Razor Shopping

I have fallen in love with wet shaving, but my straight razors have me nervous every time I shave. (I'm still learning the tricks of the trade, and I have a really boney face)
I think its time to add a new razor into the mix of my two straight razors so I was going to go shopping for a vintage DE this week at antique shops around the Phoenix are. Basically I wanted to know what to look out for. Are their any key functionality checks to look for, brands, types and any desirable/undesirable razors. Seeing as there are so many types out there from all eras, I just want something affordable that I can get razors for. Im sure this has been discussed so point me to any existing wiki pages or guilds if you guys are tired of discussing it. ;)


Any and all advice will be well warmly received.
Thanks Gents, Happy Shaving

Hi, Dubbin. Found these links and info for you in the FAQ section of the wiki:

Brands of Straight Razors to avoid - Straight Razor Place Wiki

http://straightrazorpalace.com/srpwi...t_Razor_Brands

Questions to ask a seller

Despite their best efforts, many sellers have limited knowledge of what is essential information to be put into a classified. If any of the following are missing from the description of a razor that is for sale, you may want to enquire further to avoid later disputes over lack of quality.

When was the blade last honed?
Does it center in the scales without the edge making contact on either side?
Is the pivot pin tight?
Are the scales original?
Are there any cracks in the scales?
Are there any hairline cracks in the blade?
Do you have pictures of the (other side of the blade, close up of a certain area, etc)?
Do you offer a return policy if I am not satisfied?
If yes, what are the terms?

Cheers! I am after some information on DE razors however. I already have a pair or SRs and have done my homework on those blades. I really appreciate the info however.

Do you have a DE yet? As long as it has Gillette stamped on it and is in good shape it will treat you well.
An adjustable is nice so you can figure out how aggressive a shall e you want. The Fatboy and Slim are probably the most well known ones buy G also made a black one (super speed, maybe?) That I can't remember the name of that's usually a bit cheaper on the bay.

+1 on the Gillette DE advice. It's really hard to go wrong and a tech or super speed can be had for very little. You should probably get a sampler pack of razor blades (bullgoose, SRD, West Coast Shaving and even amazon among many others). If you get your razor and just can't wait, several have had OK results with DE blades from Walmart--but it's much better to get a sampler pack IMHO sooner than later.

No I don't have a DE yet, and Im not the antsy so thanks for the advise on a sampler pack. Basically from what I am reading is that all the old Gillette's unless obviously broken will be fine. Now all I gotta do it go shopping for one! I will report back with pictures if I find one.

Dubbin64:
Antique stores are hit or miss: you can either end up with a good DE razor or a piece of junk. If I may suggest, to be sure, why not buy a new Edwin Jagger or Merkur double edge razor and get a good start with your DE shaving? Eventually, once you know your way around the DE world, you can explore antique stores and flea markets and land some beauties. Either way, good luck.

Another vote for the classic Gillettes here, great razors and you can find them for pretty reasonable prices. With a little care and maintenance they will last a lifetime (or more!) Happy shaving! :D

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Obie

Dubbin64:
Antique stores are hit or miss: you can either end up with a good DE razor or a piece of junk. If I may suggest, to be sure, why not buy a new Edwin Jagger or Merkur double edge razor and get a good start with your DE shaving? Eventually, once you know your way around the DE world, you can explore antique stores and flea markets and land some beauties. Either way, good luck.

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Dear OP,

This man, Obie, knows his chit. He steered me toward the EJ barley chrome, and I love it. Derby Extra blades give me and wonderful shave. Last few shaves, I've been trying the croma diamant blades. Very comfortabe, but not as close a shave as the Derby's. The great thing is, I still have a bunch of other blades to try! Man, I love this hobby.

Alright after A LOT of research on my part and about 5 antique stores (me and my girl made a day of it) I found my first DE.

It's a mild "old faithful", a Gillette Tech, its a Gold finish ball-end slim knurled handle, Im not sure which year exactly but it is in the original packaging, with some of the original blades. Don't know much more about it but I know a lot of folks regard it as a great starter and a very mild but great shave, and Im only 18 so this will be great on my thin whiskers.
I looked at a bunch of other razors that were either un-usable or were far over priced. This one is very usable, and vintage, and was very inexpensive, I think the perfect buy on my first go round!

