I know this pops up every now and then, but can't find anything recent.
I want to change from a multi-blade razor and spotty neck/razor burn and try a proper razor. Can anyone suggest a good beginner one? Don't want to spend a fortune in case I don't get the hang of it, but also don't want to make things difficult by getting something cheap and nasty.
I went from a multi-blade to one of these:
http://www.shaving-shack.com/merkur-38c.html
Very happy with it. Still working my way through the assortment of blades I purchased at the same time, so can't say if one brand is better than another. At seven quid for 30 blades, you can bin any you don't like though.
Had a few blood baths to start with but getting on nicely these days.
If you order from SS, don't forget to go via Topcashback for some extra discount.
Bloodbaths!
I use a black Gillete one that cost me 4 quid or so it's fine and available everywhere.
The best shaves always need heat and water everything else is bunk really, shave after a bath or shower, use a brush and shaving soap to lift the stubble and keep rinsing the blade in very hot water.
I went straight in with a Merkur Futur but I've since gone and bought an old Gillette Tech (which is a '3 piece' razor) and a 1954 Gillette Super Speed (which is a 'twist to open' or TTO razor) both on eBay.
The Tech was about £3.00 and is brilliant as a starter razor as it's not too aggressive so the chances of cutting yourself are slimmer. If using a Tech you're can use a proper sharp blade such as a Feather - amazing results.
The Super Speed look s compleely brilliant and is very worth the £12.00 I paid - it's probably the razor I'll use every day while breaking out the Merkur for 'special' shaves.
I tend not to use the Tech so much and mainly use the Super Speed with a Derby or Feather blade or the (much more aggressive) Merkur with a Derby blade.
Changing from multi-blade razors has changed shaving into an enjoyable experince and I now shave pretty much every day instead of about twice a week.
Brushes and creams/soaps are a whole subject in themselves but I can highly recommend the Castle Forbes Lavender Cream - expensive but lasts a very long time and smells amazing (in a non-jay way obviously).
I would probably start with a cheap Gillette Tech on eBay and then progress to something else as and when you feel the need. It seems you can't get away with just having one razor 
There was a thread on this a few months ago (I'LL try and find it again and link) and I went and bought one off Ebay for £20 including a pack of feather razors.
Very good, cheaper, better shave and no bloodbath. Only difference I find is that you have to lather up and shave twice but that is offset by the fact I only have to shave every other day when at work. Plenty of demos on youtube but as joolsburger says, you don't really need to go through most of the ridiculous ritual (and take up to 1/2 hour) that they advocate there. Couple of minutes max is all it takes, just let the blade do the work with light pressure only.
With the benefit of hindsight I should have gone to Boots and bought their £4 one which looks as though it will do exactly the same job.
This is a joke right? Starter razors? what? Packet of cheapo bics, job done.
With the benefit of hindsight I should have gone to Boots and bought their £4 one which looks as though it will do exactly the same job.
Yeah, but there's something cool about using a great bit of engineering that's older than you are.
This is a joke right? Starter razors? what? Packet of cheapo bics, job done.
Errr....... no. Did your bike come from Halfords if not, why not? Then apply the same reasoning to many other everyday objects.
Yeah, but there's something cool about using a great bit of engineering that's older than you are.
"Errr....... no. Did your bike come from Halfords if not, why not? "
What's wrong with my Carrera and my cheap bic razors? I get to ride a bike and shave my face. Bingo.
The cost is low if you know where or what to look for.
3 piece safety razor
1) Edwin Jagger 89L (mild to slight aggressive) £20-£21.50.
2) Muhle R89 (Mild to slight aggressie) £24.99
3) Merkur 34HD (mild to slight aggressive) £30.
4) or search old Gillette safety razor ... Safety Razor UK got some but price has gone up since. Adjustable ones are better to play with.
Anyone of the above should be a good start. Actually the head might be manufactured by the same company.
Badger brush (I did not kill any badger so don't blame me)
Spend around £15 - £25 for a badger brush.
Or just get some from departmental store ... Kent B4 is around £20 - £26
Shaving soap/stick (anything more than £5 is very very expensive)
No need to spend a fortune as the highly recommended one cost 44p to £3 that will last you a long time especially the shaving soap stick.
1) Palmolive shaving soap stick (highly recommended 49p - Made in Germany - from Superdrug at 69p or Wilkinson at 48p).
2) Erasmic Shave soap stick (very good 89p ... but I prefer Palmolive ... not sure somewhere now since my local stores stopped stocking them)
3) Akro shaving soap stick (very good £2.42 ... just because they are from Turkey still prefer Palmolive - get it from Shaving.ie)
4) Palmolive shaving soap tube £1.68 (very good)
5) Ingram shaving soap tube £1.68(very good)
6) Erasmic shaving soap tube (very good but not sure the price but less than £3)
Double edge or safety razor blade
The following brands are good so you might want to buy a sample pack of different brands before settling down on the one(s) you like.
