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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 been able to find vintage Gillettes at antique stores on a consistent basis. They are usually priced lower than ebay. I find the Superspeeds to be mild shavers while the Adjustable can be aggressive at the higher settings.
Well, vintage safeties vary greatly, so you're going to get all sorts of advice about what to try.
Most people suggest starting with a Gillette SuperSpeed. There are several models, but the ones made in the 40's are pretty nice. I also like the Gillette NEW models. They're a bit more aggressive, but shave really well.
The best place to pick one up would be one of the shaving forums. If you ask around, you'll certainly get some offers of razors for sale. If you know what you're doing, an antique store or Etsy can be a good place to get one.
Good luck.
I forgot to add that prices vary greatly. A SS can cost from $20-50. An adjustable Gillette can cost from $30-100+, and so on.
ya , pressure is a sure fire way to get razor burn , and that's true for DE razors too,, you have a fine razor already in the 34c, myself I have had a Gillette fatboy in service for 40 years before starting with straights. it will go from mellow to bloodletter in a heartbeat, so it covers most ranges also the executives are nice to use , their mild,, on my fatboy with a feather blade on 9 will give as smooth a shave as anything I have ,, so when I break it out (rarely now) its a great shave good luck tc
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.
RedcaneQuote:
Originally Posted by Leatherstockiings
What he's saying is very true. Look at Goodwill or other thrift stores. The people on e-bay think they are selling gold. Way over priced. But these fools that pay up to $85 plus for a razor that is almost as old as I am are what bring the prices up. Then there are people that want a certain razor the seller knows it and they get a ringer to keep bidding it up, when they know it's not worth that money.
Buyer beware.
A 3 is my limit. Tried 4 the other day and paid the price.Quote:
Originally Posted by Leatherstockiings
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...Quote:
Originally Posted by Redcane
Here's two pics I just took:
Attachment 195941
Attachment 195942
Something I have been doing with the Adjustable is dropping down a number when using a brand new blade.Quote:
Originally Posted by rolodave
Yes, a setting of #3 was the most I could go until shaving with a straight razor taught me what no pressure on the blade means. You have to treat an adjustable Gillette set at #9 just like using a straight with heavy emphasis on the proper angle and no pressure. For me that makes it not a quick and carefree DE shave and it is not as gentle as a straight can be either. OTH it is the only way I can get a long lasting shave with a post war Gillette TTO, the rest are just too mild to give a long lasting shave for me.Quote:
Originally Posted by rolodave
An OC Gillette, Merkur slant or Muhle R41 2013 will get the job done too with the Merkur being the easiest on the face for me.
Bob
Just wanted to say thank you to Phrank. This community is amazing.
Hey - no problem - actually just heading out to the post office in about an hour, deciding what other goodies to through in the package....will PM you with the details.Quote:
Originally Posted by Redcane
:beer2: I'll drink to that!Quote:
Originally Posted by Redcane
This was a new blade. Thanks for the tipQuote:
Originally Posted by Leatherstockiings
Two razors that I find very enjoyable are often on ebay for $5-20:
-Gillette Tech
-Any of the Star 3 piece razors
I wish I lived where all you fellows pick up vintage Gillettes and straight razors @ antique stores! I never see them.Quote:
Originally Posted by Leatherstockiings
No Gillettes but I did see a couple of SEs, a couple of Durham Duplexes, a DE blade sharpener, a several straight razors today at an antique store today. The straights I have been seeing lately are poor quality.Quote:
Originally Posted by Wayne1963
You can usually find deals at second hand stores and thrift shops, or even at Goodwill Folks clean out an attic and don't care about old razors. Its rare that I've spent over $12 for a razor. Yesterday I bought a Gillette Black Beauty (new in box), Gillette Fat Boy and a Gillette Ball Tech for $3 each and a box full of blades, mostly Wilkinson Sword for $5
Unfortunately Goodwill has discovered the internet and has an auction site for the better goods gleaned from the huge amount that is donated daily.They've gotten very astute. DEs, SEs and straight razors are rarer than Hen's teeth to find in a Goodwill Store.
Occasionally they goof up. Several months ago I found a A Crabtree & Evelyn scuttle mug selling at $3USD. It matched the color of the day special and I got it for $1.50USD. Have not seen a decent bargain like that since.
Thanks Razorfeld Wow you got a nice deal, I guess there's no need to go to Goodwill for razors. But snow will be melting soon I hope and Lawn and Garage sales will start, another good place to get good stuff.Quote:
Originally Posted by Razorfeld
Not all Goodwill or for that matter DAV, etc. etc. Thrift Store take the time to e-bay the razors, shaving mugs, brushes. Some times you can find them in their trash cans.Quote:
Originally Posted by Tallships