Here are some pictures
http://sphotos-a.xx.fbcdn.net/hphoto...89011568_n.jpg
http://sphotos-a.xx.fbcdn.net/hphoto...87791275_n.jpg

Quote:

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Originally Posted by dubbin64

Alright after A LOT of research on my part and about 5 antique stores (me and my girl made a day of it) I found my first DE.

It's a mild "old faithful", a Gillette Tech, its a Gold finish ball-end slim knurled handle, Im not sure which year exactly but it is in the original packaging, with some of the original blades. Don't know much more about it but I know a lot of folks regard it as a great starter and a very mild but great shave, and Im only 18 so this will be great on my thin whiskers.
I looked at a bunch of other razors that were either un-usable or were far over priced. This one is very usable, and vintage, and was very inexpensive, I think the perfect buy on my first go round!

Here are some pictures
http://sphotos-a.xx.fbcdn.net/hphoto...89011568_n.jpg
http://sphotos-a.xx.fbcdn.net/hphoto...87791275_n.jpg

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Edit:
Alright I did even more research and found my particular razor just postwar between 1946-1949. Anyone with any more info on how to narrow the date down further would be greatly appreciated!

Here's a couple of links. See if there is serial number on the bottom. BTW:You probably know this, but the blades don't age well and could be harmful; better to use new blades
Enjoy--it looks great. Also you might like to check YouTube for mantic59's how to videos. He's got good ones about using DE's.

Gillette Date Codes for Safety Razors and Blades

http://wiki.badgerandblade.com/US_Gillette_Dating_Information

Quote:

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Originally Posted by dubbin64

my particular razor just postwar between 1946-1949. Anyone with any more info on how to narrow the date down further would be greatly appreciated!

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The 1940s Gold Tech was also my first DE razor -- and one of my favorites.

Unfortunately, Gillette did not use any date coding or serial numbers at that time in their history.

If you spend any time on this forum you will often see the advice to try an assortment of blades with any given razor. The reason is because a member will find that while one brand of blade gives him a very comfortable shave with one particular razor, a different razor in his rotation will require a different brand of blade to achieve maximum level of comfort. This is because there are structural differences from one brand/model of razor to another and proprietary differences in the manufacture of the various brands of DE blades.

It's all a matter of discovering which combination of blade + razor gives you the "best" shave -- in your judgment. And of course, that evaluation is subjective to each individual member. That's why you won't find any "use this blade with that razor" recommendation anywhere (that I know of, anyway).

About the blades that came with your razor. Keep them as a collectible -- since they came in the original box. Because they are so old, corrosion will have destroyed the sharp edge. And blade manufacturing technology of that period could not compete with today's blades. Get some new blades and enjoy your shave!

Thanks so much for the info guys! From I have used my patience and waited to shave with this razor until my sampler of blades comes in the mail.
No Wal-mart or 60 year old carbon steel blades on my precious face just yet. ;)

I know this blade are junk as far as use goes, but they are very cool, especially since their original to the razor, and I have kept them in the package in a safe spot.

Also I was pretty spot on with the guess of 46-49 but i need do some more inspection and research before I can say for sure the exact year. Until then its time for a straight shave! Will report back with how my first DE shave goes.

The cheap Wilkinson-Sword blades from Walmart are tolerable in a pinch. I've found that my local Sally Beauty Supply has Personna (blue) blades for only a couple cents more so I use those from time to time as well.

Kmart carries a no name brand, "Smart Sense." Made in Korea. Pack of ten for $5.99 is more expensive than good blades on Amazon. Like bharner says, "in a pinch."

Out of curiosity I tried a pack. Nothing to write home about. For me, Shark has these Korean blades beat hands down for comfort. It's nice to know Kmart & Wally World stock DE blades, though. When I travel I put my DE razor in my carry on and my blades in my checked bag. So if the airline ever loses my luggage again (as U.S. Airways did six years ago), I won't have to buy a pack of Bics.

