Noob seeking help

[slush]

Hi everyone, I've just found this site after researching safety razor gear for several hours. I've decided to finally make the jump to safety razors from awful 5-blade razors.

I could really use some help deciding on all the gear that I need to buy and I hope some of you could shed some light on what I should get. I apologize if this type of thread has been done to death already, but I have been reading reviews for hours and still haven't committed to anything.

I'd like to spend under $100 if possible. I also found this gift set which seems to have everything I need, but is it a good deal?

http://www.amazon.com/Shaving-Merku...ef=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=hpc&qid=1285359300&sr=1-1

Ideally, could any of you take the time to put together a total starter kit of all the things I need? (Razor, blades, brush, soap, stand(?))
Also, is spending the extra money for a heavyweight razor worth it?

I've mostly been looking at products from Amazon because of the free 2-day shipping for students.

 

[takeshi]

I could really use some help deciding on all the gear that I need to buy and I hope some of you could shed some light on what I should get.

That's always a tricky question and I don't really feel qualified to answer it. I haven't used the Merkur 34C. I have used the 38C. I'd say I prefer Edwin Jagger's DE89L over the 38C but YMMV.

I'd like to spend under $100 if possible. I also found this gift set which seems to have everything I need, but is it a good deal?

http://www.amazon.com/Shaving-Merku...ef=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=hpc&qid=1285359300&sr=1-1

If the pieces are what I think they are it doesn't seem like a bad deal:
http://www.westcoastshaving.com/Merkur-34C-Heavy-Duty-Safety-Razor_p_31.html
http://www.westcoastshaving.com/Col-Conk-Chrome-Safety-Razor-Stand_p_44.html
http://www.westcoastshaving.com/Col-Conk-Chrome-Shave-Cup-917_p_117.html
http://www.westcoastshaving.com/Shaving-Soaps_c_16.html

WCS doesn't seem to carry the same brush but the pieces above total $82.

I've mostly been looking at products from Amazon because of the free 2-day shipping for students.

Be aware that the set you linked to isn't eligible for Prime (usually a factor for the free 2 day shipping).

Also, is spending the extra money for a heavyweight razor worth it?

Worth is always subjective. It's even more so with wet shaving products. I don't think any of us can answer that for you though.

 

[Bloomey]

That set looks pretty good but keep in mind that you will also need to get a styptic pencil/alum block to sort out nicks and cuts, your also gonna need some sort of post shave treatment like skin food or proraso pre/post. I found that these were absolutely essential as although the shave was excellent I did have a few nicks the first couple of times and I needed something to reduce the redness on my neck too.

Would suggest that the stand isn't important if your starting out, I just use a cheap plastic holder for my brush. Would also suggest that you don't use a soap if your starting off, its your choice of course but cream is easier to get a decent lather, perfect your technique and then go for a soap. I'd go with a reasonable cream. something like kiss my face (cheap in the usa) proraso (this also is branded as c.o. bigelow in bath and body works) and if there is a rite aid near you I'd suggest looking at real company shaving cream.

I can't really put together a definitive list for under $100.00 as I live in the UK but there are plently of decent people from the USA on here that should be able to help you.

Hope this is of help to you

 

[guitar2mw]

Hello and welcome to B&B! That set up would do you fine (Merkur makes a great product), although there may be even cheaper ways of obtaining your equipment. Before you buy anything, try asking an older relative if they have (or know of anyone that has) an old DE. You might be surprised at what you'll find. I use an old 1960's Gillette SuperSpeed DE that belonged to my father. I had no idea that he owned one... until I asked. You can use any old coffee cup for a mug, and you can pick up cheap (but quality) brushes, such as Vulfix, for very little cash.

If your search fails to turn up any old family heirlooms, then go for it. I'm just looking at this from a penny-pincher's perspective. I use Van der Hagen Deluxe soap. I get excellent results from it, and it only costs $1.50 at any Wal-mart. For blades, I usually use Wilkinson Swords or American Personnas (both of which can be picked up at a local Wal-mart as well... about $1.75 for a pack of 10).

Also be sure to check out mantic59's videos on youtube. They are packed full of useful information for any beginning wet-shaver. Good luck!

 

[Saturn]

Start here:
http://wiki.badgerandblade.com/index.php/Getting_started_wetshaving

That kit doesn't look bad, but if you're really interested in getting the most for your money, you can probably do better by choosing out components for yourself.

Commonly recommended items for newbies:
Razor: Merkur 34c (HD) or Edwin Jagger DE89L. Vintage Gillettes are popular recommendations as well, especially the Super Speeds and the Tech. Scan the BST or post in the WTB section and you're sure to get a good deal.
Blades: Go with a sampler pack from west coast shaving, bull goose, or some other vendor that offers it. Blades can differ substantially across brands, so this is the best way to find out what works for you.
Soap/Cream: Anything that lathers easily and effectively and is relatively affordable. Proraso, TOBS, Tabac, Cella. Many other good choices.
Brush: Not sure on this one. The C&E best badger brush used to be highly recommended, but I think it's not available anymore (?)
Stand/bowl: Not really necessary to buy a specialized razor stand or lather bowl.

