(Part 2) Reddit mentions: The best men safety shaving razors

I have been wet shaving with a DE since OCT 2013. It was the best decision I have made when it comes to shaving. I will answer your questions from the things that have worked for me. Just know that everything is different for everyone. Once you find something that works stick with it for a while and change little at a time.

1a: Brush/Stand. I purchased this set just to get my feet wet with DE shaving. I liked it, but it was cheap and lacked the adjustability that I wanted. I did keep the brush and stand. I always get a great lather with the brush and it is really soft. It is just as good as when I bought it. I shave everyday that I work.

1b: Handle. I started with the cheap handle that I listed above...it was not adjustable. I wanted an adjustable and bought a Merkur Futur. I love it.

1c: Blades. This is hard to recommend to someone. Get yourself one of many sample packs. Everyone likes different blades. Just try them all out. They are cheap. I chose based on the one that I cut my self with the least while giving be the best shave. Your probably going to cut yourself. It will go away with experience. I settled on the Astra Platinum blades. They are cheap on amazon with prime shipping.

1d: Soap. I am a huge fan of Proraso Shaving Cream. I have tried them all! But they are all I have tried. A tube last me a long time. My routine is to fill up an over sized coffee cup with hot water twice from my Keurig (No hot hot water in the morning due to my apartment) and poor it into the sink. Dunk my brush in the water and shake it off lightly. Put a dime sized blob of cream on the brush and make a lather in the over sized coffee cup.

1e: Pre/After Shave. I do not use any pre shave products. I just use the lather that i make and message it onto my face. Its really hot and frothy. I have tried all of Proraso's after shave products. The only one that I liked was the blue after shave balm. It didn't dry out my face like the others. Since then I have settled on Gillette Series Sensitive Skin After Shave Gel because it leaves my face feeling great, its cheap, and the better half loves the way it smells.

2: In my experience the razor (handle) makes a huge difference. I got to the point where I was not cutting myself at all with my first handle. Then I switched. I can shave quickly and comfortably because I found the setting that I really like (number 3 on the Futur). I also really like the way the blade is put into the handle. The top of the Futur pops off rather than having to unscrew the handle to change blades.

3: I answered this in section 1c.

4: I don't have too much info on this topic. I do know not to store your brush with the bristles in the air when it is wet (a stand will prevent this). Dry your razor off the best you can after use. Rinse a brush out thoroughly after use. I use a new blade each shave.

5: When I first started with a DE I watched a couple of Michael Freedberg's to get me started. Then I just did what was best for me.

The best thing that I can recommend for you is this. Figure out why you want to change to DE shaving. We already know its a better shave than using a cartridge. For me it was to be able to use a new razor blade for every shave and not spending a lot of money for those blades. I try to do this as cheaply as possibly. I had a big initial investment on the handle but it has since paid for itself by not buying cartridges. I found what works for me early on and stuck with it. I can have the same consistent shave everyday in 10 minutes because I have had the same routine for a while now.

I started wet shaving for the first time in May, and this is the gear I bought to start out. Most of this stuff is bottom of the line, but the price was right, and for others just entering the wide world of wet shaving it still works pretty well.

All prices are in Canadian dollars, and all links will be to the Canadian amazon website.

• $33 Stand, brush, and bowl: SKM brand - sold as a 3-in-1 package deal. The brush is pure badger, medium roughness. After a bit it starts to shed a couple hairs each shave. The stand and bowl are both solid items that I have no qualms with. The bowl lathers decently well too.
  
  • https://www.amazon.ca/gp/product/B01NANUWT9/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o04_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1
    
• $16 on sale, $22 regular shaving cream: Rocky Mountain Barber Company "barbershop" scent - the only product here I spent a little more than necessary, and only because it is a Canadian brand. The scent is exactly what you would expect from a shaving cream called "barbershop". It is a strong scent that stays with you for a good few hours after your shave, but at the same time isn't overpowering. You don't need much to cover your face twice with this stuff.
  
  • https://www.amazon.ca/gp/product/B07N6H79HG/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o04_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1
    
• $18 razor: Baili butterfly BD179 - great razor for the price, gives me a shave much closer than I ever got with a cartridge. The twist part on the bottom of the razor does loosen slightly while shaving but for an $18 razor I can't really complain. Comes with a carrying case which is super handy for travel. Also available in rose gold, or with a built in stand.
  
  • https://www.amazon.ca/gp/product/B01M1VGXT1/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o04_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1
    
• $7 after shave: Nivea men after shave balm "cool kick". The cooling sensation is pretty nice but subsides quickly. The scent is a little overpowering as well. I actually bought mine at my local shopper's drug mart but it is also available on amazon, as well as most common retailers.
  
  • https://www.amazon.ca/NIVEA-Cool-After-Shave-bottle/dp/B00BO0B85G
    
    All in all a great place to start, a cheap option for those on the fence, and for those people like me who want to continue their journey down the rabbit hole that is this community - lots of room to improve and try out new products.
    
    Additionally, I found a great deal that was 15 Astra Superior Premium Platinum blades for a whopping $1.19 total on amazon, however it appears now that the same product has gone over $7 with shipping fees. For whatever reason when I ordered them shipping was not charged. The blades came in 3 packs of 5 from a vendor in turkey, and apart from the "Astra" logo all the writing on the packs was in Arabic, which I thought was kind of cool.
    
    Total cost: $74CAD/$56USD

> Im looking to get a razor on Amazon due to convenience, any suggestions would be appreciated.

Honestly, I understand where you're coming from. I think a lot of us coming in have the same thought, you're in unfamiliar territory trying to order from an unknown source and amazon is a safe, known place to pick things up. However, if you choose to upgrade, I strongly recommend going to somewhere like Maggard Razors. The owners run an excellent customer focused business, that out does amazon by a mile on a lot of things. There are some commercial items you can do better on through amazon if you know what you're looking for, but in general, they are just the best place to go. You can check out safely through Pay Pal, and they ship very quickly. I think if you look around you'll see and endless amount of recommendations for using them here, and for very good reason. In the world of wet shaving, it just doesn't get more convenient than Maggards.

Specifically if I were in your position, I would order an MR-1 or an MR-5 and select the V3A head. It will run you about $26 + shipping. You won't get a more efficient razor than that from amazon for that price. It is considered to be on the more aggressive side for razors, but you've been at it for six months, so it shouldn't be an issue. I find it to be very comfortable to use, and it's currently one of my favorite razors.

 

All that being said, if you want some options from amazon, here are a few. The one you linked above was my first DE, and I would not recommend it. It was inefficient (very mild), and I don't care for the thin hollow handle.

• Edwin Jagger DE89 — Decent razor, will be more efficient than the one you have, but is still comfortable.
  
• Mühle R89 — Same head design as the Edwin Jagger, but manufactured by Mühle. Generally has a better fit and finish than the EJ
  
• Merkur Progress — Modern adjustable that will allow you to change the settings to find the balance of comfort and efficiency that works best for you. Downside is the plastic adjustment knob.
  
  Most of the results that come up if you search amazon for safety razors, are just overpriced weishi or baili clones, which is same thing you have right now. The rest are EJ clones that may be coming out of Pakistan and have serious QC issue. A prime example of something to avoid is that Viking Blade razor near the top of the results, which is a $9 baili razor selling for nearly $40. Be careful to avoid stuff like that, which is one more reason why places like Maggards are held in high regard. They are very transparent about all the things they sell, and you don't have to worry about getting scammed.

Amazon is where I bought the ones for my wife and daughters. You can also get the "classic" design at Sally's, don't know whether they have them in the store but it's worth a shot. I've seen them in the past at Wal-Mart but can't say if they have them nowadays. An excellent brand you can get on Amazon is Merkur, their Futur razor is adjustable but pricey at over $60. If you search for "adjustable double edge safety razor" on Amazon or Google you'll find several adjustables, but be certain to read the description because many of the ones that pop up when you do that search are not adjustable. The Weishi Nostalgic is about $25 on Amazon, it's the same basic design as my really, truly old Gillette Fatboy ( it's the one from 1950 on this Gillette web page), which to me is perfect. I've read good things about the Weishi and for the price I would try it out if I were in the market for one again. You can find old adjustable safety razors on eBay and I wouldn't hesitate to get one there, prices are okay there but not outstanding, then again those old ones are built like tanks and last forever. If you have a flea market or antique store nearby you might find one there--that's how I got my Gillette for a dollar almost exactly 17 years ago. Hope this helps!

