New to single blade razors - looking for purchase advice

[Jimmy7]

Hi folks,

My son and are about to switch away from the multi blade scene, for all the reasons that everyone here is very familiar with. Yet, we're kind of stumped by the incredible complexity of the single blade scene.
Couple that with the number of people who need serious therapy, given there experience with and ownership of several types and brands of shavers and our purchase decision is now harder than ever expected.

I was just about to get a Henson and I was only to decide between which one, leaning towards the AL mild. But now, I'm not sure any longer. I hope that someone can just drop some simple guidance that will set us the right path.

Here's where we stand, my son and I:

• First off, we don't have hard, nor lots of facial hair.
• We shave every 1-3 days, with the most common interval being 2 days and the least common being one day.
• I have a slight mole that is coming up that it is in the shaving path, which I don't want to mess up with. Given their flexibility, the multi blades have not messed with it but maybe once in a few years of use.
• With the multi blades I have ongoing irritation and hard to get hair problems under the chin and further down the neck.
  Using Gillette shaving foam for sensitive skin, no problems there.
• Although this is an obvious issue with the multi blades, I will still mention that it's always frustrating reaching properly the hairs under the nose...
• We like a baby's butt close shave, which is always a bit difficult to achieve with the multi-blades, in certain areas of the face.

Given the above, what would you recommend as a one blade shaver for us?
I will not go into purchasing lots of shavers - just one (and gift one to my son).

Thanks for any advise/ input.
Cheers,
Jimmy

 

[spacemonkey42]

Here's a recent thread on a similar topic that would interest you...

Suggestions for a Beginner (AL13, Bison, Lupo, GC?)

Help, I am looking to buy my first DS safety razor and quickly falling down the rabbit hole. I am looking for a decent starting razor that will give a pleasant low-event shaving experience. But I also really appreciate aesthetics and craftsmanship (which I would also consider part of the...

www.badgerandblade.com

 

[GR5233]

You’re going to get a lot of different answers for this question. I personally like vintage razors. Specifically Gillettes. Won’t go wrong with either a tech, 1946-47 or 1948-50 aristocrat or milord/40s style super speed. As for blades I’d start with a sample pack

 

[Dave himself]

Hi and welcome to B&B. I would also say go with a Tech.

 

[profusion]

I'd recommend a Gillette Super Speed. Any year or variant, really. If you search eBay for "Gillette Super Speed," you'll find literally hundreds of them for sale much cheaper than you could get a brand new razor. There are Chinese knock-offs available under various brand names, but get the real thing.

Many millions of them were made between 1947-85, so many are for sale. The specifications did change a few times over the years, but not in ways that will matter to a beginner. Experienced shavers will debate which version gives a closer/smoother shave, but really the differences aren't that great.

Why a Super Speed? First, they're a mild razor that's easy to shave with. Forgiving of technique, which is important for a beginner to this type of shaving. Second, they're a one-piece razor that's quick and easy to load up with blades. Third, they'll give you a decent shave once you learn good technique. There are other razors that can get closer, but they require a more advanced technique to avoid cuts and irritation.

Even the ones on eBay that aren't in great cosmetic condition (such as the nickel plating between worn) will usually still be good shavers.

 

[JCinPA]

Hooo boy! Welcome!

This being an enthusiast site you will get more suggestions than you can likely handle. And everyone will vociferously defend their favorite recommendations, you can quickly get overwhelmed.

Getting a vintage is fun, but you're left with research and finding one from a reliable eBay seller, and research may not be what you want to do right now. That said, if you want "just a razor" to get started and one that won't break the bank, get one used by many, many people with great results, in other words go with the crowd. Also get a blade that many, many like, also go with the crowd.

If you get interested in experimentation later, you can do that, but if you don't you want to get something you can use for years and years. This is not the only choice, but it is a good choice and reasonably priced. The Edwin Jagger DE89, a razor a great many of us started with. $28 (it's on sale at the moment).

Amazon.com

That razor is medium-to-mild, considered a great learning razor (in that it's fairly forgiving as you learn the technique), and you can shave with it happily, given your description of your shaving habits, for life. I can see you guys getting started and just sticking with your first choice. That's a good one, there are, of course, others, but no real arguments against this razor.

Then, buy 100 of either the Gillette Silver Blue blades, Personna Comfort Coated, or Astra Platinums. Ignore anyone who says they hate these blades, they are in the distinct minority, probably over 80% of the members here could happily shave with one of those even if they like something else more. Again, go with the crowd.

That's all you say you need, you are happy with your shaving cream now. But if you want to have a little fun you might want to try a synthetic brush and a couple of creams, they are not expensive. This Yaqi butterscotch synthetic is $15

Amazon.com

A tube of Proraso Green or Red shaving cream or a tub of Taylor of Old Bond Street Eton College will set you back about $10, $10 and $16, respectively. You might find it really enhances your enjoyment of the shave.

You don't have to make it a hobby, we are a little nuts, I'll admit. But this will get you off to a successful start, I'd wager.

