Safety razor ideas

I am finally starting to get really great shaves with my straights but I would like to try a safety razor because I am often on a ship/ desert/ hotel and it's not always ideal for my straight razors (I can't stand the thought of one getting damaged). I have used a shavette for a long time but after a short amount of time with straights I don't enjoy a shavette anymore. To harsh and unforgiving. It's almost like I forgot how to use it. Basically I want a safety razor for travel.


So.... Suggestions for my first safety razor? I don't want to spend a crazy amount because that money could go towards a straight. Haha. Preferably a semi mild razor. Thanks.

I would recommend going to an antique store and seeing if you can find on there. I used to have a nice new expensive safety razor, now I use a 5 dollar DE i got from an antiques store. I feel like it is a better shave than the expensive one I had. This is just my experience.

Can't go wrong with either a Merkur 34C ($50 CAD) or an Edwin Jagger DE89 ($40 CAD), both are extremely popular DE razors. From what I've read the 34C is slightly more aggressive.

I don't own a 34c or a DE89 but I do own a Merkur 15c and a Merkur 37c (both are awesome but are on the aggressive side). My experience with Edwin Jagger products (brushes, soaps etc.) has been very good, in fact, the next razor I buy is going to be a DE89.

Make sure you try different blades (just like you would for your shavette).


Antique stores can be a real bargain if you're willing to do a bit of restoration and a thorough cleaning. Vintage Gillette razors like the Tech or Super Speed are mild shavers.

I just went firm straight to d.e. as well, after Alot of research I settled on a merkur progress. It is a simple design and an innccrediblyy effective game changer, (I like to think of it as the 1911 of razors). You can still try all of the blades you want, just think of it like trying 5 different blades for every one with any other razor (as it is adjustable). I tried the cvs brand blades first and...WWWWWOOOOOOWEEEE!!! the best shave I have ever had, with my filly @ second! Long handled version is your grail..trust me on the word of the word of the widows son (if that means anything to you)

Keep an eye out for a Gillette new model ball tech DE at an antique store or garage sale. They can be very cheap to buy and are smooth mild shavers.

Shaving with Arko Stick and Gillette Ball End Tech - YouTube

Bob

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Originally Posted by BobH

Keep an eye out for a Gillette new model ball tech DE at an antique store or garage sale. They can be very cheap to buy and are smooth mild shavers.

Shaving with Arko Stick and Gillette Ball End Tech - YouTube

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Geez Bob, is that you? Somehow I pictured you older... :rofl2:

Anyway, for the OP: You would be served well with a Merkur 34C or its long handled brother the 38C. Many DE newbs have been served well by those, including me when I was new :)

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Originally Posted by Ryan82

Geez Bob, is that you? Somehow I pictured you older... :rofl2:

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I age well don't you think. eh ;)

Bob

Thank you all for the help. I am going to try to find one this weekend. I will let you all know how it goes.

Thanks for sharing. Awesome video.

So I found this at a farmers market by my house. Guy wanted 60 and it came with 2 packs of blades, gillette platnium and some Merkur blades. I paid 50 bucks. I felt like it was maybe ten more than I should pay but it was instant gratification... lol. It was brand new in the box. This is my first shave with it and man was it sweet. I love it and can't believe I haven't added this to my rotation yet. Although, I wish it was slightly more aggressive. haha. Its not a straight but it was fun!!! I will throw it in maybe once a week and take it on my travels. Thank you for all the help.

Attachment 154987


The Model number on the box was 34001

Nice catch! One advice, ditch the merkur blades, They are awfull. Get your hands on some feather blades.

Or German made Wilkinson Sword. I've found them and Feather to be the best. Agree with Timothy on the Merkur!

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Originally Posted by Timothy26

Nice catch! One advice, ditch the merkur blades, They are awfull. Get your hands on some feather blades.

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aww come on I don't think the merkur blades are that bad. Feather blades are probably the sharpest I have ever used though.

My face doesn't mind the Merkur blades, absolutely hates Feathers but loves Wilkinson Swords.
Although use Astras most of the time due to price.

Try a few blades until you find one that works well.

I just bought sample pack number 2 from SRD. I think that covered all the recommendations you guys told me to try. Thanks a bunch fellas. I will let you know my take as I try them.