Thread: Good DE for travel and beginner clean up

Hey all, I'm new to straight razor shaving and having somewhat of a decent go at it so far. Following the advice found all over the site I've been taking it slow and shaving only in sections doing clean up with my old method (cartridges). I was thinking however, that I'd like to jettison the cartridge all together. Also I do a bit of traveling for work and I'm guessing that a str8 is probably not the most airline friendly item to have in my carry on. What would be a decent DE that I can pick up for clean up and the occasional road shave? I'd really like to keep the cost down below 40 bucks if possible. Really appreciate any guidance. Thanks in advance!

I would suggest a vintage Gillette. Either a Superspeed, a Slim Adjustable or a Tech. All are mild shavers and can be purchased for under $20. I would either visit your local antique mall or look on eBay.

Thanks for the quick reply...is there anything I should watch out for when buying a DE on ebay? Any sellers worth a recommendation? Thanks again!

First, I would educate myself on the various razors that you are considering.

Second, look at completed auctions to see what razors are selling for and the condition that they are in by looking at the pictures and descriptions.

Third, look at the sellers the sellers feedback (you should be aiming for 100%). Not just the percent satisfied, but also the raw numbers. If there are any negatives, click on that number and read what the complaints are and how the seller reacts to them (the reaction tells you how he will handle a complaint from you).

Fourth, what is the shipping? Is it reasonable for the weight and distance?

Are you looking for a shaver or a collector's piece? The nickle plating should be solid, not flaking off or brass showing through. Soap scum can be cleaned with a citrus degreaser or scrubbing bubbles bathroom cleaner.

If you look hard enough, you should be able to find a serviceable DE razor for $10 (incl shipping) and see if you like DE shaving. The razors that I mentioned are common as dirt, but good quality razors.

I hope that helps.

You can get a Merkur HD at a reasonable price. I have one of those and I got to say I am a fan. The choice in the end is up to you, but all DE's should do the simple task you require of them. Blade choice is an entirely different matter.


Mick

Are you looking for a shaver or a collector's piece? The nickle plating should be solid, not flaking off or brass showing through. Soap scum can be cleaned with a citrus degreaser or scrubbing bubbles bathroom cleaner.

If you look hard enough, you should be able to find a serviceable DE razor for $10 (incl shipping) and see if you like DE shaving. The razors that I mentioned are common as dirt, but good quality razors.

That matches my experience. My first DE razor was an old nickel-plated, 3-piece Gillette I found in an antique shop -- cost $5. It works nicely.

My second was a new Weishi -- all aluminum, very mild shave - for $12 including shipping from eBay.

For $40, you could get (new) any of the inexpensive Edward Jagger or Merkur DE razors. They're very high-quality goods.

The "Badger and Blade" website has loads of DE razor reviews, more than here.

Charles

porridgeorange,

I recommend the Feather Popular as a travel razor

For me, with Feather blades it gives a very good shave, and as it costs ca 18 USD, it really isn't a major blow if it gets stolen/lost/confiscated !!

Have fun !

Best regards

Russ

Just curious why would a DE be better to travel? You can't take the blades on your carry on so if you pack it in the suitcase why not throw in a straight? I took 2 straights and a strop all across Asia last year without any problems. Straights are small and the strop when laid flat takes up even less.

Interesting you should say that about travel. I've heard some folks had straights confiscated going to Toronto (which is where i go for work mostly). I currently have only one straight and would very much like to keep it. I figured with a DE the worst that could happen is I'm out a few blades. I should probably inquire with the airlines to see what the actual policy is, but in any case I would still like a DE for cleaning up my still sub par shaves and for eventual use as a shaver for the occasional "running late need a quicker shave scenario".
Thanks all for all the help, it's very refreshing to join an existing community that actual welcomes newcomers' questions instead of reacting to them like a fart at a funeral.

I use a Gillette ball end Tech as a travel razor. It packs flat, weighs almost nothing and cost very little, so less worry if it's lost. Plenty of these on Ebay.