Time for my first DE

[pinkpony]

I plan on buying a razor and blades real soon, hopefully by tomorrow.

I plan on buying Merkur 34C Heavy Duty Safety Razor
Good buy?

I'm tight on money, and need blades too. Best blades? I don't want to try feathers, yet. I'm 18, so I'm not shaving a beard here, just keeping one away

Any better places to buy this stuff? Better prices?

I live in the US if that matters.

 

[jeffmeit]

HD is a very nice razor, also for blades try personna's or derby's, there cheap and forgiving.

 

[Walter Sobchak]

Welcome!

I haven't shaved with a 34C (HD), but I've head great things about them, and WCS is a good, reputable vendor.

You might consider, since you're tight on cash and a noob with DEs, picking up a used Gillette Tech or Superspeed on the BST.

Techs are, IMO, the ideal starter razor. They are exceptionally forgiving, but they also allow for a nice close shave. And they can be had for less than $15 shipped.

DO buy the most extensive 'sampler pack' you can from WCS. Finding the right blade for your face is important.

Happy Shaving!

 

[pinkpony]

I heard great things about both the Gillette Tech, and Merkur Razors, but I sided with the Merkur due to it being more aggressive. I want to keep the razor for years, so it should have the ability to shave a beard years from now, that the Gillette Tech will struggle with.

Also I don't see the Tech's for sale anywhere...I rather not buy used

 

[Drubbing]

I started with a HD, added a couple of razors, but it's still my favourite. Don't dismiss the milder shave of the vintage razors - they can be better to learn on and can still shave a mature stubbled face. Nothing wrong with used though, it's the disposable blade that did all the cutting. Those razors were built to last too, and a bit of disinfecting is all that's needed.

No such thing as a 'best' blade, you can only try a few and find what works best. Feathers are sharpest, but that doesn't mean most comfortable or forgiving of poor technique - and technique will be poor, to start off with. And shaving isn't the only skill that needs learning - lathering is just as important.

You'll also need a brush and some cream or soap. Canned gel isn't anywhere near as good, and is far more expensive per shave. You'll get up to 6 months shaves from a tube of proraso, or even longer from a non-glyercine soap.

 

[Walter Sobchak]

I agree with the other posters. You don't need to have a fear of buying used. It's not the same as buying a used toothbrush. These used razors are made of non-porous hard metal that can be disinfected in any number of ways that are perfectly easy and safe to you.

I totally understand the apprehension, though. I don't buy used brushes, soaps, or creams (unless they're in a tube).

The Tech is a great razor. It was made by Gillette for decades, which should be a testament to how well it performs. And once you know how to use it, you can use it for life. You'll always be able to get a good shave from it, even when you have a coarse, matured beard. You may prefer the feel of something a bit more aggressive, but that's another story altogether.

We should make a little outline so you'll know exactly what you need to get started right.

1. A razor. I say Tech or Superspeed, but an HD would work fine.
2. A Brush. I vote for a new Omega Boar Brush or Tweezerman Badger.
3. A soap or cream. I say a tube of Proraso, Speick, or Godrej and a Stick of Erasmic.
4. Blades. Preferably a sampler.
5. An aftershave. Again cheap, but good.

So you could go to WCS right now and order the Merkur HD $34, an Omega brush $10, A tube of Godrej cream $5, Erasmic Shave Stick $2.50, an a la carte sampler pack consisting of 2 packs of Isreali Red Personna $3.50, 1 pack of Iridium Supers (10 blades) $4.50, 2 packs of Dorco ST-301 $3.50, 2 packs Derby Extra $3.50, and 2 packs of Astra SP $4.00.

Pick up a bottle of Aqua Velva for $5.00 and a bottle of Nivea or Real Shaving Co. Aftershave Balm for another $5.00, and you'll be outfitted with everything you need to learn how to go at shaving with a double edge and the traditional wetshaving techniques.

That amount of stuff should have you set up and running for the better part of a year at an initial cost of about $80.00. If that's too rich, I'd say cut the razor blades down from 50 to 25 to save $10, buy a vintage Gillette Tech to save $15, and only get one of the aftershaves to save $5. Then you're in the game for about $50, and you'll still be using good gear.

 

[largegiant04]

HD is a very nice razor, also for blades try personna's or derby's, there cheap and forgiving.

I recently purchase a 38c and have had excellent luck with Derby blades. I have tried Merkur, Wilkenson Sword, and Personna Platinum(not the reds), which have not been as comfortable as the Derby's.

