Can anyone help me choose for my 30th?

[Samg1]

Hi there, just signed up, have been reading through a few posts and reviews and everyone seems a friendly bunch so I thought I'd see if I could get some help.

In December my 30th birthday is coming up, my wife doesn't know what to get me and would like it to be something I can keep. I have been bought a nice watch, pen etc in the past and do enjoy shaving so thought a nice razor would be a good idea.

I'm not too sure on the difference between SE and saftey razors? What I would ideally like is something that moves me away from the cartridge based razor.

I will need to be able to shave my head with this razor as well as face/neck. In general my skin is fine but under my neck, if I shave badly or in a rush can become sore. I have a few (3 or 4) small moles on my head that I occasionally nick or scrap off when shaving my head (which gets done twice a week along with my shave). Currently I use a twin (Gillete Sensor Excel) on my head which is not bad and much better than the Mach 3 which gets totally blocked, but the Sensor Excel still gets blocked and I can only use a cartridge twice. I also find when I go over the same spot a few times to get all hair my head starts to feel quite sore. I use a Mach 3 on my neck and face which seems to not bring my neck up. I use a brush with Body Shop Maca Root shaving foam for both, which seems to be very smooth, but noticed when used on head and it runs in your eyes, stings like crazy.

I do like the idea of something traditional looking, and it doesn't have to be cheap. I'm not sure on what the pricing on these types of razors are, but anything from £50 to £200 would be acceptable so some options would be great. Would like new, as while I'm sure there are some amazing vintage ones to be had, for a gift I believe my wife will want it to be new. Any other recommendations like stands, or cases, luxury brushes and foams would be welcomed too.

Really totally new to this so any advice is really appreciated.
Thanks
Sam

 

[bonusmarple]

For new razors, I would recommend the Edwin Jager EJ8x series. You can find them on many websites, www.royalshave.com, etc.. They are not terribly expensive, but will yield a good shave. Another option is the Mergress on www.leesrazors.com. This is about 70 pounds plus shipping. It is an adjustable and a tank of a razor.

For ebay, you can get the money and wait for a razor to bid on. For a nice one, you may wait a while. I would recommend a Slim Adjustable or an Aristocrat (Gillette adjustable for a search or Gillette aristocrat).

 

[Samg1]

Thanks I'll definitely check these models out. Do you know do people tend to shave their heads as successfully with these types of razor to that of a cartridge based razor? And do they tend to have a wide enough gap to avoid blockages?

 

[Samg1]

Thanks for all the advice guys. I'm going to take a look at them, what's the best place for blades for this razor and any that people like in particular?

 

[Go West Young Man]

First off, check out the stickies at the top of most sections here as well as the good tutorials in the wiki. Those'll help you get a handle on the different terminology and items involved in wetshaving.

Remember that a new razor isn't, by itself, going to make a huge difference in your shave (and might even hurt a bit.) Technique and prep matter immensely with fixed blade razors, whereas with a cartridge you can just wale away at your face without consequence. Read up on good prep and quality products, and you can apply those lessons no matter what kind of razor you end up using.

Oh, and get a blade sample pack. The difference in performance between blades varies to a surprising level, and no two guys react the same way to the same blade.

 

[Samg1]

Thanks for all of the advice. yes I'll definitely take more of a read up on the techiniques as advised as im sure as you have explained i could end up shaving worse without the right knowledge especially since i do my full head too. Are the sample blades packs I've heard referred to just widely available?

 

[Pumpkin]

Hi Sam,

Welcome to B&B!

You could get a Gillette Super Slim Adjustable...this was produced up until the mid 80's so you could get your "birth year" razor. You'd be looking for an A4 date code (4th quarter 1980). The longer handle should help with head-shaving.

Judging from the price range you've given, I'd guess you're in the UK? Go with a DE razor to start with, the blades are easier to source here in the UK than SE blades!

All "traditional" razors (as opposed to modern cartridges) are relatively clog-free...if they start to clog up, just rinse off. You can loosen the mechanism mid-shave if necessary...as long as you remember to re-tighten it!

Soaps and creams: for cream try Real Shaving Co's range...should be available in Boots. Or try Palmolive cream available pretty much anywhere.
For soap, your best option here in the UK is Palmolive sticks...it's dirt-cheap and often overlooked but it's very popular here due to the Tallow content!

