[Closed] That razor you lot recommend?

Try the King of Shaves AZOR with King of Shaves shaving gel.
I shave every bloody morning for work and this is by far the best solution I have found- way better than Mach 3 etc.
Cheap and safe shaving.

I'm amazed by all these people getting a week+ out of Mach 3 and DE blades. I lob Mach 3 blades after 3 or 4 shaves, and DE blades I change every other shave. I can get a week and a bit out of the Hydro blades but that's pushing it.

Back in the day when I was a Mach 3 turbo shaver I used to get 7 or 8 shaves out of cartridge before I had to chuck them and I used to be able to get a decent shave out of them.

However, I would not go back to cartridge shaving I enjoy my DE shaving too much and now that I have a decent sized stash I can play around with different combinations of brush and soap plus blade and razor.

I know it is a bit geeky, but hey ho 😆

I would rather get up a bit early to do my shaving then to throw my hard earn cash away for 10mins quicker shave so slight inconvenience is fine for me. I also enjoy shaving now. 🙂

chewkw

I agree.

I used to shave with an electric shaver, then went onto a Mach 3, but now use a beautiful Merkur 570 Chrome Progress DE Safety Razor. DE shaving is the way forward, its not just cheaper in the long run but it also gives you a much closer shave. Ive used the Hydro 5 from WS and its pretty average. I would also reccomend a decent shaving cream like Trumpers and would also say you must lather with a decent shaving brush like a Kent. This helps to improve the quality of the shave as it lifts the hairs from the face and really lubricates the skin.

4 days growth and timed it from starting to fill the sink to end of washing stubble off sink, and applying aftershave balm. 2 passes and taking it quite leisurely as I forgot about the time until I put the razor back back where my watch was.

Brand new feather blade in a Merkur HD head with a Hoffritz handle (niche huh!), badger brush and Mitchell's wool fat shaving soap, in case anyone is interested 🙄

Total time 7min 35 seconds and 6 hours later my face still feels like a babies bum 😀

Does it look like one too though?

Razor arrived today, but haven't had time to pick up a styptic pencil. To shave or not to shave...

3 or 4 shaves with one blade? Blimey my Venus lasts months doing legs armpits and bits. Can't remember the last time I changed it. Sort of feel sorry for you lot having to do it every day though. Must be right pain

emsz - Member

3 or 4 shaves with one blade? Blimey my Venus lasts months doing legs armpits and bits. Can't remember the last time I changed it. Sort of feel sorry for you lot having to do it every day though. Must be right pain

Because they are blue bearded (wire tough beard).

Your Venus might last months but do you get baby bottom smooth shave on your legs & armpits after a while? Or your hairs might be softer. It might also be the fact that face is more sensitive to blunt blade while legs & armpits might not or at least not so smooth.

😀

Going to try shaving oil with the Braun

then mull over a Merkur

Braun foil/blades pack is 20 ish quid... which is a lot of dough.. but then I guess it goes through them more slowly

Woody, the Merkur 34C Heavy Duty Classic is a lovely razor. I love the weight of this razor especially. I rate Merkur razors in general anyway, shame there is such a limited stock of them here in the UK. Im going to treat myself to a [url= http://www.executive-shaving.co.uk/shaving/safety-razors/Futur-safety-razor-760.php ]Merkur Futur[/url].

Chewkw - "Because they are blue bearded (wire tough beard)." I have actually started to use a shaving cream called [url= http://www.bluebeards-revenge.co.uk ]Bluebeards Revenge[/url]. The makers claim it can reduce hair growth by upto 40 per cent after 60 days of use. Its aimed at men with tough stubble, even though I bought it because of the packaging. I've only used it twice but Its up there with Trumpers and Taylor of Old Bond St.

What's everyone's favourite brush?

Only have a cheapy for travel and a basic badger one for day to day which seems to do everything I need.

Let us know what you think of the Merkur Futur and an update on Bluebeards revenge too as I've only tried Boots own brand cream and didn't like it + soap blocks seem to last forever!

grahamduffy - Member
Woody, the Merkur 34C Heavy Duty Classic is a lovely razor. I love the weight of this razor especially. I rate Merkur razors in general anyway, shame there is such a limited stock of them here in the UK. Im going to treat myself to a Merkur Futur.

Chewkw - "Because they are blue bearded (wire tough beard)." I have actually started to use a shaving cream called Bluebeards Revenge. The makers claim it can reduce hair growth by upto 40 per cent after 60 days of use. Its aimed at men with tough stubble, even though I bought it because of the packaging. I've only used it twice but Its up there with Trumpers and Taylor of Old Bond St.