Edit: I'm only talking about the adjustable safety razors here, I've seen the nonadjustable ones in any number of stores that sell shaving supplies, like Walgreens, Wal-Mart, etc., but I highly recommend starting out with an adjustable.

Edit 2: There's a brand of blades from Japan named "Feather." Don't get them unless you get a Feather brand razor. Other than that feel free to try any brand you see, I like the Crystal brand (dirt cheap but great quality) and Gillette, Astra, Parker, Wilkinson, and I've even tried some weird brands I've never heard of before or since, they all gave me a great shave, but the Feather is problematic unless you have a Feather razor.

There's nothing wrong with anything on your list. But IMO there's room for improvement.

I'm not a big fan of the Merkur 23c. It was my first DE and served me reasonably well, but better options have been introduced in recent years. In the same price range, you could get an Edwin Jagger DE8xxx or, for a bit more, a Muhle R89. A few years back those two companies collaborated on a new head design that's really, really good. Plus, they both tend to do a better job than Merkur with plating. Another option - that costs significantly less money - is a Maggard safety razor. It's a very recent introduction, patterned on the EJ/Muhle head, that gets uniformly positive reviews.

You could do better on the blade sampler, too. The one you've linked has ten each (too many) of four types (too few) of blade. I like this sampler. Yeah, it costs more, but you're getting a wider variety of more expensive blades.

I like Proraso and use it often (both the green and the red). But IMO most people don't really need a pre-shave, and many of those who benefit from it find that a $2 bar of glycerin soap works as well as or better than more expensive products.

Finally, your list doesn't include a brush. I'd recommend an [Omega boar] (http://www.amazon.com/White-Handled-Omega-Professional-Shaving/dp/B000CB8Q4Y) or, if you want to go with badger, a Whipped Dog silvertip.

If you've got an Amazon gift certificate you need to use, most of the stuff I've recommended is available there. But if you're just in it for the quick shipping, I can't recommend the folks at Maggard highly enough. They ship very promptly, so the only question is how long it will take a priority mail package to make it from their shop to your door. IMO there's no better introduction to DE shaving than their budget starter kit and a blade sampler pack. Plus, the owners are nice folks and active participants on this sub.

Ok if your gona share this let me outline it for you so you donbt spend hours surfing and spending boatload of monies

Wet Shaving:

Razor

Get him a decent de razor that will last him a lifetime

This one is good for both quality and cool factor

or any one of these from maggards razors (even the "low priced ones are decent" from Merkur)

Soap

Instead of getting him just one soap with the chance he might not like it get him a bunch of samplers

These look small but shaving soaps LAST FOREVER. Shaving 3 days a week these samplers lasted me 2 semesters cheaper too.

The chiseled face brand is a well lauded brand as well.

My GF loved it when I smell of Sherlock~

Brush:

Just get a cheap but decent omega brush. Id even advice the cheapo ebay 2$ brush but shipping will take long

Blades:

Get him a sampler so he can test which blade works best for him

Also FYI

get him the labiotte dear linden homme deep moisture emulsion. Its really good quality and has quite a manly scent.

And who knows maybe theyll send you a bunch of free samples like i received yesterday

http://imgur.com/a/M2irp

For everything else skincare im sure you can suggest awesome AB products


Good luck to you~

As noted, the EJ heads are the same. I like the faux ivory handle, which is indeed the DE87, but some guys like the faux ebony and some like the barley or lined metal handles. They will all shave equally well.

I haven't shaved with a straight razor so I cannot make a direct comparison, but quite a few guys on WE use both types.

Shaving creams seem generally more forgiving of hard water than shaving soaps, and difference in fragrances and effectiveness. J.M. Fraser is an inexpensive but highly efficacious shaving cream, and also check the 7-cream sampler from AlsShaving.com (bottom of the page). Speick's shaving cream is exceptional and not expensive. TOBS Avocado shaving cream is quite nice. Proraso is good, but the menthol-eucalyptus fragrance causes problems for some guys.

Soaps vary widely from rather soft and tallow-based soaps (like Cella and Vitos and Virgilio Valobra) to hard soaps that use lanolin (Mitchell's Wool Fat) or no animal products (the excellent Otoko Organics shave soap). Soaps are generally more sensitive to hard water, so you may want to try a distilled water shave.

Some like shaving creams, some prefer soaps. On the whole, I like soaps, but certainly some shaving creams are excellent.

Also in the soap line: I recommend washing your beard at the sink with a pre-shave soap before applying lather, and I like Musgo Real Glyce Lime Oil soap (MR GLO) the best.

Here's what I would suggest:

Razor: either this one if you want to stay frugal or this one if you want to splurge a bit. I'd stay away from the QShave. It's a clone of a razor with a lot of design issues. One being that the head is so large it's hard to get under the nose, etc.; another issue is that it is extremely aggressive even at its lowest setting.

Brush: This synthetic brush. I think it's much better to start with a synthetic than a boar brush. Boar brushes are less comfortable on your face and actually make it more difficult to make lather until they break in. No reason to mess with those variables when you're just trying to get the hang of it. As for this specific synthetic brush, I have one and it is an amazing value for the money. It is one of about a dozen brushes I own, some of which were $200+, and this $12 brush holds its own with them.

Shaving soap: Lots of options here. Barrister & Mann's Latha line performs extremely well and is a great value. Several scents to choose from. Barrister &
Mann's Glissant line is a bit more expensive but has even better performance and more complex scents. Seville is a particularly good starting point with B&M, just an extremely clean, classic, masculine scent. Pre de Provence and Pre de Provence No. 63 are classic french soaps that smell great and perform very well.

Aftershave: Even more options here. You could go with Thayer's witch hazel with aloe, or if you want a traditional high alcohol aftershave, Fine Accoutrements is excellent. There are several scents, all based on popular and/or classic colognes. Or you could splurge and get the world's greatest aftershave product, L'Occitane Cade After Shave Balm.

Blades: Amazon has some good deals on blades in bulk but just sucks for sampler packs, and you want to start with a sampler pack because reasons. So head on over to TryABlade and order two of the "Top 10 Sampler." You can't use your Amazon credit there, but it's going to come to less than $10 including shipping.

So, if you go with the cheapest option in each category, you come out to fifty dollars or so if I'm adding right, which leaves you room to pick out one or more of those splurge options I mentioned.

The necessary items are; razor, brush, cream/soap, and blade sampler pack. For aftershave you can use whatever you currently have, but if you don't have anything you can pick up Nivea sensitive aftershave balm from your local supermarket for $5.

There are preshave creams, oils, and soaps. These are not necessary, but some users do find them helpful. A cheap glycerin soap like the "clearly natural" or "whole foods 365" can be had for about 2-3 dollars. You use these soaps to wash your face before you start lathering.

For post shave there is; alum block, afershave splash, aftershave balm, moisturizing cream, moisturizing oil like jojoba oil, unrefined shea butter, and witch hazel. You pretty much have to try which works for you, but I'd start with a cheap aftershave balm like the Nivea sensitive that I mentioned (if you get satisfactory results with it you don't have to explore the other options unless you want to).

For bowl lathering you can use any small sized bowl you have in your house. Approximately 2-3 inches deep and 4-6 inches in diameter would be a good size for the bowl. You can also purchase one from your local supermarket for cheap. Alternatively you can face lather which removes the need for a bowl.

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HERE is what I recommend for DE kit. Mainly posting that for all the information links in that post, I recommend you check them out.

Below is a UK specific suggestion:

• Razor: Edwin Jagger DE89, DE86, or DE87. (just the handles are different) £20.
  
• Brush: Omega 40033 'Mighty Midget' boar brush £5.70
  
• Blade sampler: 10 brands 65 blades £9.90
  
• Shaving cream/soap: Tesco sells Palmolive shaving cream for £1.80 or Palmolive shaving stick £0.50 (might be available at ASDA).
  
  
• ASDA, and Boots should sell "The real shaving company" shaving cream (might be called "Groomed"). The real shaving company shaving cream can be purchased from Connaughtshaving as well.
  
  Total: about £40 (including shipping).
  
  ---------
  
  If you are on a super tight budget you can switch the Edwin Jagger razor to 'Boots' plastic handle DE razor. They sell it for about £3. I have not personally tried it myself, but others have said it to be decent. The Sodial razor is available through Amazon.uk too.
  
  Lastly if you have any questions don't hesitate to ask.
  
