Using a straight razor...

[stfoley]

If I was to reccomend a DE newbie kit, it would be a Merkur Classic Razor (or HD if you want a thicker handle), and a crabtree&evelyn Best Badger Brush.

These are great bang for the buck, and will serve you well.

The Edwin Jagger Georgian razor I use has a Merkur Classic head on it. Even though I have a far nicer brush now (limited edition edwin jagger finest silvertip) , I still use my c&e best badger as a travel brush.

[fissure30]

Would the DE razors work good for shaving my head? Sick of going through so many expensive cartridges.

[kayaker]

I've been planning on getting a straight razor for a year or so now. This site seemed to be decent, but I didn't get a reply when I sent a request for info.

I'm curious now about the safety razors. I've never used one but it sounds like a good compromise.

I've used a Head Blade for shaving my head. It was better than a regular cartridge razor.

Ian

[designwise1]

QEDusa.com and classicshaving are both excellent vendors. QED has one of the worst websites I've ever seen but has great prices and service.

Another website to learn more (I don't think it's been mentioned) is shavemyface.com

[kayaker]

This is a Canadian site for SRs and DERs.

There is not a lot of selection, but they seem to carry some good products and have free shipping in Canada.

BTW How do you disposed of used DE blades?

[designwise1]

Originally Posted by kayaker

BTW How do you disposed of used DE blades?

Slide them into a slot in the bottom of the box they come in.

I live in an old house with a medicine cabinet that has a slot built into the back of it to dispose of blades. They drop down between the studs in the wall. Kind of cool.

[kayaker]

Originally Posted by designwise1

Slide them into a slot in the bottom of the box they come in.

That's simple enough.

Thanks.

Originally Posted by designwise1

I live in an old house with a medicine cabinet that has a slot built into the back of it to dispose of blades. They drop down between the studs in the wall. Kind of cool.

That is cool. Wonder how long it will take to fill that space up.

[Asher]

Originally Posted by fissure30

Would the DE razors work good for shaving my head? Sick of going through so many expensive cartridges.

I wouldn't recommend it. DE razors need to be held at the correct angle to work well without irritating your skin. This is easy to master for your face, but I think it would be difficult for the back of your head.

[Asher]

Originally Posted by stfoley

If I was to reccomend a DE newbie kit, it would be a Merkur Classic Razor (or HD if you want a thicker handle), and a crabtree&evelyn Best Badger Brush.

These are great bang for the buck, and will serve you well.

The Edwin Jagger Georgian razor I use has a Merkur Classic head on it. Even though I have a far nicer brush now (limited edition edwin jagger finest silvertip) , I still use my c&e best badger as a travel brush.

I have a Merkur handle, but I much prefer the old Gillette Fat Boy that I have:

http://badgerandblade.com/vb/showthread.php?t=1779

These can be found cheaply at antique stores, but they're often pricey on eBay.

Also, I strongly agree with the C&E Best Badger Brush recommendation. I doubt there is a better brush available for twice the price.

As for blades, Merkur blades are good, but pricey. I've found that Wilkinson Sword blades (5 for $.99 at my local grocery store) work great.

[Fortunate_Son]

Originally Posted by stfoley

If I was to reccomend a DE newbie kit, it would be a Merkur Classic Razor (or HD if you want a thicker handle), and a crabtree&evelyn Best Badger Brush.

These are great bang for the buck, and will serve you well.

The Edwin Jagger Georgian razor I use has a Merkur Classic head on it. Even though I have a far nicer brush now (limited edition edwin jagger finest silvertip) , I still use my c&e best badger as a travel brush.

What he said.

A hundred pack of Derby Extra blades, too.

[ronhoffman2]

I've always wanted to learn to use a straight razor. I still do, and have been for years, use shaving soap and a badger hair brush and my favorite Bay Rum aftershave from Col. Ichabod Conk. I use a regular mach 3 razor though, i think it's time i upgrade my razor.

[TOB9595]

I think everyone should try a Straight razor.
It is not something you become adept at quickly tho.
I believe that six months of primary straight shaving will get you the technique and experience needed to shave without blood abounding.

ChrisX at TheShaveDen.com offered a passaround of three razors and two strops to learn on.
You'll mess up the blade first time you strop so a second...backup...blade is sugested.
Preparation of the face is key.
- Hydration of the beard....and this is no Sh*t reccomendations.
- Don't pay attention to how much hair you take off when you start straight shaving. The focus is technique.
This suggestion saved me many hours of hassling with the cuts....

I have a few razors that I will offer you. I will hone them and supply you a leather strop and a brush.
I can suggest inexpensive soaps that do the job
I can loan you a straight razor setup for one monthe to try out.
Blood is on you.
INEVITABLE that you cut yourself.

I have a spine injury ...I sometimes spasm while shaving...I sometimes use a M3 Turbo and some THESHAVEDEN wild rose soap..and a fav bristle brush to get that magic feeling of a great shave..
It is not true that Badger hair is the best.
I enjoy some brushes that are nylon and some that are boar bristle.

I can go on and on about straight shaving.
The Straight Razor Place is a GREAT site for info and finding stuff.
Tom

This is my most colorful handle. Quite detailed


rogues gallery of brushes. I like vintage brushes


typical shave setup.
AA Georgetown Pottery scuttle. Den Mason made the razor..
Good stuff

[ellisb]

Lots of good info here. Looks like I stumbled across another slope.

I did lots of surfing on the above links and found this most helpful.

http://www.shavemyface.com/forum/viewtopic.php?t=15973

-EB

[SR Mike]

I use a Gillette safety razor, I have had it for over 10 years now, still a better shave than any new one I have owned. The only downside I see now is that grocery and drug stores no longer sell the shaving soap. It used to be abundant, maybe it is because I am in San Diego.

[kayaker]

I ordered a Dovo/Merkur safety razor from Momentum in Vancouver. It will be a stepping stone to a straight razor.

They also sell soaps, aftershave balms etc. Several online shave sites do.

You may have to check out a specialty store to find shaving soaps.