Hi gents, thought I would report back after my first DE shave.
Blades came surprisingly quick! 3 day turn around, I ordered on Thursday! In the package was a sample of some other shaving creams and exfoliants, just little 1/4th ounce samples.
I also bought a tube of Proroso with my order.
This is how the shave went:

Soak my bowl, and brush with hot water in the sink. Shower, wash my face with Clearasil. Dry off, put a Chrystal blade in my Tech, load brush with VDH and put a dollop of Proraso in my bowl. Make lather. Shave 4 passes, two straight down, one across one against. Rinse with cold-ish water, then just a splash of Aqua Velva musk aftershave cause my face can get a bit oily, and its the only aftershave I have.

I have the say the shave was very mild, much more than expected. It might have been the blade, or maybe my inexperience finding the right angle, but the first pass felt like I was just rubbing the razor over my face without a blade in it, I did two with the grain passes for this reason, even though I got the majority of the stubble with the first pass.
I was kind of disappointed with the razor at first, because their was no responsiveness from the blade like with my straights. I like the noise SRs make. But i got zero nicks and the shave was so much less nerve wracking than shaving with an SR, also a lot quicker. And after all the passes I got just a good a shave as I was used to.

The Proraso smell was a bit odd at first. I say odd because half of me enjoyed it and the other half was getting nauseous, but after lathering it on my face the cool eucalyptus and menthol made it worth the smell, and my by the end of the shave I found myself enjoying the flavor. I didn't have any glycerin so it wasn't really uberlather but I think the VDH+Proraso combo was slick enough as it was, and was super lather-y.

Let me know any suggestions you might have!
Cheers

Quote:

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Originally Posted by dubbin64

Hi gents, thought I would report back after my first DE shave.
Blades came surprisingly quick! 3 day turn around, I ordered on Thursday! In the package was a sample of some other shaving creams and exfoliants, just little 1/4th ounce samples.
I also bought a tube of Proroso with my order.
This is how the shave went:

Soak my bowl, and brush with hot water in the sink. Shower, wash my face with Clearasil. Dry off, put a Chrystal blade in my Tech, load brush with VDH and put a dollop of Proraso in my bowl. Make lather. Shave 4 passes, two straight down, one across one against. Rinse with cold-ish water, then just a splash of Aqua Velva musk aftershave cause my face can get a bit oily, and its the only aftershave I have.

I have the say the shave was very mild, much more than expected. It might have been the blade, or maybe my inexperience finding the right angle, but the first pass felt like I was just rubbing the razor over my face without a blade in it, I did two with the grain passes for this reason, even though I got the majority of the stubble with the first pass.
I was kind of disappointed with the razor at first, because their was no responsiveness from the blade like with my straights. I like the noise SRs make. But i got zero nicks and the shave was so much less nerve wracking than shaving with an SR, also a lot quicker. And after all the passes I got just a good a shave as I was used to.

The Proraso smell was a bit odd at first. I say odd because half of me enjoyed it and the other half was getting nauseous, but after lathering it on my face the cool eucalyptus and menthol made it worth the smell, and my by the end of the shave I found myself enjoying the flavor. I didn't have any glycerin so it wasn't really uberlather but I think the VDH+Proraso combo was slick enough as it was, and was super lather-y.

Let me know any suggestions you might have!
Cheers

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sounds like you angle was wrong or your lather was too wet. if the razor is skipping I would bet it was the angle. u should look into a Gillette adjustable so u can dial in the aggressiveness needed. I go 7 WTG and 5 for XTG and WTG. adjustables go 1-9 where one is mild and nine is the most aggressive. the Gillette slim is amazing.

I had a Gillette tech of that era and it was great to learn on. They're super mild. It sounds like you did everything right.
When I had mine I could easily do 4-5 passes and still feel like there was some hair I could have gotten. Facial stretching helps a lot with that as does finding a blade that works well with the tech. I had the best luck with Shark and Feather blades with my tech as far as close shaves go.

With my Fatboy adjustable I go for 4-5 on the first pass depending on how scruffy I am. Sometimes 1 if it's been a long time between shaves or if my skin is irritated. Then I bump it up to 7 for the second pass and usually call it good to go.