 

[JCinPA]

P.S. While they make great razors, I would not recommend you get a vintage Gillette razor. They are all over the map in terms of level of aggression, ease of use, etcetera, and would require you to do some learning. The Tech, and Super Speed suggested are good suggestions, but say you get a red-tip flare tip razor instead of a blue-tip, you might find yourself with an aggressive razor that is too hard to learn to use. You're not going to be able to evaluate all the suggestions from the hobbyists, which is why I stuck with the Amazon purchase of a known good learner.

If you do want to get a vintage Gillette, though, I'd suggest staying away from open combs, adjustables, and aggressive razors.

• A 1960s vintage Flare Tip Super Speed is a good beginner choice.
• A 1950s or 1960 Blue Tip Super Speed is a good beginner choice, stay away from red-tips.
• A Gillette fat-handled Tech from about any period is a good beginner choice.
• You might like injector razors, too.

But if you just want to solve your problem and get started, I suggest the above from Amazon.

 

[Jimmy7]

I can't believe that I left out the most important part when it comes to my son - he can only use one hand. So, how does the single handed operation change things, when it comes to choosing a razor vs another?

Reading through the responses here (thanks), as well as other threads, I am now considering the DE89 and the Henson AL13+ (although initially I was going for ++). I thought about Rockwell for a bit, but I think that we have to go simple, to start.
Blade wise, what would work best with DE89 or Henson AL13?

 

[SalS]

I can't believe that I left out the most important part when it comes to my son - he can only use one hand. So, how does the single handed operation change things, when it comes to choosing a razor vs another?

Reading through the responses here (thanks), as well as other threads, I am now considering the DE89 and the Henson AL13+ (although initially I was going for ++). I thought about Rockwell for a bit, but I think that we have to go simple, to start.
Blade wise, what would work best with DE89 or Henson AL13?

I have a Henson +++ and had a ++. Blades? I found nothing wrong with the RKs. My favorite blades are Feathers, Perma-Sharps and BICs.

I am right handed and only use that hand shaving.

Your son will love the Henson. Personally I would get the ++ it is a ***** cat to use.

 

[Dave himself]

I can't believe that I left out the most important part when it comes to my son - he can only use one hand. So, how does the single handed operation change things, when it comes to choosing a razor vs another?

Reading through the responses here (thanks), as well as other threads, I am now considering the DE89 and the Henson AL13+ (although initially I was going for ++). I thought about Rockwell for a bit, but I think that we have to go simple, to start.
Blade wise, what would work best with DE89 or Henson AL13?

Using one hand should be no problem. I only use one hand when shaving with a DE razor.

 

[JCinPA]

The Henson is outstanding, I currently use the ++ but the + sounds right given your description of your beards and shaving habits.

I don't know that it matters, but your son may, emphasize may, find it easier to navigate with an injector razor. I learned on this razor from my grandfather many moons ago, but I still have one and use it occasionally. Again, there are vintage versions of it, but that borders on "hobby" stuff, you can confidently pull the trigger on this. Given how often you shave and how long these blades last that's easily a year's worth of blades.

Like the Henson, there is no "chatter" in this because the blade body is thick and it is tightly held in the razor. There is a whole subforum of folks here who use this type of razor.

Amazon.com

 

[StewB]

The Henson and DE89 razors are rather different:

• The DE89 is heavier, while the Henson is made of aluminum and is very light.
• The target market for the Henson seems to be people accustomed to cartridge razors. Accordingly, the Henson needs some pressure to actually cut hair, whereas a more "traditional" DE razor like the DE89 needs a lighter touch.

The Henson seems to have many fans who find it works remarkably well for them, while others find it to be rather "over-hyped" and doesn't work well for them. If you order directly from Henson, they offer a very generous 100 day return window, so it might be worth a shot.

The DE89 has been around a while now, and while it's not yet considered "vintage," it's a good "traditional" DE razor design that many use very effectively on a daily basis. I think it's a good starting DE razor.

 

[JCinPA]

@StewB Makes excellent points. I shave with a Henson myself, and don't consider it an "expensive" razor, although I did get mine with free shipping for Fathers' Day which helped. The money-back guarantee however, makes it no risk. If you don't mind putting up the investment, I'd recommend the Henson as well.

I just wanted to get you some basic, reliable, easy to learn with stuff that didn't break the bank and force you to do research around here. It is economical and a known quantity and often recommended as a starter. But I think the Henson is a better choice. Some find it over-hyped, but not many, percentage-wise, actually. Most users are very happy with it. I'm a very experienced shaver 13 years in with a dozen razors and the Henson is my daily driver right now.

 

[Jimmy7]

OK, so it's between the Henson + and ++. I've just seen this Youtube video and it seems that the difference is minimal.
If the mild is less risky than a medium, while achieving the same BBS with maybe some additional passes where necessary, mild may be a better idea for us. Thoughts? For those who tried both, how'd you position them? Do you agree with the Youtuber's opinion?

 

[Jimmy7]

Hmm, I've just checked the website and I don't see any +, ++ or +++ options. There's only a plan AL13 and AL13M? Is the M the previous ++ or the +++?

