Thread: Recommendation for Women's DE

Can someone recommend a DE Safety razor for women for my wife. Thanks

A lady gillette of course. Post up a WTB ad in the classifieds and see if anyone has one to part with. My girlfriend has 3, and loves them, but won't part with any...sorry

Originally Posted by erictski

Can someone recommend a DE Safety razor for women for my wife. Thanks

Hi there,

Maybe I can give you a few ideas about a couple choices for the ladies. I know the question's come up on other shaving forums, and there's a few things to consider.

First, I'd probably go with a milder razor, rather than one on the aggressive side. Milder razors can be tweaked by using sharper blades if needed, but aggressive ones are tough to tame with any blade. There's three models that come to mind, and are all supposed to be good leg shavers. No, I can't rate one above the other, but any of em should be fine.

The three would be:

Schick Krona

Gillette Knack

Lady Gillette 'Stars' model (comes in a few different colored handles like blue and pink, with a few stars etched on the handle. All of these razors shouldn't be too pricey, and $20 for one in nice shape is about all you'll need to spend.

I should also mention that all these razors have longer handles than most DE models, and that should help when shaving legs or other tough to reach spots. Yeah, something with a short handle like a fatboy or Merkur HD might be more difficult to use, especially if your wife's using a long handled cartridge system.


You're gonna need some blades also, and no, not all blades are the same. I'd suggest trying 2-3 different types, and that will be plenty for a while. Maybe try some Crystals (Israeli Personna), or Derby, or Red Personnas to begin with. All are pretty forgiving, and have good reputations. Stay away from the Merkur blades for now.....they aren't as popular as those others, and they can be a rough ride for some (me included). I don't use any of those blades I mentioned, otherwise I'd send out some.

Anyway, I hope that helps in some way,
Martin

oh..... I do have a Knack and Krona I'd consider selling.......both in very nice condition. They both have boxes (in good condition), and the Knack even has the original instructions........heh. If you're interested, I'd take $20 for either one. Otherwise, if you'd rather pass, then no problem at all. Thought I'd make the offer.

I have a ladies DE but much preferred my hubby's old fat boy adjustable I found I liked the shorter handle on it. Of course I have been using a str8's about 25% of the time now. I use the DE when I don't have a lot of time but I do like using the str8. Closer shave and it lasts longer.

Mine is very happy with her Edwin Jagger imitation Ivory Chatsworth safety razor (The English Shaving Company - Edwin Jagger shaving accessories, shaving creams and aftershaves), using mostly Gillette Platinum blades (The English Shaving Company - Edwin Jagger shaving accessories, shaving creams and aftershaves) or a local brand named Birmann (made in Basel, CH; an excellent blade, sharp and thin... I also use them when shaving with my DE).

I think that, as it is for straight shaving, it is usually a matter of personal like and dislike, and trying...

I second (third?) the Lady Gillette. That's what mine uses and loves it. I think it is also much more appealing to her because of the "pretty blue stars" and what not. She is into that whereas other DE's don't even catch her eye. Good marketing on Gillette's part.

I recommend a Weishi, the most gentle DE I know. Giovanni sells them at Razor and Brush.

Thanks to everyone who contributed info above! Based on the recommendations, I've got a Lady Gillette DE en route to me. Woo-hoo! I don't want to hijack this thread, but I do have a quick question regarding blades. Is there a place/vendor who offers a sample pack of various blades? I'll keep researching this site (dang, there is a *lot* of info here!) and maybe I'll find other suggestions. Thanks again!

Razorette

Originally Posted by Razorette

Thanks to everyone who contributed info above! Based on the recommendations, I've got a Lady Gillette DE en route to me. Woo-hoo! I don't want to hijack this thread, but I do have a quick question regarding blades. Is there a place/vendor who offers a sample pack of various blades? I'll keep researching this site (dang, there is a *lot* of info here!) and maybe I'll find other suggestions. Thanks again!

Razorette

Howdy, and congrats on your first post,

Although I've never used that type of DE, I've held em to feel the weight and balance. Seems like it should be a nice razor......a little on the mild type (not a bad thing). That's what I've heard from some male members who used those on their face. That was a good choice of razors on your part.

There's a bunch of places for blades, but I'd recommend a place called The Shave Den for your particular source. The store has a bunch of the more popular recommended starting blades, such as Derby and Crystal, plus others not quite as well known. The yellow 7 0 Clock and Feather are also very nice blades for me, but maybe not the ones to start with. The feather is best used after your technique is refined, mainly because they leave little room for shaving error (very very sharp). Those would be worth including in the order for use down the road a bit. You might like to order just a pack or two of each to start with......figure on 3-4 shaves per blade (although I'm guessing here.........heh). That should keep you busy for a little while.

Anyway, the main reason I'm suggesting this vendor (besides her being a nice person) is that yes.......there's a WOMAN involved in the day to day activities of TSD. Her name's JoAnna, and she uses a DE herself! I may be wrong ,but I think she also uses a straight on occasion. I'm sure she could help you avoid some common problems with leg shaving, and help make the transition from a cartridge easier.

I'll include a link to the blades offered, and see what you think.

I hope this helps in some way,
Martin

The Shave Den Store (Powered by CubeCart)

Oh..you might enjoy the shaving forum over there......it's a good group.

Originally Posted by Razorette

, I've got a Lady Gillette DE en route to me. Woo-hoo!

i have been trying for about a month to get one on ebay for my girlfriend and have been unsuccessful so far. where did you find yours? there aren't too many on ebay. though i will keep trying.