Been using cheap disposables for years but wanting to try a safety razor. Any recommendations on brand? I see several on amazon with good reviews.

Handle wise you can't go wrong with most options. I like Merkur.

For blades, I would recommend getting a variety pack until you know what you like. I prefer Feather blades, but some people find them to be too sharp.

Make sure you get a good badger brush and good cream as well so you get a good lather. That is the base of your shave. I use Mike's Natural Soaps:

http://mikesnaturalsoaps.com

Merkur 12C. Use with Feather razor blades.

I like a Merkur because they make a long handled version which feels good in my hand.

A vintage Gillette, which are available on eBay, is a fine option.

For a quality product at a reasonable price (i.e., not a collector piece or otherwise vintage), I'm partial to the feel and style of Edwin Jagger.

-Rob

You will get pages of recommendations my suggestion find a reasonable price before you spend to much. Razors are like pistols everyone has their favorite. Blades are also a personal choice.

My personal favorite
https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d...ds=edwin+jagger+de89

Blades I like Astra, persona red, feather, shark.

If you want a brush, this is also one of my favorites and I think a great value, real badger, well made, very soft, never sheds for $40

https://vintagebladesllc.com/c...rush-faux-ebony-24mm

I like my Edwin Jagger DE89L.

quote:

Originally posted by Palm:
Handle wise you can't go wrong with most options. I like Merkur.

For blades, I would recommend getting a variety pack until you know what you like. I prefer Feather blades, but some people find them to be too sharp.

Make sure you get a good badger brush and good cream as well so you get a good lather. That is the base of your shave. I use Mike's Natural Soaps:

http://mikesnaturalsoaps.com

What Palm said. Feather Blades. Baby's ass smooth. YMMV.

I use either an Edwin Jagger or Merkur for the handle. For blades, I like Feather or Personna (red package Israeli version). West Coast Shaving has always been a good source for me when buying shaving stuff.

Never thought about needing different shave cream/soap. I've been using Edge shave gel. I appreciate the razor recommendations so far.

quote:

Originally posted by Cliff:
Baby's ass smooth.

I would love to hear 'The Velvet Voicebox' say this.

I bet it would sound just like this guy.

Another vote for Edwin Jagger and a razor blade sampler.

quote:

Originally posted by SR025:
Never thought about needing different shave cream/soap. I've been using Edge shave gel.

I definitely recommend you don't do this, especially if you are new to DE shaving. Your shave will not be smooth and you will cause yourself more pain. The brush/cream method helps lift the hairs so they are cut much more easily.

I have used canned stuff with a DE razor in a pinch, but only after gaining much experience with the razor first.

quote:

Originally posted by dsiets:
Another vote for Edwin Jagger and a razor blade sampler.

Same here.

And when shaving, just remember that you don't really need to apply any downward pressure more that the weight of the blade head itself.

quote:

Originally posted by GA Gator:
Razors are like pistols everyone has their favorite. Blades are also a personal choice.

Yup!

My favorite is the Merkur Futur Adjustable

Lots of options for shaving creams and brushes too. Ogallala Bay Rum shaving soap is my go to...

Merkur Long Handle, Persona blades, RazoRock Italian Shaving Soap, RazoRock Alum Aftershave block, Leather and Wood Sandalwood Aftershave.

I love my vintage Schick Krona.
Put of all my razors, it shaves the best.
Coupled with either Derby or Astra blades.

quote:

Originally posted by clubleaf206:

quote:

Originally posted by Cliff:
Baby's ass smooth.

I would love to hear 'The Velvet Voicebox' say this.

I bet it would sound just like this guy.

Thanks Club but no comparison. He would be so much better.

As above. A good Merkur razor, and an sampler pack of blades to start. For me, Gillette Silver Blue blades work best for my razor/face/blade combo. Once you find the blade you like make sure you have enough......

Have a Merkur and an Edwin Jaeger. Like both I use the Merkur at home and have the Jaeger in my travel kit. Like the length and heavier feel of the Merkur the best but the Jaeger is more nimble and easy to control.
A blade sample pack is a good idea. I settled on the Feathers but liked the PoliSilver iridiums as well or better. You can buy them by the 100 on Amazon cheap.