1) Feather (sharp as sumurai sword ... Japan Made )
2) Iridium Super Blades (Russian made)
3) Gillette 7 O Clock Sharp Edge DE Blades (Russian made same factory as Iridium)
4) Personna Platinum
5) Any of the Gillette blades should be fine.
In fact most blades are okay .. apart from ...
Avoid the following blades as they got mixed reviews.
Merkur, sharp, Dorco, Supermax, Blue bird (some said ok), Laser ...
Check out here for sample blades.
Oh ... a bowl or a coffee cup for soap and brush to stir in.
You can get most of the stuff from these online shops.
So there you go and I guess £45 - £50 should set you up nicely to last for a while.
So there you go and I guess £45 - £50 should set you up nicely to last for a while.
I'd still go for an old Gillette Tech on eBay (one just finishing now for about £4.00). Then you can have a cheap try before spending more money - you may even find that the Tech ticks all the boxes and it will teach you a better technique without removing half your face.
Those soap sticks are proper cheap but I've not used one yet (I'm going to pick one up sometine though) as I'm still using creams - no mug required with a cream as you can create the lather on your face.
Another thing you can try is the sample pack from Trumpers - loads of very very nice different creams and aftershave all for £10.00
bows down to Chewkws shaving research. respect!
I'm feeling a bit insecure now about my shaving skilz.
I have a futur razor that I bought from here in January
I used it about 3 times (enough to know I'm not patient enough / have the skin of a fairy princess) and put away. Keep meaning to get rid
Cost me £27 posted; someone's for £25 (couple of unused blades I think - sorry chewy, no idea what brand 
)
(edit: 1st refusal to spooky, since it's his thread)
sharkbait - MemberI'd still go for an old Gillette Tech on eBay (one just finishing now for about £4.00). Then you can have a cheap try before spending more money - you may even find that the Tech ticks all the boxes and it will teach you a better technique without removing half your face.
Absolutely. Agreed. Yes, if you can get a Gillette Tech go for it as £4 is a steal! Buy two!
Those are the best soap sticks available. Lather up very well and in fact may be better then some of the premium brands. You can't beat the value and performance. I like the soapy scent but some said they want more perfume scent in them but hey it's 50p to £2.50 so the traditional soapy scent is fine with me. All you need to do is wet your face with warm water, rub the soap stick over your face and use the shaving brush to lather on your face. Simple. You can easily have 3 shaves for that i.e. 3 shaves not 3 passes.
£10 shaving cream? That is way too expensive for me. I want them cheap, cheerful and good. You will be surprised how good those shave sticks are. Yes, their soapy scent might not be everyone cup of tea but you will not be disappointed for lathering up.
^ Merkur Futur gives an amazing shave but to start with turn it right down to 0 and don't apply any pressure. Maybe not best used with Feather blades
It makes a great noise when it's cutting bristle and you can use this sound to judge when you've got the angle right.
scaredypants -
Cost me £27 posted; someone's for £25 (couple of unused blades I think - sorry chewy, no idea what brand )
That should be Merkur Future. Made in Germany. Adjustable too!
Send me a pic for condition as I am interested in trying that.
p/s: shave slowly as there is no need to rush for the first few months until you are fully "trained". I have Gillette Red Tip ... one wrong move and part of your face will be gone.
This is something I reseached quite thoroughly about 2 years ago and I now shave daily with a safety razor where I get no irritation and actually enjoy the experience. Previously my face used to burn from my 6am shave to about lunch time.
Unfortunately I'd say that getting a really good shave requires a bit of trial and error and a lot of practice and patience. There really aren't any short cuts. Razors, blades, soaps/creams, brushes make a lot of difference.
Good luck.
have a look at the badgerandblade forums...
OP - go for it mate!
I made the switch 9 months ago and I am not going to switch back to cartridges.
chewkw's post gives some great ideas to start off with, if I were to be pedantic I could argue with some of them, but life's too short.
Before shaving for the first time I would recommend watching Mantic's videos on YouTube to get some pointers and to understand the method.
Happy shaving
chewkw
in my case guv
(I'll do photos if spooky passes)
Does a grand job for me.
(plus 1 for connaught shaving too)
Ho hum - Memberchewkw's post gives some great ideas to start off with, if I were to be pedantic I could argue with some of them, but life's too short.
LOL! Razor? Shaving soap? Razor blade?
Go on. Which one? 
Ho hum - MemberOP - go for it mate!
Before shaving for the first time I would recommend watching Mantic's videos on YouTube to get some pointers and to understand the method.
Happy shaving
Yes, Mantic on YouTube is good. He the man. A must watch.
scaredypants - Membermore like in my case guv
(I'll do photos if spooky passes)
Spooky. Go for this one but dial down to the lowest then progress up slowly to the right aggressiveness for your liking. I think 3 to 4 should be good enough in terms of aggressiveness but since I have not tried this particular one I do not know.
