Another New DE Prospect Asking the Same Old Questions-more or less

[The Dean]

Please understand, I have done a lot of research looking through the archives before coming here with blade in hand. I understand the general thinking on this matter and I also know that nobody can make this decision for me. But one of the main reasons I decided to join the group was to get some personalized advice. (Trust me, there were other reasons as well, and so far I have been more than happy with the benefits of being a B&B member.)

I grew up with DE and injector razors in the early 1070's. My experience was miserable. I assume this was in large part due to poor technique/prep/products. Over the years I tried just about every cartridge available and the experience was equally miserable. I have extremely curly/ringlet hair and I tended to get ingrown hairs and bumps no matter what I used. I grew a beard. Problem solved. Until I started to

In the past 15 years or so, I have been shaving at least some of my face. I found quality shaving products and my experience has improved. With the use of quality products and vastly improved prep, I no longer get any irritation. I haven't nicked or cut myself in ages, and I get no bumps/ingrown hairs or irritation. Hurray for me! One of the biggest improvements for me was the Fusion ProGlide Styler, which not only improved my shaves, but I found the cartridges lasted far longer than any previous iteration of the Gillette series--plus it would simply roll over my mole without cutting it, yet taking great care of all the hair around it. Further improvement was experienced when I moved to using a brush. Then even more improvement as I followed advice from B&B on products, technique, etc.

Honestly, I could just keep my current routine and be perfectly happy with my shaves. But somehow, you bastards have gotten to me. Also, I plan to try to make the move to DE in part as a tribute to my father (RIP) who used to laugh at how much I paid for cartridges. (Trust me, I don't really plan on saving money--I've been here too long to believe that is a reasonable option.) So, as I prepare to transition to using a DE--at least sometimes--I have begun using the Bic Sensitive disposable simply to see if this was even feasible. Well, things have been fantastic with the Bic. It takes a bit longer, but the shaves are great, even on consecutive days. I enjoy taking a bit more time and effort, believe it or not. (I can hardly believe it myself.)

So, I am ready to give DE shaving a shot. I need to find my first DE razor. I tried going to local thrift stores to see if they had anything worth buying. None of the stores had ANY razors. (A man at the biggest thrift store told me, "We don't carry those." I'm thinking, "Don't you carry whatever is donated?" Well, whatever.) Truth be told, I'd rather get something new anyway, as I don't trust my ability to know if an old razor is worth buying.

I know from perusing the archives the Merkur 34C and the EJ 89 are the most commonly recommended. In fact, I actually decided on the EJ before posting here. But I noticed the EJ's I find typically have a very smooth handle, and I'm a bit concerned about that as I shave in the shower. Plus, though $40 isn't a lot to spend, it would be great if my first razor (which I assume I will replace in the not too distant future) was a bit less spendy. So I continue my search.

Let's get straight to the point (why did it take me this long?). I see beautiful razors from Cadet, Titan, Sabi and RazoRock razors from under $20-$25 dollars or so. Is there any reason not to start with one of these? (Let's assume I'm not starting with an OC razor.) While I believe these are similar razors, is there one that stands out as the best of this bunch?

I don't want to start with a razor that is notorious for QC issues or that is something that is only for starters. I understand I probably will move up to a better razor over time, but I also want to feel like I'm using a quality product. I have no interest in collecting many razors (I'm not a collector) so I am looking for something that will last and either by my go-to razor for years, or at least one I can use in rotation, for travel, etc.

OK, that is far less than I think I want to say and far more than anyone wants to read. Is it a good idea to go with one of these more generic razors and is there one in particular that is a particularly fine price performer?

Thank you to those who even got this far.

 

[tm3]

I have not used one but see Lord L6 recommended as similar in performance to EJ but not quality. Costs about $10 I think.

Cadet is supposed to be aggressive and probably not a good 1st choice. I don't know Sabi and RR.

the way I would rationalize, uh, I mean reason this out is if you buy something popular like the EJ and then for some reason decide to ditch it later you won't be out $40 as you can resell it -- kind of like a $15 rental fee.

as far as the smooth handle I have seen photos of O rings or tape that has been applied to make them more grippy. The Merkur 34 has pretty heavy knurling on its handle and is a great beginner razor.

hth

 

[John Von Wuggz]

Whew! I made it to the end!

I started with a Merkur 180 long-handle in part because of its textured handle. I never had it slip on me during my clumsy beginning days. Also, I have a problem with growing that has also spread to my hands. This razor was just big enough to feel proper in my hands.

I used this razor until I upgraded to the Futur that I use now.

 

[The Dean]

I have not used one but see Lord L6 recommended as similar in performance to EJ but not quality. Costs about $10 I think.