For blades: try either dridiot or ntguys they're both members here and great to deal with.

 

[Blue58]

First off, check out the stickies at the top of most sections here as well as the good tutorials in the wiki. Those'll help you get a handle on the different terminology and items involved in wetshaving.

Remember that a new razor isn't, by itself, going to make a huge difference in your shave (and might even hurt a bit.) Technique and prep matter immensely with fixed blade razors, whereas with a cartridge you can just wale away at your face without consequence. Read up on good prep and quality products, and you can apply those lessons no matter what kind of razor you end up using.

Oh, and get a blade sample pack. The difference in performance between blades varies to a surprising level, and no two guys react the same way to the same blade.

+10 .... that means I totally agree with what Go West said.

I personally use a 1940/41 Gillette Aristocrat DE razor for face/neck and head shaving. To solve the nicked mole problem I will put a finger from my free hand on the mole then shave right up to and around my finger so the mole stays put I don't end up with blood everywhere and I have a very pleasant shaving experience.

if I had to assign a percentage to how important these factors are to your shave.... 90% is technique 6% is the soap you lather with... and 4% is the razor you use.

With that said my first suggestion would be for you to read as much as you can in B&B on the shaving techniques used in wet shaving.

You asked what the difference is between the SE and DE razors.. an SE razor simply uses a Single Edge blade and the DE razors use a Double Edge blade. they both operate about the same in that the blade holding portion of the razor opens in some way to allow you to change the bade or if opened just a bit to rinse any clogs out.

oh yeah, Hello, and Welcome to B&B

 

[Samg1]

Fantastic advice from everyone, really one of the friendlier forums of any subject matter that Ive come across. Everyone has given me lots of reading to do and i'm going to have a look at all of the models advised and really take a good look at the technique section. Thanks again.

 

[Barber-Eile]

Welcome along and be aware that there is a learning curve when you first use a DE or SE razor. Take your time and go slowly. Enjoy the shave as using one of these isn't ideal when you are in a rush. But don't worry, you'll enjoy it soon enough and will make the time for a good shave!
Rinse the razor often and if you need to, loosen the doors holding in the blade while rinsing, just be very careful as you do so and be sure to retighten them after the rinse.

Let us know how you get on!!

 

[luvmysuper]

The moles on the head may be an issue with a DE, they are not as forgiving as a cart. You're really going to have to take it easy.

A suggestion might be to get your technique down with the DE on your face and for the time being, continue to use the cart on your head.
Once you get to a comfort level on your face, give the old noggin a whirl.

Then again, after the first time, you may not ever have a problem with moles on your head again.

 

[Blue58]

The moles on the head may be an issue with a DE, they are not as forgiving as a cart. You're really going to have to take it easy.

A suggestion might be to get your technique down with the DE on your face and for the time being, continue to use the cart on your head.
Once you get to a comfort level on your face, give the old noggin a whirl.

Then again, after the first time, you may not ever have a problem with moles on your head again.

OUCH!!!!

 

[Samg1]

The moles on the head may be an issue with a DE, they are not as forgiving as a cart. You're really going to have to take it easy.

A suggestion might be to get your technique down with the DE on your face and for the time being, continue to use the cart on your head.
Once you get to a comfort level on your face, give the old noggin a whirl.

Then again, after the first time, you may not ever have a problem with moles on your head again.

Haha I know I thought that they may disappear with how sharp and less forgiving the DE razors sound. That being said I think your advice of learning on my face and neck first is the best idea. As Ive never used a DE before I do have to say that I not exactly gentle when shaving my head with a cartridge razor, I did it tonight and found that I was quite quick and rough with the stroke and as I was doing it I was thinking to myself, if I did this with a DE Ill probably have no scalp left.

I am though indeed excited to try one out and really master the technique, I was reading about the angle to hold one today and it all seems very technical but I like that and Im sure with time it becomes natural.

