Greetings

[Guillaume]

I've just joined this forum.

I've been wet shaving for about ten years now (with a, um, Sensor razor), but I'm poised to take the plunge into DE shaving. I've just assembled the last of my tools--a Vulpix brush, a West Coast Shaving sampler pack, some Nancy Boy Replenishing shave cream, and . . .

Okay, here's part of my problem. I wanted to pick up a vintage DE razor or two, and I went a little crazy. I now have the following Gillette razors:

a Fat Boy
My grandfather's pristine Tech
A Super Speed
A Super Speed Rocket
A couple of Aristocrats (American)
A Coronation
and (I told you that I went a little crazy)
a 195.

Which would you consider the best for an absolute beginner?
And which of the West Coast blades would treat a beginner most gently?

Thanks for your consideration.

[Mottern Man]

Welcome aboard!

The Super Speed is a great starter razor and so is the Tech (what year razors do you have?).

As for the sample pack the Merkurs and IP's (Crystals) seem to be the mild blades, then Derby's - Gillette's - Feather's.

[TraderJoe]

Welcome :eatdrink004 Its a pleasure to have you!

I would recommend the Fatboy, but only if you can stay disciplined enough to keep it dialed below a #3 while getting a feel for it.

Otherwise, the Tech is a natural choice....one of my all time favorites.


---> As for the blades, I say put the feather's aside and simply pick any other blade that is available from the sampler. In actuality, which blade will be right for you is a crap-shoot, and you won't know which is right for you until you've tried them all.

But I think most would agree to save the Feather for last ;)

Most importantly, have fun, and ask us for help if you need it. :D

[Queen of Blades]

Welcome to The Shave Den, Guillaume!

I'll leave the razor recommendation to the other members. :D

[sparky5693]

Great to see new faces!

[PalmettoB]

Welcome to the Shave Den!

[Edcculus]

Welcome!

[qhsdoitall]

Welcome. Make sure to have some fun.

[Guillaume]

Thanks for the welcome and the words of advice.

The Super Speed is post-1940s. The Tech is probably a 1940s model--it has a fat handle, not the ball-end handle I've seen on many other Techs. As must be evident, I'm just finding my way in all matters related to DE shaving.

Thanks again.

[Bronco]

Welcome!
I would start with the Tech, sounds like a 30's model and they are good shavers. Load it with a Crystal of course. After you develop a technique move up to the Fat Boy and experiment a little. My .02.
A great place to hang out, have some fun and gather advice.

Enjoy your shave!