Thread: Hello all From Maine

Good day all.. I found this site while in search of a new safety razor. I am sick of paying $1k for razor blades once a month and still getting a crappy shave.

I plan to start with a good safety razor and also get a straight blade to start to practice with.

What are the best brands to go with or stay away from. I have been looking at the Merkur long safety and maybe a Dovo or Art of shaving blade. I have been using Maca Root shave cream from the Body Shop and really like it. Will that also be ok to stick with.

Thanks in advance ,

Brian

Merkur makes a good safety razor. I have the progress and the slant by Merkur. As far as the brand of blade, everyone will tell you to get a sample pack from your vendor. Double edge razors have different coatings and different grinds, so you need to sample at least half a dozen to determine which are your favorites. As far as choosing your straight razor, check out the links on the homepage (upper left corner) of StraightRazorPlace. There is a lot of good information that will assist you in your decision making. Also, check the classifieds here, you may save money by getting a used shave-ready blade. Enjoy the journey.

Welcome to SRP!
The Maca Root cream will do the job. I have used it with a straight and was happy with the performance.
i have never used a DE so I can't help there.

I'm use a vintage Gillette DE when I need a day off from a straight razor and Astra Platinum coated blades. Many other brands, some old, some contemporary. It's a YMMV situation. +1 on the classifieds for a moderately priced straight razor shave ready. Maca Root is par t of my almost daily uber lather. Very good lather and cushion for the blade.

A lot of people seem to think a DE is difficult to use. Learn the right angle to hold the razor at and you can compete with a straight shave most days.

Hello & Welcome !!

Hello! Lots of great information and people on this site, so read a bunch before you purchase anything and then after you purchase your stuff...there are a lot of veterans to help you through the rough spots!! Never used A DE but started SR shaving for the same reason as you!! I've been at it for 4 months and I now look forward to my morning ritual of shaving and not buying cartridges every month for a crappy shave....however if you are like most of us you will soon be looking (and buying) a bunch of stuff and be constantly looking for the holy grail of razors, strops, hones, shave soaps, creams, pre-shave oils, aftershaves, hones ect, ect. Take it slow, don't get discouraged and most of all have fun!