Thread: best beginner DE

As someone wanting to begin the journey into wet shaving what is the general concensus on the best DE to start with.I've read to stay away from Parkers because of quality issues but would like to have a nice razor and brush for as little as i can get away with.

A vintage 3 piece gillette tech is about as cheap as you can get for a DE razor. They are pretty mild shavers so they are good for beginners, but can also grow up with you and provide great BBS shaves.
Let me take a look at home I might have one I could send your way for you to try.

The vintage gillette 3 piece is a great, cheap beginner razor. If you look around, you should be able to pick up a decent one at an antique store for $5-$10. Personally, I like simple 3 piece razors much more than the TTO and adjustable ones. The heads on your standard 3 piece have a lower profile, making them easier to get into tight to reach places.

Now that that is out of the way though, you should just save yourself the money and go straight for the Edwin Jagger 89. I've been DE shaving for over a year, and that thing killed my Acquisition Disorder like nothing else and it shaves like a dream.

Just about any Gillette DE on eBay will be serviceable after boiling for a few minutes and little effort to polish (or not). I avoid Gillette DE blades found in the stores. Try looking for blades at Walgreen's, CVS, Albertsons, Wal-Mart, etc.

Find a nice super speed at the antique store.

A Gillette Superspeed or an adjustable (Gillette Slim or Fatboy) from an antique store.

I got one of these and I love it..!

Merkur Heavy Duty Double Edge Safety Razor (34c): Amazon.co.uk: Health & Beauty

And I use Wilkinson Sword blades. Good for the days when I oversleep and dont have time to bring out one of my starights!

Originally Posted by Stubear

I got one of these and I love it..!

Merkur Heavy Duty Double Edge Safety Razor (34c): Amazon.co.uk: Health & Beauty

And I use Wilkinson Sword blades. Good for the days when I oversleep and dont have time to bring out one of my starights!

+1, very good option, especially if you don't want to hunt for old razors.

My one and only is a Superspeed, and the only blades I've used are Derby's. I've been able to get good, one pass shaves without any problem, even with just water, and I have rather sensitive skin. Everything I've read/heard indicates that the SS's are very mild shavers, and I think that makes them a good starter.

CoolMaltBeverage,

If you would like a 'new' razor, the Merkur '1904' (Model 42 closed comb, Model 41 open comb) is very similar to the Gillette Tech 3-peice, and is relatively in-expensive. I use one when I am away on business.

Best regards

Russ