#9 in Shaving products
Reddit mentions of Van Der Hagen Luxury Traditional Shaving Kit
Sentiment score: 38
Reddit mentions: 69
We found 69 Reddit mentions of Van Der Hagen Luxury Traditional Shaving Kit. Here are the top ones.
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THE SHAVE OF YOUR LIFE - It’s time to reinvent your morning grooming ritual. These sophisticated shaving sets assembled by Van Der Hagen include all the essentials for experiencing the perfect shave, day after day.THE COMPLETE LUXURY SHAVING KIT - Each shave set comes complete with a superior quality boar bristle shave brush, acrylic brush stand, our exclusive Van Der Hagen apothecary mug, and our best selling Luxury Shave Soap.ENJOY A LUXURIOUS LATHER - Ideal for building a satisfying and luxurious lather during your wet shave, the luxury shaving soap included in our shaving gift set effectively lubricates the skin to help prevent razor burn and reduce nicks and cuts.AFFORDABLE LUXURY - Save your precious dollars for other luxuries in life. We strive to provide the best price possible and bring you that smooth, luxurious shave experience without having to break the bank.OUR GUARANTEE TO YOU - We believe our shaving sets for men offer better value than anything else out on the market today. If you are not 100% satisfied with the results you get from this product, we will refund your purchase price.
Specs:
| Color | Black |
| Height | 7 inches |
| Length | 4.4 inches |
| Number of items | 1 |
| Release date | March 2011 |
| Size | 4 Piece Set |
| Weight | 3.52E-6 pounds |
| Width | 5.2 inches |
Van Der Hagen Luxury Shave Set (includes soap, mug, brush, holder), ~$32 @ Amazon and Lord L6 Razor, ~$13 @ Amazon.
I'd start with the Kit suggestions and FAQ in the sidebar.
In short you will NEED: A razor, razor blades and soap or cream.
Optional but Highly Recommended: a brush, shaving bowl, alum stick, witchhazel, styptic pencil, a sampler pack of blades to find what works best for you.
Typical recommendations are the Edwin Jagger de89bl with a sampler pack and an inexpensive kit or a slightly nicer kit
However if you give us a budget range or your interests that could help point you in the right direction.
Also if you are looking at straight razors, I will have to defer to those more knowledgeable than I.
I got this kit the other day, and i just wasn't sure what to do, because i hadn't seen anything about it.
It was a surprise gift from my wife. I'm not sure if it is good or bad, but I was pretty happy.
Van Der Hagen Men's Luxury Shave Set and Double Edge Razor LORD Chrome
Read this pretty long post about DE shaving. The "HERE" link inside that post has good information as well.
Some comments about the products you have chosen:
> So I've been looking into buying a DE starter kit and looked at all the suggestions and I've sorted out this much so far.
Razor: DE86bl
Blades: Sampler
Pre-Shave Soap: Glycerine
Alum: Alum
Styptic: Clubman Pinaud
The Edwin Jagger is a very good razor.
The sampler comes only with 2 blades per brand, which could be enough but in my opinion 5 blades per brand would be better. Blade samplers in amazon are somewhat expensive.
Clearly natural is a pre-shave soap which is not necessary, but some people do find them helpful. You use it to wash your face before you lather your shaving cream/soap. You are missing the shaving cream/soap from your list.
Alum again not necessary, but some users like it.
Styptic pencil, do you bleed a lot? I ask because I hardly ever bleed, my blood coagulates really fast. So I have never seen a use for a styptic pencil.
> So for brushes it sounds like boar or badger, which I believe is preferred, hair is the way to go, but then the recommendation for the $75 level is bamboo and at the $100 one of the 2 recommended is synthetic.
The Ecotools bamboo brush is a women's makeup brush. Using it for shaving seems rather extreme. However I'm not sure how its making process differs from a shaving brush, do they use different glue or what. But I have seen threads posted where people say that the brush has died on them. If you are on a very tight budget and want a very soft brush that you can also find locally, then I think the Ecotools is a good option. That being said you can get Omega boar brush for about $10 from various online stores.
> I was looking through some of the threads and somewhere I found someone recommend this set which seemed nice, has a badger brush a little cup for lathering and a thing to hang the brush on to dry and comes with little starter shaving soap (although I have no idea if the soap is any good). So thoughts on that set and any inputs on brushes would be appreciated.
