Buying My First Razor Tonight, Helpi

[keety]

I'm planning on buying my first safety razor tonight, not sure where to order from.

Any ideas people?

MIN New York was one idea, but I really am not familiar with anything else.

I do not have enough money for a brush and bowl yet, but can I still get decent results with Proraso? Bath and Body Works(I know its mostly for women ) has one that is in a can and doesn't require manual lathering with a brush. Can I still get optimal results without a very expensive badger brush?

I'm looking at Merkur as my first choice, I'm open to any and all suggestions...I'm pretty much clueless.

I do have acne breakouts from time to time, which sucks, so I guess I'd classify my face is kinda sensitive and suggestions of products that may work in favor with that said, would be truly appreciated.

Basically, I'm looking for a reliable place to buy my first razor, and possibly some good stuff to lather up with. I am trying not to spend more then $60.00 and $70.00 at most.

I'm really looking forward to my first straight razor, I hear mixed results with first timers but I hope it does me justice and actually works as well as some of the youtube guys make it look so awesome.

 

[Mad Man]

Where to buy...?

West Coast Shaving is a good first place to look with the 34C about 40 bucks

http://www.westcoastshaving.com/Merkur-34C-Heavy-Duty-Safety-Razor_p_31.html

 

[Lion and the Fox]

You can always find cheap vintage razors on eBay for less than $15 bucks (Gillette Super Speed, Gillette Tech). Or you can do what I did for my first razor and purchase one at a local beauty supply (I used Sally's) and got a Chinese Shaving Factory TTO for less than $15. Good luck!

Yes, you can use the canned stuff for now and get good results, but I strongly recommend you purchase a brush and soap as soon as possible. For less than $12 you can find a Van Der Hagen kit (bowl, soap, and boar brush) at your local Walgreen's or Walmart.

Welcome to the Badger and Blade!

 

[lr11]

Lets try this again,

Buy a SS for 20 or less, pick up a omega badger for 30, razor sampler pack for 15-20 go to good will pick up a cup for .99c. and be done with it.

 

[keety]

Any sites in particular anybody can recommend?

Links of particular products would be nice if anyone would take the time.

For any recommendations can you possibly explain why they're a nice and suitable razor for a first timer?

 

[mdmmd]

For less than $12 you can find a Van Der Hagen kit (bowl, soap, and boar brush) at your local Walgreen's or Walmart.

I started with the Van Der Hagen kit (purchased from amazon) and I love it. Maybe I'm uncouth but I like the brush (still use it despite having other options) and I use the VDH deluxe soap as a daily driver. I do like to mix it up with other soaps (especially Tabac) but I keep coming back to the VDH. Can't beat the price.

I also have been quite happy with West Coast Shaving. They have a nice selection with good prices. Certainly worth looking at for any purchases.

Good luck with your purchases. Buying the initial setup is half the fun

 

[keety]

http://www.westcoastshaving.com/Edwin-Jagger-DE8911-Double-Edge-Safety-Razor-Chrome_p_1029.html



http://www.westcoastshaving.com/Merkur-30C-Black-Double-Edge-Safety-Razor-30011_p_1151.html

I'm liking the Merkur, any reason why I shouldn't go with it?

Does anyone know how long West Coast shipping takes to get to the east coast, assuming they are from the west coast?

 

[Krona Kruiser]

WCS is pretty quick with shipping. Usually 2-3 days within CONUS.

 

[mdmmd]

Any sites in particular anybody can recommend?

Links of particular products would be nice if anyone would take the time.

For any recommendations can you possibly explain why they're a nice and suitable razor for a first timer?

This was the first DE razor I purchased:

http://www.amazon.com/Silver-Double-Shaver-Nonslip-Handle/dp/B0050HO9MI/

It's nothing fancy but it works well and was quite forgiving while I improved my technique. I went with it because I wasn't sure I wanted to use a safety razor. My initial investment totaled $25 which I wouldn't have felt bad about tossing in the trash had I not enjoyed the experience. Turns out I loved it and bought several more razors, both vintage and new, but this one is still in the rotation. Basically I think that if you're sure you're on board with the DE shaving experience, maybe spend a little more on a Merkur or EJ as your first razor but if you're like me and had some doubts, wait to go overboard until after you give it a shot. My opinion FWIW.

 

[keety]

Edwin Jagger DE89 Double Edge Safety Razor, Chrome		$35.00		1		$35.00
	Feather Double Edge Razor Blades		$4.50		1		$4.5

Well this is my order, already paid for it. Sound good?

 

[seattleshaver]

You really should get this as well (you can find it locally easily enough) http://www.drugstore.com/products/prod.asp?pid=155185&catid=196102&aid=338666&aparam=goobase_filler

 

[keety]

I was thinking about buying one cheapie like that. Do they carry them at most stores like Walgreens or CVS, possibly Walmart?

What about everything else in my order, sound alright?

 

[mdmmd]

I do know that my local Walmart has them. Can't speak for Walgreeens or CVS...

 

[mdmmd]

I have the DE89 and love it. Everyone is different but I don't think you can really go wrong with it.

 

[KipNoxzema]

You don't know what kind of blade angle will work yet. I recommend a vintage Gillette Slim or Fatboy adjustable; you can dial in the closeness of the shave with those. I love my '63 Slim. Think about shaving close with it but not too close around the sensitive areas of your face. One that is not adjustable won't do that.

 

[keety]

You don't know what kind of blade angle will work yet. I recommend a vintage Gillette Slim or Fatboy adjustable; you can dial in the closeness of the shave with those. I love my '63 Slim. Think about shaving close with it but not too close around the sensitive areas of your face. One that is not adjustable won't do that.

From the reviews I seen, it seemed it was quite decent to start and a good razor all around for the price.

 

[deruitem]

I would go with a EJ89 or a merkur 1904 closed comb. The merkur has the same head as many others but cost less and I like the short handle too

 

[keety]

I already ordered

Edwin Jagger DE89 Double Edge Safety Razor, Chrome and Feather Blades

 

[OldSaw]

Edwin Jagger DE89 Double Edge Safety Razor, Chrome		$35.00		1		$35.00
	Feather Double Edge Razor Blades		$4.50		1		$4.5

Well this is my order, already paid for it. Sound good?

Excellent choice. DE89 and Feather blade is my favorite combination. I'm also a big West Coast Shaving fan.

 

[keety]

Excellent choice. DE89 and Feather blade is my favorite combination. I'm also a big West Coast Shaving fan.

Alright excited to try it out.

Anyone else feel like commenting on my choice feel free to chime in but I'm also curious as to some good sensitive shaving creams. I'm thinking about getting this http://www.bathandbodyworks.com/pro...654&cagpspn=pla&CAWELAID=901093214&cp=4090263. I'm open to any other suggestions but I thought this would be suitable for the time being without a brush and bowl.