Help finding a good DE Razor

[oldhickory]

I've been holding off getting a DE razor mostly because I'm not sure how to go about getting one. Unfortunately, I don't have a shop within about 90 miles which sells DE's. I am hesitant to get one off the web because I don't know what to look for. So as a guy who is looking for his first DE, how do I go about deciding which razor to get

- How can I tell if a razor is mild or agressive
- Whats the deal with a comb or no comb
- What separates a $100 DE from a $35 DE.
These are all questions that I've been trying to find the answer for. Is there a good place anyone knows to get a down and dirty on how to shop for DE's. I'd hate to order one off the internet for $50+ just to find out it isn't at all what I need.

 

[kingfisher]

If you're not sure you're going to stick with DE shaving and just want to try it out to see, you might want to start with a cheap vintage Gillette. You could pick up a Tech or a Superspeed for less than $20. Or try a Schick Krona. Similar to a Superspeed but with a longer handle and slightly milder.
You could post a WTB in the Buy/Sell/Trade subforum after you have met the requirements for that subforum.
If you buy something you don't like, you can usually sell it for a minimal loss.
Good luck.

 

[oldhickory]

If you're not sure you're going to stick with DE shaving and just want to try it out to see, you might want to start with a cheap vintage Gillette. You could pick up a Tech or a Superspeed for less than $20. Or try a Schick Krona. Similar to a Superspeed but with a longer handle and slightly milder.
You could post a WTB in the Buy/Sell/Trade subforum after you have met the requirements for that subforum.
If you buy something you don't like, you can usually sell it for a minimal loss.
Good luck.

Thanks. I see youre from Chesapeake. I'm in Williamsburg. Are there any shops around here to get Wet Shaving supplies. I haven't been able to find any

 

[tadas]

Send me your address via PM, and I will send you your choice of a shave-ready user-grade Gillette Tech, a user grade Gillette SuperSpeed, or a Lord L6. The Tech is well known to be a mild razor, the SuperSpeed is a tad more aggressive, and the Lord is a clone of the Merkur-type head and is the most aggressive of the three. I spent 25 years shaving with a superspeed before I discovered this hobby... (note - I'll pay postage in the USA only).

 

[Seisxdm40]

Well first of all, welcome to B&B! I'm not entirely sure how much research you have done so far as it pertains to wet shaving and DE razors. For me, I did lots of research on here and read reviews on different razors before purchasing one online (I don't have any shops around here either). I went with the EJ DE89L and a sample pack of blades. It took a lot of practice and patience, plus trial and error before I have become very comfortable with wet shaving. Now I look forward to it every single day, even though I still have my "bad days". If you haven't already, please start here before purchasing anything. This forum is chock full of great advice and experienced shavers that will help you through your endeavors. Just remember, have patience. Kingfisher has a good point, purchasing a Vintage Safety Razor from the auction sites (such as Ebay) is a great way to find out if you'll even enjoy it. I just purchased a 40s Gillette Superspeed for under $7 (including shipping), but more just to add to my collection. It's not ALL about the razor/blade either, you'll need a nice brush, cream/soap and maybe even some aftershave. Don't forget about the beard prep as well, like I said earlier do some research and read up on the forums here before buying.

 

[Seisxdm40]

And to add to that, you might want to start with a combed razor. Open comb tend to be more aggressive...they like to bite!

 

[alex2363]

Send me your address via PM, and I will send you your choice of a shave-ready user-grade Gillette Tech, a user grade Gillette SuperSpeed, or a Lord L6. The Tech is well known to be a mild razor, the SuperSpeed is a tad more aggressive, and the Lord is a clone of the Merkur-type head and is the most aggressive of the three. I spent 25 years shaving with a superspeed before I discovered this hobby... (note - I'll pay postage in the USA only).

I can add 10 Astra blades to this generous offer. PM details.

 

[Feather99]

I would suggest that you should try Edwin jagger 89 thats the best first razor out there that everyone talks about great shaver great starter almost no techniques required and you can get new razor for $35.its my one of favorite razor all time.

 

[Jeff_H]

I can add 10 Astra blades to this generous offer. PM details.

And I'll add 5 Bic Chrome Platinum's and 5 Gillette 7'Oclock Blues. PM me details also.

 

[pantsonfire]

Very Kind Gents!

FWIW...I'd lean towards the Tech...nice and mild...when I first started I was all over what I thought looked the coolest But at the end of the day, settled on giving the Tech a go and haven't looked back..it just works!

 

[dyerjp]

I learned on a EJ89L, therefore, everybody else should too.