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New to Safety razors

You might want to consider getting the baseplate you would like and build your own S6. I did this for my wife, getting her the 1/3 baseplate, handle, and top cap.
 
The Rockwell 6c is probably great for under $50. I got a bad copy and ended up returning it and decided to just upgrade to the 6s (same design, different material). If you get one that doesn't have a crooked screw post, then I think you'd be happy with it!
 
I think an adjustable is the best "starter" DE and I recommend looking at the Merkur Progress. Very popular here and one of my favorites still after 17 years or so.
I agree to start with adjustable. I started with a Qshave adjustable, it helped me get use to DE shaving. Finding a comfortable setting helped me find a like non adjustable razor .
 
I think an adjustable is the best "starter" DE and I recommend looking at the Merkur Progress. Very popular here and one of my favorites still after 17 years or so.
I keep going back to my Progress. It gets more use than my DE89, or several vintage Gilettes. It's been in production for over 50 years. It's Zamak, but the chrome plating holds up very well.

A close second to the Progress is the Razorock Lupo Aluminum. There are several Lupo models, with different blade gaps. I'm happy with the smallest gap (= mildest razor). They're all fully machined, with tighter tolerances than Zamak can provide.

All this is personal taste. An adjustable lets you vary the blade gap, and find out what you prefer. You'll only learn that through experience.

. Charles
 
For a nice solid brass razor under $50 (US), the Pearl Blaze might be worth a look. I think the Pearl Hammer is a nice razor as well (also under $50). It might be a little bit more aggressive than the Blaze, but it does come with two different baseplates (safety bar and open comb). If you can spend just a little more, the Parker Variant is a copy of the esteemed Merkur Progress. I think it's about $60. Very good adjustable razor.
 
Another vote here for the Rockwell 6C. It's a brilliant razor; smooth, comfortable, and the different plate options give you a lot of variety. I would also second finding a vintage Gillette adjustable too. Fatboys are the iconic design, but the Slim Adjustable is more elegant, a little cheaper, and (in my opinion) a better shaver than the Fatboy - although both are very, very good. You can find plenty of Fatboy & Slim deals on eBay, Bonanza, and even Facebook, but it's also fun to hit flea markets and antique shops too.

Welcome to the Rabbit Hole!
 
I’ve used nearly all the razors recommended by the previous posters. The Gillette Tech and the Rockwell 6C easy to use and easy to care for razors that provide good, consistent results. I prefer the the Rockwell because it feels heavier and it’s a bit better balanced for my shaving technique. The EJ 89 is also a nice razor and seems to work well for first timers. If you want a true adjustable razor, then I would look for a vintage Gillette Slim. My 1964 works like new and provides a comfortable, close shave. That said, I’ve heard many good things about the Progress. Sadly, I haven’t used a Progress so I can’t offer insights. I have used the Parker Variant. I does a nice job, but I find it a bit bulky. One razor no seems to have mention is the 1940s super speed. I have a 1947 that I picked up for $10 at an antiques store and it gives a smooth no fuss shave every time. Whatever razor you choose, make sure you try a selection of razor blades. Some razors and blades don’t seem to work well together. My Rockwell works well with all the blades I’ve used, with the Slim, Super Speed and Tech not far behind. Hope this helps.
 
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