Thread: would appreciate some input on next purchase.

I've recently completed a couple of side jobs which will leave me with a decent chunk of money to spend (for me anyway) I realize that ultimately I will make my own decision based based on logical criteria such as "this is what i feel like doing", but I invite/enjoy the input and discussion. So here are somethings I've been considering purchasing and the reasons why.

1. Feather Artist Club DX.
I really enjoy shaving with a straight, but have had less time for prep and maintenance lately due to a new job, welding classes, side work, home projects, family issues, etc. I have a Dovo shavette which I used a lot when I started wet shaving. I still use it sometimes if I'm hurried, but reach for my DE and SE razors more. I think if I had one of these bad boys I would reach for it often when my straights are in need of attention.

2. Simpson Chubby or other high quality brush.
I have an old boar brush(given to me by my grandfather) that I never use, a best badger travel razor that I like and a silvertip brush from Frank's Shaving that I use most of the time. While I would say that I am satisfied with my daily driver(especially for the price) I can't help, but wonder how nice a really great brush would be. The densely packed bristles of the chubby look like they would do a fantastic job. I am mainly a bowl latherer, but have been doing some face lathering lately. I think I would get the most use out of this purchase.

3. Suehiro Gokumyo 20k.
I get comfortable close shaves with the stones that I have(naniwa superstones up to 12k), but would love to take t to the next level with a high grit finisher. Since my other stones are synthetic I thought this would be the way to go(to start with anyway). The downside to this purchase is that as I've stated before; I lack time for maintenance.

4. High quality strop.
I have a rich man's strop from whipped dog. It has served me well(I think), but it has some ripples in it. I haven't tried flattening it with a bottle yet. My edges seem to degrade quickly. I don't know if this is from the strop, stropping technique, shaving technique or something else. I know the mantra should be "it's not my tools it's me", but I would think a nice strop, perhaps a paddle or modular paddle would eliminate some of the variables.

5. Gillette Toggle and/other adjustable.
I've always thought the adjustable razors were cool especially the toggle. I've seen some recently that I might be able to afford. I have a slim and two fatboys and would also like to acquire a super adjustable. V-1 date code if possible. While I do love shaving with straights I still like safety razors an awful lot. I might as well throw a couple of other razors that I covet into this section like a Wilkinson Sword seven day set, rolls razor seven day set(only seen one), Darwin safety razor, Kamfe brothers Star safety razor set. This list could go on, but you get the idea.

6. Expensive straight. Custom or pricey vintage.
Some of the customs are just gorgeous. The SRP custom is a great value that probably won't be available much longer. There are a lot of vintage straights that I would love to have, but as previously mentioned I'm lacking time to maintain them.

7. Tumbler/ultrasonic cleaner.
I could get set up for tumbling for about $100 and I think I could get an US cleaner that would suit my needs for that or less. I would love to be able to tumble some of my blades, but if I did buy one I would need to buy some equipment material and equipment for taking razors apart and putting them back together. Otherwise it wouldn't be much good to me. I think I would get good use out of the US cleaner (as would my wife). I'm getting to the point where I might want to sell some of my acquisitions to help fund the hobby and both of these things would help with that I think. However, if I don't have time to maintain do I have time to unpin, clean, hone, make scales, re-pin, etc. Probably not. Ultrasonic yes.

8. Creams, soaps, scents, etc.
I love the software part of this hobby. I really enjoy trying and using new creams, soaps, aftershaves, EDTs, etc. I've never tried MDC or Castle Forbes or any number of high end products; let alone all the affordable stuff like clubman aftershaves and what not.

OK that's what I've got at the moment. Would love to hear your thoughts and suggestions.

In #4 you state that your edges degrade quickly. I would say to get that sorted out before buying the Gok20.

Originally Posted by bluesman7

In #4 you state that your edges degrade quickly. I would say to get that sorted out before uying the Gok20.

Agreed bluesman. That is probably my last choice at the moment for a number of reasons. Just trying to make as complete a list of things I think about buying as possible.

Something to keep in mind, is that when new shavers such as yourself come into a little extra cash, they tend to jump on the first flashy, exciting thing their eye catches; only to be disappointed a few weeks later. Part of being a Mentor is helping new shavers, such as yourself make the right decisions on purchases. This is not a service that we mentors take lightly, we actually have to complete a course in Entry Shaver Management before we can be designated as mentors.

