New to DE Shaving- Please help

[scku]

Hello everyone,

I am considering switching to DE Shaving and I can certainly use the help of this forum. For the past few years I have establish a somewhat mediocre shaving regimen employing both cartridge disposable razors (Gillete Mac3 Turbo) and several electric razors (Braun, Phillips, etc). I was not found of wet shaving until recently when I came across a number of interesting articles. Thanks to a couple of excellent videos by Youtube’s guru ‘mantic59’; I have come to realize the importance of good lather, the importance of the use of a good brush etc. Sadly, I have very sparse and ‘subtle’ facial hair. I am in my early 20s but if DE shaving is the ‘right’ or better way to shave why not start early and avoid bad techniques, right?

I am definitely adding an adequate glycerin-based shaving cream and a suitable badger hair brush, however, should I add a safety razor to my shaving routine (given that I do not have a ‘dense’ beard?) If so, would a Merkur Vision 2000 be a good alternative for a novice like me? It is my understanding the Vision is on the aggressive side, however, given its weight and balance, will I be better off learning the correct shaving techniques with it? Will I be able to set the razor to its least aggressive setting and still be safe learning or should I just start with the Merkur Progress? Any suggestions? I want a good quality, *NEW*, adjustable safety razor.



I greatly appreciate your help.

[Queen of Blades]

Welcome to The Shave Den, scku!

I would recommend a DE even if you have a light beard. Believe it or not 1 blade is better than 3. :D

[mastermute]

Welcome!

My forst DE was (is) a Merkur Futur. I like the weight and the long handle. I have never used a Vision, but I have held on, and it's heavier than the Futur. I can recomend the Futur, it is said to be aggressive but I don't find that a problem.

[Mottern Man]

Yes you should USE A DE RAZOR! :D

The Vision may be to much for a newbie. May I suggest the Merkur Classic or Heavy Duty? They are much cheaper too.

Welcome Aboard. :cool:

[jbcohen]

Hay scku, I have a light beard as well so I would liek to share some of my observations with you. Hopefully some of my trials and tribulations will help you avoid some of my mistakes.

First the electric razors are the worst possible method that you could ever use to shave. They don't do the job for those of us with light beards worth a dam.

Second the Mach 3 Turbo, is pretty dam bad at doing the job, I know I used one Gillette sent me for free for a month. Its pretty bad at the job and almost as bad as the electric. The blades are not worth it.

The double edge does the job much much much better than either of the above. In my opinion the Merkurs are ok, but the Gillette Super Speed is the greatest razor ever made and worth its weight in gold.

Lastly, and this I am not talking from experience, the straight will do the job better then any of the above. I am afraid of the straight and trying to get over my fears, but have not made it as yet.

That's my opinion and I am sticking to it. Of the Super Speeds I have two 40's, a 50s, a 60s and a 70s. Of course now I am bragging.

[Sir Critic]

Hello everyone,

I am considering switching to DE Shaving and I can certainly use the help of this forum. For the past few years I have establish a somewhat mediocre shaving regimen employing both cartridge disposable razors (Gillete Mac3 Turbo) and several electric razors (Braun, Phillips, etc). I was not found of wet shaving until recently when I came across a number of interesting articles. Thanks to a couple of excellent videos by Youtube’s guru ‘mantic59’; I have come to realize the importance of good lather, the importance of the use of a good brush etc. Sadly, I have very sparse and ‘subtle’ facial hair. I am in my early 20s but if DE shaving is the ‘right’ or better way to shave why not start early and avoid bad techniques, right?

I am definitely adding an adequate glycerin-based shaving cream and a suitable badger hair brush, however, should I add a safety razor to my shaving routine (given that I do not have a ‘dense’ beard?) If so, would a Merkur Vision 2000 be a good alternative for a novice like me? It is my understanding the Vision is on the aggressive side, however, given its weight and balance, will I be better off learning the correct shaving techniques with it? Will I be able to set the razor to its least aggressive setting and still be safe learning or should I just start with the Merkur Progress? Any suggestions? I want a good quality, *NEW*, adjustable safety razor.

I greatly appreciate your help.

The biggest advantage with a DE razor is that you can choose between dozens of razors and blades(different blades make a noticeable difference). This choice allows you to customize, for the best shave, for your face.