What's everyone's favourite brush?

I bought one of these with the money my Dad sent me for my 40th and I should shortly be receiving a custom brush that I had made from my wife and children again for my 40th.

[img] [/img]

Those of you with really wiry beards what is your pre-shave prep like? Proraso do a pre/post shave product which I use as a pre-shave after coming out of the shower and ensuring I have washed my stubble well.

I should shortly be receiving a custom brush that I had made from my wife and children again for my 40th.

A bit extreme,no? 😯

don simon - Member
I should shortly be receiving a custom brush that I had made from my wife and children again for my 40th.

A bit extreme,no?

By jings you have to be spot on with the semantics on this site 😉

😆

Interesting thread btw.

that is one amazing brush, I'm so jealous. I think shaving brushes make the shave!! proraso have a good pre shave cream.

grahamduffy - Member
that is one amazing brush, I'm so jealous. I think shaving brushes make the shave!! proraso have a good pre shave cream.

Thank you Graham.

If you are interested in a decent brush then have a look at this site www.penworks.us

Lovely handles and decent knots as well which will last you a long time. It is worthwhile registering with www.badgerandblade.com beforehand as the owner gives a discount for B&B members as well.

The spec on the brush, stop laughing don simon, is that the handle is spalted yellow birch (and sealed with super glue) with a 24mm silvertip knot with extra stuffing set at a loft of 48mm which is ideal for soaps and face-lathering which is the way I like to shave 😉

woody...def will keep you updated. might order one the next time I get paid 🙂 Bluebeards is really good. Lathers really well, provides a close shave and really leaves the skin feeling fresh. Not a fan of cheap shaving foams, they really are not worth the hassle and are probably more expensive in the long run (as you need to use so much every time you shave). Really tempted to buy some [url= http://www.harrods.com/product/acqua-di-parma/shaving-cream/000000000001147311?cat1=beauty&cat2=beauty-mens-grooming ]ACQUA DI PARMA Shaving Cream[/url] from Harrods online shop!!!I wonder how much better it can be?

Futur user here - love the "Day The Earth Stood Still" looks, weight and balance. Head makes under-nose tricky bits a bit trickier than something smaller, like early '60s Gillette Superspeed. The scrapy noise it makes is awesome. Never thought a razor would be worth that much - was using and still love the Superspeed. Never try to adjust it when it's wet though, bl00dy ouch.
Bluebeard's Revenge, IIRC, is rebadged Mitchell's Wool Fat. Not a bluebeard myself, but it's a lovely creamy soap.
Splash on some Proraso afterward and feel the blast

shavey awesomeness
[img] http://t1.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcRZSZPv7MDjLKEdv4P2yYiTiH6YbwMd7trMG1SO8sKNwyKMmV91 [/img]

[img] http://t3.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcS8Akssb0HRGxpWzk2VRWupZI5f-FAiIYS40LWJUcJ1ChmEr3tcdQ [/img]

Bluebeard's Revenge, IIRC, is rebadged Mitchell's Wool Fat.

That's saved me a few ££££ - I was about to try Bluebeard's 😉

[url= http://www.shaving-shack.com/the-bluebeards-revenge-wool-fat-shaving-soap-refill-120g.html ]yup, thought so[/url]

you only save [url= http://www.shaving-shack.com/mitchells-wool-fat-shaving-soap-refill-120g.html ]60p[/url]though

Got a few days growth ready to go (literally), just waiting for my delivery...

I used a Merkur Vision for a few years. A great shave but the complicated mechanism was a bit delicate. It easily ceased up if not taken apart regularly and cleaned.

When It finally broke I got a Futur. Fantastic. No complicated moving parts to break, a lovely weight and a great shave.

I see Merkur do a matching brush. Must resist.

I am sticking to 50p Palmolive shave stick for face lathering at the moment but I do rotate it with my bowl of Palmolive shave soap (made from using 2 grated Palmolive shave sticks in small Pyrex bowl) from time to time. So cheap & very cheerful.

For aftershave any of those traditional stuff should be fine as they are just normal aftershave with light scent. One of the most effective aftershave at reasonable price is Nivea aftershave balm with hardly any scent at all. Bought 4 during sales at £3.50 to £4 each I think.