I don't think that recommendation had many upvotes. The brush is a pure badger brush and it's also prone to excessive shedding. The soap is nothing special. A brush stand isn't necessary. After you are done shaving thoroughly rinse the brush with running water from the tap, shake out the excess water, and use a towel to dry the tips of the brush, leave the brush standing on its base in a open space to air dry. The apothecary mug is not necessary either. It's mainly intended to hold the soap puck. However most shaving soaps will come in their own containers. The mug can also be quite small so when you are loading your brush you end up banging your fingers against the sides. I wouldn't recommend this set.
> And then lastly, how important are aftershaves? Are they just to smell nice or does it help you skin take a breather after threateningly rubbing sharp stuff all over it? My main mental picture of aftershave never having used it before is the scene from Home Alone, so feel free to educate me.
There are many different kinds of aftershave products; 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 aftershave balm (if you get satisfactory results with it you don't have to explore the other options unless you want to).
In the Home Alone he used aftershave splash. I'm not really a fan of these, the alcohol can be too drying for your skin and they are often more heavily scented which can irritate your skin. Some users do love them though, but I'd say they are for normal to oily skin. I like to use the other type of products, such as the aftershave balm, it soothes/heals and moisturizes your skin.
I've got the same kit that I got off Amazon for $30.
Here is the link.. looks like its $28.75. Comes with a brush / soap / mug and stand (exact thing in the picture, down to the logo)
Items bought:
Edwin Jagger De89bl,
Blade sampler,
Toner,
Alum Block,
Shave Set,
Soap
Edit: links
Let me start off by saying welcome, and that you're damn lucky there is such a thing as Wicked_Edge for you to rely on at 17 in your formative years of shaving. It sounds like a stupid hobby, but it's for something you're going to have to do nearly every single day if you don't want to look like some indie hipster, so you might as well enjoy it.
I would suggest starting with proper soap and brush first to get the hang of a good prep for your face. This is one of my favorite "starter" packs because you'll be able to get it all in one swing for actually a very good price. Give your electric razor to a homeless shelter or something. Put it in the closet. You can start with the cartridge razors for now; beard prep and technique is far more important than expensive equipment at this point.
After a few days of getting you're routine down with the shower, hot towel, lathering etc. then come see us about a double edge razor and blades, and I'm positive after reading through the comments you'll be ordering an Edwin Jagger DE89. Let us know if you need anything else friend.
Well, I can tell you the bowl, brush, stand, and tab of soap are the Van Der Hagen Shave Set, which can be picked up at Target for around $20. I got mine for that price, so seeing the normally listed price of $40 (even the discounted $30) really surprised me.
My gear so far is...
Weber DLC w/ Bulldog handle
Van Der Hagen Shave Kit
Truefitt & Hill 1805 shave cream
Bloc Osma Alum Block
Feather Blades
The gear is this:
Edwin Jagger De89l
Van Der Hagen Men's Luxury, Shave Set
Later tonight will be my first DE experience, wish me luck!
Please tell me you mis-typed the price of the mug. I was gifted the Van Der Hagen starter set when I first started out. That mug isn't worth any thing near $50.
The stand is part of this set
Just finished shaving and had to come here to talk about it! I never knew shaving could be this great! Good bye crappy cartridges and goopy aerosol creams!
Here's the links to the stuff I got:
Merkur Model 180 Long Handled Safety Razor
Van Der Hagen Men's Luxury, Shave Set
Proraso Ultra Sensitive Pre and Post Shave Cream with Aloe and Green Tea
50 LORD SHARK ASCO BIGBEN CROWN DE Blade Sampler 9E
Any suggestions on other supplies I should pick up to make my shave even better?
Oh and if you're wondering, the basket in the back is something my family's always done. We have a basket of really common toiletries that we keep in the guest bathroom (I shave in the guest bathroom when no one's staying with us so I don't have to fight the missus for counter space) in case our guests forgot to bring something with them.