  Edit: the Connaughtshaving 'popular' blade sampler seems to be out of stock. You could order the sampler from nkdman.co.uk they have free shipping.

As someone who just switched from cartridge razors about a month ago:

>The first is it takes a lot more skill and effort to use the safety razor.

I couldn't disagree more. I was terrified at first, and was almost shocked at how easy it was to pick up. I nicked myself once, the very first time - and haven't seriously since. And really, that's why god invented styptic pencils.

>With the safety I might be able to shave the time down to 15 but it's still with much greater effort.

...I don't know how you're shaving that it takes you 15 minutes. I mean, if you're using a brush and everything - yeah, probably - but I don't currently have the money to invest in one, so I've been using regular old shaving cream from a can (I know, blasphemy. I'm sure I'll switch eventually - but seriously, it works just fine.)
You have to make shorter strokes than you would with a cartridge razor, but that's it. It takes maybe a minute longer - but not significantly so, or I wouldn't do it. ~5-7 minutes, max.

>Third thing is cutting yourself is more common but it's not just easier to do, you can also actually leave a scar if you haphazardly use it on your face or rush.

Again, I was terrified of this, and find this to be incredibly misleading. You can nick yourself, but you honestly would have to try pretty damn hard to cut yourself any worse than you could with a cartridge razor. Maybe if you, like, sliced it horizontally across your cheek or something, but why would you do that?

In addition, while it does have a higher intro price - from that point on, your blades are dirt cheap. I mean, seriously cheap. Like, 100 blades for ~$15 cheap, though when first starting, you should spend a little more and get a variety pack to see what blades work best for you. Even still, it pays for itself inside a month or two.

For anyone looking to switch - this is the one /r/wicked_edge recommended me, and I've loved it so far. I'd never switch back, because I honestly haven't found a single downside. Blades are cheap, shaving is quick and close, and most importantly to me - my face doesn't constantly hurt anymore. If you're prone to razor burn, a safety razor will change your life.

Buy a DE Razor! I wouldn't do anything less until you get permanent hair removal. Wax is a pain (really it hurts), Don't want to use chemical removal down there (ouch!) and besides permanent hair removal, I think you are stuck with shaving.

I can tell you the shaving cream and razors make a big big difference.

• Get off the dead skin off your body (take a shower and wash up)
  
• Use a shaving soap with a brush instead of the Spray Can c**p (I don't know why people use that stuff?)
  
• Use a Double Edge Safety Razor (Once you use this then you won't go back to the store brand stuff, Only thing that beats it would be a straight edge razor but DE razor is good enough)
  
• Then use antibacterial cream in sensitive places so you don't get any bumps but you shouldn't too much with a clean razor
  
  The shaving soap last for ages and DE razors are like 10-20 cent each which is a major shavings. (pun)
  
  
  I use Van Der Hagen Scented Luxury Shave Soap with a horse hair brush. I own two brushes ... one for the face and another for the body.
  
  Soap Kit: http://www.amazon.com/Van-Hagen-Mens-Luxury-Shave/dp/B004L4EING/
  
  An ok starting Safety Razor: http://www.amazon.com/Shaving-Factory-Double-Safety-Silver/dp/B003A722RE/
  
  If you have the money then buy a better Safety Razor like Merkur
  
  You can go as far and buy two Safety Razors, one for the face and one for body but I find cleaning and replacing the blade is easy enough.
  
  

Pulled this from my own Instagram because I couldn't find the original on my phone, so sorry for the b&w filter, but this is what I'm currently rocking, except for the blade.

The razor is a Gillette Fat Boy adjustable double edge razor that I cleaned up (they only made them from like 1958-61 or something like that, so usually if you find one they're not in the best condition).

Instead of the Astra blade I've moved on to these which work better for my skin.

Soap, pre-shave oil and aftershave are all from Grimm Blades, the "Smolder" collection.

Honestly, the oils are shit as far as function. The soap works pretty well, but I have super sensitive skin, and the oils just weren't cutting it for me, but I'll be damned if they aren't the best smelling things I've ever used in my life. The pre-shave oil wasn't entirely terrible, so I'd use that, but the aftershave never helped, so I started using Nivea sensitive aftershave balm on my actual neck, and just applying the Grimm Blades aftershave to the back of my neck and behind my ear. Since the Nivea is near-scentless, it works out pretty well. Like, seriously, the Smolder set is my favorite smell of all time.

I have no clue what brand the brush is since it was a gift, but it's badger hair and works really well.

I stole the mug from my wife.

Edit: typos

Maybe buy her a few delicacies that come in beautiful reusable glass jars.

If she's ready to move to DE razors, Mulhe is supposed to be the best and they are quite pricey. Don't forget to get a few packs of extra blades, the forums recommend to start with an assortment of various brands, so she can find which razor blade brand works best for her.
Then you can get her some lovely shaving bar soap, and i've even seen leather case such as this one for DE razors, which would make a fine basket together with some sensual body lotion (make sure there's no alcohol in it, or it'll sting on the freshly shaved skin).

Other than that, if she's craftsy, maybe a kit of some sort to help her learn make some of the reusable fabric stuff herself. Preferably something including a tool that she'll reuse after making the item.

Other than that, experiences. Doesn't have to be expensive, could be something she used to enjoy as a kid and hasn't done in a while. The experiences that are meaningful are those we enjoy the most.

(edits : formatting, new ideas)

I would recommend staying away from the Jagen David; it looks to be a re-branded Weishi.

If you're looking at amazon, here are my top choices for you:

Parker 24C

Muhle R89

Edwin Jagger DE89L

Edwin Jagger DE89

Edwin Jagger Kelvin

The Parker 24C is an open comb safety bar design and a good razor. The rest of them are all the same razor head on different handles, so pick the handle you like best. They have a straight safety bar rather than an open comb, and are also good shavers.

Both of these razor head designs are more modern and efficient than the Merkur 34C, or any Merkur razor, for that matter. You won't go wrong with any of them.

Hope that helps.

My man - get yourself a safety razor and enjoy all of the luxuries that a single-bladed disposable razor offers without any of the downsides

The blades are so dirt cheap. Like they're 10 cents a piece if you buy it online.

Something like this: https://www.amazon.ca/Edwin-Jagger-Heather-Ladies-Double/dp/B00K6Z1R60/ref=sr_1_27?keywords=safety+razor+short+handle&qid=1567133206&s=gateway&sr=8-27

And blades like this: https://www.amazon.ca/Astra-Superior-Premium-Platinum-Double/dp/B001QY8QXM/ref=sr_1_5?keywords=safety+razor+blades&qid=1567133246&s=gateway&sr=8-5

​

The nice thing about a safety razor is when you want to clean out the hair, all you have to do is unscrew the top a few turns and it loosens up and gives you more clearance in-between the blade and the handle - the water washes the hair right out.

I go through about 1 blade a week, so my shaving bill is now literally 40-50 cents per month, and it is way better than disposables.

I'd suggest starting off with a Dorco razor starter kit. It's pretty cheap and has almost everything you need, aside from a brush and a shaving soap. Aftershave is completely optional, but it definitely improves the feel of your skin afterward. I use Chiseled Face soap, specifically Summer Storm and Ghost Town Barber.

Feel free to ask anything else. I've been shaving dual edge for a good year and a half now. Best choice I've made in regards to personal grooming.

Yeah, I would say anything you've got there would be good except the Edwin Jagger's that you have listed. There is a ladies version of the Edwin Jagger model DE89bl on Amazon that might be a little better because of the handle length for shaving legs (3.8" mens vs. 4.1" women's - not much of a difference, but may be more comfortable to hold). And if you want to go super budget, the Lord razors are supposed to be pretty decent for the price point.

Blades:

http://www.amazon.com/Derby-Extra-Double-Razor-Blades/dp/B004SGKMA0/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1373669323&sr=8-1&keywords=derby+razor+blades

One blade lasts me three shaves/one week.

-----------------------

Razor:

http://www.amazon.com/Shaving-Factory-Double-Safety-Silver/dp/B003A722RE/ref=sr_1_15?s=hpc&ie=UTF8&qid=1373669536&sr=1-15&keywords=safety+razor

It's TTO, Twist To Open; you rotate the knob on the bottom and it opens the blade holder on top.

-------------------

Shave oil:

http://www.amazon.com/King-Shaves-Formula-Alpha-Shaving/dp/B00027DH3S/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1373669656&sr=8-1&keywords=shave+oil+king+of+shaves

Shave Oil can also be found at your local Walgreens or CVS since it'll be the one you run out of first.

