Thread: Safety razors questions

Yes, too much pressure is an enemy with a DE just as it is with a straight razor. Just use the same light/no pressure that you use with a straight razor. The other is finding the right angle, it does vary a bit DE to DE, by placing the head of the DE flat on your face with the handle parallel to the floor. Next, rotate the handle slowly downwards till you just feel the blade. That should be a good starting point.

If you don't want to wind up with a collection of vintage DEs trying to find one you like, I would go with an adjustable Gillette. You can start off with it set to #3 and as you technique improves you can slowly go up the number settings till you get to where you want to be with shave comfort and closeness.

I like a decent diameter handle so my go to adjustable is a Fat Boy. I can tell you that with a Feather blade and set at #9 the Fat Boy will give a Muhle R41 or a straight a run for their money in shave closeness and longevity.

Bob

Forgot to add that if you take your time and look around you can still get a Fat Boy in good condition for less that they usually sell for.

Redcane,

I think every wet-shaver should have a Gillette TTO (twist-to-open) razor. The SuperSpeed's are well priced, very available and shave very well.

They are generally reckoned to be milder than your Merkur 34C.

With DE razors, it is very wise to get a blade sampler pack (the largest you can find) as blade choice is highly personal - one person's prize blade is another's piece of crap

WestCoastShaving do them :

Double Edge Razor Blade Sample Packs | West Coast Shaving

Have fun

Best regards

Russ

Redcane, you've been wet-shaving for a long time, so you'll know that virtually every user will swear by a different model (I am myself partial to single-edge razors), therefore this could go on forever. To me, the real variables about getting a vintage safety razor that you plan on using every day are as follows:

1 - Are top-quality blades readily available? That's because some take blades that are a) hard to find, b) non-reusable and requiring sharpening or c) downright out of production.
2 - Was it manufactured long enough that a) you can get a replacement if you break it/lose it and 2) you know that it had some success among users?
3 - You like it and you are eager to brag about it.

That's it. Scour ebay for something that speaks to you, buy it, keep your angle close and your pressure feather-light, and you won't have a problem.

Originally Posted by Redcane

I have had a new 34c for a year or so... I guess. Over that span I would occasionally pick it up but always got razor burn and wouldn't touch anything but a straight for months. Well I think I semi have it figured out. It was a muscle memory thing from cartridge razors. To much pressure.


Anyways, I want a vintage safety razor but don't know anything about them. I have looked on the bay and prices very so much I wouldn't feel safe. Advice if you have it. Thanks.

I have a Gillette Slimboy TTO adjustable razor, in great condition, a buddy gave it to me almost 6 months ago, never use it....would be glad to send it your way...PM me with your addy and I'll fire it off to you tomorrow. With some DE blades of course...

Here's two pics I just took: