a newbie here

[pipo_mio]

Hey everyone,

I would like to switch to DE shaving after years of using a multiblade system. What razor would be good for someone with a tough beard + sensitive skin? (I know, the worst combination)

I'm just worried that if I buy a razor and it doesn't work out for me then I'll be at a loss. So, wanted your advice before I make the plunge.

Thank you.

 

[GMJ]

Welcome to B & B, I am by no means an expert on the DE but you could always buy used razors on line or like I did at Flea markets and antique shops. You could possibly pick up several good used Gillette models real cheap and order a sampler pack of blades and still not have much invested if it did not work out for you. I am beginning to realize that different DE razors give different shaves even with the same brand blades. Like I say "by no means an expert" just my honest opinion. Hope this helps.

 

[hoselayer]

First, welcome to B&B. Now on to your questions.

I really don't feel the razor and blade are as important as the SC and AS for your sensitive skin. A good cream and AS combo will make or break your shave no matter what razor and blades you use. Go here http://emsplace.com/shaving/wet_shaving.aspx#em_cream and look at the Skindicinal shave cream. Then here http://emsplace.com/grooming/mens_grooming_toiletries.aspx#after_shave and go to After Shave Soother and Light Moisture Balm (in Skindicinal also), not the splashes!! They smell great and work very well on sensitive skins. The service is second to none also.


Everyone on here prefers different razor with a different blade. I would recommend going to http://westcoastshaving.com and ordering a sampler pack to find what works best for you and your razor. Try looking in the B/S/T forum here for a Gillette Slim Adj. This way you can dial in to what you want. Start at a 1 and see how she goes. Work your way up one number at a time. If you don't want to wait, just go with a Gillette SS from the 1960's. I find these to be some of the smoothest shavers and have very easy blade angles for a newb. Stay away from the Redtip SS's and Merkurs.

All IMHO of course.

 

[ThePossum]

Hi pipo_mio,

Welcome to B&B. You ask a common question. GMJ has provided one answer but most of us would recommend you get a Merkur HD razor. You can find them in most of the online stores listed here: http://tinyurl.com/4jor4z Not all these places sell razors but a good many do. You can figure that out as you go through the thread.

Another razor that has been suggested is a Weishi. It is a TTO (twist to open) razor that is inexpensive and provides a nice but not too aggressive shave.

Still another option that has been suggested is to go buy some Bic disposables and use them until you get the technique thing down pat.

As you can see there are many options for you and what I may do or anyone else is subject to debate and you will get it too. The thing that really helped me decide on getting the HD is found in a this link to another shaving forum that I frequent. Check it out: http://tinyurl.com/2fao4t

By the way, if you decide to go the vintage Gillette route be careful with the stuff found on ebay. You can end up spending a ton of money on some not to nice razors. I would suggest that you checkout the shopping forums here at B&B as well as at other shaving forums. Most of the guys who frequent these forums and who qualify to sell stuff are trustworthy and will not over charge for a razor.

Hope this helps.

 

[R-James]

I agree with hoselayer on the points he has raised, and can I add that nivea aftershave balm is very good for sensitive skin and not too expensive

Welcome to the forum

 

[crankymoose]

Welcome to B&B

I too agree with hoselayer that the SC and AS will be very important, I think a used Gillette SS is a great choice but there are also some new Merkur's that are nice too, if you do purchase a new razor rather then a used you can always sell it later here very easily

good luck