--------------------------

Also this Shave Gel is the same formula, but just easier to use/spread:

http://www.amazon.com/Remington-Shaves-Alphagel-Sensitive-Shave/dp/B005ACNPLO/ref=sr_1_1?s=hpc&ie=UTF8&qid=1373669708&sr=1-1&keywords=shave+gel+king+of+shaves

Looks like a better value, volume/price wise.

One point nobody else has mentioned:

Double edge safety razors are phenomenal for pubic hair. (There even exist ones specifically for shaving legs - this one is what my wife uses - though shorter-handled ones may be better for fiddly pubic bits. I've never had trouble with either.) Some of the advantages I've noticed:

• Hair and soap buildup actually evacuates the blade area if there's any running water, which means stuck hairs aren't scraping everything. My skin used to get lots of ingrown hairs because junk was getting shoved into my pores by the razor edge. (Ever noticed how cartridge razors get clogged really easily? DE razors literally just don't clog.)
  
  
• The fact that they don't clog usually means long hairs don't post much of an issue to them - all that hair matter just falls out once water runs through it.
  
  
• Unless your blade is old, you need so few passes to actually get rid of hair. Usually shaving once sideways to the grain will be enough for me. That, coupled with how few blades are actually scraping your skin per pass, really cuts down on ingrown hairs.
  
  
• You can put a new blade on the DE razor to immediately get fantastic-smooth shaves. And the blades cost about $0.10, so... changing happens often.
  
  
• It takes very little time to learn how not to cut yourself. I think I've given myself two blood-drawing cuts in about 5 years of using DE razors. After about five uses, you'll have enough practice that you'll cut yourself really only by being fast and careless.
  
  
• Did I mention how damnably cheap they are?
  
  Anyway - they work great. They work great even on long/thick pubic hairs. I like them a lot. Once I convinced my wife to try one too, she's liked it a lot. (She's also trying to convince our respective mothers to use DE razors for shaving their legs too, lol.)

I would recommend NOT using feather blades as a first time DE shaver. Use something more forgiving. Feather blades are sharp as fuck, and I think that you may find astras to be more forgiving, or maybe these. That's what I used first time wetshaving and it worked out pretty well. For soaps I would recommend Proraso or Taylor of old bond. Also, if you are looking for a great starter brush, check this out. Hope this all helps!!!

I was ultimately going for the smooth feeling. I will experiment with different blades, as well as, different number of passes.

Is there a noticeable difference between the different types of each brand?

Gillette Super Platinum, Gillette SharpEdge, and Gillette Super Stainless

Astra Superior Stainless and Astra Superior Platinum

I use a Merkur-Razor Safety Razor 37c Chrome with Slant Bar and it's a great razor. Smooth close shave, quicker than other safety razors I've used in the past and would definitely recommend it to people who are looking to get a safety razor.

The one issue is I wish it had a longer handle.

To you question about the gear you selected, IMO those are some great choices, and I have that exact same razor. And guess where I bought my EJ89LBL, Amazon.

I only wanted to add though, you are in Germany! Germany has some fantastic shaving gear. Solingen is the razor capital of the world. I would think you could get some good deals on brands like Merkur or Muhle. In fact, the closed comb Muhle has the identical head to the EJ. And Muhle have some nice brushes too.

I travel to Germany from time to time on business usually around the Dusseldorf/Koln area which is close to Solingen. One of these days I'd like to go check it out.

The QShave - or other no-name brands - razors are notorious for their overall cheapness, and really ought to be avoided. Sure you can get one for $12, but what happens when the parts start to wear off, or the threads strip out? You're off to buy another razor again, so you might as well get something of higher quality ASAP. I have a funny feeling the QShave won't last forever.

​

The DE89 is a decent beginner's razor, and it fairly affordable. The down side is the head is cast zinc and some people complain of the slick handle and the cap threads failing after a while. https://www.amazon.com/Edwin-Jagger-Double-Safety-Regular/dp/B003LW4L2W/ If you choose to get one, get a longer-handle one, as this works better when you are shaving behind your head.

​

The Merkur 23C would probably be equivalent to the DE89. It also gets good reviews but some folks complain about the same sort of cap failure after some time. The price is about the same.

​

The 34c & 37c are 2-piece razors, so these are easier to load but slightly more expensive. Again, they are cast zinc but they get good reviews. I would advise against the 34c and instead urge you to look into the 38c with the longer handle. They are the same otherwise. Both have knurling on the handle but there are some complaints that the handle is a bit slippery when wet.

​

The Merkur 37c is a slant razor, and it tends to be on the aggressive side. https://www.amazon.com/MERKUR-Slant-MK-37C-Double-Safety/dp/B002CLDUZM/ Personally I would suggest you avoid these razors for head shaving; they are meant for rapid removal of tough whiskers on the face, and the skin on the head is a bit more delicate. If you must get one of these razors, I'd suggest instead the 39C "sledgehammer" with the longer handle.

​

I started with the Vikings Blade Vulcan, a twist-to-open razor which gets decent reviews. https://www.amazon.com/VIKINGS-Vulcan-Safety-Swedish-Platinum/dp/B0746DLLH1/ (I'm selling it now on ebay along with other goodies because it has been supplanted by other shaving hardware.) But suffice it to say, the handle is well-knurled and it shaves nice. The Chieftain Jr. deserves honorable mention for being a mild razor at an affordable price. https://www.amazon.com/VIKINGS-BLADE-Chieftain-Double-Safety/dp/B07K25GR6K/

​

Lastly, my current favorite for head shaves is the OneBlade: https://www.onebladeshave.com/ It shaves like a cartridge but you replace only the blade. Downside is price and the fact that there is only one type of blade to go in here.

​

You should also consider the Leaf Razor. https://leafshave.com/ It is like the OneBlade but it takes regular DE blades snapped in half. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ypMjFEgRpAQ Here's a man shaving his head with it. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Zw6v_rPd-HA Here's another gentleman doing the same. It also shaves like a cartridge but you can choose your blades to go in it. I like the product a lot but it didn't work well for me. Maybe I'll try it again later...

​

Okay, that should do it! Any questions?

Sounds like the razor head you tried had too much blade exposure and/or too little blade angle. If you're willing to give it another shot, try the Edwin Jagger razor handle -- I'd suggest this one or maybe this one if you want more knurling for grip. They developed this new head design together with Mühle to be very forgiving for beginners yet still effective enough to satisfy old hands.

I use a knurled-handle Mühle variant that I love, but the head is the same regardless of which Jagger/Mühle handle style you choose. BTW, they also have an open-comb head variant that has the same blade angle but more aggressive blade exposure for dense/coarse whiskers, but sounds like you'd want to steer clear of that.

The usual safety razor advice applies: don't apply any pressure against your skin, don't grasp the handle, and don't go for long swaths; rather, hold the handle by your fingertips, let the weight of the razor head maintain light, gliding contact with your skin, and use short, overlapping passes.

Well, I found out it's not a Vikings Blade razor but a Shaving Revolution razor.

Looks like if a Weishi TTO and a Baili TTO had a child.

I wonder who makes them...

​

Nice compliment by wifey btw. I heard some women like a boy toy when they get older. ;)

For getting started here's my recommendation:

Razor: http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B003A722RE/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o00_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

Blades: http://www.amazon.com/Astra-Platinum-Double-Safety-Blades/dp/B001QY8QXM/ref=pd_ys_sf_s_rp_a1_1_p?ie=UTF8&refRID=0VH05WKF6N17QPSV05SM

Rest of the kit: http://www.amazon.com/Van-Hagen-Premium-Shave-Brush/dp/B001A3HPT0/ref=pd_ys_sf_s_rp_a1_2_p?ie=UTF8&refRID=0VH05WKF6N17QPSV05SM

I've got a somewhat better brush than the one in the kit [(here's the one I'm using)] (http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B003WR3QSG/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o00_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1), but for the price you can't go wrong.

Brush and soap aren't required to use a double-edge razor, but I'd highly recommend it. You have full control over the consistency of your lather and it lasts a lot longer than any foam would. I bought a 8oz tub of Proraso back in the spring and I've yet to go through all of it.

If you have any specific questions /r/wicked_edge is a great sub for shaving enthusiasts.

Years ago (around 2005), I fell for the Gillette M3 Power razor. After my first shave, I felt so ripped off. Plus, blades were expensive.

