that my next razor purchase is going to be an open comb. I want to see if I can get a DFS with just three passes. I know that many can do that with a mild razor, and I may someday, as well. However, at 51 years old, with a fairly heavy beard, black (and gray) stiff whiskers, multiple growth patterns on my neck and chin, and fair skin (easy whisker shadow), I suspect that I am going to end up in the more aggressive camp.
All advice/opinions appreciated!!
I love this site!
I am new to wet shaving/DE razors, but I have surprised myself at how well I have done. I have a 1970 black SS Gillette TTO (my wife's grandfather's) and what most assume is a Weishi, labeled as the "Micro One Touch". I can get a very good shave with either of them, using Noxema in the shower, followed by pre-shave oil, then a good soap, Thayers witch hazel, then good old Pinaud's AS. I am not experiencing any cuts, bumps, or neck burn that doesn't go away completely within an hour or two. My only complaint is that I must make at least 4 passes in the usual different directions, followed by chin and neck touchups. I am thinking that I might do better with a more aggressive razor(s), but I know that in retrospect, I might well end up preferring the milder razors. I have a EJ DE89L on the way.
So, on to my question(s).
I see that many guys go through multiple razors, but most end up with only a very few that are actually their "go-to" razors. I can see myself easily going down the same path. If I spend $300-$500 on 7-10 decent vintage and/or new razors, and then decide to buy one or two "expensive" ($75-$180) DE razors, and end up preferring them, I have "already spent several hundred dollars. On the other hand, If I pick up several decent razors in the $35-$60 range, I get to try more safety razor styles for less money spent per razor, just deciding if I like the style (open comb, safety bar, slant, adjustable etc, etc.).
I live in a small city, and the closest larger cities that might have some "Gentlemen Shops" with several razors to at least hold and look over are 4-5 hours away. So, the only feasible option is to buy online and wonder what I am getting until it is "used".
Are the >$75 dollar DE razors (like Webers and up) so noticeably better that people who buy them never look back, or do a large percentage of them end up with a $25-$65 razor(s) that they like better? It seems risky to tryout razors at $150 a pop, and then sell them a month later for 30% less, if the aren't "all that". I already know that I like a razor that feels a little "heavy in my hand", over something real light.
Should I just assume that most guys (who don't switch to DE razors and wet shaving solely to save money) end up as hobbyists and keep spending money on razors looking for the "Holy Grail", or simply because they like trying out different stuff? Compared to sports cars and/or vintage musical instruments, razors seem pretty cheap!
I have little doubt that I am going to want to try every type of DE razor style commonly used by others, just to see if they work better for me. But I do know that my next razor purchase is going to be an open comb. I want to see if I can get a DFS with just three passes. I know that many can do that with a mild razor, and I may someday, as well. However, at 51 years old, with a fairly heavy beard, black (and gray) stiff whiskers, multiple growth patterns on my neck and chin, and fair skin (easy whisker shadow), I suspect that I am going to end up in the more aggressive camp.
All advice/opinions appreciated!!
I love this site!
