Thread: Really considering this as a back up to my straight

A little background… Im bald and have usually only shaved down what I had with a set of hair clippers.

When I did shave I used a Mach whatever the heck… I shaved so often with that, a 5 pack of blades lasted me nearly a year. My can of shaving cream is still over half full (bought nearly 2 years ago)

So on occasion I went to a barber, got a full head and face shave, loved it. Got a straight razor and I am getting it down pretty well.

So now I am looking at Safety Razor for those days I need to shave but don't have the time to pamper myself. I'm pushing 40 and think I wasted a lot of my life NOT shaving! I love it now!

Whats a good razor that won't break the bank with blades? I already have a stock pile of different soaps and aftershave

Any info would help out!

Jake

BTW, this forum is great!!

Parker 99 and Edwin Jagger 89 seem to be pretty popular as new ones. Vintage Gillettes are nice too.
Maggard Razors has a pretty good selection and good prices.

I actually found an old gold Gillette on Craigslist locally…. Maybe I'll go pick it up…

That may be one of the Techs. Nice razors. If there is more information in the add, post it up here and somebody that knows more about them will probably respond.

I got a Merkur 43c and love it because it has a weight that allows you to let the razor guide the pressure. SRD has it listed as Merkur Heavyweight Stainless Steel Double Edge Safety Razor. I'd buy an assortment of blades so you can find your favorite. I generally use either Astras or Personna.

Tried to look up the ad and can't find it.

Back to square one lol.

I did see one locally endorsed by the pawn guy. Is that any good?

Another vote for the 99r from me. I like the vintage razors, but prefer the longer, heavier feel of the Parker.

I'm more nervous to shave with a safety razor than I was with a straight razor...

Originally Posted by Jake77

I'm more nervous to shave with a safety razor than I was with a straight razor...

I started with the Merkur 34C about 4 years ago, and have stuck with it. Hefty, great shave, not too expensive. I'm trying the SE now, but will keep with the 34C as well. Can't miss with it.

Originally Posted by Jake77

I'm more nervous to shave with a safety razor than I was with a straight razor...

Remember, DE shaving is much easier and quicker to learn than straight shaving.
After all, that's why it almost put straight shaving out of business after WW I.

If you are careful, apply minimal pressure and take your time (about 1/2 the time it takes for a straight shave, which is one of the attractions of DE shaving), you'll be fine.


I started DE shaving with a Futur - which was not recommended for beginners - a long time ago when I had enough of Gillette's "Best shave a man can get" hype and found it easy enough.


B.