You either got the kit, or the razor for that price.. edit: razor is 20 on Amazon and the soap kit is 25 I'm assuming you got one or the other not both
I started off with a WSP El Grande and a Van Der Hagen brush and soap set for around $50 total. Picked up a pack of sample blades from tryablade after reading advice on this forum to play the field before deciding what blades works best for your skin. I couldn't be happier with my decisions, and don't care to admit how much more money I've spent on shaving supplies since then :)
Total: about $80. I have Amazon Prime Student and I don't have a car, so it was really convenient.
The stand, mug, soup, and brush came with Van Der Hagen shaving kit I bought from target for ~25$
http://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B004L4EING/ref=mp_s_a_1_2?qid=1398465204&sr=8-2&pi=SX200_QL40
That's super cool of you. Did you recommend something like this and a double edge razor by any chance? Would definitely save them a shit ton of money both immediately and in the long run. (And it's a far more pleasing shave imo)
I want to sell these items as I have another EJ razor with the same head. It'd be a nice kit for a newbie to start with or anyone who wants these items for their den. It includes the Van Der Hagen luxury kit and a Edwin Jagger DE86bl ebony, both of these items were used for about 6-8 weeks. The VDH soap was only used maybe 3 times.
Besides the VDH kit and razor (with boxes) it also includes;
I'm thinking $55 shipped CONUS only please. PM me if you have questions or are interested.
Any chance you could help us "Soap Pucks" out with a video too?
I thought I was doing it right, but now I'm second guessing myself.
I should mention I have the following (at the moment. Not to say I won't get/be persuaded to get others later):
http://www.amazon.com/Van-Hagen-Mens-Luxury-Shave/dp/B004L4EING/ref=sr_1_5?ie=UTF8&qid=1344735797&sr=8-5&keywords=shaving+brush
I bought a cheap kit to get started about a year and a half ago and it's still working well. I want to upgrade to a straight razor which costs more upfront but you never need to buy blades again (just sharpen before use)
I'd say this is a good starter kit though, it's what I bought:
http://www.amazon.com/Van-Hagen-Mens-Luxury-Shave/dp/B004L4EING/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1415040428&sr=8-1&keywords=safety+razor+kit
http://www.amazon.com/Premium-Safety-Razor-Model-LP1822L/dp/B004N77JVY/ref=sr_1_1?s=hpc&ie=UTF8&qid=1415040506&sr=1-1&keywords=lord+safety+razor
http://www.amazon.com/Double-Safety-Razor-Blades-Platinum/dp/B001VTRGGK/ref=pd_sim_hpc_1?ie=UTF8&refRID=1D844MJWW2C4S8HXCGTZ
You can spend less on the soap kit, and get one for $9 or so to start off.
Well, what starter kit was it? If it was a Van der Hagen kit like this or this, it's a known common problem with the brush.
If you want, you could get an Omega boar brush for around $13 that is pretty good quality without breaking the bank.
I purchased the EJ 86 (imitation ebony handle) and love it.
Where ever did you find a stand that is aesthetically and functionally compatible? Price?
I just purchased Van Der Hagen Men's Luxury Shave Set
Is this where you purchased the Mitchell's ebonised oak bowl?
Congrats on your new job. Here is a quick and easy intro kit that a lot people start with. there are tons of options so if you dont like this or are looking for something specific just say so.
Razor
Brush/mug/soap
Blade Sampler
should be right under $70. Get styptic pencil at grocery for $1 and keep using the after shave you have.
Edit: to say go to youtube lookup matic59 and watch his watch these first playlist. That will give you a great intro to wet shaving. then you can watch the rest of his videos for more specif advice and techniques if you want.
I have one of these. The bar of soap is shaped the same as the bowl, so no slippage ever.
If you live near a bath and body works, they have C.O. Bigelow shaving creams, assuming they have their buy 2 get 1 free (which they almost always do) you get 3 5.2oz tubes for $20. It is just re branded proraso (green). I use the C.O Bigelow shaving creams and love it. I'm 6 months in and not even through the first of 3 tubes.
Also, I got my Brush, stand, bowl, and a soap from the VDH luxury shave set. Its a badger brush, and whips up a nice lather. You can find the kit here on amazon for $30, but if you go to a Target, they might have it for $20 (which is what i paid for mine at a local target)
1. Single Malt Scotch
2. Good Watch
3. Straight Razor Shavette + Kit
4. Decent Pocket Knife
5. Shoe Shine kit
6. Fountain Pen
7. Leather Wallet
8. EDC flashlight
9. Men's manicure set
10. Bottle Opener
I use a pure badger hair brush that came from this Van der hagen set.