Apart from that the above the rest of my stuff will last me years ... safety razors, DE blades (several brands) and two shaving brush (one boar and one badger)

I ain't buying into those celebrities endorsed shite ...

🙂

p/s: oh do try shaving at night rather than the morning rush hour.

chewkw - Member

I ain't buying into those celebrities endorsed shite ...

Which ones are those?

I must admit that I now have 6 brushes, 4 badgers and 2 boars.

Each one is different, honest...

Ho hum - Member

chewkw - Member

I ain't buying into those celebrities endorsed shite ...

Which ones are those?

Any of those multi-blades cartridge or any of the plastic disposable stuff. You know the 3 guys ... tennis, football and golf shite ...

🙂

Sorry chewkw, had a few beers mate and I can't read at the moment, should go to bed really...

Ho hum, some great looking brushes on Penworks site. Mitchell's Wool Fat Shaving Soap is one of the very best soaps I have ever used. I like the way Bluebeards has rebranded it.. Looks rather cool. I reckon if Merkur, Ikon, Goodfella, Timor or even Parker got David Beckham or Roger Federer to face its product, then they would sell out overnight. Celebrity endorsement is massive, especially in the Western world. Gillette know this. A DE razor will always provide a closer shave than any cartridge based system could, I see the Shaving Shack blog has quite a good article on why this is the case, see [url= http://www.shaving-shack.com/blog/why-a-double-edge-razor-is-technically-better-than-a-cartridge-based-razor-system/ ]http://www.shaving-shack.com/blog/why-a-double-edge-razor-is-technically-better-than-a-cartridge-based-razor-system/[/url] - it even features a video from the shaving guru himself, Mantic.

Update: First shave last night. No more cuts than using a disposable/multi-blade razor. I was a bit cack though, took me a little while to get the technique, and will probably take me a bit longer to get the confidence/technique for the jawline.

What I noticed:

-Stubble softness and lubrication is much more critical than for disposable razors. No half measures or you will get rash.

-Bejeesus! It's possible to get seriously smooth skin, smoother than any previous razor I have used.

-You do seem to need good technique to get a good shave, but it doesn't seem too hard to learn (so far)

In summary: I am impressed, and it sits well with my self-imposed neo-luddite persona. I didn't even know you could still buy razors like this, why wasn't I told before?!

bluebeards have rebranded the wool fat soap, but still have their own proprietary cream that they claim has certain properties.
http://www.shaving-shack.com/the-bluebeards-revenge-wool-fat-shaving-soap-refill-120g.html
http://www.shaving-shack.com/the-bluebeards-revenge-luxury-shaving-cream-180ml.html
Not tried it personally - Im happy with a good soap.

-Stubble softness and lubrication is much more critical than for disposable razors. No half measures or you will get rash.

-Bejeesus! It's possible to get seriously smooth skin, smoother than any previous razor I have used.

-You do seem to need good technique to get a good shave, but it doesn't seem too hard to learn (so far)

In summary: I am impressed, and it sits well with my self-imposed neo-luddite persona. I didn't even know you could still buy razors like this, why wasn't I told before?!

Haha...... 'tis a secret, don't tell anybody 🙂

Re. the stubble softness and getting a rash, I don't think this is the case. Prime cause for a rash is applying too much pressure and this is key to the whole thing. if you get the angle wrong you just don't get a close shave but too much pressure and you'll get a rash.
What blade did you use? Everybody is different - Feathers and Derbys for me. Try a different one next time and see how you get on.

You're at the start of an enjoyable learning curve.

I used Derbys as they came with the razor. I read up on blades but no two opinions seemed to be the same. I have justed ordered 10 each of Feather and Israeli, although the Derbys seem 'fine' to me so far.

Top tip - don't ever move the razor sideways, not even a little bit!

Rockhopper - Member
Top tip - don't ever move the razor sideways, not even a little bit!

Mantic goes on about the "Gillette slide" (I think that is what he named it) in one of his videos when he moves the razor diagonally across his face and I don't fancy that one bit either!

Top tip - don't ever move the razor sideways, not even a little bit!

Lol.

Ho hum - Member

Rockhopper - Member
Top tip - don't ever move the razor sideways, not even a little bit!

Mantic goes on about the "Gillette slide" (I think that is what he named it) in one of his videos when he moves the razor diagonally across his face and I don't fancy that one bit either!

That's the advance technique so Not for beginner well.

🙂

Sorry to keep dragging this up, but another question...

