Art of Shaving: Safety Razor? HELP A NEWB

[frankthetank966]

I am really new to the whole safety razor thing but I have become fed up with my Fusion and its time to switch. Initially I thought $30-50 was outrageous to spend on a razor but now that I need refills it doesn't seem too bad.

I live near an Art of Shaving Store so I may purchase it directly from them since their's is $50 and I do not have to deal with the online hassle. Evidently it's a Merkur shaver. I have not been able to find many reviews online about the shaver. They sell it for $50. Anyone ever used it?

 

[T_M]

That AOS razor you're looking at is likley a Merkur HD - very popular as a first razor but you can do much better on price. Especially since you should also get a sample pack of blades from somewhere you're going to have to make some online purchases. AOS only sells Merkur blades, which have a so-so reputation.

Also, if you're considering anything else - some soap, creams or aftershaves - the distributed shipping costs should help you beat the local AOS store price easily.

--------T_M

 

[frankthetank966]

What do you think of this?

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000QYEK88/ref=ord_cart_shr?ie=UTF8&m=A10LZNXDPIZCNZ

 

[T_M]

Also - plenty of reviews on here for the Merkur HD (aka Merkur 34C). If you're looking online, try West Coast Shaving, Vintage Blades, Bullgoose Shaving, several others. WCS and Bullgoose are also go-to companies for great blade sampler packs.

 

[T_M]

What do you think of this?

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000QYEK88/ref=ord_cart_shr?ie=UTF8&m=A10LZNXDPIZCNZ

That's probably not bad, but again it also depends on what other stuff you may want to order at the same time. A blade sampler is very important when you're first starting out.

You might also want to cosider an Edwin Jagger DE89 or DE89L. It's supposed to be another excellent starter razor, and is $5-$10 cheaper. I started with the Merkur, but the next razor I try will probably be an EJ.

-------T_M

 

[proxymoron]

I don't love the practice of flogging the B&B affiliated vendors, but I guess they're affiliated for a reason. If you're looking for a Merkur, Bullgoose Shaving has a particularly good deal. Check out his thread in Vendor Corner for the details.

You might also want to read one of the many threads extolling the virtues of the Edwin Jagger 89L. For me it's the last word in DEs if only because it's the last one I bought before discovering SEs.

 

[takeshi]

and I do not have to deal with the online hassle.

Personally, I find online shopping extremely convenient (especially for selection and pricing). YMMV as we always say.

You might also want to cosider an Edwin Jagger DE89 or DE89L. It's supposed to be another excellent starter razor, and is $5-$10 cheaper. I started with the Merkur, but the next razor I try will probably be an EJ.

+1. Razor selection is extremely YMMV but I (as well as others) really like the DE89.

 

[Go West Young Man]

AoS sells good products, but they mark them up 100% over their competition.
Check our Vendors fourm - presuming you're in the US, someone like bullgoose or westcoastshaving can get you the same razor PLUS a sample pack of blades PLUS a soap or cream for what you would pay for just the razor at AoS.

 

[frankthetank966]

Amazon is the best price since it include 5 blades. PLUS I GET FREE OVERNIGHT!

 

[frankthetank966]

Thanks everyone for the help btw! Those websites are great for future. I will certainly buy some sampler packs. Generally they all have pretty similar price for the MERKUR 34C HD, however w/Amazon I get free 2-day shipping and 5 free blades for less than what most of the other sites wanted.

 

[Delawareguy]

I was at AOS today looking at a Futur and a Progress. They wanted $95 for the Futur. I've seen it price from the high $60's to the low $70's at variouse B&B affiliated vendors. I love my AOS ASB but I don't think I'll be buying and hardware from them.

 

[frankthetank966]

I was at AOS today looking at a Futur and a Progress. They wanted $95 for the Futur. I've seen it price from the high $60's to the low $70's at variouse B&B affiliated vendors. I love my AOS ASB but I don't think I'll be buying and hardware from them.

Whats AOS ASB? Btw I bought mine from amazon for $5 less than AOS before tax and got blades!

 

[michiganlover]

Whats AOS ASB? Btw I bought mine from amazon for $5 less than AOS before tax and got blades!

Art of Shaving Aftershave Balm. Supposed to be good stuff, as it is scented with Essential Oils, rather than fragrance oils.

 

[bradyarz]

Whats AOS ASB? Btw I bought mine from amazon for $5 less than AOS before tax and got blades!

if you're going to stick around here for any length of time, you're going to have to learn the lingo.

 

[Azza]

I don't love the practice of flogging the B&B affiliated vendors, but I guess they're affiliated for a reason. If you're looking for a Merkur, Bullgoose Shaving has a particularly good deal. Check out his thread in Vendor Corner for the details. ...

Support them, it's our duty!

just buy from here. you save 50 % plus get free advise for life and other goodies

- Aaron

 

[frankthetank966]

if you're going to stick around here for any length of time, you're going to have to learn the lingo.

HAHAH Awesome!

 

[Ski-Patroller]

Phil at Bullgoose ships so fast, that you will probably get your merchandise faster than walking down the block to buy it.

Besides you will save a lot of money.