In the future I would like to try feathers and the Israeli Personnas

 

[Chester]

I plan on buying Merkur 34C Heavy Duty Safety Razor
Good buy?

After Radar's report on the plating and finishing problems with Merkurs, I'd say "No, not at any price." I'll never own a Merkur.

For my part, I'd say start with a Weishi for the first 6 weeks or so, look for a decent superspeed if you're not happy after that (or get one now, like Wally recommeded), on the B/S/T (should cost as much as a new Weishi), and spend time practicing your lather with some proraso, a simple cereal bowl (I've found mine to be great!) and a twenty-dollar brush. Use canned barbasol (or whatever you're used to) until you get your lather right, and check in with the newbie forum frequently with your progress reports on lather and technique. Share pics of your lather practice! We -=love=- that stuff!

Walter gave you quite a list, but a razor, brush, cream, some blades and a styptic pencil are all you really need to start.

The pressure you need on a DE is very light. The angle is very different from the cartridge. The technique is the hardest thing to develop. Any jackass can buy a bunch of creams and after-shaves and oils and brushes and razors, but the most valuable thing you buy will be what you spend your time on -- in practicing lather and razor technique. Nuff said.

+1 on the sample pack suggestions, but I wish I'd stuck to a smaller one when I started. Limiting yourself to ten choices may be easier than starting with thirty.

I've made a lot of mistakes, as I've moved along the DE route. The main one was in changing too many things at once. Try to resist rushing things at the outset, as far as equipment goes. There are soooo many shiny equipment options, and soooo many products, that it can be easy to lose focus on developing fundamentals. Ask questions on the noob forum. Don't be afraid of the learning phase and you'll find the great shave will just fall into your lap one day a few weeks down the road.

After I screwed up everything, I came here and listened and took things nice and slow and it got good-better-best. You're way ahead of me, already.

Just my $.02. Feel free to ignore it. You'll be just fine, eventually.
-- Chet

 

[mbrossar]

I agree with the other posters. You don't need to have a fear of buying used. It's not the same as buying a used toothbrush. These used razors are made of non-porous hard metal that can be disinfected in any number of ways that are perfectly easy and safe to you.

I totally understand the apprehension, though. I don't buy used brushes, soaps, or creams (unless they're in a tube).

The Tech is a great razor. It was made by Gillette for decades, which should be a testament to how well it performs. And once you know how to use it, you can use it for life. You'll always be able to get a good shave from it, even when you have a coarse, matured beard. You may prefer the feel of something a bit more aggressive, but that's another story altogether.

We should make a little outline so you'll know exactly what you need to get started right.

1. A razor. I say Tech or Superspeed, but an HD would work fine.
2. A Brush. I vote for a new Omega Boar Brush or Tweezerman Badger.
3. A soap or cream. I say a tube of Proraso, Speick, or Godrej and a Stick of Erasmic.
4. Blades. Preferably a sampler.
5. An aftershave. Again cheap, but good.

So you could go to WCS right now and order the Merkur HD $34, an Omega brush $10, A tube of Godrej cream $5, Erasmic Shave Stick $2.50, an a la carte sampler pack consisting of 2 packs of Isreali Red Personna $3.50, 1 pack of Iridium Supers (10 blades) $4.50, 2 packs of Dorco ST-301 $3.50, 2 packs Derby Extra $3.50, and 2 packs of Astra SP $4.00.

Pick up a bottle of Aqua Velva for $5.00 and a bottle of Nivea or Real Shaving Co. Aftershave Balm for another $5.00, and you'll be outfitted with everything you need to learn how to go at shaving with a double edge and the traditional wetshaving techniques.

That amount of stuff should have you set up and running for the better part of a year at an initial cost of about $80.00. If that's too rich, I'd say cut the razor blades down from 50 to 25 to save $10, buy a vintage Gillette Tech to save $15, and only get one of the aftershaves to save $5. Then you're in the game for about $50, and you'll still be using good gear.

What he said. 100%. If you're dead set on a new razor, I say go with the 34C. It's a good, basic but solid razor. If we can talk you into vintage, I'd say go tech. It'll give you a milder, more forgiving shave and easier to clean than a TTO like the superspeed. If you're worried about the gunk though, a lot of sellers are cleaning up their razors pretty darn good. All you need is a good soak in some Barbicide to be sure.

 

[southernmail]

The Merkur 34C gives really nice shaves. Two excellent alternatives are the Edwin Jagger DE89 or Muhle-Pinsel R89. These have really excellent fit and finish, with really top notch chrome plating.