Merkur blades? Not for me, used one once and never again. Derbys are good for me as well as Feathers but only in certain razors. Picked up some Gillette baldes for 50p/pack the other day and they're pretty good too.
I think Tesco blades are Personas, as are Asda.
Blades are a personal choice and whats good for one person may well not be good for someone else - trial and error.... but that's part of the fun.
My only issue with the Merkur Futur is that the head is quite big but the cut and sounds more than make up for that.
chewkw - MemberLOL! Razor? Shaving soap? Razor blade?
Go on. Which one?
I actually like the Merkur blades, but I would agree that the 7 o'clock Gillettes are great.
Plus, I think that the more expensive soaps do give a better shave. I am using a D R Harris soap at the moment and I love it.
My razor is a Muhle R89, as you have recommended and I reckon it is just right for me.
I changed to a Merkur Heavy Duty Double Edge Safety Razor (34c) using Derby blades. Not much of a bloodbath just need to get the angles and pressure correct and you won't get a better shave. Apparently you need to hold it like a dart.
sharkbait - MemberPicked up some Gillette baldes for 50p/pack the other day and they're pretty good too.
50p/pack! Where from?
Yes, blade selection is trial and error but generally the good ones are easier to match with even if it means matching different safety razor brands.
Ho hum - MemberI actually like the Merkur blades, but I would agree that the 7 o'clock Gillettes are great.
Merkur blades get mixed review and they are expensive.
Plus, I think that the more expensive soaps do give a better shave. I am using a D R Harris soap at the moment and I love it.
Yes, they are nice but expensive too.
My razor is a Muhle R89, as you have recommended and I reckon it is just right for me.
Yes, that's a good razor and quality is not so bad too.
I decided to tinker with 'proper' shaving.
13p for 5 sainsburys basics single blades (BIC type), plus a brush and a bowl of wilkinsons soap to start me.
That was 5 months ago, half of soap still left. Razors do me fine, but want a merkur for xmas. Getting a good brush is something I would recommend. Changed from a very basic wilkinsons one (could even be man made) to a nice badger hair one, felt so much nicer!
At the moment I've got the most economic way of shaving, 3p blade per shave, (although double edged safety razor blades can be as cheap) and cheap soap and moderate brush (£20?)). Suits me fine at the moment, although going to treat myself to nicer soap next time, and as said before hopefully merkur for xmas, and then after that a bigger brush perhaps.
motivforz - MemberAt the moment I've got the most economic way of shaving, 3p blade per shave, (although double edged safety razor blades can be as cheap) and cheap soap and moderate brush (£20?)). Suits me fine at the moment, although going to treat myself to nicer soap next time, and as said before hopefully merkur for xmas, and then after that a bigger brush perhaps.
Merkur progress (adjustable) is better than Merkur Futur (adjustable). IMO, as the former is more traditional in design while the latter perhaps is too modern with a big head that many do not like. Merkur 34HD is a recommended classic that many favour but I like adjustable. My Gillette (adjutable) Fatboy (1959) and Red Tip (1958) are my favourite at the moment.
My badger brush is Kent H8 (£48!) which is nice but expensive, I only bought it because the cheaper ones were all sold out but I have no regret as it is very nice.
To get cheap blades simply buy bulk to get the cost down.
Still trying to find a good soap/cream. What do you guys recommend? Could do with a new brush as well as I've been using my cheap one for nearly a year.
burnsybhoy - MemberStill trying to find a good soap/cream. What do you guys recommend? Could do with a new brush as well as I've been using my cheap one for nearly a year.
Try the ones I suggested above as all of them are good and don't underestimate them because they are cheap. They are highly recommended and all you got to do is spend at least 50p (Palmolive shave stick cheapest) to test it out.
I have tried cream but I still prefer soap and good soap will not dry up your face. The above shave soap/stick will not dry your face but you just have to try it out after all it's 50p to start with.
Shave brush go for pure badger large as they are "cheaper" and I prefer them not to be too soft.
Body Shop Shaving Cream.
About £8 a pot, but I get 9-10 months shaving every day.
They do an aftershave repair cream thats superb, but its £10 a tube.
Being a total pikey I've been using the Aldi multiblade cos the blades are 25p each.
If you want a stiffer brush that is good for face-lathering try a boar brush instead.
Something like a Semogue Oner's Club from vintagescent.
A couple of other points for after you have finished shaving:
1. Buy an alum block or styptic pen to help calm the skin and stop any little nicks bleeding;
2. Don't use an alcohol-based aftershave as it will dry the skin.
Merkur 38C
Blades: Mix of derby, feather and Israeli
Soap: Mitchell's Wool Fat
Cream's: Bronnley (superb), Bluebeard's Revenge (even better) , also have Omega, Prorazo and Musgo Real in a tube for travelling.
Brush: Kent BLK2 (amazing)
Cut stopper: Alum stick and a pen for travelling
All in all its almost as good as a singlespeed !!
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