When fitting the razor and assembling there is some leeway as to how tightly the shaft is screwed in, and this affects the blade angle. Should it be screwed in all the way, or should it be left with some room to spare?

poppa - Member
Sorry to keep dragging this up, but another question...

When fitting the razor and assembling there is some leeway as to how tightly the shaft is screwed in, and this affects the blade angle. Should it be screwed in all the way, or should it be left with some room to spare?

I am assuming that you have a 3 piece razor here. The shaft should be done up finger tight, if you leave it loose it can make the razor more aggressive.

Yes, I have a 3 piece. Thanks for the help!

EDIT: whoops.

Cool, I survived...and with far less blood loss than my usual rampage with a Mach 3.

Not quite as close as I've had, but I went easy and I guess I'll get closer with practice.

Feels nice too, alum block was a revelation 🙂

Good stuff Haze 🙂

Just keep practising at your technique and the smoother shaves will come.

Yes Haze, just keep practising your technique. when I started using a DE razor, I ended up with blood everywhere 🙂 I now just take my time, use short strokes and just take xtra care around my neck. I still nick myself, but I think there is something manly about a few scares 🙂 You might want to invest in an Alum Block though - [url= http://www.shaving-shack.com/alum-block.html ]http://www.shaving-shack.com/alum-block.html[/url] - they are very cheap and very effective.

Just read up on the Alum block thing with interest as I had a poor DE shave this morning. I'm away from home and hadn't brought any spare blades. Midway through my third shave (with a Derby blade), I felt it start to pull - the result is a nice smooth shave, but a slightly raw neck. The aftershave balm has helped a little but I look like I've been slapped 😆

Just tried my first DE shave, delighted that it was bloodless and really not v expensive to try it. I used a Wilkinson Razor from boots (£5) and boots own brushless cream (£1), brilliant.

Just tried my first DE shave, delighted that it was bloodless and really not v expensive to try it. I used a Wilkinson Razor from boots (£5) and boots own brushless cream (£1), brilliant.

Excellent stuff, but I think you'll find it gets even better with a nice razor and cream/soap combo. 🙂

Just tried my Merkur with a Feather blade for the first time. Wow, it was good.

However, I really needed my styptic pen afterwards; ouchy stingyness, but not unpleasant.

I tried the feather blades with my Muhle R89 D/E razor

How bloody sharp and what a fantastic shave to which the wife agreed

Merkur blades were good but the feathers are a differant league
Derby blades just cut me to bits
Wilkingson Sword blades just feel blunt

We make our own soaps so we will make a Teatree whipped cream soap next week , see how it goes

Turning into a beast of a thread 8)

didn't expect such a response, thanks

haven't had time to sort my razor debacle, got the shaving oil though now trying it soon

then if it doesnt help it may be curtains for the Braun

there seems to be a hell of a lot of models of Merkur...

Prompted by this thread, thought I'd give it a go! Got the cheap Gillette Classic from Boots, some nice soap, brush and styptic pencil. Pretty impressed for a first attempt, much closer than I've ever achieved.

One question - if I run my finger along my jawline, still a bit of stubble there. What's the best approach? Against the grain?

Jamze - Member

Prompted by this thread, thought I'd give it a go! Got the cheap Gillette Classic from Boots, some nice soap, brush and styptic pencil. Pretty impressed for a first attempt, much closer than I've ever achieved.

One question - if I run my finger along my jawline, still a bit of stubble there. What's the best approach? Against the grain?

Good start. You might want to upgrade your safety razor later to something even better.

Just try shave across the grain first to see how it goes but most importantly get the angle right then for the final pass try shave against the grain. Or try some minor touch up. Try not to apply pressure.

So a normal shave should be with the grain, across the grain and finally against the grain. After some practice you should be able to finish shaving in maximum 15 mins.

🙂

You might want to upgrade your safety razor later to something even better.

That's the plan...thought I'd give it a go with a cheapy first. Pretty impressed so far. Quite looking forward to having another go tomorrow night...

"So a normal shave should be with the grain, across the grain and finally against the grain. After some practice you should be able to finish shaving in maximum 15 mins. "

And enjoy all the ingrowing hairs this will cause

j-cru - Member

And enjoy all the ingrowing hairs this will cause

Please can you expand on this?

If you are talking about the stubble around your jaw line and chin I'd say try going across the grain but I wouldn't go against too much if you can help it. I do use a few upward stokes right under my chin just to sort the last few bits. If you hold the razor at the right angle and do not use any pressure you should get a better result than a 10 bladed uber disposable, same technique under the nose across but not upward strokes, it will take a few goes to get a result you like.

freddyg - Member
j-cru - Member
And enjoy all the ingrowing hairs this will cause

Please can you expand on this?

