Thread: Gift to beginner -- which DE razor?

Hi Jim,

You might want to consider a Long Handle Classic (LHC) Merkur. I own this razor, as well as some of the other’s you mentioned. The LHC is an extremely forgiving razor, and was recommended to me by a very popular (DE and SE) vendor as the razor he used every day (I was buying a DE for my brother as a wedding present and asked his opinion for a great razor). I bought one for myself (in addition to one for my brother) and love it. It has the disadvantage of being a 3 piece razor (a little harder to load), as well as the advantage of being a 3 piece razor (including being able to inexpensively change handles, change heads from open comb to closed comb, etc.). You might even want to consider getting one of your sons a LHC open comb, and one a “classic” (shorter handle) closed comb. Between the 2 purchased razors, you could construct 4 different razors, and each son could customize the correct combination for himself (realizing, that both may select the same combination, requiring another razor purchase in the future).

Please feel free to PM or post other questions if I can be of further assistance.

V1

I am fairly new to DE razors myself, but have found that the British Rockets (Gillette razors) are a good razor. I have one and use it daily; I like it better than the Gillette super speed and blue-tip (the only other DE's I have and tried). My bro, when not using straight razors, goes to his Merkur HD, which I hear is a great razor too!

I hope this helps. Good luck with the gift!

As a gift I think something new, as opposed to a vintage, would be more appropriate and better appreciated. The vintages are more likely to be appreciated by someone who really get interested in DE shaving.

For new razors Merkur has lots of choices. I kind of like the 1904. I think it is a beauty. The nickel plate as opposed to chrome has a subtly more elegant look. It can be had in both "guard bar" and "open comb" configuration

The first image gives a much more accurate representation of the nickel plate.

Originally Posted by thebigspendur

If you can get a Gillette Fatboy in good shape I would recommend that. However the mercur like the barber pole model is great.

+1. I have both, and though I don't consider myself a DE beginner anymore I can confidently recommend either one as a good choice.

Anyhow: Israeli Personna, Merkur Platinum, Derby. In that order. I use Merkur DEs exclusively (if that matters), and like the gentleness of the Israeli Personna blades. When using my open comb DE, the Merkur Platinum give an extra kick, as they

I appreciate the responses to my post. I bought son Sam (20) a Merkur HD34C based on my experience with the Slant 39C. Also picked up some Israeli Personna, Harris soap, a decent Vulfix super badger brush a chrome stand, a tube of Proraso cream, Nivea sensitive balm.....and some sample aftershaves and colognes. A pretty decent haul.

The best part was showing him my technique for mixing a great lather and offering some advice. He wanted a DE and appreciates that a mundane task is now cool, fun.....etc

Perhaps some day he'll use the straights I leave behind!!

Best to all, and Happy New Year.

Jim

It appears that your son is well on his way to some incredibly close and satisfying shaves. Congrats!

Is there a DE wiki on this site? all i can find is the str8 wiki. I'm mostly looking for tips on angle, kinds of razors, etc.

Hello, Salazch:

I don't seem to find information on DE shaving in the Wiki either. Unless I am staring at it and not seeing it.

This is a bit off topic, but I'll give you a quick rundown of my shaving method with a DE: I use almost the same method as with a straight razor, though with less stretching. With the straight I use both hands; with the DE mostly the right hand. Divide the face into geographical regions. Three passes, generally WTG, XTG and ATG. Keep the pressure low, and try not to go over the same spot too often to avoid razor burn. The preparation is the same, as is the post shave ritual.

Regards,

Obie

As far as DEs goes I like the Gillette Aristocrat. I think I still have it somewhere....

Also give him a sampler pack of blades. Different faces prefers different blades.