Best Heavy Stubble Combo

[BigRedBeard]

I've been recommending the virtues of DE shaving to all my friends, and already have a few converts. I've got one buddy who's very much interested in getting started but wouldn't be the type to do research or join forums like his crazy buddy, yours truly. Anyway, he's got serious, heavy dark stubble, and ends up like Homer Simpson immediately post shave- it just jumps back on his face. I'd love to recommend him a razor/blade/soap or cream combo and just say 'get that'. I don't see him being into the brush right away, so if anyone has the time to post some recommendations I'd greatly appreciate it. I'm using an EJ DE89BA11 Barely and sorting out a blade preference as we speak, so I'm not sure if I should just say get that razor and blade sampler because it's right about the price range he'd be thinking of. Not sure if it's too mild? It works great for me with a few of the blades I've tried, but again, I'm not sure regards facial wire
Cheers..

 

[GLOCKREAPER]

'30s Gillette long comb NEW.

It truly is "the best a man can get."

 

[dfoulk]

You will get much better answers if you specify a price range.

 

[CaderTheAlligator]

Futur will mow down any amount of facial hair.

 

[BigRedBeard]

You will get much better answers if you specify a price range.

Apologies, I assumed most would know the price range of the EJ DE89BA11 Barely that I'd mentioned being the price range. Approx $40-$50, or around 35 Euros for the razor..

 

[JBLA]

The Maggard MR3 is <$20 and seems to provide a more efficient shave than the EJ did for me, while having a similar head style and a nice fat handle. With a Feather blade, it's outstanding.

A Micromatic SE might be a good option, as the SE blades are thicker than the DE blades.

An adustable is probably a sound choice as well.

The EJ is a very popular option and you can always add a shim or two from used blades to make it more aggressive.

You've got many choices!

 

[BigRedBeard]

The Maggard MR3 is <$20 and seems to provide a more efficient shave than the EJ did for me, while having a similar head style and a nice fat handle. With a Feather blade, it's outstanding.

A Micromatic SE might be a good option, as the SE blades are thicker than the DE blades.

An adustable is probably a sound choice as well.

The EJ is a very popular option and you can always add a shim or two from used blades to make it more aggressive.

You've got many choices!

Great, thanks for that. I'm interested in your shim comment, can you explain further on that? It's been on my mind about wanting to mess around with the aggressiveness of my razor in such a way...
Cheers..

 

[dcc]

Muhle R41 / Polsilver SI,can not be defeated

 

[ShaveYourSoul]

I have whiskers like your friend. The razors I find to be the most effective for me are the LC New and the FaTip Grande. As for blades, I am a huge fan of Feathers in both razors. They don't last very long, but do a nice job

 

[sharpen]

+1 on the muhle R41.

very nice razor, cuts incredibly close, but has a steep learning curve.

 

[BowTieGuy]

EverReady 1912. Single edge, will mow down anything in its path. Easy to find and cheap.

 

[Senshi]

Gillette slim with a Feather or an Astra set on 7 for good measure. 9 when he becomes more proficient

 

[JBLA]

Great, thanks for that. I'm interested in your shim comment, can you explain further on that? It's been on my mind about wanting to mess around with the aggressiveness of my razor in such a way...
Cheers..

Basically, you take an old but sturdy pair of scissors, and cut the sharp edges off of a used blade (or 2, or 3), and then place that as a shim between the blade and the safety bar plate of your razor, thus increasing the blade gap, and making your shave more aggressive.

An EJ worked very well for me with shims.

 

[duderubble]

I agree with the Gillette New, Although I prefer the short comb. Paired with a feather.

 

[Jarick]

If he's never used a DE before I would still lean towards the DE89 or 34C type razors and learn to do a few passes. If he really wants a more aggressive razor, maybe a 37C? The R41 is just way too aggressive unless you have tough skin.

 

[Badger Bill]

Yea I'd say 39C or 37C for him, although he will have to be careful if he has no experience...... but a much safer first route than going straight to the R41.

- Badger Bill

 

[Rohrbach]

From personal experience I recommend to look into the technique called "the Gillette Slide". It made a huge difference for me. If it works for your friend he can start with a mild razor and mild blades. It might not be the closest of shave for him, but more forgiving then starting with a R41 with a feather blade.

 

[engblom]

Yea I'd say 39C or 37C for him, although he will have to be careful if he has no experience...... but a much safer first route than going straight to the R41.

- Badger Bill

I have had quite a bit of experience with R41, and a one time shave with 37C.

I was having maybe 5 shaves done with a DE a couple of years prior to buying the R41. I was what you would call a complete newbie when I got it. I did not find it particularly difficult to use. Almost from the beginning I shaved without mirror in the shower. My face could not stand R41 daily and if he has a sensitive face it might not be an option.

37C is milder on the face if you get the blade aligned right. I had it wrong aligned for my first and only shave. It was biting on one side of the razor and going smooth on the other. After the shave I played a bit with aligning the blade and dry pulled it on the face. Yes, it could be put at a good position, but required effort in doing that. That is something I did not want.

 

[BigRedBeard]

You guys are the best, thanks a lot! I'll dig through here and take the recommendations on board...
Cheers for all your help.

 

[Cagliostro]

Merkur 34c HD with Astra or Feather blade, I would recommend going to shaveabuck and grabbing a Cadet razor they have both OC and CC heads and I have an OC on the way and hear they are excellent shavers and can be quite aggressive yet not butchering...perhaps for budget and a good razor check shaveabuck, sweet deals and great items they have there.