It's the only brush I've used, so I have no basis for comparison, but I feel like it does a very satisfactory job, and the price was certainly right. In general it has held up quite well for over a year now.
I have very sensitive skin on my neck, fairly tough skin on my cheeks, and coarse facial hair. I feel like this brush does a pretty decent job of navigating both adequately.
Fingers crossed!
Razor: I started with this Merkur razor (and I'm still using it after two years). Edwin Jagger is probably equally popular, but I haven't tried them.
Brush/bowl: I was given this bowl/soap/brush/holder kit as a gift and still use it, but the brush broke after about a year (I could probably fix it with some good glue but haven't bothered yet. The holder is nice, but you might be able to find just a brush and bowl separately slightly cheaper if you're on a budget. I didn't use the soap in the kit because:
Soap: Proraso soap was suggested and I ended up liking it a lot. Some people like to buy sampler packs of soap/cream as well, but this was good enough for me, and it would take me forever to get through samples. This Proraso got me through 15 months with an average of one shave per week.
Blades: I started out with a sampler pack of blades from Maggard Razors, and Gillette Silver Blue and Gillette 7 O'Clock (both yellow and green were the same to me) ended up being the easiest on my face. I tried Feather, but they were way too harsh at first, I think because I hadn't really gotten the technique down yet. Gillette was more forgiving, but once I got better at shaving, I was able to use Feathers.
Other: Lastly, I really like using an alum stick after shaving to help close up pores/tiny nicks (weepers), but they're not necessary. I also now use Shave Secret as a first layer when I start my second pass (against the grain). Again, not necessary, but I think it helps me personally a little to have that extra layer of protection to prevent razor burn. It does gunk up your razor a little, though, so just be sure to keep it clean.
--------------------------
I still only shave once a week, and I have a 3 day minimum in between shaves, otherwise I'll still get razor burn. Read up on some info in /r/wicked_edge. /u/Leisureguy has a ton of great comments in that sub. Sort his comment history by top, and you'll get plenty of good advice right off the bat. He also has a blog. My best tips: Make sure you use a shallow angle (as opposed to the perpendicular/90-degree shave you're used to with cartridge razors), and don't let your lather be too dry. Also, if your area has hard water, consider using distilled water to make your lather. Maggard Razors has been really great at shipping fast and having good prices for me and carries everything I mentioned, but there several reputable online shops. I know lots of people prefer to use Amazon, so I linked everything on Amazon except the blade sampler pack.
the luxury kit is much better of a brush and soap. I really like it and have felt no need to upgrade outside of being just for fun.
Any specific suggestions? I just swapped the Van Der Hagen Men's Luxury, Shave Set for the Omega 63171.
I don't have to go through Amazon, but I thought it would make it easier for my dad to purchase and also if paying for shipping wasn't a concern then that would be a few more dollars to go into products.
Well, I have just about added all these to cart, trying to select a range of soap, cream, and bar so I can spend my year in experimental heaven.
I'm looking at Proraso for the eucalyptus&menthol -- sounds amazing -- and Tabac reviews said it has an "old" Old Spice smell (that I like for some reason). Arko is cheap and I figure I'll give it a try. But what is Taylor of Old's Sandalwood like? Is it a real strong scent? I have no real frame of reference.
About the brush: This serves a pretty hefty purpose (stand, brush, bowl) at a great price. How is the brush though?
Sorry for so many questions. I'm getting excited.
Maybe this
Paired with this
I have the Van Der Hagen Brush sold in this kit http://www.amazon.com/Van-Hagen-Mens-Luxury-Shave/dp/B004L4EING
I'm liking the shave soap better than Proraso, the brush is pretty good and the bowl works great for lathering.
I can tell you the shaving cream and razors make a big big difference.
You do that and I can tell you that you will never get bumps again. Plus 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 for the face and body but I find cleaning and replacing the blade is easy.
/u/ilikesleep your expertise is needed.
As for me, I'm still using a five blade (Dollar Shave Club, yo) but that's only because I can't afford a good safety razor yet. I would highly recommend checking out this kit as it's what I use and it's what got me started. It's phenomenal quality and the price can't be beat. You aren't getting the best brush ever, but it's still quite good. Or for a step up, there is this one.
