Thread: Well Constructed Razors

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

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.

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

Bob

Originally Posted by BobH

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.

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

Originally Posted by Tryin

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

Originally Posted by BobH

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?

I don't know about the Futur, so can't comment. I would go with a Slim vs. a Fatboy do to the larger availability (made for a greater number of years), therefore easier to find a quality example. Even easier if you don't mind doing a little clean-up and polish.

Originally Posted by MattCB

I don't know about the Futur, so can't comment. I would go with a Slim vs. a Fatboy do to the larger availability (made for a greater number of years), therefore easier to find a quality example. Even easier if you don't mind doing a little clean-up and polish.

This is a great lead-up to my next question: with the Slim being manufactured from '61-'86, is there any date range to avoid?

To those out there rolling your eyes and saying "buy the bleeping thing already!", I sympathize but must be clear in my mind. Thank you for your patience.

I have never heard of any date range that bears watching. Can't help you there.