Thread: Well Constructed Razors

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!

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!

Take a look around flea markets, and yard/garage sales. I have picked up many for almost nothing doing this. As a matter of fact, the last fatboy I found was at a flea market and for 5 bucks. It did need to be cleaned up, but with a little work it looked brand new. I am sure you could find a slim the same way

Originally Posted by scotishcavalir

Take a look around flea markets, and yard/garage sales. I have picked up many for almost nothing doing this. As a matter of fact, the last fatboy I found was at a flea market and for 5 bucks. It did need to be cleaned up, but with a little work it looked brand new. I am sure you could find a slim the same way

That is the way to do it if you have the time and patience.

Bob

I got my Slim for ~$40 on ebay in nice condition. It took a few weeks of bidding till I got one at the price I wanted. It is a great razor, and I like having something that has served it purpose for as long as I have been around and will continue to do so long after I am gone as long as it is taken care of. It is the razor I use at work, so I use it not quite half the time.

It is not my favorite razor though. I bought an Above the Tie Kronos SS razor. I love that razor. It is a solid heavy razor and the feel and shave are great. It is not an inexpensive razor at just under $200. And I had a steep learning curve with it. For the first two weeks or so the razor fought me hard, but once I figured it out it gives a great shave.

I have a Murker 47c that I started with and that is a good razor too. Any 'quality' razor will give a good shave. There will be some that don't work for some and great for others, but mostly it is what feels good in your hand and what you like the looks of. Probably more important that the razor you first choose is a good sampling of blades to try. Whichever razor you start with, stick with it for a while. Once your shave is solid every (or close to) time you shave then you can look into other razors if you like. If you change to many things at the beginning it will be hard to identify the 'problem' if you have an inferior shave.

I also agree with the time thing. A DE shave is longer for me than a cartridge shave. The difference is that I get a far superior shave and enjoy the process infinitely more. I will use a sharp rock before I'd use a cartridge again. My DE shave is still much faster than my stumbling straight shave, but I expect as I get better at it the two should be about the same. Practice is important.

Whatever way you go I wish you clean, smooth, comfortable shaves!

rfm

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

For about a quarter of what you're willing to pay for a slim, you can get a new Maggard razor ( http://www.maggardrazors.com/product...safety-razors/ ). I'll admit to having a sample range of 1, but since I got it a few months ago - on the few non str8 shaves I do - I seem to reach for it, and not my slim. A few others here on srp tried their razors and reported favorably. Just saying, it's an affordable option to consider. BTW the owner is a member here, and I, for one, like to support such businesses.

The Slim is a good choice for it's adjustability since the OP isn't quite sure how aggressive they want yet. If that isn't an issue, Above the Tie makes great razors of solid stainless right in Tennessee. I'm not sure where the Maggard's are manufactured. The Merkurs and other contemporary razors are largely made out of pot metal and may not last as well as either the timeless Gillettes or the ATT.

Not vintage. Not adjustable. Stainless & only slightly aggressive. With Personna surgical blades, it is very comfortable and serviceable. Well made and will outlive the user. Just my $.02.

Originally Posted by bcw

Not vintage. Not adjustable. Stainless & only slightly aggressive. With Personna surgical blades, it is very comfortable and serviceable. Well made and will outlive the user. Just my $.02.

That's what I was going to say.