DE razor for Asian facial hair/skin?

[RayL]

Hi all, newly registered to ask this question.

I don't have a thick full beard but just a tad more facial hair than the typical Asian.

Unfortunately enough to necessitate shaving, not enough to forgo shaving and keep a beard.

My early shaving experiences were with a DE that my dad used.

I was looking at the Merkur Futur but the 34C HD comes highly recommended around these parts.

What I'm asking is: Are they overkill if I don't have a thick beard? Should I consider something else?

Thanks in advance, looking forward to ditching my disposables.

 

[Wingnut]

Hi RayL, welcome to B&B!

Congratulations on your decision to see what traditional wet-shaving is all about. It's a decision you will never regret!

In answer to your question, if you have enough whiskers to need to shave, either of those razors will do just fine. If you'd like a new razor that costs a bit less but is every bit as good, then consider the Edwin Jagger DE89: http://www.westcoastshaving.com/Edwin-Jagger-DE89-Double-Edge-Safety-Razor-Chrome_p_725.html. You can also get a vintage Gillette that's build like a tank for around $20 here at our Buy/Sell/Trade forum: http://badgerandblade.com/vb/forumdisplay.php/11-Shaving-Mall-Buy-Sell-Trade.

I'd like to invite you over to the Shave Clinic and Newbie Check-In forum whenever you have a moment. There's a great bunch of folks in there swapping stories and sharing tips and advice. It's a great time, so come on over and join us!

Also, when you get a chance, please head over to our Hall of Fame (located within the Shave Clinic) and tell us all a bit more about yourself. There are links in my signature to areas of B&B of special interest to beginning shavers--perhaps you might like to have a look at them as well. If you ever have questions or run into problems, don't hesitate to post them up. We're a welcoming and friendly group here, and there's always someone around to offer advice or lend a hand.

Enjoy your time here, happy shaving, and once again, WELCOME!!

 

[John Von Wuggz]

The Futur is my razor of choice and it can serve you well. If you're just getting started and don't have to shave often you'll probably find more joy in a cheaper razor while spending the extra money on more creams, AS, etc. Far be it for me to discourage anyone who wants to try a Futur though.

 

[DirtDiver]

As a Caucasian male, I too have Cauc-"asian facial hair" It grows around my lips and on my chin fairly normally, a little bit on the cheeks and neck... nothing really worth mentioning. That being said... I have 6-7 razors, all different and they all work great.

I say, pick one that you like for how it looks, how it feels and that is just plain "your style". You can get one that performs just as good or better for a lot less that the Futur (not that I am trying to sway you from it). I think a good start would be a Slim or Fatboy adjustable, so that you can dial in how aggressive you need it. yet, in my newly acquired experience, the blade is what makes the big difference anyway as the razor is really just a glorified blade holder. I use ASTRA SP or, believe it of not, Shark super chrome... and they both work really well for giving me a close smooth shave with no irritation. Most importantly, do no forego the prep stage thinking you dont really need it for your meager facial hair, you do. Also, work on the lathering... helps tremendously. other than that, Welcome to the forum!

 

[petr]

feather as-d1 of course.

 

[vsingh]

feather as-d1 of course.

+1 Perfect for the Asian Beard. Mild and Smooth

 

[DirtDiver]

feather as-d1 of course.

oh really? CHA-CHING!

 

[Morman Bridge]

Hello, welcome to the worlds premier wet shaving forum. Also welcome to our humble community. I would like to reccomend a vintage Gillette Super Speed. In my honest opinion they are one of the finest DE razors ever produced. Specifically a late 40's Super Speed. Try one and you will see why hundreds of thousands of young menused them to start thier journey through the Traditional Wet Shaving Kingdom. And they are inexpensive. Good luck sir, and God Bless.

 

[rxonmymind]

Coming from the Far East Islands I know what you're talking about. My hair is like wire around my chin and under my nose but thins out from south to north towards my ear. I really liked the Futur as I had it for about a year. The one disadvantage of the Futur is it will never be mild where the slim or Fatboy dialed up to 9 is more than enough for most people if you're looking for aggressive shave. Then dialed down to 3 touch ups and keep in mind loading a vintage Gillette much easier.

 

[Copierguy]

Welcome to B&B.

The least expensive razor to start with would be a Tech. Put a sharp Feather blade in and it could be a heavenly combo for your needs as you state them.

Enjoy your journey.

 

[Chadao]

Here's another vote for the EJ89. Mild, good with a Feather blade, and much more affordable than a Feather razor. Although starting out I would really recommend an Astra blade instead of a Feather.

 

[RayL]

Thanks for the warm welcome and advice, you guys are great. I'll look into the EJ 89, from what I'm reading it seems to be better finished than the Merkur HD.

I have a labret piercing which I have to shave around, I usually use the trimmers on the cartridge blades:

I'm realizing the Futur's head might be too big to maneuver around it ...

 

[Cristobal]

Hello, I am an eurasian (half caucasian half asian) and started wet shaving with a Merkur 34C aka HD. I currently use a vintage Gillette Slim set on 7 and a Feather popular with Personna's. I would say as long as you have got the technique any proper razor would fit.

 

[ichiban-]

I agree with the gillette tech and feather blades. Can't go wrong

 

[RayL]

Thanks everyone. I've been using the EJ 89 with the Derby blades it comes with. All good so far, probably try these Feather blades that you guys keep going on about.

I've been using a 'shaving serum' from Aesop but will look into a soap/brush when I finish it.

 

[DirtDiver]

Thanks everyone. I've been using the EJ 89 with the Derby blades it comes with. All good so far, probably try these Feather blades that you guys keep going on about.

I've been using a 'shaving serum' from Aesop but will look into a soap/brush when I finish it.

I would also recommend a quality cream like TOBS or Proraso (Art of shaving too) as a relatively new guy myself. It can be frustrating at first to build a lather with a soap, and creams mix up effortlessly.

 

[RayL]

Thanks for the tip, I'll look into creams. Was gonna ask what brush you're using but saw your signature.

 

[DirtDiver]

Thanks for the tip, I'll look into creams. Was gonna ask what brush you're using but saw your signature.

I am using the SOC Boar, a Parker Synthetic Badger, a Kent K4 Silvertip, a B&B Boar, and an Omega Boar (not sure of the # on it...)

I like them all for different things/reasons