Thinking About Switching to a Safety Razor -Any Advice?

[mikethompson]

I've been thinking for a while about getting a safety razor instead of the disposable plastic ones. Anyone here use one? Any input on models? Any I should stay away from?

The one i am looking at in particular is the Merkur 34C

 

[Chasing Embers]

I prefer the open combed 15C with Personna blades. Love wet shaving.

 

[hoosierpipeguy]

My advice is to spend the money for a nicer Norelco or Braun.

 

[smokiespipesmoker123]

My advice.. do it...

2nd Merkur is a great handle.
3rd.. The technique is different than a cartridge.. short light strokes, not a single pull. dont apply pressure, let the weight of the thing do the work. Look on Youtube.. theres this scottish dude that works at a razor company, watch that for technique
4th.. Everyones face is different, get a blade sampler off of Amazon to find the right one for your face
5th Get a shaving bowl... one that retains heat, like ceramic or marble or stone
6th Buy a quality shave cream, dont use the stuff in the can...
7th Get a decent badger brush.. skip the boar..
8th.. expect cuts till you get the hang of it

 

[groovediggerdan]

I've been thinking for a while about getting a safety razor instead of the disposable plastic ones. Anyone here use one? Any input on models? Any I should stay away from?

The one i am looking at in particular is the Merkur 34C

I have used this exact model for over a decade and have been happy with it. I will say it does not give as close a shave (to me, anyway: I have a tough beard) as the fancy, space-age 14-bladed razors being produced; but the blades are a hell of a lot more reasonable in price, and I decided I didn't need a shave so close you need an electron microscope to find a whisker.

 

[smokiespipesmoker123]

Three pass shave will get you as close as a 200 blade monstrosity

 

[Casual]

Dive in, and don’t look back. It’s like pipes, though. There’s razor acquisition disorder, and soap acquisition disorder. Even brush acquisition disorder.

Merkur 34C is a fine place to start. One I liked more, and comes in a myriad of designs, is any variant of the Edwin Jagger DE89. It’s a gentle shave, but effective enough, and good for every day.

Of course, everyone is different, so be prepared to experiment. You won’t likely stop with just one razor. Unlike pipes, where shape is mostly aesthetic, the shape of the head makes a huge difference in how a razor shaves, and there’s no way to tell but trial and error.

Browse the badger and blade forum for a great load of advice. Plus, the pipe subforum over there needs a breath of fresh air.

 

[americaman]

Get a Wilkinson Sword. This is what you can find at the local drugstores in Europe, and it shaves better than my Merkur 34C.

Then go on West Coast Shaving’s website and check out the top rated brushes and shaving soaps. Pick one of each and order. Their website is great with all sorts of variety and you are supporting a small business.

 

[Casual]

Oh! I forgot! Tabac shaving soap. Thank me later. To many, it smells horribly of tobacco. To a pipe smoker, it contains a gentle whiff of something resembling tobacco.

 

[perdurabo]

I've been thinking for a while about getting a safety razor instead of the disposable plastic ones. Anyone here use one? Any input on models? Any I should stay away from?

The one i am looking at in particular is the Merkur 34C

That’s A good one to start out with. That’s what I shave with. It’s like pipes, you’re going to buy more than one.

Side note: hot water, then homemade oil. Baby oil with Aloe, Tanning Oil and xtra virgin olive oil...equal parts. You could probably drop the tanning oil. I use this and get an extremely smooth glide. May not work for some, or too outside the mainstream.

 

[Chasing Embers]

That’s A good one to start out with. That’s what I shave with. It’s like pipes, you’re going to buy more than one.

Side note: hot water, then homemade oil. Baby oil with Aloe, Tanning Oil and xtra virgin olive oil...equal parts. You could probably drop the tanning oil. I use this and get an extremely smooth glide. May not work for some, or too outside the mainstream.

I just use coconut oil.

 

[perdurabo]

So a witch or hermetic ceremonial magician or a little of everything???

I prefer the open combed 15C with Personna blades. Love wet shaving.

View attachment 20819

 

[perdurabo]

I’ll have to try

I just use coconut oil.

 

[Chasing Embers]

So a witch or hermetic ceremonial magician or a little of everything???

Hedge witch/barber.

 

[olkofri]

How suitable are these razors for guys with uneven, bumpy facial skins? Better than the twin disposable razors, or the Saskatchewan Razor Massacre waiting to happen? ?

 

[Chasing Embers]

How suitable are these razors for guys with uneven, bumpy facial skins? Better than the twin disposable razors, or the Saskatchewan Razor Massacre waiting to happen? ?

Let the weight of the razor do the work, keep the work area wet, and use controlled short strokes versus long swipes.

 

[elessar]

I say go for it. I do have a Braun as well for quick touch ups but it doesn't achieve the same shave as any of my safety razors or straights. Probably doesn't need to be said here but sometimes the old ways are the best ways.

I don't have any Merkurs so I can't comment on that directly. I like the older Gillette TTO razors. Pictured is a Gillette Superspeed Red Tip.

My reccomendation for a start would be a Gillette adjustable like a Fat boy or the cheaper slim model (eBay). That way you can dial it in the way you like. The dial adjusts the blade gap and thus the aggressiveness of the shave.

Get a good shave brush. Above is a synthetic Omega Hi Brush. It is very affordable and a great brush which I prefer to some of my silvertip badger brushes.

Quality shave soap is also a must as has been mentioned. I get mine from Wet Shaving Products in AZ. There are lots of good choices out there.

I highly recommend shaving after a shower as well.

Other than that go with the grain, then across, then against if needed. On my face the grain changes across my face so keep that in mind as well.

Finish with an aftershave you like and you've got it licked. I like the alcohol/menthol ones from again, WSP. Unless you get in a hurry or try it with dry hair it's hard to really hurt yourself. I only do when I rush things.

 

[Chasing Embers]

I would suggest the Merkur 11C as it is the open combed version of the 34HD, but being out of production makes it a bit hard to find. Great razor though.?

 

[elessar]

Oh and has been mentioned the Wilkinson blades are a great start. I prefer Feather blades but they are damn sharp and require finesse.

Also, when you load up your brush to make a lather, remember it is a lather not foam. If you can see bubbles keep working it with the brush. Think meringue or something like it. Too thin a lather is asking for trouble.

 

[Chasing Embers]

Gillette adjustable like a Fat boy

I have one from the '50s and love it.?