I'd place the tech I had somewhere between 2-3 compared to the Fatboy aggressiveness numbers.

It looks like you did very good on aqquiring your first DE. I'd love to have that in my collection! I use either ''Feather'' blades (made in Japan, & I order them online), Wilkinson Sword or Gillette's (I get them at my local Walmart). I've come to the conclusion that the Feather blades are by far the sharpest and most unforgiving, but if used correctly you end up with a great BBS shave. :gl:

+1 on Feather blades, especially if you have a very think and coarse beard, cuts like butter and very corrosion resistent.

100 blades for $19.99 plus shipping. Order 2 packs and should be stocked again for over a year.
Ebay 100 Ct FEATHER HI-STAINLESS DOUBLE EDGE DE RAZOR BLADES NEW | eBay

edit> Warning yes they are Very Sharp but 1 WTG and 1 ATG/XTG, no tug and you are BBS Smooth. Again they are VERY Sharp and are unforgiving.

Yeah I got a pack of Feathers in my sampler pack, but I thought it would be prudent to try out the other blades first.
I will probably try out the feathers after a dozen or so shaves. Not in any rush, and yesterdays shave was close enough.

Also I picked up some witch hazel and glycerin after I posted yesterday! (the witch hazel smells bad but so far its better than my alcohol based astringents and was cheap) Also I was wanting some glycerin for other uses, and the stuff I got is like 99% pure so it should dilute nicely with some water in a squirt bottle.

Thanks for all the responses!

Quote:

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Originally Posted by dubbin64

Yeah I got a pack of Feathers in my sampler pack, but I thought it would be prudent to try out the other blades first.
I will probably try out the feathers after a dozen or so shaves. Not in any rush, and yesterdays shave was close enough.

Also I picked up some witch hazel and glycerin after I posted yesterday! (the witch hazel smells bad but so far its better than my alcohol based astringents and was cheap) Also I was wanting some glycerin for other uses, and the stuff I got is like 99% pure so it should dilute nicely with some water in a squirt bottle.

Thanks for all the responses!

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Witch hazel stinks to high heaven. Unless you're using Thayer's which is available at GNC and most hippie/natural food stores. Doesn't smell bad at all due to the way they process it.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Obie

Dubbin64:
Antique stores are hit or miss: you can either end up with a good DE razor or a piece of junk. If I may suggest, to be sure, why not buy a new Edwin Jagger or Merkur double edge razor and get a good start with your DE shaving? Eventually, once you know your way around the DE world, you can explore antique stores and flea markets and land some beauties. Either way, good luck.

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Listen to Obie on this guys...he's right on the money. I just bought my first DE ,an Edwin Jagger. I use it for those days when I don't have time for a straight shave but need one or in between honing my straights. A new DE is just as good as a vintage without all the headache of hunting and searching etc.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by dubbin64

Yeah I got a pack of Feathers in my sampler pack, but I thought it would be prudent to try out the other blades first.
I will probably try out the feathers after a dozen or so shaves. Not in any rush, and yesterdays shave was close enough.

Also I picked up some witch hazel and glycerin after I posted yesterday! (the witch hazel smells bad but so far its better than my alcohol based astringents and was cheap) Also I was wanting some glycerin for other uses, and the stuff I got is like 99% pure so it should dilute nicely with some water in a squirt bottle.

Thanks for all the responses!

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You're not planning to mix it in equal parts with nitric acid and.... something else... are you? :angel:

So is now the time to tell you that I stopped by a new antique store today and found two Gillette super speeds and a black handled adjustable for $5 each?
Not collectors grade at all but they look like some good use razors. I have to find my borax and give them a good scrub. After that I'll post some pics in the show and tell section tonight.
They had some pipe stands for $5.99 do I may pick up the smaller one for a razor stand. I wont even mention the $20 Frederick Reynolds ... or was it Joseph Rodgers?

Very cool, that's pretty lucky. It sounds like a good find.

Sweet! I am definately gunna have to find something more aggressive, the tech is a decent shave, but I just can't get close enough with it, even with blade buffing and stretching. I wouldn't mind having another vintage razor though. RAD is setting in. :(

Ok, so here are some crappy cell phone pics of them. I've given them all a quick cleaning but haven't broken out the flitz and the one in the middle is missing a lot of plating under the head and I've still got some green corrosion to get through. The barn doors are still in good shape so it's serviceable, if not pretty.

