first DE razor--which Merkur HD do I purchase?

[oojack]

Hi, I am new to this forum and to DE shaving. I was about to purchase my first Merkur HD razor right now online at westcoastshaving.com
The problem is that there are so many different HD razors--12C,13C...38C..etc. etc. Which one would you recommend for someone who is starting out and want to keep cuts and nicks to a minimum. Also, I need to purchase a brush, but all the brushes are above &70+. Is there a less expensive brush that is good quality? If I live in Los Angeles will westcoastshaving.com give me the razor in the quickest time? I really would like to start DE shaving!

Thanks!
Jack

 

[michiganlover]

The Merkur HD is officially called the Merkur 34C (or 34G for the gold plated model).

The Merkur 38C is the same razor with a longer handle.

As for brushes, look over here for some lower priced options:

http://www.bullgooseshaving.net/shaving-brushes.html

They also sell the 34C, and 38C if you want to buy everything from one vendor (along with blade samplers, and tons of choices for soaps, and creams).

 

[RichGem]

also worth looking at is the Merkur Classic (can't remember the code number) is a good alternative too. It's lighter than the HD and for that reason, you might like it more. It's also slightly less expensive.

edit: brushes do not have to be expensive... or at least, you don't need an expensive brush. you can get a decent and effective boar brush at your local drug store for very little.

ps: welcome to B&B!

 

[kingfisher]

Buy an Omega boar brush. For less than 20 bucks shipped you'll have a very capable brush.

 

[82R100]

Buy an Omega boar brush. For less than 20 bucks shipped you'll have a very capable brush.

...and West Coast Shaving lists them for $9.00

- Chris

 

[kevtex]

Big hands? 38C
Small hands? 34C

 

[Jarmo P]

The HD handle size is the same length as the flare tip SuperSpeed's. I think it is a fairly standard length. My British Tech from late 60's or early 70's has 8 mm shorter handle, but I can manage just fine with it too.

Main thing in a proper "darts type" shave hold is I think to be able to keep the little finger under the "knob" while having the index finger quite near the razor head. I can't really understand how that is possible with long handle razors like Futur or Vision or Barberpole. unless you have really huge fingers?

I think the people from the time HD and SuperSpeed razors were first used worked in harder jobs than we do today and had at least as big hands as we have now.

The HD is a a quite heavy razor already for a fixed head and that Barberpole 38 razor might be too heavy. Some people, myself included, prefer lighter razors, but I can manage with HD 34 and it is actually my favorite shaver.

 

[le_paulo]

I would also consider the Merkur Progress adjustable if you're a beginner. I made the same series of purchases as recommended in this thread (all of them!!) but came to the conclusion that an adjustable gives me a more comfortable shave and if I want something more agressive, I just dial it up!

Some have reported of QC issues with the Progress but mine was fine.