Best of luck to you, and let me know what you end up doing!
>I do not understand the appeal of the Van Der Hagen kit.
The cheap-o one with the boar brush, or the nicer one with the badger brush, bowl, soap, and stand? Yeah, the one with the boar brush seems meh, but a complete soap, bowl, stand, and badger brush for $33 is pretty good, I figure.
It could very well be the electric razors, bud. Have you been to r/wicked_edge? I suggest going there and reading the FAQ bar on how to shave with a DE safety razor. I've been doing it for a few months and it's completely transformed my face (although I switched from disposables, not electric). My best friend has been using an electric for years though and complained about irritation. I got him to try the DE safety razor and he really loves it. His face has cleared up and he doesn't get ingrowns anymore.
If you try the safety razor, I recommend these starters:
Razor
Shave kit
Or you could try this system which got positive reviews by a user on wicked edge. Bevel
I recommend shaving after a shower, using a thick lather with a brush, and shaving with the grain only. Study your face before you shave. Notice which directions the hair grows on different parts of your face, and be careful to shave with that growth pattern. Use some alum and an after shave with alcohol in it afterwards to reduce redness and ingrown hair.
Firefly and Serentiy
Jedi bathrobe or Sith
Tardis bowtie
Straight razor kit and Razor
Get him a Shave set, one must be clean shaven to properly judge the wind and swing with all of ones spirit.
Isn't that the razor? Here I'll just link you to everything I bought.
Edwin Jagger De89lbl Double Edge Safety Razor Chrome Plated Lined Detail, Chrome
Van Der Hagen Men's Luxury, Shave Set
Bloc Osma Alum Block, 2.65 Ounce
Sampler Pack
So the handle and bristle load finally decided to part ways after close to two years in service. I could use super-glue or something similar to put them back together but decided it was time for an upgrade since the brush has been shedding a lot recently. That, and the fact that the razor handle is a cheap little plastic thingie I picked up in South Asia around the same time frame(~1$).
The double edge razor kits had some fascinating suggestions and I'm almost sold on the 22mm silvertip badger with a resin handle(no ideas on the safety razor replacement yet).
Thoughts/Suggestions(maybe a sampler pack link)!?
Original kit - http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B004L4EING/
Whipped Dog Silvertip Badger - http://whippeddog.com/products/view/silvertip-badger
I actually had this wish list for the longest time. I decided to pull the trigger on it last month. I have never been more free from ingrown hairs/unsightly blemishes. Shaving is now a pleasurable experience, not a chore.
Proraso Shaving Soap 5.2 oz (147 g)
Barber Alum
Acca Kappa Cedar After Shave Splash
COSMETICALLY SEALED My Nik Is Sealed Styptic Pen 0.17 oz
125 BEST Blade Sampler FEATHER SHARK ASTRA BLUEBIRD NACET BIC LORD 7 O'Clock
Van Der Hagen Men's Luxury, Shave Set
Musgo Real Lime Glyce Soap
Edwin Jagger De89bl Double Edge Safety Razor Chrome Plated
Although Leisureguy's Handbook is not on the list, I just purchased it for a friend as a 30th birthday gift. I'm sure we'll add another user to the ranks by the end of the week.
I haven't had a chance to say thank you to all of the professionals out there in RedditLand. Thank you for your countless posts and invaluable guidance. You have changed my life in a small but significant way.
About two weeks ago, I bought a safety razor and shaving kit with badger hair brush for about $65 total. Best shave I've ever had, hands down.
It was a bit of money up front, but I figure I spend $60 a year on disposable blades for my 4 blade razor anyway. 100 blades for this new razor cost about $15, and I get almost no irritation after I'm done shaving (which was a huge issue with all the multi-blade razors I've used, even with buying the cartridges with aloe strips and all that).
If you're looking for more of a one off thing, I know that there's a place on Scholls Ferry called Barbers that offers a shave, but I am not sure if they use a straight razor or not. It's also a bit on the pricey end, at least compared to your normal hole-in-the-wall neighborhood barber. Hope this helps a bit.
Van Der Hagen
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B004L4EING
I should point out that I don't shave every day, or even every other day. So my "two weeks" is probably not the same as most people in /r/wicked_edge.