Some people can get away with the final against the grain pass others can't.

I am in the others can't camp.

I have tried it once or twice and it did give me an excellent shave, but I had a lot of irritation (not ingrown hairs mind) as the whiskers grew back and came back through the skin.

It's one of those Your Mileage May Vary things you get with shaving.

I've never followed the 'with-sideways-against growth direction 3 passes' as that just doesn't work for me and almost guarantees redness or nicks if I go against the grain in certain areas. Never had an ingrowing hair either, even in areas where I do shave against the grain, which could be down to using a good brush and soap.

All I can say is what works for me and that is a couple of passes changing direction in certain areas and then, if necessary, going over any bits that I can still feel stubble using the remaining soap squeezed out of the brush. It doesn't take long to get to know your own face and hair growth direction and everyone is different.

^^^^

It certainly helps when you have mapped your face well, eh Woody?

And isn't that last bit of lather squeezed out of the brush divine in terms of consistency? 🙂

Agreed.

I tend to mix it in a bowl with the block of soap still in it and get the lather consistency I want that way but Mantic (vid below) spends a lot of time, 3 minutes, just lathering and [url= http://wet-shavers.com/how-to-lather-shaving-soap/ ]This Lather Blog advice[/url] is different again!

I face lather with soap, have done since I started DE shaving. Luckily I can get a decent shave with two passes which is just as well as that is how much lather I can produce when face lathering.

j-cru - Member

"So a normal shave should be with the grain, across the grain and finally against the grain. After some practice you should be able to finish shaving in maximum 15 mins. "

And enjoy all the ingrowing hairs this will cause

Not necessary as that depends on individual so just have to find what's suitable for you. Some can and some can't. I have always shave against the grain for the final pass even in my younger days with Sensor (two blades cartridge). Most importantly if you prepare well your shave will be more enjoyable or effective. Perhaps you can to let your beard grow a bit to see the direction of the hair so that you can apply the right shaving passes to them. In my opinion, if the blade is sharp there will be less possibility of causing in grown hairs then a blunt blade or even a blade that does not match the razor you are using but that's just my experience and might not work for you. Give it a try but take note.

🙂

If anyone who has been caught by the traditional shaving bug is interested in buying a better brush then can't go much wrong than buying a brush from this chap:

[url= http://newforestbrushes.blogspot.com/ ]badger[/url]

Peter spent a long time trying out lots of different brushes before deciding on what suited him best and what he thought the market would want. I have one of his best 2 band knots in a wooden handle and it is a great brush to use when shaving and performs above its weight for the price he charges.

Ho hum - Member

If anyone who has been caught by the traditional shaving bug is interested in buying a better brush then can't go much wrong than buying a brush from this chap:

badger

Peter spent a long time trying out lots of different brushes before deciding on what suited him best and what he thought the market would want. I have one of his best 2 band knots in a wooden handle and it is a great brush to use when shaving and performs above its weight for the price he charges.

Any idea who his suppliers/manufacturers are? i.e. from which country(s)?

🙂

Nevermind ... got it from his blog.

"We think it's bad here in the UK. Well it's cold in China. Production of my new brushes has been delayed because it's difficult for badger hair to dry in extreme cold. And in North West China they are having their coldest spell for 60 years. The New Forest High Mountain brush should still be ready for an early January launch."

Okay, this is just me so you can decide if they are for you as I am not telling you what to do. Your choice.

For me something I would simply not buy no matter how cheap or good they are for two simple important reasons:

1) The country of origin i.e. are they ethical in treating the workers or animal etc?

2) Are we going to destroy our own industry by not supporting them? i.e. the knowledge, skills and craft etc will disappear in the long run.

🙂

p/s: I think most commercial badger hairs are from China but at least have the handle made in UK.

I hear what you are saying chewkw.

Given that badgers are a protected species in the UK and they are considered as vermin in China then I think we both know where the knots will come from.

I am quite certain that Peter's handles are turned in the UK.

I received my new brush that was my 40th birthday present yesterday (Saturday). The handle was turned in Wales, but I am not sure where the knot was produced, but if I was a betting man I would say China.

Ho hum - Member

I hear what you are saying chewkw.

Given that badgers are a protected species in the UK and they are considered as vermin in China then I think we both know where the knots will come from.

