Calling all Tradere razor owners about its aggressiveness

[rand77]

Anyone know if this razor is OK for a newbie? I'm a bit concerned that it will be too aggressive for me. I would absolutely love to buy this razor right now if I can handle it.

I've only shaved successfully Feather Popular and Edwin Jagger DE86. I get great shaves with no irritation, but to be fair these are supposedly very mild razors. Please let me know you think.

 

[itsmedave]

I say give it a shot if you'd like, but first I'd give two Vintage Open Combs a shot to see how you like them. Track down an Old Type and a Gillette New and give both a few shaves. To me, the Tradere is square in the middle of those two. It's not as aggressive as an Old Type and more aggressive than a New. Hope that helps.

 

[Rob72]

Definitely a "YMMV" question, unfortunately. I can't say any of the Gillettes compare, for me. A Gem 1912 with a new blade is close, and the angle is similar. I guess the concensus Dave & I might have would be to try either the 1912 SE, or an OT, whichever you can find first/cheapest/loaner, and see how you feel with it.

Actually, if you want to try a Gem, shoot me a PM, and I'll send you a clean user-grad & fresh Gem PTFE blade to play with.

I'm running my Tradere with a Feather blade, which may be part of my cautionary take on things, so my personal experience is still developing...