I shave two to three times a week. My hair just doesn't grow very fast.
I've only just started myself, but I'll give your questions a whirl anyway.
Van Der Hagen Men's Luxury Shave Set
this one has a little better bursh and the mug is little better. I started out with this one and it was very good. Van Der Hagen is a hit or miss with this sub reddit, but if you take proper brush care I don't think you'll have any problems. Shake as much water out of it as you can and hang it upside down to dry and the VDH brushes should also last.
It came with this set.
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B004L4EING/ref=oh_details_o02_s00_i02?ie=UTF8&psc=1
I actually don't like it though. The handle on the brush knocks into the razor.
Is this the Col. Conk one you use? I've been thinking of getting something like this at some point:
http://www.amazon.com/Colonel-Conk-Evernice-775-Chrome/dp/B001XURHNY/ref=sr_1_1?s=hpc&ie=UTF8&qid=1374353121&sr=1-1&keywords=Razor+stand
They both come from sets you can find in a lot of department stores and drug stores. The boar is from this set. And the badger is from this one. The first was a gift actually although I have owned two of them in the past. I want to upgrade soon to a better brush that breaks in better and sheds less but I have gotten significant mileage out of both.
I get my col. conk's glycerin soaps on amazon.
I used to get my derby blades there, but seeing as I no longer need them, I won't be doing that any more.
When I started I got my Dovo Shavette there, with no issues.
The bowl and brush set I got is just mediocre and i honestly wouldn't recommend it for beginners or seasoned users.
Honestly, you can find deals just as good or better in other places, but amazon is just that easy.
That's what I was feeling, I have the Merkur Classic right now. I was thinking about picking up the Merkur HD razor and moving the Classic into my travel bag. I'm still using the brush that came with the Van Der Hagen kit and I am still happy. Although I feel like there is something better out there. I've switched to Proraso shave soap from the soap that came with the mug, so I think I might just take your advice and get a new brush. What do you prefer for your brush?
I'm noticing some discrepancy in the comments here, and thought it helpful to point out that Van Der Hagen makes two versions of a starter shave kit.
The Luxury set (Surprisingly un-shitty)
The premium set. (Which is notoriously shitty)
If you have the premium set, your opinion is probably negative, while the luxury set owners seem much more satisfied. (Or do I have that backwards?)
Yeah I am using this soap: http://www.amazon.com/Van-Hagen-Mens-Luxury-Shave/dp/B004L4EING/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1417582151&sr=8-1&keywords=shave+set
I hope to get some artisan soaps at a good price that surpasses the Colonel Conk soap which I was planning on getting but it sounds like it isn't too good.
If you really want a bowl and a brush stand, here is a cheap one. I've also seen these in WalMart and CVS or Walgreens.
So I'm new here and am kind of interested in getting into this whole wet shaving thing. However being a college student it is a little cost prohibitive. However as you can see the linked safety razor is really cheap but has very mixed reviews. Some reviewer said the linked vendor was not very good and to buy from here instead. However the first one does come with a case for the same price. Although I don't know if I would even want to use that case. Any words of advice?
And while I have you here is this a good pickup? Thanks guys.
I bought this one: http://www.amazon.com/Van-Hagen-Mens-Luxury-Shave/dp/B004L4EING?ie=UTF8&psc=1&redirect=true&ref_=oh_aui_detailpage_o04_s00
It says it's the badger hair one.
After some careful deliberation and lots of research here on w_e, I bit the bullet and made a $100 purchase (more than I would have liked, but I think I can justify it):
Merkur 180 razor $31 for my large sized hands. Good reviews all around and price seemed comparable to the Edwin Jagger that was recommended.
VDH Men's Luxury Shave Set $32 I went with this set basically because I wanted a shaving mug. Also, I'm not convinced I could purchase each component separately and save more than a few dollars while retaining quality. The soap has great reviews, the brush seems decent (good for a starter brush) and the stand is bonus. If I purchased each component separately I might have been able to save a few dollars, but it's easier to start out with the kit, I think.