I researched safety razors and made the switch to a Merkur razor, Derby blades, Trumper shaving soap, and a 100% badger brush. I haven’t looked back. Yes, I paid a lot for my razor (and I would go with a more traditional one today if I could redo it). I have 100 blades for $9, which will last me over 2 years. I’ve been using the same soap since 2012. And I replace the brush whenever it feels like it needs to be replaced.

It does take a little while in getting used to, but it took me only a couple of weeks to get the swing of it. And with shaving soap, it won’t lather like the stuff in an aerosol can. But you don’t need lather. All you need is enough of a film to glide the blades over the skin to trim the whiskers.

I’d also recommend a travel case for the razor. That will protect the blades in transit. And I’d get a nick stick. I’ve been wet shaving with a safety razor for nearly 15 years, and an occasional nick does happen.

If you don't it may be easier to get baby butt smooth. If you're not using a double edge / safety razor you could give it a shot. It's much better than gillette / whatever else that has like 5 razors.

For a setup I'd recommend Proraso Shaving Cream, A maggard synthetic brush, Persona Medical razors and a Muhle R41 handle. Then just use olive oil for a shaving oil.

It's a significantly better shave and after the initial purchase much cheaper than even buying from Dorco (the people who make the razors for dollar shave club.) The 100 razors should last you atleast 400 shaves but you could probably easily get 800.

I can get to BBS but not on my neck. Everything above the chin though? Perfect smoothness.

This razor is going on special at 4:55pm ET, this Weishi at 6:55pm ET, and this Dorco starter set at 7:35pm ET, but I'd rather have a razor from Maggard's or Italian Barber which will almost definitely shave better than what I'm pretty sure are all Weishi's of some sort, and probably be as cheap if not cheaper. There's also a stainless steel shaving bowl starting at 6:55pm ET if that sort of thing is interesting to you. It will be under the "Beauty" category if you want to have a look around yourself for any beard oils or other such stuff that strikes your fancy.

If you don't like the chemical gels & stuff, you can get a simple soap. Like Poraso's shaving soap. should be easy to find on Amazon - many drug stores may also have a simple shaving soap. You'll need a brush & dish, too.

I recommend double-bladed safety razors over the Gillette many bladed razors. Cheaper, too. Particularly over time. You will, however, cut yourself more until you get the hang of it.

Example:

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01MA53LRO/

www.amazon.com/Shaving-Anbbas-Thicken-Acrylic-Stainless/dp/B072XC76T6/

There should be plenty of how to shave with a safety razor videos. In fact, I learned from a Youtube video like 15 years ago. P.S. Change blades often - every week. Or even every few days. It's like 5-25 cents a blade, so it costs basically nothing, unlike Gilette madness.

So I have a short beard for the past 3 years and I feel like when I'm cleaning it up it's about time I did it right. So I've bought a heap of recommended stuff over the past couple weeks I've seen people on here recommend. It's not all here yet but once it is...

Edwin Jagger Short Handle, Chrome Lined Safety Razor

Semogue 620 Shaving Brush

Tabac Original Shaving Soap

Razor and Brush stand

Nivea Men Sensitive Cooling Aftershave Balm

Also restocked on my usual face treatments for my skin which include:

Eucerin Dermatoclean Mild Cleansing Milk

Simple Rich Moisturiser

Avene Cleanance Mask Scrub


I think this is everything I should need.

For leak-proof you can’t beat Nalgene. I use them for Bay Rum and Dr. B’s soap, which I use for shampoo, shaving and body. Results for “nalgene travel bottles” at REI (Disclosure: I work for REI. Nalgene travel bottles are available through other vendors, but this was an easy way for me to display the selection. I haven’t tried it but I suspect that the dropper bottle (with tip trimmed back) is flexible enough to dispense toothpaste and lotion. (As others have suggested, I just buy travel size for these items.)

Though I use a Merkur safety razor at home, I’ve started traveling with a Harry’s razor because it’s legal for carry-on. Harry’s is now available at Target and I start each trip with a fresh blade cartridge for about 2 bucks.

If I am checking a bag, I just use my everyday Merkur #180 (“long” handle — still short compared to modern cartridge handles) encased in a Merkur-Razor Leather Sheath. I’ve never found the travel Merkur — which merely uses an extra-short handle — to add enough compact to justify purchase.

However, this looks interesting: Parker A1R - 4 Piece Travel Safety Razor & Leather Case

They're currently running such a massive, all-encompassing advertising campaign in London that I'm surprised we haven't had the city renamed Harryville for the next few months.

I haven't been tempted, but that's because I'm firmly settled into what I believe is the optimal set of de-bearding equipment:

• Muhle R89 or similar decent-quality safety razor.
  
• Wilkinson Sword blades (you can get better, but they're £3.50 for 10 in the supermarket and therefore convenient)
  
• Nivea shaving gel. (Nice soap and a badger brush are better, but I am also lazy so the handy can of shaving goop wins.)
  
  Tried all sorts of fancy multi-blade options but nothing works as well as the simple, tried and true safety razor. The ones with loads of blades just clog in the first stroke and then they're blunt after a couple of shaves, which is a bit disappointing when you're paying nearly two quid for a blade.

i would check out the QShave adjustable razor if you are on a budget. it is a copy of the Merker Futur and comes with a lot of strong reviews on this sub. Amazon sells it for $20 or you can get for less from AliExpress and wait 2 weeks for shipping from China.

Blades samplers are the best suggestion that people recently gave me so try as many blades as you can. Consider soap samples too from Maggards

Good luck!

This is my handle, I like the weight on it, heavy handles do the work for you so you don’t have to pull:

https://www.amazon.com/MERKUR-MK-70M-Adjustable-Double-Safety/dp/B000G0JZYQ

For blades, search for feather blades 100 pack , super sharp and super good

Cheap razors are no good for your skin bud. It's essential to splash warm water on your face before a shave to avoid acne, cuts and rashes (always use cream btw). I would probably recommend looking at this razor which is the one I use, it has 4 different settings on it for a comfortable shave and will save you a fortune in the long run 😄



Merkur Futur Chrome Plated Polished Finish Razor https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B00375BUQ8/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_0TLnDbJ67C6R6

A ten buck Baili razor.

Omega brush.
12 sticks of Arko 100 Dorco Blades.

$40, all Prime shipping, and you're good for 2-4 years. Dollar per month-ish. Yeah, it's not a blade sampler, so if you hate the Dorcos, You're out $7 but can hand them out as party favors or macabre business cards.

MERKUR Futur MK-70M, Adjustable Double Edge Safety Razor https://www.amazon.in/dp/B000G0JZYQ/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_ti-yCbSN9XBHC

Get this one it's the best adjustable safety razor out there and Amazon seems to carry it in India

Pretty expensive in India unfortunately.

I did the straight razor thing for a good couple of years. The maintenance on a straight razor is a bit time consuming so I eventually gave it up. A double blade safety razor with Feather blades is my personal recommendation. You can get 200 blades on amazon for $40 US, each razor has two sides as the name implies and I usually switch out blades every 4 shaves, but at $.20 a blade if I was being a real princess I’d switch every 2 shaves. I used to get ingrown hairs all the time but with Feather blades it’s a very rare occurrence I’ll never go back to Gillette and their garbage blade packs.

Q shave is the adjustable safety razor I would recommend it’s a Chinese knockoff of the Merkur adjustable but at 1/5th the price and does an almost indistinguishable job of holding a razor blade, albeit a little light in the handle.

https://www.amazon.com/QSHAVE-Adjustable-Double-Classic-Titanium/dp/B06XGVRQKP/ref=mp_s_a_1_1_sspa?keywords=adjustable+safety+razor&qid=1569113098&s=gateway&sr=8-1-spons&psc=1&spLa=ZW5jcnlwdGVkUXVhbGlmaWVyPUE0NzhKRlJGWkhIM04mZW5jcnlwdGVkSWQ9QTAyMzQ1NDNRQlNGN1hNRE84TkkmZW5jcnlwdGVkQWRJZD1BMDA4MDE3N0M3WEo4OThLM1ZUTiZ3aWRnZXROYW1lPXNwX3Bob25lX3NlYXJjaF9hdGYmYWN0aW9uPWNsaWNrUmVkaXJlY3QmZG9Ob3RMb2dDbGljaz10cnVl

I like this one, but if you search amazon for "baili razor", that will get you an inexpensive brand that still shaves well and can last for many years. Weishi is also another brand that has inexpensive options, but will shave well and still last a good while.

