Please help me choose my first DE razor

[Myosin]

Hello everyone

I am about to order my very first DE razor and up in the air on what razor to order.

I want to order from Westcoastshaving so I can get the razor sampler pack with all the different blades.

For my first razor I would really like to have the 34c. I want to keep everything very basic for my first order and upgrade later on.

The 34 is out of stock, but the 11c appears to be identical to it except that it has an open comb.

Is open comb not newbie friendly or should I wait for the 34c to be restocked? I am on the fence between waiting for the Merkur 34c or just getting the 11c.

Looking at the reviews of the 11c with a feather blade in it, there is barely any blade exposure sticking past the combs. Is that a good or bad thing?

My budget for my first shave set is $100 for the cream, brush, blades, and razor. Trying to keep the razor ~$35. I have everything else picked out but the razor.


Other stuff I am getting
ToBS rose cream
omega pure badger brush
DE blade pack with everything


Thanks for the help

Edit: I have read the sticky and I know it recommends the progress to beginners, but that is both out of my price range right now and seems a little much for me.

 

[Masterblaster]

Check out the Merkur 33C. I beleive that the head is pretty much the same as the 34C but the handle isn't quite so hefty. It costs less too !

Although both Merkurs are great razors, you may want to start with something milder like a vintage Gillette Tech or SS razor. When I started my Merkur cut me up quite a bit until I got the hang of it. My milder razors worked much better.

 

[DrColossus11]

I'd vote for an Edwin Jagger, but they don't sell them at West Coast.

 

[Darjeeling Express]

A vintage Gillette is a wonderful recommendation. An undated Super Speed from the late 40's, pic courtesy of Achim

http://www.mr-razor.com/Rasierer/One-Piece%20solid guard bar/1947 Super-Speed with Speedpak.JPG

or a Fat Handled Tech

http://www.mr-razor.com/Rasierer/Tech/1946-1950 Tech-Gold beschriftet Logo.jpg

 

[Easttexasman]

+1 get a vintage superspeed

Paul

 

[DunEdinRanger]

Why not go for the Barber Pole version of the same razor? It is just a longer handled version of the HD, with great balance and heft.

 

[pauls51]

+1 for a vintage superspeed or Tech....But if you want to go brand new, you can't go wrong with the 34C

 

[thecoalition]

tbh I think you should pick up a vintage ss or fatboy just to make sure you like shaving with a DE. If you don't you can just PIF or sell it to someone.

 

[DunEdinRanger]

tbh I think you should pick up a vintage ss or fatboy just to make sure you like shaving with a DE. If you don't you can just PIF or sell it to someone.

I respectfully disagree. My experience with the Techs and Super Speeds is that they don't cut stubble nearly as well as the Slant, Futur, or even the Jagger DE89L.

I have a Fat Boy and a Slim, and the Slim consistently delivers better, smoother, closer, longer lasting shaves.

Of course, YMMV, but t wanted to the OP to be aware that some folks don't get great shaves from those razors.

 

[Myosin]

Glad that there were two people that actually read my post between the two razors I want.

Thanks Master and Dun

 

[umm_bacon]

Honestly I don't think it matters much at all. Get what you think you would like. While there are differences in razors, as long as you get something you are excited to use and you take some time practicing technique, you should be good to go. Open comb might be a bit much for a first razor, but I started with a straight and then worked down without problems, so just do what feels good. Peace. Welcome.

 

[DunEdinRanger]

Glad that there were two people that actually read my post between the two razors I want.

Thanks Master and Dun

You're welcome. And to answer the question of the Open Comb, it does take some time to get used to. For a first razor, just going into DE Shaving, I would try the Barber Pole version of the 34c.

That said, if your stubble is thick, and fast growing, the open comb, in the long run may be a better choice. BUT it will not be as forgiving as the 34c/38c of n00b mistakes.

Good Luck!!

 

[Myosin]

Honestly I don't think it matters much at all. Get what you think you would like. While there are differences in razors, as long as you get something you are excited to use and you take some time practicing technique, you should be good to go. Open comb might be a bit much for a first razor, but I started with a straight and then worked down without problems, so just do what feels good. Peace. Welcome.

Thanks bacon.

It seemed like all the razors are so specialized that if I didn't get the right one I would basically be out however much until I traded or sold it.

 

[Myosin]

You're welcome. And to answer the question of the Open Comb, it does take some time to get used to. For a first razor, just going into DE Shaving, I would try the Barber Pole version of the 34c.

That said, if your stubble is thick, and fast growing, the open comb, in the long run may be a better choice. BUT it will not be as forgiving as the 34c/38c of n00b mistakes.

Good Luck!!

Thanks again for the help

From what I have read the only difference between the 33c and 34c is the weight and handle thickness of the handle.

Does this make that much of a difference?

I have shaved with a fusion for years now and I get extremely smooth shaves with no irritation and haven't cut myself since I started shaving if that says anything about my facial hair and skin sensitivity and how careful I am.

 

[bowlturner]

34C is worth the wait if your new to DE shaving. Price is right. Balance is right. I would not use the Merkur blade, if it comers with one. Get something better.