Inexpensive first DE razor?

Hi all,

I've decided to start with an inexpensive DE razor, then eventually move up to a straight if I get as hooked as I expect to be.

I've been prowling around the forums and google, and I think I've found two options that seem to be a pretty good values in the $10-15 range - a Lord L6 and a Concord A2001.

Both seem rated highly enough and I've seen positive reviews of both here and there, but I was curious if folks had any experience with either or thoughts on which might be better for a starter? I'm planning on getting either Feather or Astra blades to use with them.

Thanks a lot.

Lord L6 with Astra would be an excellent choice.
I found Feathers to be too harsh for me as a beginner. Btw, the Lord blade that comes with the razor is also very good (i liked enough to buy a 100 pack). Its milder than Astra, which is good for a beginner.
Concords are made in China, since the Cadmium in toys issue, i dont use Chinese products where they can come in contact with the bloodstream.

I have bought a couple of vintage DEs in the last little while from Etsy as well as a couple from ebay. I too was looking for an inexpensive option to compliment the straights when travelling or in a rush, etc., and my rationale for going vintage was that I figured that the quality of a good used vintage DE razor would be superior to a cheaply made modern one. I see them from time to time in antique stores too.

Oh man, I've just realized that I've outed myself as now having DE RAD to go along with the Straight Razor RAD... This is how it starts: I wanted one and now have five! :)

Anyway, just thought I'd mention the vintage option. Happy hunting!

Any vintage Gillette DE found here or on Ebay, or from one of our member vendors.
I would not own one of the two that you linked ; just my thoughts.

i just picked up 2 DE razors of ebay ..
one is a Gillette super speed i think i paid around $10 and it is like MINT
the other is a Gillette slim adjustable that should be here in couple days that looks good in the pics at least ..

i read endless threads on here about DE razors before i even started to look and a thing that stood out to me about the more vintage razors vs. a new low end , was someone said this !! " do you want a razor that is of quality that is gonna last a long time and possibly something to be passed on ?? or do you want one thats gonna last not as long with lower quality ?? i dont know enough about to stand by this statement but it sure makes sense to me to buy a good razor made when things were made to last ...
im very happy with my choice to go vintage and this super speed (twist to open ) is cool to watch the doors open up to change blades , i cant put it down or stop playing with it ..lol... im gonna try it tonight and see what happens

"Inexpensive" is obviously relative to the buyer. In the $10-15 range I wouldn't expect much in the way of craftsmanship, and functionality could be marginal too. For an extra $10-20 you could buy a Parker or Merkur, and you'd likely be better off for it.

Many will recommend a vintage Gillette, but then you're at the mercy of ebay - availability and condition will become factors. Pricing will certainly vary as well, depending on the model.

IMHO i think those depicted here are good DE starters to the right is a barbasol open comb and to the left is a Gillette 'new' I would suggest a new because ther are so many, they are reasonably priced and give a great, iritation free (skill providing) close shave, Well close for a DE that is.
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Originally Posted by Ryan82

"Inexpensive" is obviously relative to the buyer. In the $10-15 range I wouldn't expect much in the way of craftsmanship, and functionality could be marginal too. For an extra $10-20 you could buy a Parker or Merkur, and you'd likely be better off for it.

Many will recommend a vintage Gillette, but then you're at the mercy of ebay - availability and condition will become factors. Pricing will certainly vary as well, depending on the model.

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Absolutely, you run that risk with Ebay, gotta study the seller & photos.
I have been lucky the past 3 months.

When my mad money comes, I'm going to buy a fancy Merkur, just so I can be the first owner

after a dozen or so vintage gillettes on ebay my advice is unless the pictures are crystal clear don't bother. also, ebay is a seller's heaven, not buyer's. auctions tend to end at inflated prices. you will get a better price on the b/s/t forums on badgerandblade / shavenook.

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Originally Posted by Hirlau

When my mad money comes...

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You're waiting for that too, eh? :)

The Concord is fine, I sometimes use it as a travel razor, (over a year since I last used a DE). I haven't used the Lord L6, I have used the previous iteration of the Lord, not very good, but I've heard that the head on the L6 is a big improvement.

I think one of the best current razors for the money is the EJ89.

I've used all with Feather blades (I bought two 100 packs, they're dirt cheap here in the supermarkets)

Thanks all. I would love to have a nice vintage razor, I just don't feel like I'm at all qualified to evaluate the condition of them yet, and I don't see any in my current price range (under $20) on the various forum marketplaces. Of course, if anyone's got a halfway decent one that they'd be willing to part with for somewhere in there, I'd welcome a PM!