 

[rudygu]

Hmm, I've just checked the website and I don't see any +, ++ or +++ options. There's only a plan AL13 and AL13M? Is the M the previous ++ or the +++?

The Al13 is the + And Al13M is the ++. They don’t really sell the aggressive model on their site - they use 3rd party retailers for that.

OK, so it's between the Henson + and ++. I've just seen this Youtube video and it seems that the difference is minimal.
If the mild is less risky than a medium, while achieving the same BBS with maybe some additional passes where necessary, mild may be a better idea for us. Thoughts? For those who tried both, how'd you position them? Do you agree with the Youtuber's opinion?

I own and love all 3 and I’d agree that the difference between the + and ++ is minimal. The ++ is noticeably more efficient and I think it works well with a wider variety of blades than the + so that would be my recommendation for anyone planning to only own one.

You could always get one of each and use their return policy to exchange if you or your son have a strong preference. You may find you like the ++ and he likes the +.

 

[Jimmy7]

The Al13 is the + And Al13M is the ++. They don’t really sell the aggressive model on their site - they use 3rd party retailers for that.

I own and love all 3 and I’d agree that the difference between the + and ++ is minimal. The ++ is noticeably more efficient and I think it works well with a wider variety of blades than the + so that would be my recommendation for anyone planning to only own one.

Do you feel like newbs coming from a lifetime use of multi blade Gillette razors would have a tougher time adapting to the M? Or would they be equally bad, blood letting wise?

I'm also thinking of getting the 100RK blades package for $12.99. Should I, or should I first see how the RK blades work for us? Do they really make a big difference?

 

[rudygu]

Do you feel like newbs coming from a lifetime use of multi blade Gillette razors would have a tougher time adapting to the M? Or would they be equally bad, blood letting wise?

Nah not really. They’re both pretty unlikely to cut you. My advice would be to use only as much pressure as is required to keep the head of the razor on your face while gliding smoothly. I’m not sure you saw this in my edit of my first post, but you may want to just get one of each. You could use their return policy to exchange if you and your son end up wanting the same model.

 

[Tirvine]

As regards the razor, I would go with mild. The Henson sounds like a fine choice but so does a DE89, albeit heavier. As for blades, a pack of Personna Lab Blues or Gillette Silver Blues would be a great start. Ditch the canned foam and try a puck of soap and a brush. Pre de Provence is a great and inexpensive introduction to the joy of warm lather. A small Simpson Chubby in best badger is affordable yet "lifetime" quality. If you start with really good stuff, future purchases will be tweaks rather than blind groping.

I went from a DE89 and Personna Israeli reds and Pre de Provence with a Chubby to an Above the Tie Windsor (mild) with Lab Blues and Martin de Candre and Kent BK4. Do I like this better? Yes. Could I go back? Happily.

 

[Lockback]

Hooo boy! Welcome!

This being an enthusiast site you will get more suggestions than you can likely handle. And everyone will vociferously defend their favorite recommendations, you can quickly get overwhelmed.

Getting a vintage is fun, but you're left with research and finding one from a reliable eBay seller, and research may not be what you want to do right now. That said, if you want "just a razor" to get started and one that won't break the bank, get one used by many, many people with great results, in other words go with the crowd. Also get a blade that many, many like, also go with the crowd.

If you get interested in experimentation later, you can do that, but if you don't you want to get something you can use for years and years. This is not the only choice, but it is a good choice and reasonably priced. The Edwin Jagger DE89, a razor a great many of us started with. $28 (it's on sale at the moment).

Amazon.com

View attachment 1888653
That razor is medium-to-mild, considered a great learning razor (in that it's fairly forgiving as you learn the technique), and you can shave with it happily, given your description of your shaving habits, for life. I can see you guys getting started and just sticking with your first choice. That's a good one, there are, of course, others, but no real arguments against this razor.

Then, buy 100 of either the Gillette Silver Blue blades, Personna Comfort Coated, or Astra Platinums. Ignore anyone who says they hate these blades, they are in the distinct minority, probably over 80% of the members here could happily shave with one of those even if they like something else more. Again, go with the crowd.

That's all you say you need, you are happy with your shaving cream now. But if you want to have a little fun you might want to try a synthetic brush and a couple of creams, they are not expensive. This Yaqi butterscotch synthetic is $15

View attachment 1888669

Amazon.com

A tube of Proraso Green or Red shaving cream or a tub of Taylor of Old Bond Street Eton College will set you back about $10, $10 and $16, respectively. You might find it really enhances your enjoyment of the shave.

You don't have to make it a hobby, we are a little nuts, I'll admit. But this will get you off to a successful start, I'd wager.

I concur with everything that John says. The Edwin Jagger is a simply outstanding razor: a fantastic value, a mild but reasonably efficient razor that's beautifully crafted.
I'll suggest one more option, as if you need them: a Leaf Twig. It uses half of a double edge blades (you can buy them that way or snap your favorite blade in half inside its wrapper). They're excellent razors and very easy to transition to after years of multiblade cartridge razors.