Wet shaving my whole life, 15 years with a Mach 3. Quite simply, I am tired of the cost of blades and ready to switch to DE. With all the models, brands, etc, hat do I need to look for purchasing a DE? I would like to buy used, what do I need to look for.
Old/New guy, ready to pull the trigger
- Thread starter JDC
- Start date
I don't know what are your preferences in mild/aggressive are.
If you like used than maybe a Super Speed Flare tip or Blue tip. Or a Slim Adjustable.
You can also pick up Merkur 34C or EJ DE89 used. You may want to open "WTB" ("want to buy") sticky on B/S/T.
If you like used than maybe a Super Speed Flare tip or Blue tip. Or a Slim Adjustable.
You can also pick up Merkur 34C or EJ DE89 used. You may want to open "WTB" ("want to buy") sticky on B/S/T.
It appears that JDC is not permitted to post in the B/S/T at this time (post count too low).
JDC, I would say that any of the Gillette Super Speed (SS, Flare Tip, Black Tip, etc), Merkur closed comb (23C/180, 34C, etc), or EJ DE89 razors would be a good starting point. I have a Merkur 20C that I just started DE shaving with and I have been very pleased with it. Watch the B/S/T and you can probably find some reasonable deals pretty quickly...
I now have 2 Slims, a Tech, a long handled Super Adjustable, a Star, a black handled Super Speed, a Feather Popular, and 2 Kronas. Honestly, other than the fact that I am fascinated by the adjustables, and really want to get my hands on any type of TTO out there, I would be happy if the only razor I bought was the Krona.
You probably don't hear much about them on here. They aren't very sexy, and aren't made by Gillette, but they work absolutely wonderfully. I get the best no fuss shaves while using it. I think someone like you, who is new to DE shaving, should go with a Krona. My favorite razor is the most underrated of my collection thus far.
You probably don't hear much about them on here. They aren't very sexy, and aren't made by Gillette, but they work absolutely wonderfully. I get the best no fuss shaves while using it. I think someone like you, who is new to DE shaving, should go with a Krona. My favorite razor is the most underrated of my collection thus far.
I think an vintage Adjustable will be best (if you want just one razor) .. coz you can vary how mild/aggressive it can be. 
The high cost of Mach III cartridges also prompted my switch to DE razors. Since most of us use cost as the justification for getting into wet-shaving, it makes sense to look for an economical first razor. Two of the most common razors that fit that fit that description are the Gillette Tech and the Gillette Superspeed. You should be able to find either of these razors "in the wild" (at a local pawn shop or estate sale) for $10.00 or less. The Tech is a simple design, and in my opinion, less likely to have major issues from previous owners. That being said, looking at and handling a Superspeed should indicate any problems. Make sure the silo doors open and close properly, that the guard isn't bent and is evenly spaced on both sides, and the twist knob on the bottom shouldn't fall off when you open the silo doors all the way. If you're interested in finding a razor online, as others have mentioned the BST is a good place. You might also look at Etsy or Ebay.
Good luck and welcome!
Good luck and welcome!
I agree that a Super Speed would be a good razor for you.
I just started DE shaving about 4 months ago and already own: Gillette Slim, Black Beauty, FatBoy, Progress XL, EJ89 and Fatip. I started with the Progress and then Slim and although I love vintage adjustable razors I think the EJ89 is becoming my favorite (although I just used the Fatip this weekend and it shows a lot of promise). I can see why many recommend a non-adjustable razor to start. Even new the EJ89 isn't expensive and it's nice to have something shiny to start off with. It also seems to work well with many different blades where as my adjustables seem a bit more finnicky.
I'd be glad to send you couple of razors to try out
I was more than happy with my Edwin Jagger DE86 for some time, and then found recently that I wanted to try some different vintage Gillette razors. So far, I have a '58 TV Super Speed, a red tip, a 48-50 Aristocrat, a replated long comb NEW with fat tech handle with a Slim and Schick Krona in the mail. I think my collection is pretty good right now. I'd love to pick up one of the British made Aristocrats or HD Rockets but only at a reasonable price.
I'd say just for a simple low cast shave with no frills (I know its not DE but - ) a type G injector is as simple as it gets.
otherwise +1 on the super speed, a 60's I find is a little milder for a start.
Also don't forget good soap brush and prep is nearly as important, if not more important, than the equipment.
Have fun -
otherwise +1 on the super speed, a 60's I find is a little milder for a start.
Also don't forget good soap brush and prep is nearly as important, if not more important, than the equipment.
Have fun -
So many to chose from. The above razors mentioned are all very nice. You could just get them all to experiment with. 
I'd be glad to send you couple of razors to try out
Now that is being a great member.....
Find a Gillette Slim (adjustable) for around $25 shipped (ebay or here or where ever) and you'll never "need" anything else.