I am quite certain that Peter's handles are turned in the UK.

Glad to hear the handles are turned in UK so that's good as that can maintain some sort of skill work in the UK.

Why don't the Govt/law let people harvest the local badger without killing or causing harm to them since hairs can grow back again. I mean not shaving the badger bald but shave their hairs to certain length during summer season perhaps. Then let them go back to the wild.

🙂

Opinion towards badgers in this country is quite polarized, isn't it?

You either see them as quite cool looking smallish animals with nifty hair colouring or you see them as virus carrying vermin who are only intent in spreading TB to your cattle 🙁

I would guess that a lot of the skills required to carry out what you are proposing above no longer exist in this country and China has picked up the demand given how it views the local badgers.

Yes, pity that everything has been outsourced so now we can never know how the badgers are treated there. Just don't search yout*be.

🙂

Just getting on the shaving bandwagon after getting a nice brush and soap/bowl from Santa. Now what razor do I get ?

I've got one of [url= http://www.amazon.co.uk/Parker-Daytona-Safety-Nickel-Finish/dp/B004XUV3X6/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1326064889&sr=8-1 ]these[/url] with a load of [url= http://www.amazon.co.uk/Derby-Stainless-Available-different-quantities/dp/B0031BDGKQ/ref=sr_1_1?s=drugstore&ie=UTF8&qid=1326065002&sr=1-1 ]these[/url] and am very happy. Others, I'm sure, will recommend something different.

Mmm I didnt get on with the Derby blades, Astra or 7 o'clock by Gillette or Feathers if you want a close shave but they are very sharp!

Inspired by a number of DE shaving threads here, from my Christmas list I got a [url= http://www.amazon.co.uk/Merkur-Double-Razor-Safety-razor/dp/B002A8JO1Q/ref=sr_1_1?s=drugstore&ie=UTF8&qid=1326065157&sr=1-1 ]razor[/url] and accessories (assorted blade pack to see which ones I like, a nice [url= http://connaughtshaving.com/muehlebowl.html ]soap bowl[/url] with sea buckthorn soap, and a [url= http://connaughtshaving.com/11712.html ]brush[/url]).

So far, so good. Not quite as close as a modern multi-blade (threw all mine of those out today actually) but a more satisfying experience and gives a nice (if possibly pointless and misguided) anti-corporate afterglow. I have sensitive skin so was worried about nicks and irritation, but so far that's not been an issue (using the Feather blades from the assortment first as they always seem to get a good review here).

slainte 😀 rob

I use soap at the end of a shower (still in the shower) and shave by feel! Once i get dried i finish off the shave in the mirror just by wetting my face. I dont go putting on more soap or foams. The joys of not having crazy stubble.

The guy in the vid spends about 8 mins longer than i do. He should shower shave and get to work sooner.. to earn more money so that he can then afford to sort out the massive blemishes he has that,to be honest,are far more noticeable than a slight bit of stubble on his face!

Or maybe his boss feels his face on arrival at the office to see if its smooth enough for the job at hand.

I have seen that some people have purchase their razors from ebay. If your on a budget (OH thinks im being silly) is a secondhand good quality one going to be much better than a mid level new one?

What about hygene?

Does the quality of the razor really make that much difference?

Really want to give this a go as i hate shaving due to my face falling apart and never feeling that well shaved.

My daughter calls me spikey daddy after a few days.

I've got three razors, a Merkur Futur (bought new 18 months ago) and two Gillettes dating back to the early '60s.
Although I pretty much only use the Merkur day to day now the Gillettes are pretty awesome - very well made and quite fun to play with. They made razors properly back then, so I wouldn't have an issue with a used Gillette.
That said the Merkur's are made very well and weigh a ton which actually helps as it stops you applying pressure.

Hygiene isnt an issue as you will be using a new blade. Something secondhand will be fine I got my Gillette from eBay.

EDIT: Its a Gillette Tech Ball End, must stop looking at eBay!

How big a deal is the brush? I've got a Merkur Futur, '60's Gillette Superspeed and a Parker, all excellent razors. Soap is Arko, recommended on here someplace, and is also excellent with rich creamy lather. Brush is a £3 Wilkinson's which works fine - is there ny real benefit to spending £40-£50 on a badger's pubes?

Has anyone worn their Merkur out?

Mine has corroded inside where the blade is held, and the satin finish has worn away on the leading edge. It's looking quite tatty now 🙁

It's about 4/5 years old.