[jbcohen]

What you are saying Sir Critic is true but not only that, I believe that the shave is vastly suprior on a double edge blade to an electric razor and/or a cartridge razor.

[Queen of Blades]

What you are saying Sir Critic is true but not only that, I believe that the shave is vastly suprior on a double edge blade to an electric razor and/or a cartridge razor.

If I'm understanding your statement correctly, jb, I think most people would disagree to some extent. Not just any ol' DE blade will do. Many people have brands they avoid like the plague, because they tear their face up.

So, customizing is a great point in favor of DE shaving.

[DragonBoy]

Hello everyone,

I am considering switching to DE Shaving and I can certainly use the help of this forum. For the past few years I have establish a somewhat mediocre shaving regimen employing both cartridge disposable razors (Gillete Mac3 Turbo) and several electric razors (Braun, Phillips, etc). I was not found of wet shaving until recently when I came across a number of interesting articles. Thanks to a couple of excellent videos by Youtube’s guru ‘mantic59’; I have come to realize the importance of good lather, the importance of the use of a good brush etc. Sadly, I have very sparse and ‘subtle’ facial hair. I am in my early 20s but if DE shaving is the ‘right’ or better way to shave why not start early and avoid bad techniques, right?

I am definitely adding an adequate glycerin-based shaving cream and a suitable badger hair brush, however, should I add a safety razor to my shaving routine (given that I do not have a ‘dense’ beard?) If so, would a Merkur Vision 2000 be a good alternative for a novice like me? It is my understanding the Vision is on the aggressive side, however, given its weight and balance, will I be better off learning the correct shaving techniques with it? Will I be able to set the razor to its least aggressive setting and still be safe learning or should I just start with the Merkur Progress? Any suggestions? I want a good quality, *NEW*, adjustable safety razor.



I greatly appreciate your help.

YES! on the should I add a DE razor.. Absolutely.. Its better and great fun to use..

As for the Vision as a starter I would say no.. My tip to start with would be a Merkur 23C or a Merkur HD.. Much easier to learn on and way cheaper..
The Vision is a great razor but its aggressive.. And aggressive.. I have a Vision and can speak of experience.. Start with a bit gentler razor..

[jbcohen]

What's your opinion of the conversation so far scku?

[crackstar]

Welcome scku! As far as a DE is concerned, it's definitely the best way to shave, whether your beard is light, or heavy, as mine is. You'll find that your skin will be smoother, and cleaner, and this will help you avoid ingrown hairs as well. An excellent razor for a beginning DE user is the Parker 22R, and the Sharp blades, which are also very gentle, and forgiving.

[alfabet]

The responses that the inquirer has so far seen is the best reason and recommendation to use a DE blade. While it is true that most of us on this forum are somewhere between intrigued and obssessed with the shaving experience, it is a good source of information and advice. From what I have seen on this site, the most active contributors have provided really invaluable tips and suggestions to make the journey easier.

I am 56 and although I have been using a brush and soap/cream for more than 35 years, the DE experience has eluded me (other than as a teenager when I had no other choices) until sites like these finally gave me the proper instructions and pointed me into the directions to find the proper equipment.

Use this site often as a reference and you will be handsomely rewarded.

[suffolksupplies]

A Merkur Progress is a great razor, it's what I started with & still my favourite.

Unlike the Futur & the Vision you can start of very mild, milder than a HD & if you would like a new adjustable their isn't anything better.

Regards,

Paul

[jbcohen]

Let me start by saying, I have nothing against the Progress, Future or Vision. It's just that for my money the super speed beats all three easily.

[IsaacRN]

Let me start by saying, I have nothing against the Progress, Future or Vision. It's just that for my money the super speed beats all three easily.

As always with many things....what works for one...doesnt necessarily work for the other

[suffolksupplies]

WEWFY - What ever works for you.

I do like superspeeds as well, but I think the original post was about new adjustables.


Paul

[Lionhearted]

I started shaving with a DE in 1956 and except for ten years using several electrics and two years with a beard that's all I've ever used, never any multiblade or cartridge razors. However, until September of this year I'd never used a brush and soap/cream. I used only canned aerosol foam/cream. I found a brush and soap makes shaving a luxurious experience but doesn't necessarily give a closer, smoother shave. I still haven't tried a cream.

