Interested in trying DE Shave, where do I start

[MattD]

Well, since being back lurking around the board for about a week now, I have just paid any attention to this area of the forums and it has peaked an interest in trying DE shaving. My problem is that I don't have a clue as to where to start. I don't want to go spend a fortune on a top quality razor and possibly decide I don't like it.

Is there a good entry level that won't break the bank, but also isn't so cheap that it won't give me a good idea of what DE shaving is all about?

I also know that to be "authentic" I need to get a brush, soap and bowl to replace the good old shave gel cans that I normally use.

Any advice, help, and guidance would be appreciated. Thanks.

[tomcj2]

I was reintroduced to DE shaving recently.  I purchased a razor through Amazon.com.  $35(us) or so   will get you a Merkur, Parker, or an Edwin Jaggar, and they will probably come with sample blades.  Sally Beauty Supply had a less expensive model that has decent reviews.  They probably have a store near you.  Shop the internet and you will find a good, affordable price.

An entry level brush, soap and bowl can be purchased at any department store for little more than a can of shaving cream.  You will find a great improvement over the gel or foam that you are using now.  You can always buy a more expensive brush later.

[mahaw90]

Merkur 34c is a good razor but if you want a longer handle try the Merkur 38c. Theres loads of reviews on youtube of these razors. As for soaps, there is so many to choose from, get one with good reviews. I have an Edwin Jagger badger brush, which probably cost about £15. I've heard nothing but positive reviews about the Taylor of Old Bond Street shaving soap, check It out.

[Slynito]

I have a Merkur 34C HD and I agree it is nice to use and has a good feel to me when I'm shaving. You can get many of the things you need at good prices on Amazon or if you can handle the excitement of an auction look around E-bay. Also you can find 'how to' videos on YouTube. Best of luck.

[Fourseamer]

I have tried lots of DE razors and have settled on Merkur 1904 & 34C. They both shave the same but have a different feel in your hand. They are not very aggressive and perfect for a new user.  I would also look into a sample pack of blade from www.westcoastshaving.com   The differences in blades are huge.  The sample packs are the way to go so you can try them all out till you find your favorite without spending a ton of heard earned cash.  Hopes this helps.  Let me know if you have any questions.

[Laser Man]

A nice DE will set you back about $25 - $40, but then the blades are much cheaper than cartridges like the Fusion uses.  I use a Merkur 34C.  It's beautifully made and gives a great shave.  I also have a Parker Butterfly which is not very impressive - not as well made and gives a mediocre shave.

As to the brush, look for a decent badger hair brush (doesn't have to be expensive) and for the bowl, you can use a salsa bowl or large mug.  On soaps, there as so many, it's best to try a couple and see what you like.  I've been using a brush to create a lather with HeadSlick and that gives a great shave.

[Mikekoz13]

Matt... check out the Edwin Jagger EJ89L..... I paid about $38 for it.

I bought the razor, a brush, a nick stick, a tub of RazoRock shave cream, and a large multi-pack of blades for $100 delievered. Not bad to get started.


here's a site to check out:

http://www.leesrazors.com/

[warhawk]

Hi MattD:  That is great that you are interested in DE shaving.  I'm gonna tell you a secret that there is absolutely nothing better than a DE shave.  Before I started my DE journey... I was exclusively using the Fusion, Hydro5, and Magnum5;  thankfully I have discovered DE shaves and I haven't looked back.  The traditional way of shaving is the only way IMHO.

As far as shaving the DE way... you will definitely spend around $30-$40 for a quality razor.  Initially you will spend more at first but a quality DE razor will last a lifetime.  DE blades can be bought cheap.  My favorite quality and value DE blade is the Astra SP and you can buy a 100 pack at Amazon for under $11.00.  Try buying 100 Fusion or 100 Hydro 5 blades!!!

If you are truly interested get a quality razor first.  As far as shaving brushes... you can get a good cheap shaving brush at Target.  It is a badger brush (Shea Moisture is the brand).  As far as shaving soaps or creams... Mike's Natural Soaps is my absolute favorite.  You can go to www.mikesnaturalsoaps.com.  It is a quality soap that lathers like yogurt and leaves your skin feeling great. 

You can get some great DE blades at Amazon.com like I said earlier but you might want to buy a sampler pack because it provides with more different DE blades. 

There are some great vendors like www.leesrazors.com,  westcoastshaving.com,  bullgooseshavinge.com,  and italianbarber.com. 

Let us know how your DE journey goes and ask more questions or you can PM me for any future help.  Good luck and keep us posted.

WARHAWK

[theman]

I find this very interesting.  I am going to have to give this a try as the Fusion blades are so doggone expensive.  Thanks for the good info.

[Slynito]

As usual Warhawk gave some excellent advice. I would add that if you just want to test the DE waters, you might ring up an old fart friend or family member and ask if they have an old Gillette laying around. Like Warhawk said, they last forever and, "junk drawers" all over may contain one. DE shaving becomes addictive and quickly a hobby. Good Luck!

 

[MattD]

Yeah, I remember years ago my granddad had two. I asked my grandmother about them, but she said she probably just threw ten away after he died and she moved!!! 

[theman]

Are there any stores that sell the Merkur Razors I hate ordering things.

[warhawk]

Are there any stores that sell the Merkur Razors I hate ordering things.

It depends.  Where do you live?  With that said... there are no brick and mortar stores (in my area) that sell DE razors except for the cheapo DE razor at Sally's.  Ordering on line is not that bad.  Sure you cannot get your product instantly but half the fun is waiting for the product to arrive.  You feel like a kid at Christmas when it does arrive.

WARHAWK

[theman]

Are there any stores that sell the Merkur Razors I hate ordering things.

It depends.  Where do you live?  With that said... there are no brick and mortar stores (in my area) that sell DE razors except for the cheapo DE razor at Sally's.  Ordering on line is not that bad.  Sure you cannot get your product instantly but half the fun is waiting for the product to arrive.  You feel like a kid at Christmas when it does arrive.

WARHAWK

Thanks WARHAWK , never did like waiting at Christmas either  Guess I will have to order it.  As they really sound cool.

[medpsy82]

Here are two places online that offer some good DE's.

http://www.straightrazordesigns.com/ (favorite place, good quality and stands behind his sales and the products)

http://www.classicshaving.com/Home.html?iorb=4764&utm_source=Sponsored&utm_medium=PPC&utm_campaign=BeyondROI