The EJ89 is a beauty, it's just outside of my admittedly small budget. Once I factor in a brush, soap, alum, styptic pen and hopefully a straight and strop once I master DEs, it becomes kind of an intimidating shaving budget to a guy in his mid-20's...

If your looking for a great starter razor I doubt you can beat a Gillette Super Speed. I own several from Black tips, to Red tips. I have found them for under 5 bucks and with inexpensive blades like Wilkinson Sword, (found at Walmart for under 2 bucks) it is a great deal and a very safe shave. Do not mistake safe for fool proof as there is a learning curve but the Super Speed is pretty safe, and will give a fine shave. You may want to check your local junk store, just the other day here locally I found a Blue Tip Super Speed, a Ball tip and a fat boy for 4 bucks total. Point being, It doesn't have to be expensive to get a good shave, and anything you as a DE, is going to shave you cheeper and better then the 5 bladed junk they sell you now.

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Originally Posted by scotishcavalir

You may want to check your local junk store, just the other day here locally I found a Blue Tip Super Speed, a Ball tip and a fat boy for 4 bucks total.

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I am very jealous of you! Must be a local razor shortage around here... I've checked ~10 antique, thrift and pawn shops over the past couple days, not a thing. Hrmmph.

There's one more triad of antique stores nearby that I want to check tomorrow, otherwise I might just have to go with a new one. If I do, I'm thinking I might go with the Lord for $12. I'm very tempted by the EJ89 now, but for the price difference, I could get a straight for whippeddog. Decisions, decisions.

Within a few weeks you will have
in your possession a Lord an EJ89
and a straight from whippeddog...:D


Terry

lol

You know, I just figured out a way to get the EJ89 shipped for $27-28 with a coupon code. I'm afraid I may not be able to resist pulling the trigger...

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Originally Posted by NCGuy

lol

You know, I just figured out a way to get the EJ89 shipped for $27-28 with a coupon code. I'm afraid I may not be able to resist pulling the trigger...

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Then don't! :)

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Originally Posted by Cangooner

Then don't! :)

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PULL THE TRIGGER NOW!!
HURRY!! IT'S GETTING AWAY....

Terry

Well, I dunno, I, ah - OKAY!!! :p

Trigger pulled, thanks to all for the suggestions. It's a great deal on soap.com (promo code "soapaff") if there are any curious lurkers - $27.84 and supposedly arriving Thursday.

Alright! Would Astras still probably be a safer bet to start out with than Feathers for this razor?

You may want to consider a sample
pak from one of the vendors.

Oh, and congratulations....;)

Terry

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Originally Posted by NCGuy

lol

You know, I just figured out a way to get the EJ89 shipped for $27-28 with a coupon code. I'm afraid I may not be able to resist pulling the trigger...

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You won't be sorry. They're really nice. I'd recommend the "barley" handle, if you can get it. The chrome and lined-chrome handles are a bit slippery. [But the "barley" was my own choice, so I'm biased.]

. Charles

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Originally Posted by NCGuy

I am very jealous of you! Must be a local razor shortage around here... I've checked ~10 antique, thrift and pawn shops over the past couple days, not a thing. Hrmmph.

There's one more triad of antique stores nearby that I want to check tomorrow, otherwise I might just have to go with a new one.

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...And of course, there was a near mint Super Speed waiting at the final store today after I ordered the EJ89.

I can see how this can become an expensive hobby!

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Originally Posted by NCGuy

...And of course, there was a near mint Super Speed waiting at the final store today after I ordered the EJ89.

I can see how this can become an expensive hobby!

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Your learning....:p


Terry

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Originally Posted by NCGuy

...And of course, there was a near mint Super Speed waiting at the final store today after I ordered the EJ89.

I can see how this can become an expensive hobby!

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If you didn't buy the Super Speed (because you don't need it), that's the first step in controlling costs. If you _did_ buy it, you're on the way to Razor Acquisition Disorder.

Once you get RAD, you'll fit in perfectly, here.
. Charles

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Originally Posted by NCGuy

...And of course, there was a near mint Super Speed waiting at the final store today after I ordered the EJ89.

I can see how this can become an expensive hobby!

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So naturally you bought it, right? I mean what else were you supposed to do? Welcome to the enablers club:)