Looking for my first Razor

[joebob2586]

Hello all,

I just posted on the newbie section and was referred to this one to check out my different options with razors. I have sensitive skin that can be prone to acne. I have heard that the merkur 34C HD is a good beginner razor, I was wondering is there really a difference between the razors themselves or is it all in the brand of blade that you choose. Is one razor better than another for beginners and do different skin types require different blade/razor combos? Any info would be appreciated...Thanks.

 

[Dustinl]

joebob,

First of all, welcome to Badger & Blade!!!

Secondly, as far as the 34c goes, yes it a great beginner's razor. I don't think you can go wrong with it. You'll want to buy a blade sampler pack and you will find the blade that works for your skin type as well as what works in the 34c.

Now to complicate things a little, you may want to also try a vintage Gillette for a beginner razor as well. I would highly recommend a Super Speed or a Tech. With that being said, a blade that works great for you in the 34c may not work at all in a Super Speed. You have to try many combinations of blades and razors before you find what yoy actually like.

My daily shaver is a 1963 Gillette Slim set on 5. Luckily for me, my top 3 favorite blades all work well in the Slim.

Good luck on your search for the perfect shave!


DL

 

[michiganlover]

The Merkur 34C, Merkur 38C (34C with a longer handle), a vintage Gillette (Superspeed, or Tech), Edwin Jagger 89L, or Muhle 89 all make a wonderful first choice.

The finish on the Muhle/ Edwin Jagger razors is impeccable by the way!!

 

[moonshine44]

Here's another vote for a Tech or Super Speed...

Welcome!

 

[joebob2586]

thanks for the quick and friendly replies. I think I will check out the for sale section to see if I can find any of these razors at a decent price...next i need to figure out what kind of lather, brush etc.

 

[mdevine]

joebob,

First of all, welcome to Badger & Blade!!!

Secondly, as far as the 34c goes, yes it a great beginner's razor. I don't think you can go wrong with it. You'll want to buy a blade sampler pack and you will find the blade that works for your skin type as well as what works in the 34c.

Now to complicate things a little, you may want to also try a vintage Gillette for a beginner razor as well. I would highly recommend a Super Speed or a Tech. With that being said, a blade that works great for you in the 34c may not work at all in a Super Speed. You have to try many combinations of blades and razors before you find what yoy actually like.

My daily shaver is a 1963 Gillette Slim set on 5. Luckily for me, my top 3 favorite blades all work well in the Slim.

Good luck on your search for the perfect shave!


DL

+1. The SS and tech are great shavers. You can also find them to be inexpensive. Typically 10-20 dollar range on BST. I have multiple razors and the super-speed is still my favorite.

 

[joebob2586]

+1. The SS and tech are great shavers. You can also find them to be inexpensive. Typically 10-20 dollar range on BST. I have multiple razors and the super-speed is still my favorite.

Where should I be looking to find the SS or tech, should I just be waiting for them to pop up on the members sale area?

 

[Dustinl]

Where should I be looking to find the SS or tech, should I just be waiting for them to pop up on the members sale area?

That's what I would do. Start with BST. If have antique shops in your area, that would be good as well.


DL

 

[joebob2586]

now to add to my level of confusion...After I get my razor and sample pack of blades, whats next...brushes, mugs? Also Im am very cautious with what I put on my face because it is so sensetive and many things cause it to break out...especially anything with lanolin in it...so creams, soaps? I seem to be getting overwhelmed.

 

[Schaefo]

here's another vote for a tech or super speed...

Welcome!

+1

 

[Dustinl]

now to add to my level of confusion...After I get my razor and sample pack of blades, whats next...brushes, mugs? Also Im am very cautious with what I put on my face because it is so sensetive and many things cause it to break out...especially anything with lanolin in it...so creams, soaps? I seem to be getting overwhelmed.

I wouldn't shell out a bunch of bucks on a brush initially. I hear one of the best values is Tweezerman which can be bought from ebay for around $15. Don't discount boar brushes either. One of my favorite brushes is an Omega that I paid under $20. I use it at least 3-4 times a week.

But to answer your question, a brush should be your next purchase. VDH soaps are available at Walmart and make excellent lather. If I am not mistaken, most of the vendors that we deal with do not put lanolin in their soaps. I could be wrong.


DL

 

[misterrachel]

I started DE shaving back in November and went with the 34C originally. It's an excellent shaver, but too heavy for a newbie IMHO (I got a lot of razor burn while I was learning).

I switched up to a SS and WHAT A DIFFERENCE! From there I migrated to a Fatboy, but I've sinced returned to the good old SS. It's just an excellent shaver for newbs and the experienced alike.

Regarding creams, soaps, etc... If you have sensitive skin, I've found that Nancy Boy is excellent.

Good luck and welcome!

 

[joebob2586]

Just got a super speed, so next on the list is the sample blade pack and the other essentials

 

[Dustinl]

Just got a super speed

Sweet!



DL

 

[SkodaMart]

I personally recommend the Merkur 23c Long handle classic, I found the handle on the 34c waaay too short!

 

[DizzyArnaz]

joebob,

First of all, welcome to Badger & Blade!!!

Secondly, as far as the 34c goes, yes it a great beginner's razor. I don't think you can go wrong with it. You'll want to buy a blade sampler pack and you will find the blade that works for your skin type as well as what works in the 34c.

Now to complicate things a little, you may want to also try a vintage Gillette for a beginner razor as well. I would highly recommend a Super Speed or a Tech. With that being said, a blade that works great for you in the 34c may not work at all in a Super Speed. You have to try many combinations of blades and razors before you find what yoy actually like.

My daily shaver is a 1963 Gillette Slim set on 5. Luckily for me, my top 3 favorite blades all work well in the Slim.

Good luck on your search for the perfect shave!


DL

The Tech is a great starter razor. I used one for the first couple of months of DE shaving. I would also suggest the Edwin Jagger razors...the head on the DE87 and DE89 is the same, and very similar to a Tech (3 piece model, relatively low blade exposure).

 

[Uncle Erik]

I'd also go with the EJ DE89L as a first razor. After going through quite a few razors, the DE89L has emerged as one of the top two or three I own. The best part is that they're still in production and the prices are more than fair for the quality that you get.