Baili 171 . I liked mine a lot before I gave it away. It should last a good while too with no alignment issues and a nice mild shave. You can also find it on Amazon and it comes with a nice plastic travel case that doesn’t require disassembly of the razor.

BAILI Classic Barber Double Edge Blade Shaving Safety Razor Shaver Knife Personal Beard Care Silver Color BD176 https://www.amazon.com/dp/B06W57VMBJ/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_QHfeBbHQDV6Y6

Edit: I found the twist to open version a little harder to shave with but I think you can’t go wrong with a new razor, if you buy used, when you get it make sure the blade gap is correct and the safety guards are not damaged.

https://www.amazon.com/Micro-Touch-Safety-Razor-Chrome/dp/B00HMEBRKO/ref=sr_1_1_a_it?ie=UTF8&qid=1500926167&sr=8-1&keywords=Pawn+stars+razor

I bought this one not expecting much when CVS had a buy one get one free sale on As Seen on TV products after Christmas one year and the pickings were slim and it's the best razor I've ever used.

I've used the 3 and 5 blade razors but I think one is the best.

I'm still going strong with this pack of 100 blades I bought from Amazon (7AM Blades). They work great and the quality is surprising for the price.

BTW, I also use that same Merkur Razor.

As far as adjustable safety razors go, there is also this one: http://www.rocnel.com/solid-316-stainless-steel-handle-diamond-pattern.html, but the price tag is totally different;

This one: https://www.amazon.com/Parker-Variant-Adjustable-Safety-Razor/dp/B06Y3QLXKG/ref=mp_s_a_1_3?keywords=adjustable+safety+razor&qid=1565451790&s=gateway&sr=8-3, based on the Progress;

This one: https://www.amazon.com/VIKINGS-Emperor-Adjustable-Safety-Frosted/dp/B07K23CH6V/ref=mp_s_a_1_1_sspa?keywords=adjustable+safety+razor&qid=1565451790&s=gateway&sr=8-1-spons&psc=1&spLa=ZW5jcnlwdGVkUXVhbGlmaWVyPUEzVlJZVUFaR1ZQOUgwJmVuY3J5cHRlZElkPUExMDMwNDM2Mk5PMVVaQlVTMVNHQyZlbmNyeXB0ZWRBZElkPUEwMzA4MjA3M0ZRQks0U1dDWEM2USZ3aWRnZXROYW1lPXNwX3Bob25lX3NlYXJjaF9hdGYmYWN0aW9uPWNsaWNrUmVkaXJlY3QmZG9Ob3RMb2dDbGljaz10cnVl, a Gillette made in China;

And another Gillette made in China: https://www.amazon.com/WEISHI-Nostalgic-Adjustable-Butterfly-Double/dp/B07DN85M7Q/ref=mp_s_a_1_7?keywords=adjustable+safety+razor&qid=1565451790&s=gateway&sr=8-7.

But I wouldn't exchange my Progress for any of those! 😁

That'll be pretty tough as far as getting a brush, razor, blades, and soap goes. Way back when I started on a Shaving Factory DE, it comes with blades, and works okay. I didn't kill myself, and it got me into wet shaving. Within a year I upgraded to something else, but I still have the thing around (7 years old now!), and it serves as my travel razor. It gets the job done, and if I lose it, it's not worth a ton, so I'm not worried about it. It'll run you $12 from Amazon, though it's available for less elsewhere, you just may have to pay shipping. You might be able to get something for less vintage, but not knowing much about the vintage market, I can't help there.

A budget brush would be your next step. You probably can find one of those for $10 - but it's hard to find things in that price range online without also paying shipping. That gets you to around $20. Next task would be soap - you might try Williams mug shaving soap - it's on the ultra cheap end - $1.49 for a puck at Walgreens, and $3 for a 3-pack at Amazon.

So: $12 Shaving Factory razor with starter pack of 5 blades, budget $10 for a brush, and about $2 for soap, and you're right at $24. That's probably the cheapest you can get, but it would get you started. If you can swing it, though, I'd really encourage you to bump up your budget to about $30, to give you some space to get a slightly nicer soap!

Merker Razor

100 blades

Spend $50, lasts like more than a year, also once you get used to it, a more enjoyable and better shave, same amount of time w/ skill

> I own a straight razor, but don't trust myself either.


yeah. I have two straight razors, but I mostly got them since I collect knives and am into that sort of thing. I tried a few times and can now do most of my face but still get nervous shaving around the neck. There is a learning curve for sure. They scare me more than any other blade I have because they're by far the sharpest thing I own, and I can sharpen anything very well.


I have this slant

it's ok. I only used it a couple of times.

I use my Weber Stainless steel most of the time. I like it cause it isn't going to break, rust or have the coating flake off, that you'll possibly get with the other non-ss razors.

Just so everyone knows, this is the kit you would get for free if you are one of the lucky 10:

http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/71UA6FIF8mL._SL1229_.jpg

It is the Dorco double edge safety razor kit that came out a few months ago. http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00T5EQC1I

What's does the Kickstarter one have that this one doesn't? I'm not a razor expert, and they look pretty similar to me, although the one on Amazon looks like it would be more slippery.

Edit: I looked into it more and the Amazon one opens differently.

I would get something nice for Johnzsmith.

Maybe something like this, or like this, and maybe even this.

the three I saw were the Weishi, the [Dorco] (https://www.amazon.com/Dorco-Prime-Starter-Set-Butterfly/dp/B00T5EQC1I/ref=sr_1_2?s=prime-day&psr=PD16&ie=UTF8&qid=1468374651&sr=1-2&keywords=DE+razor), and the Smoothere all around 15 dollars or less. the Dorco set seemed like the best deal.

I bought the good razors like 25$ ones but still got razor burn. I got this and don't have that problem anymore: Dorco Prime Starter Set: Double Edge Safety Butterfly Shaver Handle, 30 Double Edge Razor Blades and Travel Case https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00T5EQC1I/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_KdHhybF2AW495

I found it on Amazon. I'm impatient and at less than $20 it was worth the premium price for 2 day shipping if you're Prime. I was pleasantly surprised with the build quality and function. First full head shave and facial shave went without issue and drew no blood. I settled in at #4 on the face and #6 on the head with a feather blade. So far the Qshave Futur clone is a winner for the cost.

https://www.amazon.com/Quality-Adjustable-Double-Classic-Titanium/dp/B06XGVRQKP/ref=sr_1_1_a_it?ie=UTF8&qid=1496229372&sr=8-1&keywords=qshave&th=1

Come join us at /r/wicked_edge. Its the sub for all things wet shaving and alot use safety razors.

I personally use the merkur futur and love how close a three pass shave gets me. Of course the are much more inexpensive razors out there which I started with. When I'm feeling really brave I'll shave my legs with it too, but I tend to use modern cartage razors now when I need to shave between waxes (a rare thing)


https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B000G0JZYQ/

> Every time when I'm forced to shave with a cartridge razor (because of travel etc.),


I use one of these when traveling. I don't like tossing the blade after only 1 or two uses but it is a lot better than a cartridge razor.

https://www.amazon.com/Parker-A1R-Travel-Safety-Leather/dp/B00IJZK21U


Travel shave brushes are also out there - just be sure to dry/air them out before you pack them away or who knows what kind of funk will start growing in the brush. Mine is always left out to dry for a few days when I get home after travelling. Pack along a tube of Proraso, use a cup at the hotel for lathering and you can get by.


Some travel shave brush ideas....


http://www.thesuperiorshave.com/Shaving_Brushes_Travel.html

I use an old fashioned safety razor because it was like, $12 (with Prime shipping at the time) and the refills are literally about $.60. But there are a lot of trade-offs, because BOY IS THAT THING NEITHER ERGONOMIC NOR BODY FITTING. But I use an electric razor for my more sensitive areas, so it works out okay. You have to be a lot more careful using it, and I can't even let my husband touch it because he's a fast shaver and would probably slit his own throat.

But I do recommend because they don't clog nearly as bad as regular razors do and, again, they're close to free.

The colors are nice, but I'm almost certain it's just a weishi. It'd be easier to tell if they listed the weight.

https://www.amazon.com/WEISHI-Nostalgic-Adjustable-Butterfly-Double/dp/B07DN85M7Q

They look exactly alike. I'm not sure I'd pay $40 extra for a different paint job.

