Okay so if I wanted to get a vintage DE what should I go for? and do you ever come across reconditioned ones? I would like something that would grow with me. My budget isn't a lot I would think £40-£50 at the max... And one last thing can I get such a thing in the UK ( other than flea bay) as I always seem to get hit with import duty. Thanks
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- Thread starter over5feet
- Start date
I would say buy off the BST. If you want a vintage razor I have a couple laying around that i might be willing to sell. Also check Muhle Razors out, I am pretty sure they are based in the UK
Look no further than the b/s/t (buy/sell/trade) forum right here on badger & blade.
Your budget is MORE than enough to purchase several vintage DE's. It is best to choose one razor at first and stick with it for a month or so until you learn how to use a DE properly but after that you should absolutely try a few others to see if you can find one that you absolutely love.
If you want a newly manufactured DE razor (Merkur, Parker, Muhle, etc) there are several vendors that are either located in Europe or will ship to Europe without problems. theenglishshavingcompany.com is the first one that comes to mind but there are many others.
Your budget is MORE than enough to purchase several vintage DE's. It is best to choose one razor at first and stick with it for a month or so until you learn how to use a DE properly but after that you should absolutely try a few others to see if you can find one that you absolutely love.
If you want a newly manufactured DE razor (Merkur, Parker, Muhle, etc) there are several vendors that are either located in Europe or will ship to Europe without problems. theenglishshavingcompany.com is the first one that comes to mind but there are many others.
- Thread starter
- #4
So what would you have and what would the price be? I have looked on BST but they all seem to be across the pond and scared of the duty thing... but I will check the Muhle site thanks
Check out the Buy/Sell/Trade forum. The prices are very reasonable, and you can find just about anything. Many sellers offer to ship international.
As for what to get, you'll get a million suggestions. Since you're asking about recondition ones, check out
https://sites.google.com/site/bobsrazorworks/razor-handles
He makes custom handles and pairs them with replated heads. I have one with the an old Gillette NEW head and Bob's "Improved" handle, a really beautiful razor. Looks like this:
http://picasaweb.google.com/Bobsrazors/RazorHandles?feat=flashslideshow#5430787949296945970
Good luck!
As for what to get, you'll get a million suggestions. Since you're asking about recondition ones, check out
https://sites.google.com/site/bobsrazorworks/razor-handles
He makes custom handles and pairs them with replated heads. I have one with the an old Gillette NEW head and Bob's "Improved" handle, a really beautiful razor. Looks like this:
http://picasaweb.google.com/Bobsrazors/RazorHandles?feat=flashslideshow#5430787949296945970
Good luck!
- Thread starter
- #6
I have a new Merkur Futur but not sure about it
Can you be more specific - what's wrong with it or what would you like to be different about it? Have you used it yet, and if so, what else did you use with it (blade/soap/cream/brush)?
If you can explain what you don't like we can probably recommend 100 different razors that will meet your needs
- Thread starter
- #8
After buying it with no help I am now not sure about it as its just sitting all new like in the box.. after reading some quotes on here about build quality I'm now not sure and other's saying its a bit of a animal I just feel I may of gone the wrong route and keep looking at the older models and think if they have lasted this long that maybe that's the way I should have gone????Can you be more specific - what's wrong with it or what would you like to be different about it? Have you used it yet, and if so, what else did you use with it (blade/soap/cream/brush)?
If you can explain what you don't like we can probably recommend 100 different razors that will meet your needs
Some buyers remorse perhaps? If you don't even like the look of it then check with the vendor on their return policy or sell it on ebay at a slight discount. If you like the look of it give it a try and to heck with what any one else says. The biggest saying on B&B is YMMV (your mileage may vary) the Futur could be the best razor for you but you will never know if it just sits all new like in the box. I have a Merkur 1904 open comb and love it.
Not sure what else you want to hear
If you want something vintage get something vintage, keep the Futur as well or sell/return it. Just decide on the course you want to go and do it. There are no right or wrong paths with shaving but everyone's journey will be different. 
Still not sure why you think you went the wrong route especially if you haven't even shaved with it yet. The Futur is a nice looking piece of gear.
Not sure what else you want to hear
If you want something vintage get something vintage, keep the Futur as well or sell/return it. Just decide on the course you want to go and do it. There are no right or wrong paths with shaving but everyone's journey will be different. Still not sure why you think you went the wrong route especially if you haven't even shaved with it yet. The Futur is a nice looking piece of gear.
When I sell across the pond I charge actual shipping cost which usually comes out to less than $2.50 since the razor is only 3oz in a bubble mailer
- Thread starter
- #11
But how do you about payment and is there any thing you could recommend?
Everything is done by Paypal. You would have to sign up and either link your bank account or transfer money into the account.
- Thread starter
- #13
No problem I have a paypal account
- Thread starter
- #14
Muhle Razors are a dutch company for the record
There should be no import duty if it is under £25, I believe.
Honestly, since you live in GB, you should be looking for a English SuperSpeed, commonly known as a Rocket. They seem to be more plentiful in GB (duh) and they are some of the best razors Gillette ever made. I'd recommend either a Flare Tip rocket or the 40's style, which would be well within your budget. You might have luck finding them at a boot sale, or else on eBay.
See this post for more info.
http://www.theshaveden.com/forum/showthread.php?t=9206
With the budget you have, I firmly recommend a 40's Aristocrat. £40-£50 should buy one in excellent shape from the B/S/T forum, including shipping. This is a can't-go-wrong razor, and the build quality is excellent.
When Gillette ceased production of the Aristocrat/Diplomat/President (they are the same design), they never again produced a *great* razor. Good razors, yes. Great razors, no.
-- John Gehman
When Gillette ceased production of the Aristocrat/Diplomat/President (they are the same design), they never again produced a *great* razor. Good razors, yes. Great razors, no.
-- John Gehman
- Thread starter
- #18
Thanks for all the tips I shall get looking today....If anyone has anything they want to do a deal on please let me know. The Budget is there but if I can get something under budget then I'll be happy man.
Thank you all very much for all your help.
Now for my QUEST..........
Thank you all very much for all your help.
Now for my QUEST..........
- Thread starter
- #19
Thanks for the link must admit I do like the look of these..... So who has a nice rocket to me??????
PM sent 
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