 

[mblakele]

I am surprised that no one has mentioned the Mühle R89, or its Edwin Jagger cousins. I have shaved with the Merkur 34c and the R89. They are worthy competitors, but so far I favor the Mühle.

 

[mbrossar]

Only reason I didn’t recommend the Müle was I thought it was more expensive than the 34C. If the OP wants new and is okay with the price of the R89, that definitely gets my vote. That’s a sweet razor.

 

[Uncle Erik]

Don't be afraid of vintage razors. They are easily sterilized, shave well and are affordable. If you have any junk or antique stores nearby, go take a look. You might turn up a bargain that will make everyone here jealous.

If you want a new razor, Merkurs are fine. However, my choice would be an Edwin Jagger DE89L. Last I checked, someone was selling them for $32 on eBay. They have a better fit'n'finish than Merkur and they shave wonderfully. I have about 20 razors and reach for the DE89L 90% of the time.

Get a sampler pack of blades from West Coast Shaving or another vendor. Blades are one place where YMMV. No one blade is right for everyone, so work through a sampler pack and discover what you like - it's fun and you'll learn a lot.

For a brush, I'd look for an inexpensive badger. Though small, something like the Simpson Wee Scot is affordable and of good quality.

For soap, see if you can find a tube of Proraso or C.O. Bigelow locally. It lathers easily
and it always gives a good shave.

 

[Drubbing]

After Radar's report on the plating and finishing problems with Merkurs, I'd say "No, not at any price." I'll never own a Merkur.

Chet

Unfair comment. A second hand account of another persons experience should not be used as an indictment of Merkur.

Many people will attest to the high quality of their product, and the unreal customer service they've had when there have been issues.

 

[dom1610]

I'm 19 and just bought a HD. I have to say it's an amazing razor. I've used both feathers and derby's in it so far and both work great. I seem to recall a lot of people round here view the 34c and the derby extra blades as a match made in heaven. Good luck with whatever you choose.

 

[TiberiuR]

I am surprised that no one has mentioned the Mühle R89, or its Edwin Jagger cousins. I have shaved with the Merkur 34c and the R89. They are worthy competitors, but so far I favor the Mühle.

I was about to say the same thing..

I started with a Merkur 34C razor. Shaved ok, but nothing spectacular. Good shaves with the Derby. At least it was my initial thought.

Eventually I bought a Muhle R89 and put my favourite blade in it, Super Iridium. It was miles away what I have experienced with the HD.

I much have wanted to start out with the R89 instead. But I think the temptation would have been too high not to try the HD.

For a start I would prefer to use the R89! Or cousins

 

[DE Shaver]

Unfair comment. A second hand account of another persons experience should not be used as an indictment of Merkur.

Many people will attest to the high quality of their product, and the unreal customer service they've had when there have been issues.

I can agree with this statement. Take the experiences of other in the context they are given, as guide but not as an absolute. Our reactions should be tempered as all companies can experience a QC issue problem at times. Additionally, there may be any number of things that can contribute to a problem. It's not like a scientific study was released indicting the quality of Merkur.

By way of example, Toyota has had some significant quality control issues and been battling with bad press, for good reason. I know that some people will now never buy a Toyota and I can certainly understand that, given the severity of the problems. However, we should be measured in response to an otherwise world class company. Toyota does still make good cars, we just have to acknowledge it's not as perfect as we once thought.

So, if you want to be leery about buying a Merkur razor, it's a completely reasonable reaction given the pictures posted recently. However, to wholesale condemn a company based on one or two individual experiences is a little unfair.

(BTW, I do not own a Toyota).

 

[SRock]

Welcome! May I suggest a vintage Gillette Super Speed or Tech razor from our very own B/S/T??

 

[Marco]

Is the Merkur 34c HD a good purchase?
YES, IT IS.
Even if I have several other DE razors, I still use my beloved HD.
It is a GREAT, GREAT, GREAT razor.
A Double Edge shaver you can use for your entire life.

As about blades, this is something really subjective.
So, the best answer to your question is to get a sample pack, and decide by yourself which blade works better for you.

 

[Pike]

I heard great things about both the Gillette Tech, and Merkur Razors, but I sided with the Merkur due to it being more aggressive. I want to keep the razor for years, so it should have the ability to shave a beard years from now, that the Gillette Tech will struggle with.

Also I don't see the Tech's for sale anywhere...I rather not buy used

The Tech will conquer the most burly of beards...don't let the "mild" stigma fool you! They are fantastic razors! If you haven't purchased the HD yet, let me send you a Tech so you can see for yourself!