The first step of the process is to wire me your "decent chunk of money" as you put it & I will start you off with a tub of a nice shave cream. After a few months, we can discuss getting you a nice strop. With me monitoring your progress, we can be assured that you are not disappointed with the products and that your money is spent wisely. I don't charge or take a fee for handling your funds, its part of my responsibilities as a mentor & I'm so happy to do it.

PM me when you get your "decent chunk of money" & I will direct you where to wire it.

Lol. I'll be sure to do that Hirlau. Thank you so much for the service you mentors provide.

Not a problem,,, I'm just here to help,,,,

Boy that is a long list.
Can you narrow down a little? For example what can you, for the time being, live without?
I'd imagine that a strop or a brush would be more essential than a higher end razor?
A 20k Suehiro may be a good buy, but you must be sure your edges are as refined as they can be on your 12k otherwise the 20k will not give you the best edge it can.
Tough decision when you want to buy a bunch of gear but not enough funds to get all of it.

Hirlau has the right of it!
Set money aside and add to your collection slowly.
You have been around this forum for a while and are getting to know about trade-offs.

Here are my suggestions to your question.

your #1. I use and enjoy the feather style razors. I buy the $35 Korean CJB and Sam Seong models and gave my folding DX to my son. As it may be, your will find them a useful tool.

Your #2. A great brush, with your experience is a good buy. Think of how you lather and what soap/ cream you use before buy a short brush.

Your #3. That is the stone getting the greatest hype at this time.

Your #4. You can try pulling your strop back and forth lengthwise over the edge of your tile or rounded counter edge with the smooth side out a few times with pressure. That will usually get the whole strop onto the same level and moisture content when done often over time.

Your #5. I traded my toggle off. I do have a few safety razors and enjoy shaving with them. Buy them as you wish. They are often overpriced unless found in the wild for cheap. The fun is cleaning them up and the shaves you made possible. Honing the early double hollow ground blades is not for the unskilled!!

Your #6. Most Custom razors are collectors items and priced accordingly. Do your homework before buying any of them. PM guys the have the ones you like and find how they like them.
.
Your # 7. I have used the large Harbor Freight US cleaner for a few years, in my opinion, it is a good value especially if you get it when on special or with a 25% off coupon.
I have their small tumbler, great for ammo but a bit too small for more than one razor or straight. Do not even think of using the triangular grit chunks they supply for anything dealing with edges.

Your #8. Buy the fru fru one at a time. Even better; get samples of them before buying a puck or tube.
They do last a long time and having bought an expensive one you do not like means you don't buy on you do like.


Best I can say is: Enjoy your journey and sample and change one item at a time or you like most, will have drawers full of unused equipment and fru fru.

Merry Christmas!
~Richard

Yes I can narrow it down. I can live without all of it. I don't need any of it. Probably the things I'm seriously considering purchasing right now are the feather, brush, tumbler, ultrasonic cleaner and software. Most likely samples.
Geezer, are the CJB and Sam Seong essentially identical to the DX? Also I typically lather in a G-12 scuttle, but occasionally I use mugs. Is the chubby too short for that?

Maggard Razors and Garry's sample shop have a great variety and Garry will actually do MDC samples. You just have to wait for enough people yo order to account for the whole puck/cake.

Originally Posted by tedh75

Yes I can narrow it down. I can live without all of it. I don't need any of it. Probably the things I'm seriously considering purchasing right now are the feather, brush, tumbler, ultrasonic cleaner and software. Most likely samples.
Geezer, are the CJB and Sam Seong essentially identical to the DX? Also I typical lather in a G-12 scuttle but occasionally I use mugs. Is the chubby too short for that?

Maggard Razors and Garry's sample shop have a great variety and Garry will actually do MDC samples. You just have to wait for enough people yo order to account for the whole puck/cake.

Yes, the CJB and Sam Seong are very close to the exact same as the Feather both shown here.
Sam seong razor | eBay
I started with Guard Blades and now use the Feather Super Pro. I think the difference is in width of the blade hence blade exposure in the razor. The blade makes a difference in blade to face angle. Do Not Use pressure!! By the way, some of the Feathers with odd colored grips are being discounted heavily. The Feather SS is a different razor in shape but discounted also.

A stubby is a stubby and I can not tell you whether it will work for you. Perhaps someone here will answer or Why not post the question on the Brush Forum, they surely will know.

Anyhow, Have Fun and a Merry Christmas to you.
~Richard