Don't forget about aftershave!

As for whether a heavy razor is worth it, no easy answer to that. Some guys prefer heavier razors, others don't. Once you get a good razor to start with, you'll get a feel for if you'd prefer something more weighty.

Amazon is good, but B&B vendors are better. They are great people to deal with, know their products intimately, and often throw in free samples!

 

[slush]

Thanks for the replies everyone!

I still can't grow a thick beard and I never get razor burn even with the 5-blade razors. Do you think I'll still need an after-shave lotion/gel?

 

[media]

You can get into this for under $100 easily. Here are my suggestions:

Merkur 23C - Good basic razor.
Omega 49 - Great starter brush, Boar.
Tweezerman Brush - Another great starter brush, if you want to go Badger.
Proraso Cream - Easily latherable, great cream overall. I use it at least once a week still.
Proraso Post - Fits the theme, extremely soothing, and will last for years on 1 jar. I've had mine a year, use it three times a week, havent even gone through a 3rd of it.

All of these products are available on amazon.

Maybe pick up some adidas dynamic pulse splash from rite aid. good stuff, very LIGHT scent.The best brand to start off would be Shark blades. Extremely cheap and give great shaves. You can also buy samplers, but they throw in 10 crappy blades, 3 are worth going back to in my experience.

 

[Cheesehead Transplant]

I have a Gillette Black Tip Super Speed I don't use that I can PIF to you. It's not a pretty razor but it is user grade. If you PM me your address, I'll mail it to you on Monday or Tuesday along with some Shark Blades.

 

[slush]

Thanks for those recommendations.

I was going to ask about brushes, since most people say it's arguably the most important component. Will the Omega 49 and Tweezerman brushes both last a decent amount of time?

 

[danparker77]

Welcome to B&B, glad you found us. Gentlemen's Best has a great starter kit with everything you need to get started and see if you like traditional shaving. All for 24$ shipped. I wish I would have known about it when I started.

 

[Saturn]

I still can't grow a thick beard and I never get razor burn even with the 5-blade razors. Do you think I'll still need an after-shave lotion/gel?

Some type of aftershave is always desirable, but it doesn't necessarily have to be expensive or even be labeled "aftershave". Two popular post-shave products are witch hazel (Thayer's, especially) and an alum block, both of which can be gotten for cheap.

 

[slush]

I just remembered that I have some Armani Code after shave lotion that I've never used. Would this work or is that something entirely different?

 

[Luc]

Welcome to B&B!

That aftershave will work, it's aftershave. If you like it, that's all that matters...

 

[slush]

Thanks for all the help everyone.
I've pm'ed Cheesehead Transplant about his Gillette Black Tip Super Speed.

I can't wait to get started!

 

[Skrymr]

don't be afraid of the Parker razor. I got one that I started off with, and then passed it on to my son. He is still using it, and loves it. It was a good start for me too, I've just moved on to vintage razors.

 

[FL shaver]

That kit doesn't look bad, but if you're really interested in getting the most for your money, you can probably do better by choosing out components for yourself.

If I were to set myself up all over again, here's how I would spend my $100:

- EJ DE89L (maybe because it is just different from the Merkur 34C I started with!)

- Truefitt & Hill sample pack

- George F. Trumper sample pack

- blade sample pack (Feathers, Astra SP, Crystals, Red Israeli Personnas...)

- C&E BBB (or EJ BBB)

Shoot! I think I'm at $100 now. I would go with a couple of cheaper but well known and liked soaps/sticks, maybe, instead of the sampler packs, such as Cella, Proraso, Arko, Palmolive, Speick. Man, there is so much great stuff out there! Enjoy whatever you get!!

 

[Psicko]

I started with a vintage Gillette. Free from grandpa, used.
blade sampler pack on westcoast shaving $10
puck of VDH 1.50
Col Conks badger brush $20
nivea after shave cream 4.00
styptic pencil $1.50

I think the only thing I do different now is use alcohol free witchhazel for aftershave. You can do stuff on the cheap side, or the more expensive side, or anywhere between.

 

[rsaltonstall]

Welcome to B&B.

Everyone above has given you good advice.

What I would do is get a few soaps and creams with the money you have saved. Since creams are easier to lather, you should concentrate on those for the time being, and then branch off to more soaps if you so desire. Check out West Coast Shaving, Bullgoose, Shoeboxshaving for a wide array of creams and soaps for you to choose.

Also, remember that price does not always mean better quality.