Bonus because you're so flush, might be a good handle for the slant, too:
https://www.amazon.com/RazoRock-Double-Edge-Safety-Razor/dp/B01MA53LRO

This one is the satin finish: http://www.amazon.com/Merkur-Futur-Safety-Razor-Finish/dp/B000JPKLUU/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1407535428&sr=8-1&keywords=merkur+futur

and it doesn't have the problems you listed, as far as I can tell. I've owned one for almost four years now and it's one of the best products I've bought. The chrome finish is the one that chips: http://www.amazon.com/Merkur-Safety-Chrome-Finish-adjustable/dp/B00375BUQ8/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1407535484&sr=8-2&keywords=merkur+futur

I bought a Merkur Futur razor a couple of years ago and never looked back. Such a superior shave, it's not even funny. I highly recommend it.

https://www.amazon.com/MERKUR-MK-70C-Adjustable-Double-Safety/dp/B00375BUQ8/

http://www.amazon.ca/Edwin-Jagger-De87bl-Double-Safety/dp/B003LW0LWQ
I have that bad boy, but if you want to get a full starter kit maggard razors is a good place to go! Its 100% worth it

Like this: https://www.amazon.com/Micro-Touch-Safety-Razor-Chrome/dp/B00HMEBRKO/ref=sr_1_1_a_it?ie=UTF8&qid=1485074892&sr=8-1&keywords=rick+harrison+razor

There are better ones. There are some with much longer handles and I kind of wish I had a longer handle.

Follow up question:

Are these gillette blades legit? I don't usually go for Amazon, but maggards doesn't have them in stock and the price is good.

http://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B006KXD2GU/ref=mp_s_a_1_1?qid=1421363467&sr=8-1&dpPl=1&dpID=41DDT4Xy2oL&ref=plSrch&pi=AC_SY200_QL40

A decent DE razor. I was able to find refills at the local grocery store on Ko Pha Ngan, so even if you don't check luggage and have to through out the blades (not the razor), you should be able to find them anywhere, and a ten pack takes up little room.

A good dry bag. Keep your important stuff in it when moving, wash your laundry in it when you need to without access to a proper sink or washing machine (soap, water, cloths, let it soak, squish for a bit, then hang dry on some 550 twisted cord.) Some areas I've been have showers and not very large sinks with plugs.

Multitool? watch out for knife laws. Japan is strict about knives and I don't know which others are.

An army equivalent duffel bag. No frame so you can pack it along with other stuff in a smaller bag, but it has been used to expand for shopping for longer durations when our smaller packs wouldn't do, unless you are into Furoshiki which uses a sheet of fabric many ways, it is a one use wonder.

Never been into a straight razor so I use a metal safety razor instead.

I use a Merkur Model 180, a cheap shaving brush (about $15) and simple shaving soap. (about $2.50 each) I buy 100 Razors and one blade lasts a good 2 weeks on average.

Its about $60 initially, then 2.50 every 3 months for new soap, and $16 around every 3.8 years for blades. (3.8 years is an estimation based off 2 week blade use, haven't reached it yet myself.)

Yeah, its going to be more expensive over time for sure compared to your set up, but it beats $34 for 8 razor heads every 3 months.

Try retro.

Manly, and it makes shaving a real pleasure. Alternatively try rubbing your face against a rough stone.

Don't buy a Futur, get one of these QShave knockoff razors for much cheaper. They're just as good (I've had both, and I still have the QShave), and if you're going to spend $70 on a razor there are MUCH better ones for that price than a Futur.

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B06XGVRQKP/

The Futur is a cool razor, but with that giant head it's less convenient to use for some than razors that have a "normal" sized head.

I remember buying my merkur for $40 or so when i was 16. Shortly after when i went to walmart with my parents for groceries, my mother saw this and said i got ripped off LOL

Not since I decided to purchase the Merkur Futur safety razor. Adjustable angle, brushed steel, will last a lifetime. Also purchased 3 packs of blades which should last years. I use shaving oil instead of soap/foam, it's a lot less messy & shaves better.

Razor: Edwin Jagger, ~$35, or the Parker 29L.

Brush: Omega 10048.

Soap: I haven't used proraso but it's the only thing I can think of that's available on amazon with the shipping. Maybe someone will chime in who knows. Here's the link to one of them.

Note: you may also want to buy some witch hazel, an alum block and a blade sampler. But, the blade sampler will be cheaper and better if you go through a site like tryablade.com or maggardrazors.com

Compared to buying Dorco blades (that DSC essentially just resells themselves) or doing safety razor blades.

Safety razors have a higher upfront cost, but a low maintenance fee.

I currently use this razor - https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0047ACVUQ/

It's a bit pricey, but looks and works well.

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B001QY8QXM/

For $10, I can get 100 blades. These blades, admittedly are mid-range and not incredible. However, I no longer have to "baby" my razor blades. Roughly every week, I just recycle my blade (it's stainless steel) and pop the next one in. That means for $10, I can shave for 2 years.

As for cream - I bought this last fall:

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00C8A2NHS/

and am almost halfway through.

I agree. Look: https://www.amazon.com/Quality-Adjustable-Double-Classic-Titanium/dp/B06XGVRQKP/ref=sr_1_1_a_it?ie=UTF8&qid=1492813268&sr=8-1&keywords=qshave&th=1. You can buy this on Amazon. If Amazon can sell it...well....

Looks like Amazon has them... http://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B002CLDUZM/ref=mp_s_a_1?qid=1348083643&sr=8-1-fkmr0

This is what I have, I'm not a huge fan of the super short handle, that did take some getting used to

Try this instead, it's awesome. No QC issues for me.

https://www.amazon.com/QSHAVE-Adjustable-Double-Classic-Titanium/dp/B06XGVRQKP?th=1

If you have your mind set on an adjustable. I can say the QSHAVE adjustable is a good and economical option. https://www.amazon.com/QSHAVE-Adjustable-Double-Classic-Titanium/dp/B06XGVRQKP/ref=mp_s_a_1_1_sspa?keywords=merkur+futur&qid=1575053858&sprefix=merkur+futu&sr=8-1-spons&psc=1&spLa=ZW5jcnlwdGVkUXVhbGlmaWVyPUEyQklXT1NTUVdWRkNTJmVuY3J5cHRlZElkPUEwNzI1NzM1MkUyNUNZRFpYWkcyRSZlbmNyeXB0ZWRBZElkPUEwMDgwMTc3QzdYSjg5OEszVlROJndpZGdldE5hbWU9c3BfcGhvbmVfc2VhcmNoX2F0ZiZhY3Rpb249Y2xpY2tSZWRpcmVjdCZkb05vdExvZ0NsaWNrPXRydWU=

I am looking to buy my first straight razor next week, so right now the blades I am using is Harry razor club. The reasoning for the question is I am looking at what soaps or creams to buy. One of the others was talking about earl gray soap, something which I think my wife would not mind the smell of. So I was wondering how the soap part worked. Looking at getting this razor with the blades it recommends, just thinking about the cream vs soap.
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B06W57VMBJ/ref=sspa_dk_detail_1?th=1

Join the sixty cent shave club

Buy one of these

Then one of these

And for 45 dollars, you will have enough razors to last for two years.

And it is 15 dollars for every two years thereafter.

Shave after warm shower. Use pre-shave oil and quality shave soap.
Use an adjustable razor set to lowest number or an exceptional mild razor like the PAA DOC original, but with a very sharp blade such as Feather.

Once lathered, use only cold water to complete shave. Shave by removing the lather (really light touch), don't try to remove facial hair. Take a look at the FAQ.

After shave ritual: cold water rinse, witch-hazel, balm, then aftershave

As much as it pains me to say it, skip WestCoast Shaving! 100 for $25 and free shipping on Amazon. I was stoked.

http://www.amazon.com/dp/B006KXD2GU/

RazoRock DE1 Tech style

RazoRock QuickChange

RazoRock Mission plus blades at $23 shipped. Check sellers list.

Lord Fresh L125 L6 Merkur style. Newer version of LP1822.

Are there any notable differences between the DE87 and DE89 besides the fact that the 89 has the solid metal handle as opposed to the faux ivory?

Anch'io sono passato al rasoio di sicurezza e avevo in mente di fare un post simile al tuo tanta è stata la soddisfazione che ho avuto.