I think it's a mistake to insist on a new razor. None made today begin to have the quality of Gillettes and GEMs manufactured prior to 1960. I'd advise a beginner to start with a Gillette SuperSpeed and tackle adjustables last. I'd avoid modern German, Japanese and Indian razors altogether. I started with a SuperSpeed in 1956 and today it's still one of the top three out of 21 safety razors I own. I found only one that ties it, a Tech, and only one that beats it, a Gillette NEW.

Purely my opinion of course. I had a Mercedes and my wife has a BMW and I've owned Toyotas and a Lexus, but I wouldn't have a German or Japanese razor.

Richard

[jbcohen]

Twenty-One razors! :eek: Wow, I have seven and I thought that I had a too many. My wife is always prompting me to sell some.

[bg42]

Welcome scku
I`m probably going to anoy a few members,but it can`t be helped
It seems to me that you are about to start on a new learning curve with respect to wet shaving,therefore,if you are going to learn a new set of skills why not start at the very top and learn to use a straight razor,it is much cheeper in the long run and way cooler ( do I duck now ):D
Kind regards Peter





Hello everyone,

I am considering switching to DE Shaving and I can certainly use the help of this forum. For the past few years I have establish a somewhat mediocre shaving regimen employing both cartridge disposable razors (Gillete Mac3 Turbo) and several electric razors (Braun, Phillips, etc). I was not found of wet shaving until recently when I came across a number of interesting articles. Thanks to a couple of excellent videos by Youtube’s guru ‘mantic59’; I have come to realize the importance of good lather, the importance of the use of a good brush etc. Sadly, I have very sparse and ‘subtle’ facial hair. I am in my early 20s but if DE shaving is the ‘right’ or better way to shave why not start early and avoid bad techniques, right?

I am definitely adding an adequate glycerin-based shaving cream and a suitable badger hair brush, however, should I add a safety razor to my shaving routine (given that I do not have a ‘dense’ beard?) If so, would a Merkur Vision 2000 be a good alternative for a novice like me? It is my understanding the Vision is on the aggressive side, however, given its weight and balance, will I be better off learning the correct shaving techniques with it? Will I be able to set the razor to its least aggressive setting and still be safe learning or should I just start with the Merkur Progress? Any suggestions? I want a good quality, *NEW*, adjustable safety razor.



I greatly appreciate your help.

[Padron]

Welcome to The Shave Den, scku!

I would recommend a DE even if you have a light beard. Believe it or not 1 blade is better than 3. :D

What she said!! Welcome to The Shave Den :D


I have never tried a Vision, but have heard mixed reports on them...I think they are really heavy....and may have a larger than normal head on them that houses the blade....which may make it difficult to get into the tighter places...

They are kinda spendy, I have an old Gillette Superspeed, Fatboy, Slim, Merkur Slant and a Merkur 38C...some others too....and those all shave me pretty well....

I mostly use a straight razor though ;)

Anyway, the Vision may work well for you, but probably not alot better than some of the others I mentioned.

Welcome to TSD...Happy Holidays :D

[Padron]

why not start at the very top and learn to use a straight razor,it is much cheeper in the long run and way cooler ( do I duck now ):D
Kind regards Peter

What he said :cool: :D

[razorthief]

keep at it

[JayKay]

I am in my early 20's much like your self and started wet shaving over the summer. I started with a merkur HD, a cheap brush, and some GFT coconut shave cream. Its a rather minimal investment and a good way to get started. I use Feather blades and would highly recommend them.


Classicshaving.com has the lowest prices on merkur HD razors btw

[figgis]

My suggestions:

- Buy a Gillette adjustable rather than a Merkur. The high end Merkurs are just copies of these razors and the G'ts have better balance, sensible checkered handles that grip when wet, cost very little (unless you want to buy a mint gold Fat Boy) and re-sell for what you buy them for on ebay. Plus originals are always more satisfying to own than classics.

- Use a Feather blade rather than a Merkur. *Much* better.

[Queen of Blades]

Welcome to The Shave Den, figgis!



- Buy a Gillette adjustable rather than a Merkur.