[This blade sampler] (http://www.amazon.com/FEATHER-Oclock-BLUEBIRD-Blade-Sampler/dp/B004UIZFQW/ref=sr_1_2?s=hpc&ie=UTF8&qid=1331009882&sr=1-2) $16 This was a recommended sampler on one of mpperry's links, I went with it because it's a good variety of brands I recognize from research and gives me more than one or two blades of each brand.
[This alum block] (http://www.amazon.com/Tulumba-Barber-Alum/dp/B000VXELII/ref=sr_1_3?s=hpc&ie=UTF8&qid=1331010211&sr=1-3) $8 incl shipping Again, found this through research. Alum block was said to be a non-essential, but I have sensitive skin and it sounds like alum will help me with razor burn and dryness. Plus, I figure, if I'm making the change, might as well go whole-ish hog.
Finally, This nick stick $8 because I know I'll screw up a few times, and I can't be bleeding all over the ladies all the time.
I skipped an aftershave, mostly because I didn't want to pay for shipping. I can probably find a decent one at Walgreens or something.
Although I didn't buy many of the things mpperry recommended in his awesome comment, I plan to use those things in the future when I'm no longer a beginner. Better soaps, better blades and better brushes are in my future, when I'm getting better shaves!
Shipment should arrive over spring break, I figure that's a good time to learn. Can't wait!
I use these mekur blade: http://www.amazon.com/Merkur-Double-Edge-Razor-Blades/dp/B000850C1Y/ref=pd_sim_hpc_3
As for prep, I come out of the shower, apply the soap that came with this kit: http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B004L4EING/ref=oh_o03_s00_i00_details and wait a minute or so. Then I start shaving.
I also have Proraso Shaving Cream With Eucalyptus Oil & Menthol waiting in the wings so I could switch soaps.
That particular set has pretty flaky brushes. The good ones are fine for nearly forever, the bad ones... not so much... and its really a toss up for which you'll get. I'd suggest going up to the higher set ($35ish) if you are in this for the long haul, it's brush has a far better reputation. or... just buy a nice brush! ($18ish if you like boar).
Even the bad one though gave me good results for my mach3 when i first was starting out so I'm happy there's a set with a good low price point like that.
Edit: It's a pity about the brush really because the soap is really nice, the bowl does its job... the brush is just iffy.
I thought it may be the blade, too. I bought a sampler pack with five or six different brands, and I have only used two of them (I've only shaved three times with my new setup). I've been using Proraso shave cream and a soap block that came with the brush kit (from here).
I think you are probably right about the lather though. I am still getting the hang of making a good batch.
Thank you for your reply!
I went for the Van Der Hagen Luxury kit to start, and it's treating me well so far. That will take care of soap and brush. I personally chose the Edwin Jagger DE89L, but the only difference between that and the Muhle that pswiped suggested is the handle. The Muhle has the same head as the EJ, IIRC.
Edited because I accidentally some words.
I just got my kit in the mail today using a $50 amazon gift card!
Bronze DE Safety Razor (I love how it looks), Van Der Hagen Luxury Shave Set (Stand + Brush + Soap + Mug... All very pretty together, and I wanted a stand), and a small blade sampler pack with two of each.
Took 7 days to arrive through free, super saver shipping.
Yes, I have a pretty good understand of how my hair grows and which direction.
Normal routine for the DE would be to run some warm water running and add a little bit to the brush. I have this kit. Then I lather up the brush with the soap and then my face. I have a the Mekur Model 180 and [Derby Extra Double Edge blades](
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B004SGKMA0/ref=oh_details_o01_s00_i01?ie=UTF8&psc=1).
I usually shave the sides of my face first and work my way towards the middle. I end up doing my neck last. I usually always shave the grain, if I don't I feel like I'm not getting close enough of a shave. It seems like some people think you should shave with and some say against but maybe that's part of my problem right there.
Thanks for helping me out!
Very good eye, your right its a Van Der Hagen I had gotten from this set: https://www.amazon.com/Van-Hagen-Mens-Luxury-Shave/dp/B004L4EING.
I remember it was one or the other. Ill update my post.
Edit: Would you say this handle is low quality?
Safety razor. Stop using the disposable mega blade overpriced razors. Safety razors are cheaper and cut much closer.
The shaving experience of lathering up with shaving soap in a dish and using a safety razor for me has been an interesting morning ritual. Makes me feel more like a man vs a teenager use a bic.
Its not as expensive to test as you think