Please help me to choose a DE razor and blades.

[bc4ao4]

I am quite young man and I am going to buy my first DE razor. Please help me to choose the best for me. I also read the "The DE Buyers Guide...."(2005), but maybe there are some new good models for sale too (the Merkur Classic seemed really nice too).

I have a little sensitive skin and on the average thick beard. I'd like to shave quite quickly, but I don't want any wounds.

price: not too expensive, but decent
size: everything for average size man
much comfort
average closeness
few irritation
easy to use (I don't have to know some super hard techniques).
It must be on sale in the internet or in the UK.

Which blades and DE razor would be good for me?

 

[pz93c]

Something vintage with a blade sampler pack.

Lots to choose from, most on the cheap.

Blades are a personal thing and you'll find yours.

 

[Easttexasman]

I highly recommend a 1950's Super Speed and get a blade sampler so you can figure out what blade works best for you.

Paul

 

[David6Eagle]

In my opinion, a vintage Gillette Tech would suit your needs. Ditto on blade sampler pack.

 

[the beav]

I'd go with a Super Speed or the Rocket, which is the UK version of the Super Speed. That's pretty much the standard and a good razor to judge everything else by. Some people try Techs and find them too tame, then they have to upgrade soon after.

 

[edutton]

I like the Gillette Slim Adjustable because of its flexibility in aggressiveness settings. But, adjustable razors are not typically recommended for newbie wet shavers. If you have been wet shaving with carts for some time, you may do just fine with it though.

But, definitely start out with a blade sampler pack to see which blade you like. I'd advise saving the Feather blades for last because once you use them, you won't want to use anything else! Good Luck!

 

[jsrdrnr]

Gillette Super Speed or a Gillette Tech and a Blade Sampler Pack.

 

[Bluebeard]

In my opinion, a vintage Gillette Tech would suit your needs. Ditto on blade sampler pack.

+1 Excellent Starter advise. I think you'll really like DE shaving. I alternate straight shaving and DE shaving.

 

[mdevine]

I have to agree with those who recommended a Superspeed or Rocket. You can get one in great condition for less than the price of a new razor. I find that they give a close, comfortable, irritation free shave. I personally prefer the maneuverability of the lighter and less expensive Superspeed (my favorites are the '40s SS) but many like the added weight of the Rocket. You should be able to find the Rockets for less in the U.K. than we do on this side of the pond. The nice thing with either the SS or Rocket is that it is easy to sell them for what you paid for them. There is little risk of it costing you much if you decide that they aren't for you.

 

[Go West Young Man]

This http://gentlemensbest.com/ShavingKits.aspx is all you need to get started. Despite the low price, everything in the #1 kit is a good quality product.

 

[Chester]

Wow. That is a nice starter set. Hadn't seen that before.
-- Chet

 

[Den]

This http://gentlemensbest.com/ShavingKits.aspx is all you need to get started. Despite the low price, everything in the #1 kit is a good quality product.

Personally I think a Feather Portable would be much too aggressive for a first DE. Just my opinion though. I still find it too aggressive and I've been wet shaving for a few months.

 

[A_Jameson]

I'd completely second the mention of the Gillette Tech, and even go so far as to recommend the 1940 Gillette Tech Gold. It is probably the most forgiving razor I've used and there is no guesswork involved. I completely agree with the suggestion regarding the blade sampler pack. ALSO don't discount the blades sold at the local drug store, sure they may not be fancy but sometimes they work really well.

 

[Hat]

I have a Slim Adjustable I like, a 50's Flair tip, a Red Tip and a 40's SS. As it happened I got the Red Tip first, maybe not the best beginner razor. I would suggest a 40's Super Speed. They are a great value and easily give an excellent shave with an Iridium or several other blades. If you don't have a super heavy beard I bet a 40's SS will be easy to shave with and give a great result. They really are terrific even though they are pretty old. The posters here like them and they wouldn't say so if they weren't good razors. Cheap to buy, too!

 

[bc4ao4]

Are there any good new razors too, that would suit for me?

And are there any shops in Cardiff, that sell such razors?

 

[Drubbing]

Are there any good new razors too, that would suit for me?

And are there any shops in Cardiff, that sell such razors?

People can only offer advice, they can't choose for you and your face. You may need to try a few razors to find one you really like. The bonus is, you can sell any you don't get on with, for not much less than you paid.

In new razors, many go for the the Merkur HD (34C) It was my first and I've not found anything better yet.

Muhle and Edwin Jagger make very similar ones. You're best bet is an online store. If you want really local you'll have to check the yellow pages, but stores are thin on the ground.

Blades? Get a sampler pack, no one can say what works for someone else.

Lastly, don't expect the tools to do it all for you - there is no razor that will cut close and comfortably with no irritation, if you don't learn how to use it. Shaving is a skill, learnt on your own face.

Cartridges negate the need for any skill. Speed is you enemy. After practice it won't take much longer than a cartridge, but prep will still need to be good, and til you do get proficient, you'll need to take your time.

 

[Batman]

Get a sampler blade pack - not too many. The Merkur 1904 is a great, low cost, mild razor to get the hang of wet shaving.

 

[El Judio Bravo]

This http://gentlemensbest.com/ShavingKits.aspx is all you need to get started. Despite the low price, everything in the #1 kit is a good quality product.

Whoa! Where was this when I got started? It looks to be an ideal introduction!

I'd try it if I hadn't already succumbed to various ADs. In fact ...

 

[wimbouman]

According to many, the best new razor on the block:

The Edwin Jagger 89.

Which has the same superb head as the Muhle 89:

Excellent, effective, hassle free razors, that are well built.

I buy them here: http://www.muehle-shaving.com/shop

 

[DougK]

This http://gentlemensbest.com/ShavingKits.aspx is all you need to get started. Despite the low price, everything in the #1 kit is a good quality product.

This would be a pretty good way to start. I've got the Feather Portable myself and it's a great razor; a little more aggressive than a Tech but certainly manageable.

I'd also suggest looking at an open comb Merkur 15C. It's mild enough to be forgiving while you learn but good enough to be your only razor.