Da odiare a farmi la barba, dato che il multilama è troppo costoso e si finisce per stra-usare le testine e l'elettrico non mi piace, sono arrivato a farla volentieri, dopo un primo momento in cui ero talmente entusiasta da "non vedere l'ora" :D

Dopo un po' di consultazioni io ho preso il Muhle R89 e mi trovo ottimamente. Anche il Muhle R41 "lo squalo" è interessante ma penso che l'R89 sia un ottimo modo per iniziare.

L'unica pecca è che richiede un po' più di tempo di multilama ed elettrici. Nella mia esperienza facendo una sola passata (in direzione del pelo) si ottiene un risultato mediocre che può andare bene se si è di super fretta e si hanno solo 10-15 minuti a seconda dell'esperienza. Se si fanno due passate i minuti diventano 15-20 e si ottiene un risultato ottimo. Se si vuole un risultato ancora più pulito ci vogliono 3 passate e circa 20 minuti. Tuttavia da un "dovere" diventa un piacere e un modo per coccolarsi un po'.

Molto divertenti e istruttivi questi video in proposito:

• [EN] Tutorial: Learn How To Shave With a Safety Razor
  
• [EN] How to Shave with a Safety Razor
  
• [IT] Radersi velocemente con il rasoio di sicurezza
  
  

Yes, I bought from Amazon. same price as Aliexpress but delivers faster.

If I had $30 I would spend an additional $13 and buy a Merkur slant bar. Its amazon for $43. LINK

100 Pack of 7 o'clock Sharp Edge are on Amazon for $20.

https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B006KXD2GU/ref=ox_sc_saved_image_7?ie=UTF8&psc=1&smid=A262S395NXGG8Z

I picked up a Van Der Haagen razor for ~20 for my first razor. It worked decently for a beginner, I've used it for eight months.

As an option, I'd recommend this kit as a starter, it looks to be the exact same razor with a couple extras for the same price I paid for just the razor from Target.

I just recently picked up a Merkur Futur adjustable, figuring that I've done this for eight months and convinced i'll stick with it, so I upgraded to a better razor. I'm still getting used to it's new heft.

then you just need a brush and soap, and an aftershave lotion or balm is also recommended.

Other accessories that can help:

small bowl or mug for lathering, depending on the type of soap you use,

a small alum block for nicks and post shave irritation (make sure it is Potassium Alum, not ammonium, but some people use witch hazel instead due to irritation)

I also picked up the Van Der haagen shave set on deep discount ($4). The soap was trash, but the brush works decent and the bowl was a bowl, but a bit small.

Hmmm... do we have to account for shipping? --

Barrister and Mann Seville soap (Excelsior) + Splash + EdT - $53.07

24mm Maggard Synthetic - $11.95

100 Gillette 7 O'clock SharpEdge - $11.29

Maggard MR11 Handle (Blue) + 3VA Head - $16.94

Total: $93.25

here's 100 for $15 shipped on Amazon

Try this

Weishi Nostalgic Adjustable. $36.

I actually use a double edged razor.

https://www.amazon.co.uk/Edwin-Jagger-Kelvin-Safety-Razor/dp/B00K6Z1R60 I use this handle and cheapo wilkinson blades.

http://www.amazon.com/Merkur-39C-Slant-Safety-included/dp/B002CLH5MG/ref=sr_1_3?ie=UTF8&qid=1344171019&sr=8-3&keywords=merkur+slant

http://www.amazon.com/Merkur-Heavy-Razor-Slant-198/dp/B002CLDUZM/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1344171019&sr=8-2&keywords=merkur+slant

both are about the same price. 39c is the sledgehammer right?

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00T5EQC1I/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_uGTUCbJGK1Y5C

That's 25 for the handle plus 30 blades and a case for it all. You can get just a handle for under 20.

Amazon has them

Ehdottomasti tämä- Itselle päädyin ostamaan (pitkän harkinnan jälkeen) muhlen, halvan villisikapartaharjan, ihan vaan jonkin styptisen kynän,[ palmoliven partasaippuan] (http://www.amazon.co.uk/Palmolive-Classic-Extract-Shave-Stick/dp/B0012XZAKE/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1427368996&sr=8-2&keywords=palmolive+shaving+soap) ja nivean hoitoainetta.. Aloittelijalle hyvä combo mielestäni. Halpa, helppo käyttää ja matalampi kynnys kokeilla kun kallein osa paketissa on se ikuisesti kestävä höylä.

https://www.amazon.de/gp/product/B06XGVRQKP/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o00_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

For reference: http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00375BUQ8?keywords=merkur%20futur&qid=1457023789&ref_=sr_1_3_a_it&sr=8-3

It was a Dorco Primer Starter Set. Probably the razor is just rebranded or included with the Dorco blades.

At some point I want to go back and retry the dorco blades in merkur. I changed too many things so I'm just not sure which was my biggest problem.


EDIT: looks like it is a Weishi butterfly razor.

http://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B00HMEBRKO?pc_redir=1405331012&robot_redir=1

This one. I know it's not all that fantastic but it was in a brick and mortar store and I couldn't resist.

well you have a bunch of good creams/soaps already so i would look at a razor and asb.

Slant

Skin food

not sure how you feel about your brush but if you want a silvertip i know there are a few parker silvertips on amazon for $60

edit for wrong link

I'm thinking of this to replace it. I imagine that if a fall where to occur again, it won't have the same weak point.

Here's my suggestion.

Get a slant head razor.

Use Feather blades. They're the sharpest you can get.

Stop using canned shave cream, get a real shaving soap and a decent brush.

Also get some Mr GLO soap and use it before you shave. Lather it onto your beard and let it soak in for two and a half minutes, then rinse and apply your lather. This makes your beard as soft as it's gonna get.

Shave with the grain, re-lather, shave across the grain, re-lather, shave against the grain.

Read this book and go to this website.

Hope this helps.

Cu un aparat clasic. Orice prostie foloseam de la Gilette, indiferent de pret sau de aftershave imi lasa fata iritata.

Am trecut pe lucrurile clasice cu aparatul asta, lame Astra, sapun de barbierit si piatra de alaun. Nu mai am nici o problema dupa barbierit si e si de cel putin 10 ori mai ieftin.

Ich kann dir einen Rasierhobel empfehlen. Die Hobel selbst fangen bei ca. 20 Euro an. Ich hab mir vor kurzem den Merkur Futur geholt und bin super zufrieden damit. Die Klingen sind dann auch relativ günstig.

Wenn du willst kann ich dir noch ein paar gute Klingen nennen, müßte aber erst mal selber nachschauen welche ich schon ausprobiert habe.

/u/panicclark devo fare la recensione del muhle89. L'ho comprato da un mese e posso dire tutto.

Prima avevo questo: https://www.amazon.it/Rasoio-Sicurezza-barbiere-rasatura-Cromato/dp/B01N7P3UI0/ref=sr_1_sc_1?s=hpc&ie=UTF8&qid=1543604501&sr=1-1-spell&keywords=kanzhy

La lama che si curva tanto è ottima, io mi ci faccio pure la testa e da quando ho imparato la giusta inclinazione del muhle non mi sono manco più fatto un graffietto (c'è da dire che col muhle è difficile tagliarsi in ogni caso).

Il taglio è ottimo, provato sia con le lamette derby, sia con le astra (e le astra sono meglio). Ottimo anche che non rimangono peli incastrati che obbligherebbero a allentare la lama per sciacquarlo meglio. Unico difetto il manico, veramente troppo liscio. Mi scivola tantissimo e lo impugno malissimo. Fatto chiaramente solo per la barba, farsi il contropelo sulla nuca con quel manico liscissimo è difficilissimo. Il kanzhy oltre ad avere delle tacche vere sull'acciaio aveva anche il manico curvo che lo teneva più saldo.

Probabilmente proverò a mettere il manico di uno sulla testa dell'altro e vedere come va, sperando che il bilanciamento non ne risenta.

PRO:

• lama molto curva, delicatissima
  
• peso perfetto
  
• i peli scorrono e non rimangono incastrati
  
  CONTRO:
  
  
• manico troppo liscio
  
• non c'è modo di riconoscere il lato usato (non c'è una scritta ne niente). Visto che con una lametta ci faccio due tagli, ho dovuto farci un segno con un pennarello per capire quale lato uso un giorno, e quale uso il giorno del taglio successivo.
  
  
  Domanda scema: sulle lamette derby ci stanno i numeri sul lato delle lame, addirittura 4. Secondo loro puoi anche girarla al contrario e usarla 4 volte? Qualcuno ha mai provato?