Double-Edge Safety Razor Guidance

[holliscx]

My son is just over 2 and I shudder at the thought that he may grow up watching me shave circles around my face with a Norelco. So I'm asking Santa for a Double-Edge Safety Razor, and I'm looking for advice on razors, blades, brush etc. I would like modern classic and not too over the top ($); thanks for any tips, suggestions.

[christian]

Merkur 180 razor
Merkur HD blades
Cheap badger brush
Proraso Green Tea and Aloe (summer) or Tabac (winter) shaving soap (Cella and Mitchell's Wool Fat are nice too.)

About $75 all in, depending on how much you spend on a brush.

[holliscx]

Solid Christian thanks so much!

Any places where you recommend I look I'm just getting started. I guess I would start researching each item separately, looking for the best price but if you know of any good online shops let me know.

[Too Tall]

Solid Christian thanks so much!

Any places where you recommend I look I'm just getting started. I guess I would start researching each item separately, looking for the best price but if you know of any good online shops let me know.

This is the Mecca and Medina of brush shaving: Badger & Blade - Home
Second the Merkur. I'm keen for the Futur model, it has the right weight and adjustments. Blades are something you'll have to fiddle with. For me sharper is better and the Japanese made Feathers work great. I'll suggest you score a lightly used high quality badger brush. It's kind of like riding cheap tubulars, they work but the d@mn things ride like garden hose. Why waste your time? Mitchell's Wool Fat soap is what I use for soap.
Your kid is fortunate to have your insight and patience.

[christian]

I usually get my soaps and blades from qedusa (qedusa.com) - about an order every year or so for two soaps and ~30 blades. They have a good stock and deliver quickly. Since it's soaps and blades, those are my only real criteria for assessment.

But I think Too Tall's suggestion of Badger and Blade classifieds for a brush is a solid one.

[-HvA-]

If you want to go new instead of the classifieds, check out westcoastshaving.com or bullgooseshaving.net.

Keep in mind Mitchells is a bitch to lather if you don't have soft water, the proraso (or buy it rebranded as co bigelow) is very easy, great beginner soap. Dr. Harris is a soap cream soap too.

Besides the Merkur, also check out the Edward Jagger DE89 razors, should come out around $35 or so, fantastic value for the money. Definitely get a blade sampler pack.

Check out Boar and Horse hair brushes too. I own all three and hardly ever touch my Badger, I much prefer the boar (a Semogue). It does take a little while to break in, but horse and badger don't have that issue. Still, you can get an Omega boar brush for $12 or so. For horse check out the Via Zurrito from bullgoose.net

Definitely spend some time on Badger and Blade - hold on to your wallet ;)

[962]

Just got a Merkur safety razor a few weeks ago (Feather spares). The blade is lasting much longer than the Gillette cartridge I was using. The thing that surprises me most about the safety razor is the control you get. I didn't realize the blade is curved to an angle and is hidden behind the thick/rounded metal edge of the razor head. I shave the same way as before, but I don't have to guess what the flappy cartridge head is doing. Because the razor head can be held against the skin I can also relax the skin and get the right contact. Super close shave and no irritation!

I don't find the brush matters much—I always usd a very hot towel against the hair before shaving. The brush (properly warmed) in a nice bowl is great for lathering, though, and also reduces waste with the shaving cream...

[HLS2k6]

Great thread! Buying a Merkur immediately. This is a subject I've been meaning to learn about for a really long time.

[Too Tall]

I started with a vintage Gilette Fat Boy. It was a great start, I knew it could be better.

Next, I got the Merkur Futur which I really like and still do. The razor is very well made and I liked the weight. Still, I had a hard time shaving some of my face with it and decided I needed something minimalist.

Last and forever more I'm with this Feather Stainless Steel razor. It is ridiculously simple in design, nothing will ever wear and it is typical of Japanese products...it is nicer than it needs to be. End game for me.

[danielcanrideabike]

I'm using a Merkur that I love. I think I'm going on 4 years with it now. And that's after a few years with some cheap knock off safety razor.

I've always used Derby blades, though. No mention of them (that I saw) as of yet in this thread. No love for them?

[Too Tall]

I'm using a Merkur that I love. I think I'm going on 4 years with it now. And that's after a few years with some cheap knock off safety razor.

I've always used Derby blades, though. No mention of them (that I saw) as of yet in this thread. No love for them?

Everyone is different, those Derby blades did not work for me. Sharper is better for some reason and the Feather blades are wicked sharp.