Not everyone is better off with a Gillette. Several people on the forum don't like Gillettes, and find Merkurs to work better for them.

Shaving is truly a YMMV (Your Mileage May Vary) subject.

Gillettes can be the cheaper way to start out though, and if they work for you, that's a definite plus. :happy088

[Padron]

Welcome to The Shave Den Figgis! :D

[VetsJetsnGuns]

Truhfully, asking what razor you should start with is kinda like asking another what your favorite color should be.

Simple to complex. It's a principle of learning (or something.) essentially, start simple and work your way up to complex. I'd get a Merkur progress if you MUST have an adjustable. Worst case scenario, it will be easy to sell (not too expensive).
You can find a perfectly good non-adjustable starter for $20 or so. There are already a bunch listed in this thread. In my limited experience I'm finding a heavy razor is an aggressive razor.
You can get a mega mega blade sampler for $40 shipped (http://www.razorandbrush.com/Sampler.html) Those blades (165) will last you till you find your favorite blade and then some.
THEN start looking into the really fancy razors.
There is a significant time investment in Wetshaving. You have to enjoy the ritual and the whole expereince. If you don't, you're just gonna be mad you gave up an extra 15 minutes of sleep for fancy shaving.

It took my skin about 7 shaves to get used to the DE.

cheap shave brush: $10 shipped (gets ok reviews, too)
http://www.beautyrose.com/twdeshbrform.html
the $250 shaving brushes will always be out there for you when you're ready for them. Same with the spendy razors.

[figgis]

Welcome to The Shave Den, figgis!


Hi!


Not everyone is better off with a Gillette. Several people on the forum don't like Gillettes, and find Merkurs to work better for them.


Yes, but buying blind a Gillette is the way to go. It is the better razor in engineering terms ("Vee shall copy the yankee product faithfully in every detail - except the handle with which vee shall hold the very sharp blade to our throats vith perhaps wet soapy hands - this vee shall make as slippery as possible!") and it's cheaper, much cheaper to try. And most people who have had an Adjustable to seem to prefer it to the modern German copy, so it's logical to try it first.



Shaving is truly a YMMV (Your Mileage May Vary) subject.

Gillettes can be the cheaper way to start out though, and if they work for you, that's a definite plus. :happy088


I bought my neglected Fat Boy for £9 including postage on ebay; now that I've cleaned it up (20 minutes boiling following by splodging in alcohol handcleaner gel, leaving for an afternoon, wiping the same off, and applying two or three drops of oil) I suspect it will sell for a little more. A nice ready-to-go non-Fatboy adjustable can could certainly be bought for less than £20 the last time I checked. A Merkur Vision is, oh, £60 in the UK. I'd guess the used for a week ebay price at £30-40. Given the Gillette seems to be preferred by most people over the Merkur, I think that makes it doubly the logical razor to start with.

I've nothing against Merkur - except those silly handles, which aren't just smooth finished but shaped into cool-looking but anti ergonomic bulges - but without a definite reason to buy one over the classic, cheaper, generally preferred original, why do so?

I'd second the comment about not needing an expensive brush. Badger is nicer, but I don't see any evidence that bigger is better or that silvertip is for anything but show.

Things that do make a difference imo:

- Washing your face with hot water first

- Using a good shaving cream (I like Trumpers and Harris; Prorasso works well but I'm not a fan of the trademark menthol feel)

- Having a hot shaving "mug". Pour boiling water in a bowl, empty it, jam it on top of a sauce pan of more very hot water.

- Aftershave balm, *not* alcoholic stuff.

My final conclusion after a year of applying old-school shaving a somewhat tricky face (sensitive skin; ultra thick hair that likes to grow flat to my face) is that if you want to shave quickly and don't mind a second class result - which may often be the case - then Lush Ambrosia and Razorantium can work very well. You don't even need a brush for these and they are very, very quick. People with less awkward hair than mine might get better than those second class results, too.

Well, that's my entire set of opinions delivered in one deluge! And as you say, "YMMV"!

[figgis]

Welcome to The Shave Den Figgis! :D

Hi!

[magic]

Welcome aboard. Once you understand the technique of DE shaving you will never switch back. You might need an "open comb" razor to handle your heavy beard.Good Luck