Well Constructed Razors

[Tryin]

Good afternoon, gentlemen!

It appears as though I will be reneging on my SR aspirations. It is unfortunate, but after consulting my daily schedule I am convinced that I will not set enough time aside for a proper shave. If one has a quality straight but continues to use the Mach III, what good is it?

In the interest of continuing my resolution to "own" things rather than merely possess them, I would like to use the funding previously available for the straight to purchase a quality DE razor. I do not need anything rare or new, or a particular brand name, but would like quality construction.

Let us figure a budget of $200 - $250 for the purchase of razor, brush, mug/bowl, stand, starter soap, and blade assortment. By my estimation, the purchase of the ancillary items will leave $100 - $150 for the razor. So, let us clarify the requirements:

• "Western" in origin. I am not hung on American, but it would be nice.
• Corrosion resistant - my findings have indicated this is not necessarily a given
• Adjustable or Aggressive-ish - I do not have the funding as yet to acquire multiple heads for "mildness" experimentation
• Well balanced - in my testing, I seem to prefer the weight to be centered to slightly head-heavy
• No "mystery" metals - I see a lot of razors advertised as stainless or plated brass, but only the handle is such

The main focus here is material and construction quality; I can "learn" a razor, I cannot mill my own out of my preferred materials.

So far I have looked at Merkur, Gillette, and Muhle. If you have some thoughts, I would love to hear them! I will be purchasing in May, as my birthday is the 23rd. I will be 29, so I don't think a "birthdate" Gillette would be all that special. Did they still make DEs in '85?

I thank you for your time,

Michael

[Speedster]

SWMBO loves her Merkur Futur if that counts for anything. Well-balanced. Corrosion-resistant. And adjustable! What more could you want? I'd say the Futur is a good choice.

[BobH]

I'd say a vintage Gillette Fat boy in good condition should meet most of your criteria.

Bob

[Tryin]

I'd say a vintage Gillette Fat boy in good condition should meet most of your criteria.

Bob

Which would it not?

It seems that each razor choice definitely has it's draw, each would not have the following it commands if it were not so. But, what of the problems? What is better of this unit than that? Is one of better material but not of construction? Is one the inverse?

I may indeed come down with a case of RAD in the not-so-distant future, but I would like to get any quality reasoning out of the way with the first unit.

[MattCB]

I would agree with a vintage Gillette adjustable. Either the Super Slim, the Fatboy or the Black Beauty Super adjustable. Google any of them and you will find a ton of pics and opinions.

They are the razors that set the standard, and you can get one in good shape for $60 and up.

These are designs that have stood the test of time and kept going. Heck, buy a regular Gillette SuperSpeed for <$30 and give it a whirl.

Buying these will allow you to have a wider margin for brush(s) and soap(s)..... and yes, there will more than likely be more than one

[BobH]

Which would it not?

It seems that each razor choice definitely has it's draw, each would not have the following it commands if it were not so. But, what of the problems? What is better of this unit than that? Is one of better material but not of construction? Is one the inverse?

I may indeed come down with a case of RAD in the not-so-distant future, but I would like to get any quality reasoning out of the way with the first unit.

Any razor you will purchase is by necessity a compromise on some point or other. The old you can't have everything. Even stainless can show mild corrosion. Don't burn out on the trivia.

Bob

[Tryin]

Any razor you will purchase is by necessity a compromise on some point or other. The old you can't have everything. Even stainless can show mild corrosion. Don't burn out on the trivia.

Bob

This I understand, thank you for re-replying.

Of I were to narrow it to two, I would be looking at a Futur or Slim. Possibly a Fatboy, but I think the Slim.

Is there any particular reason to avoid the Slim?

[Trimmy72]

Here's what I keep in my rotation to shave my head
Weber
Merkur Slant
Parker
I have many, many more and these are the ones I always grab
If I had to narrow it down more it would be a tough call between the Merkur and Weber

[Tryin]

Well, I guess I should start the hunt for a Slim! Looks like an average of $70 on eBay, I think I will try to find one in person or on the forum before going that route.

A big thank you to all who responded, and if anyone has further commentary, it is still welcome!

[Phrank]

This may sound strange, but I find using a DE takes just as long, if not longer for me, than using a straight.

I find now if I use a DE or a cartridge, it takes me longer to get a good shave, seems I'm always going back to retouch areas, and it also seems there's a lot more mess to clean up with the cart / DE than with my straight.

Now, the only reason I bring this up is due to the issue of the time required you mentioned.

I'm used to shaving with a straight now, of course there was a learning curve, but the time constraint shouldn't be an issue. In fact I'd bet I could shave just as quickly as anyone with a cart / DE.

So, aside from the learning curve, don't let time be the show stopper, because there is a learning curve, time investment with a DE as well, it will cut you just as quickly and easily as a straight will.

Just a thought....cheers!