What Safety Razors should every noob try?

[bmc1979]

Being a noobie to DE and wetshaving in general, I'm starting to get a weird feeling in my gut which I think is my AD forming. I only have a Merkur 23C long handle but find myself wanting to expand my horizons (bought a GEM 1912 today). So, I'm looking to the experienced ones here for suggestions of what razors I should look for. Not that I'll buy everything suggested (at least I'm sure SWMBO hopes not) but it'll help give me a start of razors to keep an eye out for. Thanks in advance.

 

[wwp512]

I started with the 1904, then the 23C, and now I'm very happy with the 38C.

You should definitely try a few shaver. Even within the same Merkur family, they handle and shave differently for me.

 

[DE Shaver]

If you feeling an urge to get a more aggressive razor and want something different than a traditional slant bar, a slant razor might be in oder. Buying the Merkur 39C or Merkur 37C might satisfy your craving for something different.

 

[talibeard]

Open comb, definitely an open comb!

 

[joelmole]

I have a 23c and really like it a lot, so there's nothing wrong with what you've got. The long handle has a tendency to spoil you when it comes to handling.

Others on the "must try" list, in no particular order:

Gillette New
Gillette Tech
Gillette Superspeed
Gillette Fatboy or Slim adjustable

Merkur 34C Heavy Duty
Merkur 37C Slant (I couldn't get a handle on this one but some swear by it)

 

[bmc1979]

thanks guys. This is what I was hoping for. I've heard good things about the Fat Boy and Slant and was thinking of adding them to my list of possibles.

 

[alanbarnes]

Speaking as a fellow (relative) noob, you may want to consider an adjustable. It allows you to play around with different levels of aggressiveness without having a drawer full of razors. A Merkur Progress is as good a place as any to start if you want to buy new, although a Futur is another viable option. Then there are all the Gilettes on the b/s/t board. Lots of choices.

 

[Dharion]

Open comb, definitely an open comb!

Without that role of the eyes it wouldn't hold much truth. Really every man who shaves should try an open comb. But not a noob, no.

 

[Omnichron]

1912 GEM Junior fat handle. Parade model.

 

[D.Irving79]

and a regular 1912 gem

 

[Dave Deluxe]

Try shaving with your "1912" and you may just find your search for a razor is over.

DD

 

[narativesoul]

gillette tech, as a learning razor you cant go wrong

 

[Don]

Gillette Blue Tip, if you can get one at a reasonable price.

Merkur Futur.

 

[DougK]

Everyone should try a Gillette Tech, an injector, and a GEM single-edge razor (any model). All can be obtained in excellent condition quite inexpensively and all can deliver phenomenal shaves.

 

[bvance554]

I'm not experienced, but I have a late 40's, '53, and '55 Gilllette Super Speed that are wonderful. The '55 is my favorite. It delights every time i shave with it. I'm not sure why I have the others.

 

[Stubblefield]

Relatively few, actually.

1. 40's style Super Speed, and also
2. the Red Tip Super Speed.
3. Gillette Slim Adjustable (tho I think adjustability is overrated)
4. The Tech.

Really, that's it. Skip the Slant.

 

[thirdeye]

I'm not experienced, but I have a late 40's, '53, and '55 Gilllette Super Speed that are wonderful. The '55 is my favorite. It delights every time i shave with it. I'm not sure why I have the others.

 

[luvmysuper]

A 40's Superspeed.

 

[Jaymo]

Black or silver handled Gillette adjustable.
Gillette Super Speed
Gillette Tech
Gem Micromatic. Go slow and realize that the angle is different from a DE and it'll mow those whiskers down like nobody's business, without hurting your face.

I'm itching to try an Edwin Jagger and a Merkur Progress.

 

[xjrob85]

I feel like an echo, but definitely the Tech, Super Speed, and Slim.