My cleaning:
Soak in hot tap water and Dawn for 15 minutes.
Scrub lightly with denture brush.
Rinse and scrub lightly under running hot water.
Spray liberally with scrubbing bubbles.
Wait till all foam is gone and then flip razor and repeat.
Spray brush with a little foam and scrub the bejeezes out of things as necessary.
Rinse.
For the corroded one I made a paste with borax and water and did some more scrubbing.
Rinse.

http://img.tapatalk.com/473f320c-4ad3-03ee.jpg

http://img.tapatalk.com/473f320c-4ae1-803d.jpg

Quote:

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Originally Posted by bharner

snip

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Question, how much would you say the black one on the left in the second picture is worth? I saw it in an antiques store today for $25. That seemed a little steep so I held off, but I'm not sure if that's what it should be worth. It was in great shape.

Valuations aren't kosher here but any time I see a Gillette adjustable razor for a price like that and in good shape I pick them up because they're worth it to me. I have a fatboy that I enjoy quite a bit.
If you're not sure if it's worth it to you I would suggest checking the bay and see what the going rate is (I don't know the model name of that razor but it seems similar to a fatboy) .

I believe the black one is a Gillette Super Adjustable, I have one as well though mine is the long handled version. The one in the pic is the short handled one I think. Great razor and I like it a lot, mine's a heritage razor, and that makes it even more valuable to me :). As far as value, I know we're not allowed to talk prices but I would say condition and rarity determines value. Also the amount of time you want to invest in it to get it cleaned up. I personally would pay a little more for one in better condition, especially if I plan on hanging onto it. Heck, they'll last a lifetime (and more!) if you take care of them. I can't think of too many things I use daily that will last that long! ;)

Decided to go back today and buy it. Had a shave with it, first time I've ever shaved with anything besides a cartridge. I don't think I've ever had as many nicks. Definitely thinking about picking up an aftershave with alcohol, if only to make sure the cuts stay clean.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by 3four5

Decided to go back today and buy it. Had a shave with it, first time I've ever shaved with anything besides a cartridge. I don't think I've ever had as many nicks. Definitely thinking about picking up an aftershave with alcohol, if only to make sure the cuts stay clean.

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Sounds like you either used too much pressure, a bad blade, or a very aggressive setting. Or most likely a combination of two out of the three.
Get a blade sampler pack from bullgoose or Amazon or the like. If you have a Sally Beauty supply pick up some personna blades to start with or Wilkinson Sword blades from Walmart. They're a bit harsh but decent enough in a pinch.
Then watch a video or two of mantic59 on YouTube.
Then set the razor to setting 1 (most mild) and start shaving.
It will take a couple passes but it should be irritation free. Then you can ratchet up to more aggressive settings as you go on. I like the freedom of the adjustable razors to start at 1 when I'm really scruffy then after I've thinned it out a bit crank it to 6 or 7 and get close.

Just remember to use little to no pressure. The weight of the razor head should be enough.
Learn which directions your facial hair grows. Search the site for a beard map or facial hair map and get acquainted with your face.
Lather lather lather lather. The better your lather the softer your hairs will be and the better they'll stand up to be cut. Plus you'll get a slick surface and cushion from the blade.
You've got a great razor to get acquainted with.

ETA: when you change the setting (1-9) don't forget to loosen the TTO mechnasim a bit. If you keep it tight while changing settings you can damage the internals.

Aye, I know where your coming from! My first shave with a DE resulted in a bunch of small nicks as well... As bharner say's, the trick is to use little or no pressure. I was used to cartridge shavers and equated the DE with them. With the cartridge shavers you have to push a certain amount to get them to stay contacted and cutting, not so with the DE, as was said before the weight of the head is sufficient, much more than that and your going to cut yourself. Also try the adjustment setting on a mild number with 1 being the mildest. Stick with it, I love mine and will never go back to carts or electrics again... DE's and str8's for me! :)