Cadet is supposed to be aggressive and probably not a good 1st choice. I don't know Sabi and RR.

the way I would rationalize, uh, I mean reason this out is if you buy something popular like the EJ and then for some reason decide to ditch it later you won't be out $40 as you can resell it -- kind of like a $15 rental fee.

as far as the smooth handle I have seen photos of O rings or tape that has been applied to make them more grippy. The Merkur 34 has pretty heavy knurling on its handle and is a great beginner razor.

hth

Thanks for the thoughtful response. I considered the Lord, but I have seen too many complaints about QC issues. I still might take a flyer on it, but I am hoping to get something with similar quality to Merkur/EJ without paying for the brand name. In the precious few reviews I have seen for the RazoRock (for example) it supposedly is a brass razor with a good quality build. But there aren't really many comments about how it shaves.

As for aggressiveness, while I'm clearly not looking for an ultra aggressive razor, I won't shy away from one if it is a bit more aggressive than the EJ or Merkur. I am (stupidly?) confident I will be able to handle something that isn't ultra-mild. Even if I have to moderate it with the right blade.

With that said, I may just go for the Merkur or the EJ.

I realize it may be moronic to worry about $15-$20, but I'm hoping you all will just play along for a day or so. I'm not concerned about resale value (though i thank you for that concern) as I will include the razor in my 1st PIF, if it isn't to my liking.

Whew! I made it to the end!

I started with a Merkur 180 long-handle in part because of its textured handle. I never had it slip on me during my clumsy beginning days. Also, I have a problem with growing that has also spread to my hands. This razor was just big enough to feel proper in my hands.

I used this razor until I upgraded to the Futur that I use now.

You made it to the end? I wrote the damn thing and I haven't' even made it to the end.

I'm not worried about growing. At my age I am more worried about shrinking! But I do think I would prefer a textured handle. Though I'm thinking a smooth handle might be OK if it is octagonal shaped, as some EJ's are. Thanks for the consideration and the advice. It will be taken into account.

 

[Haiku]

You'll find it hard to go wrong with a vintage Gillette Superspeed. I wouldn't be surprised to learn that Gillette sold millions. And for good reason. They're great, mild shavers. They were sold for at least 2 decades. Get two, one either 1958 or earlier these have the "tall" head and after 1958 they were made with "narrow" heads. 1958 was the last year for the "tall" head.

 

[i8ntskeered]

Wow. I didn't realize they had DE and injectors in the 1070's. I guess the guys building Windsor Castle needed had to shave, too.

I apologize...that was cheap, but I couldn't resist.

I am by no means an authority to give advice on what one should or shouldn't acquire. But as you already know, the knowledge from those on this board is invaluable. Best of luck on your search. And welcome to the fold. Cheers!

 

[The Dean]

Thanks for all the advice so far.

I'd love to try a vintage Gillette, but can not seem to find one locally and don't know enough about judging condition to buy one one Ebay. It occurs to me I might feel safer buying it through the B/S/T forum here. Maybe I will try that. I should have just kept one of those razors from the 1070's.

It also occurs to me that perhaps I am asking the wrong question. I guess what I'm really asking here is, for those who have both (or have used both) is there any reason NOT to try one of the brands of razors listed in the initial post? I get the aggressiveness issue and will try to avoid something that is extremely aggressive. But I don't necessarily want a super mild razor, either.

 

[tm3]

Thanks for all the advice so far.

I'd love to try a vintage Gillette, but can not seem to find one locally and don't know enough about judging condition to buy one one Ebay. It occurs to me I might feel safer buying it through the B/S/T forum here. Maybe I will try that. I should have just kept one of those razors from the 1070's.

It also occurs to me that perhaps I am asking the wrong question. I guess what I'm really asking here is, for those who have both (or have used both) is there any reason NOT to try one of the brands of razors listed in the initial post? I get the aggressiveness issue and will try to avoid something that is extremely aggressive. But I don't necessarily want a super mild razor, either.

just imo, of course, but i think that a relatively aggressive razor in the hands of a beginner is a mistake. said beginner will be much more likely to get razor burn, face shredding, and a healthy dose of discouragement which might lead to throwing in the towel and missing out on all of the fun. and acquisition disorder expense, but that is another story.

one of the sages here has opined that a skilled user can get great results from any razor, mild or aggressive.

i think that an adjustable is a great start. as skill level goes up, crank it up and see what happens. but they are more expensive.

i'm not a fan of the land of blurry photos, vague descriptions, and evasive answers aka ebay. the large majority of B&B members are straight shooters and i'm guessing that if you put a "WTB: user grade Gillette _______ (i would vote for an adjustable like the Slim but the SS and many others could work)" you would get a great starter at a fair price. and many Gillettes have substantial knurling.

 

[The Dean]

Since I know all of you were losing sleep over this issue I finally pulled the trigger on a 2nd hand Fat Handled Tech (triangle holes) right here on B/S/T

http://badgerandblade.com/vb/showth...rs-2-Shavettes-Fat-Handled-Tech-WSP-HMW-brush

I will likely also buy something new, but now I will have something to get started. Special thanks to Alpster.