Old Style Safety Razors - Choices?

[hotshot]

I know it's not a standard topic of discussion but I would like to know what double edged safety razors that you guys would recommend. I'm tired of spending tons of dollars on the new Mach type blades. Time to get back to the basics.

 

[pylorns]

forum member msandoval runs http://www.shaving101.com/ I'm pretty sure he's a big meekur fan, as I am as well.

 

[huntertrw]

hotshot:
My personal preference is for the old Gillette Adjustable safety razor. I found mine at an antique mall, and it shaves like champ. Further, as the name implies, it is adjustable as to the closeness of cut of your whiskers.
Here's what mine looks like:

Good Luck and Good Smoking (and Shaving)!

 

[dermotfahy]

+1 for the old Gillette razors. (Although mine isn't adjustable.)

 

[huntertrw]

Having shaved with both the Gillette Mach3 and the Gillette Adjustable, I will say that the former is much more forgiving in terms of nicks and cuts resulting from shaving quickly. For me the key with the latter is to shave slowly (kind of like how we obtain the best from our pipes, eh?) and with a light touch.

 

[elpfeife]

I think either of the above brands are good. You should probably plan on spending @$40 for a good razor unless you can find a deal like Hunter. A good cutlery store may carry them and have used in stock as well. Mine is not adjustable and has a smooth handle. I think one like the model Hunter got would be preferable.

 

[barleynbaccy]

I like the Merkur 1904. I have straight razors, adjustables, and even the feather razors, but my 1904 is my daily shaver.

 

[apiperisdown]

A Merkur Heavy Duty Slant Bar razor model 39C with Feather brand blades is the closest, most comfortable I have ever used. The slant is said to be aggressive by some but I’ve been using it for over 2 years without issue. If your steady of hand and slow of pace its a good one.

 

[huntertrw]

ae1pt:
I have five straight razors: a Kinfolks, a Crown, and three Gencos, all purchased at antique stores/malls. If one is careful and looks for razors which have not been abused, these relics can, indeed, provide a good and satisfying shave once their edges are properly set As you pointed out, however, it DOES take time. Accordingly, I typically use mine only on the occasional Saturday morning when I can properly invest in the indulgence.
Strops and hones may also be found at the antique stores and malls, at least that's where I found mine.

 

[barleynbaccy]

I didn't start shaving with a safty razor for the savings. I started because the modern "systems" gave me terrible ingrown hairs. This is because of how multi-blades work and having coarse hair.
If you were cutting yourself daily you didn't know what you were doing.

 

[beefeater33]

How come most the guys posting on this thread have beards in their avatar photo?

 

[huntertrw]

My avatar is not me, it's Shelby Foote, one of my literary heroes. I'm clean shaven.

 

[buster]

I have a Gillete super speed from the 1950's and an EJ89 that is modern. I use the EJ most of the time. If you keep an eye on some shaving sites for sales you can get some good deals on blades. I got 100 DE blades for under $20. this is a link to my EJ razor.
http://www.bullgooseshaving.com/edwin-jagger-de-89l-double-edge-safety-razor/

 

[hotshot]

Thanks guys, this is great info. I've got an old Gillette that I may have to pull out and get some blades for it.... but the Merkur Razors are nice and I like that EJ that Buster mentioned previously. I have a goatee with mustache but I have a lot of bald head to shave. Guess I will need to get a Styptic Pencil to stop the bleeding. LOL

 

[apiperisdown]

@hotshot, Give the Feather brand razor blades a try in that Gillette, or the Wilkinson Sword brand. It has to be today’s modern metal compounds or the sharpening techniques that have made a huge difference compared to the blood loss of days gone by. The blades you choose will make all the difference in the world, so try a few different brands if you have to. I’ve found my favorite in the Feather brand with the Wilkinson’s a close second. I have a styptic pencil somewhere but I don’t believe I’ve ever had to use it. Also, you might consider switching to a quality tube/jarred cream or soap if you’re using something in a can. It will add some of the cost back that you saved on blades but it’s well worth it and the products last a good while. Good luck.

 

[barleynbaccy]

beefeater33, I so happened to win one of the cartoon contests from the forum the same month as the nhl playoffs which would mean me = beard with winning pipe. Nice catch though.

 

[beefeater33]

barleynbaccy,

I thought I remembered that picture with the winning pipe! Nice!

I just thought it was funny, reading about these razors and most the guys sportin' beards! LOL!
Myself, I use an old Gillette Superspeed. I have a couple adjustable fat-boys, but the Superspeed is my favorite. I also recommend the feather blades, the best IMO.
ae1pt: you must have been using crappy blades, I rarely nick myself, as in once every couple of months. I think the blades make all the difference in the world.

 

[hotshot]

What is the best source to buy blades and even a razor or two? I don't guess the Feather Blades would be easy to find except on-line. Wilkerson might be able to be found at Walgreens or such? Ideas? Thanks guys !

 

[CherokeeBilly]

I get my blades from a guy on ebay. Best prices anywhere. Let me find his seller name and Ill post it up later

 

[CherokeeBilly]

razorbladesandmore is his seller name. Its the only place I buy from anymore

http://www.ebay.com/usr/razorbladesandmore?_trksid=p2053788.m1543.l2754