Results 1 to 8 of 8
Like Tree2Likes
  • 2 Post By stimpy52

Thread: Safety Razors

  1. #1
    Junior Member
    Join Date
    Oct 2012
    Location
    Chicago
    Posts
    3
    Thanked: 0

    Default Safety Razors

    So, I'm interested in acquiring a safety razor as an alternative to the straight as well as a more travel-friendly option. Being new to this I am curious about the wide price range available for these tools. In my mind, I can understand the wide range of quality in the craftsmanship of a straight razor, but I have no idea what differentiates a $200 safety razor from a $30 one. What should I look for in a safety razor?

    Thank You

  2. #2
    lobeless earcutter's Avatar
    Join Date
    Feb 2012
    Location
    Kansas
    Posts
    4,864
    Thanked: 762

    Default

    As you stated, fit and finish. Place of manufacture... there are tons of reasons a razor can be the price that it is. Some reasons can be viewed as valid, others as branding - just like a straight really.


    I think it might help to focus on the following before price:

    Long or short handle?

    Open vs. closed comb?

    Determining what blades to buy for it.

    It's not that an expensive DE isn't a great place to start, but it might make scene to get a quality Merkur under $80, and give it a test drive with a bunch of different blades.

    It'll give you an insight as to what you want/need relatively quickly.

    Good luck!
    David

  3. The Following User Says Thank You to earcutter For This Useful Post:

    kriyavan (11-23-2012)

  4. #3
    Irrelevant stimpy52's Avatar
    Join Date
    Jul 2009
    Location
    Irondequoit, NY
    Posts
    1,229
    Thanked: 249

    Default

    You can typically buy a Gillette "Slim" like this -- Gillette Safety Razor.Adjustable 1-9.Made in U.S.A.Old.Vintage. | eBay for $30 or $35 on eBay or $15-20 if you hit one at an antique store. It will shave your face and your son's face and your grandson's face...pretty close to indestructible.
    Hirlau and Martin103 like this.

  5. The Following 2 Users Say Thank You to stimpy52 For This Useful Post:

    Hirlau (11-23-2012), kriyavan (11-23-2012)

  6. #4
    Senior Member livingontheedge's Avatar
    Join Date
    Sep 2009
    Location
    Ottawa Canada
    Posts
    656
    Thanked: 111

    Default

    The two hundred dollar one would be made out of stainless while the thirty dollar one would be some type of plated metal.

    I recommend getting a vintage safety, they can often be found locally for little money and will help you decide what you are looking for in a modern safety razor in terms of aggressivness or styling.
    John

  7. The Following User Says Thank You to livingontheedge For This Useful Post:

    kriyavan (11-23-2012)

  8. #5
    Senior Member
    Join Date
    Nov 2012
    Location
    Seattle,WA.
    Posts
    579
    Thanked: 55

    Default

    DE's would seem to be all about the same to me as far as the shave you will get since that is determined by the replaceable blade.

    You can get a good adjustable Gillette for $25 on ebay with a little luck and a non-adjustable one for less than $10.

    If you want a new razor you will pay more but it's not doing any more for your face.

  9. The Following User Says Thank You to gcbryan For This Useful Post:

    kriyavan (11-23-2012)

  10. #6
    Senior Member blabbermouth Hirlau's Avatar
    Join Date
    Dec 2010
    Location
    South Florida
    Posts
    13,530
    Thanked: 3530

    Default

    I have a 1956 Gillette, you can get them on Ebay for $30.00 just like Stimpy said.
    I wouldn't trade it for the world. Great shaver.

  11. The Following User Says Thank You to Hirlau For This Useful Post:

    kriyavan (11-23-2012)

  12. #7
    The Hurdy Gurdy Man thebigspendur's Avatar
    Join Date
    May 2005
    Location
    New Mexico
    Posts
    32,736
    Thanked: 5016
    Blog Entries
    4

    Default

    Of course a used vintage will be cheaper vs a new razor. There are new razors that are very inexpensive but most aren't that great. The best value will be with a vintage. New razors can be had for middle prices and are quite good. The really expensive ones are the stainless ones. They keep coming out with more and more stainless models. I suspect the profit motive is the reason and people keep buying them so...
    No matter how many men you kill you can't kill your successor-Emperor Nero

  13. #8
    Indisposed
    Join Date
    Oct 2008
    Posts
    6,038
    Thanked: 1195

    Default

    If you are talking strictly about new DE's there are many options available for reasonable prices. I have a cheap Parker, which is okay, but I'd recommend Merkur which can be had for the $35 dollar range. The Edwin Jagger DE89, which is held in high regard, can be found for less than $40, and is another option.

Posting Permissions

  • You may not post new threads
  • You may not post replies
  • You may not post attachments
  • You may not edit your posts
  •