My first shave with a Tech

[justinp]

Alternative title: Whose idea was it to recommend Merkur HD's to noobs?

I just shaved with a vintage fat-handle Tech--the second razor I've acquired, after the aforementioned HD-- for the first time, and it was literally the best shave I've ever had. Smooth, gentle, close and comfy. Certainly a DFS, a few spots aren't BBS but then they never are. Don't know what more I could ask for!

Wayyyy easier and more forgiving than the HD! Noobs: Get a Tech!

 

[michiganlover]

My first DE razor ever was a Ball End Tech, and it was excellent to cut my teeth on.

I still quite frequently use a Tech.

The recommendations for newbies are usually Tech/Superspeed, EJ/ Muhle DE89L/R89, and Merkur HD. Of those choices, I think the Merkur HD is the least desirable.

 

[Luc]

I used a Tech when I started too but prefer the SuperSpeed... Good work on the shave!

 

[steveclarkus]

Start looking for a pre WWII Tech. It has triangular holes in the bottom plate and the top of the bottom plate is flat rather than curved. They are a bit more aggressive than the later Techs and are just as comfortable. The Tech is a great razor.

 

[Zephyr]

It's not much else to say than that a Tech is a exellent shaver, there's a reason so many of us got one.

 

[Absolute Mustard]

Us newbs prefer unused razors

 

[michiganlover]

Us newbs prefer unused razors

Maybe you prefer to not have a vintage razor, but don't think that is the preference of most of the board.

Considering how fast certain vintage razors sell on the B/S/T most members don't have any issue with using an all metal razor that can be easily sterilized for usage.

Fact is, vintage razors tend to be much better built than their current production counterparts.

 

[FL shaver]

I went from HD to Tech and although I got a great irritation free shave with the Tech, I'm glad I started with the more aggressive HD. The differences became immediately apparent after trying the Tech. The Tech is a little too mild for me. Having said that, I've already dedicated the first week of November to my Tech and an SP! Do you have any other razors in mind?

 

[Mr.Maduro]

My Father In Law just scored me my second Tech at a flea market today for $1. He also got a Gem ?? SE for $1 also.

 

[luvmysuper]

Us newbs prefer unused razors

We didn't get the memo that you were selected as their spokesman.

Maybe you prefer to not have a vintage razor, but don't think that is the preference of most of the board.

Considering how fast certain vintage razors sell on the B/S/T most members don't have any issue with using an all metal razor that can be easily sterilized for usage.

Fact is, vintage razors tend to be much better built than their current production counterparts.

Well said, and pretty much sums it up.

 

[HoosierTrooper]

Everyone should have at least one Tech in the arsenal. Just a great no frills razor.

 

[craig87c]

My Father In Law just scored me my second Tech at a flea market today for $1. He also got a Gem ?? SE for $1 also.

Is that flea market in Brooklyn?!

 

[Kcaps]

Techs are great, that's for sure. I was glad I used a heavier razor when I started because it was a lot easier to learn not to apply pressure with a razor with heft. My tech is just too light to make learning easy. I am using a ton of different razors these days and techs can deliver a great shave!

 

[Blaser0217]

Techs are great, that's for sure. I was glad I used a heavier razor when I started because it was a lot easier to learn not to apply pressure with a razor with heft. My tech is just too light to make learning easy. I am using a ton of different razors these days and techs can deliver a great shave!

I had the opposite experience. I started with a Parker 80R, which was heavier than my Tech, and I found the Tech much easier to control. After I picked up the Tech I realized the Parker was a bit unwieldy. I found I was able to concentrate better on angle and pressure with my Tech when I wasn't wrestling the razor. Just my two pennies.

 

[Absolute Mustard]

Maybe you prefer to not have a vintage razor, but don't think that is the preference of most of the board.

Considering how fast certain vintage razors sell on the B/S/T most members don't have any issue with using an all metal razor that can be easily sterilized for usage.

Fact is, vintage razors tend to be much better built than their current production counterparts.

No doubt, and maybe I will venture into that realm someday...

I am still in the boat of being a little less than comfortable with using an old razor (and or brush)

I am used to using a new razor all the time with cartridges which is vastly different from the DE world of shaving...hence my comment that newbs may be a bit apprehensive

 

[Kcaps]

I had the opposite experience. I started with a Parker 80R, which was heavier than my Tech, and I found the Tech much easier to control. After I picked up the Tech I realized the Parker was a bit unwieldy. I found I was able to concentrate better on angle and pressure with my Tech when I wasn't wrestling the razor. Just my two pennies.

YMMV in its truest sense!

 

[talbotdale]

At the moment it feels like I have come full circle. I, like many before me, started with a Merkur HD. After a few weeks of rough shaves I bought a Fat Handle Tech, mostly because I liked the look of it and it was inexpensive. I loved the shave with the tech for several months. Now, though, I am back with the HD as my regular shaver, and I am getting a smooth, comfortable BBS shave every morning.

Someone put it best when they said that bad technique with an HD may end up with a few nicks, while bad technique with a Tech will end up with stubble. I still think the HD gives you more clear feedback about whether or not you are using good shave technique, but I am in no way getting rid of my Tech. I am sure I will pulling it back out very soon.

Tal

 

[njones0100]

My first DE was a travel tech ball end I picked up at an antique store for $9. I was pretty disappointed after I dropped $35 on my HD. The tech is the razor I use the most. I get great shaves without trouble.

On a side note, I think the HD gaurd steals a lot of soap.

 

[xjrob85]

I absolutely love the Tech! Somehow I wound up with eight of them.
I also love the Merkur HD. The Merkur was my first razor and the ball-end Tech was my second.
I must have done something right because out of all my razors, these are the two that I use the most. The only other razor I would never part with is my Slim. I have several of those too.

I think both the Tech and the HD are excellent beginner razors, but I think you will learn better technique by using the HD. The Tech is wonderful, but it is so forgiving that it may lead to difficulties down the road. Unless you never plan on using anything besides the Tech. In that case you will be fine.

 

[Laz]

I started off the the HD as well (and suggested that other noobs should buy one too). It was also one of my first razors that I gave away. I wouldn't recommend it now, but I didn't regret my purchase. I can understand the appeal - It is new, shiny and the heft feels great in your hand.