I'm am though really unsure on which one to advise my wife to get, I really like the Edwin Jagger look and was thinking maybe this razor:
http://www.theenglishshavingcompany...uble~edge~razors~@b~@r~All|0|user|1,0,0,1|19|


With this badger brush:
http://www.traditionalshaving.co.uk...9/Pure-Badger-Shaving-Brush-Light-Horn/Nickel

But i read a post saying a few people really didn't get on well with them, maybe they will be too aggressive for me. Does anyone know if this type is easy to change and adjust the blade? Is doesn't look like it has one of the twisting adjusters like on the gillettes? Maybe compared to the vintage gillettes it's not a good piece of kit that will last???

 

[Hagbardr]

Then again, after the first time, you may not ever have a problem with moles on your head again.

I have a mole on my neck that's always been a pain to shave around. One of these days I'll load a Feather into my Slim, set it on 9, and take care of it once and for all.

 

[Drubbing]

...
But i read a post saying a few people really didn't get on well with them, maybe they will be too aggressive for me. Does anyone know if this type is easy to change and adjust the blade? Is doesn't look like it has one of the twisting adjusters like on the gillettes? Maybe compared to the vintage gillettes it's not a good piece of kit that will last???

That's only preference talking. I've not used an EJ, but such razors are decent pieces of kit. EJs with fandangly handles have a bit of the bling factor, so cost a bit more.

It's not an adjustable razor BTW, the handle unscrews, and the blade is put in between the base plate and head, as shown in the pic. There's no adjustment to the blade gap. This isn't an issue (unless that's what you were after), plenty of people prefer a fixed blade.

You can get modern adjustables too, but I'd suggest not starting with one. You will never resist the urge to play with different setting, which can slow down learning good technique.

 

[kingfisher]

You might want to stick with the Sensor Excel on the head, and move to a DE for the face and neck, at least for a few months.

If you really want a "new" (as opposed to a vintage) razor, I agree with the other guys that an Edwin Jagger/Muhle or perhaps a Mergress would be a nice choice.

 

[Bit2]

First of all Welcome to B&B!!
Lots of good info here if you are willing to listen.

If you are into head shaving, post a new request so other head shavers will respond.
I believe Hoosier Trooper is one.
Head shaving and face shaving, although similar acts are different beasts and some use different razors.

Good luck,

John

 

[Samg1]

Yup I think the Sensor Excel for the head while I learn the DE is a great idea. 'Bit 2' when you say post a new request for other head shavers, is that just a new forum post or something different. Sorry new to the whole posting on forums thing and was going to set up a new topic to head shavers but thought I check first.

On a different note, the info on this site is great, was just reading about putting on a lather and never knew to put one on first, and then rinse off and re-apply, starting to really like the idea of the 'art of shaving'.

 

[bonusmarple]

Thanks I'll definitely check these models out. Do you know do people tend to shave their heads as successfully with these types of razor to that of a cartridge based razor? And do they tend to have a wide enough gap to avoid blockages?

I have shaved my neck with all of these. I have not had any issues with blockages. I have not read reviews from head shavers but given the thickness of my hair, even on my neck, I do not think you will have an issue.

 

[shawnmaze]

Love your choice of EJ (the Light Horn and Chatsworth make great combo). Just so you know, EJ uses the Mühle head for their razors, so the blade exposure, etc will be the same. It is a great razor! I like the Mühle R89 (Knurled Chrome) for a travel razor. Also, the Chatsworth Barley is great design if you can find it.

The "art of shaving" is really just that. It becomes a hobby. My birthday is December as well and I have been thinking through the gift issue also. But as you consider what you'd like it will be hard to know for sure and you'll inevitably keep wondering about other razors and RAD (razor acquisition disease) can get to you. Few ever get one DE razor and then just live with it. I just sold three great razors myself in an effort to do just that.

Here's my suggestion. Get a vintage Gillette Super Speed and learn to shave with it. It will allow you to learn the skill of reduction and multiple passes (WTG/XTG/ATG) while being more gentle on your face than some of the razors with more open faces. If you can't find one for sell on the forum, PM me and I'll send you one of mine as a loaner

Get a sample pack of blades (you may try here) as they can make a good razor great or a great razor ok. In the end, I think you'll not be disappointed with you EJ razor choice, but you'll enjoy it much more if you take time now to get a jump start on unlearning bad habits from cartridge shaving.

Blessings.