What do the more expensive safety razors offer?

B

BigDude

Joined
Nov 8, 2006
Messages
185
I am DONE paying $18 for 4 blades that always get snagged on my scruff. I'm going back to using a safety razor with double edged blades.

I saw a thread on here recommending the Merkur razors. They look nice, but what's the different between one of them for $40+ and something else for $10?

I have very thick curly hair if it makes a difference. And I often let it get a bit scruffy before shaving.


Thanks for any info:thumbup:
 
Usually the higher price means better quality on things like fit and finish. The higher price also means better customer service if something does go wrong, not that there is much to go wrong with a DE.

I started with an Edwin Jagger 89L for $40 and the finish on it is impeccable. I started to using vintage Gillettes recently and the quality of them is amazing, and they can be found for about 10-15 bucks. No customer service on them but there is no need, they are that well built.
 
As Unki said, fit and finish. Plus materials used: an all-metal razor is going to cost more than a razor with plastic parts.
 
Another feature that adds a bit of cost is one with adjustment. The Merkur Future is adjustable with 6 positions so you can get your shave just right depending on the blade used, your technique, etc.
 
This is definitely a "buy quality and you only cry once" situation. A Merkur razor is for a lifetime. And the savings of DE blades over multi-blade cartridges easily pays for the razor in just a matter of months. If you decide you don't like it, there is a brisk secondary market for quality DE razors.
 
After some looking around it became apparent that Merkur is worth it. I just placed an order for a Merkur Adjustable Progress Long Handle 510. I'll try different blades eventually, but for now I have some Wilkinson Sword Classics I picked up locally.
 
I would strongly suggest a sampler blade package. There are so many blades out there for DE razors, unlike cartridge razors, that you can get the perfect combination for your face and razor.

I can buy Wilkinson Sword blades locally here but there is zero savings on them at 14.99 for 10 blades. Yet I can get blades by the 100 pack from my favorite online dealer for under 30.00 shipping included. If you search ebay there are better deals then what I spend for blades
 
These were $1.33 for 5.

The samplers do look like a good idea.

Any recommendations for really tough thick whiskers?
 
swords would not be a first choice. Try them, but if you get chopped up don't be turned off wetshaving.

I'd say Astra, Unky would say Dorco, Gollnick would say feathers or derbys, and we would likely all be wrong. Get a sample pack and experiment with your face, your razor, and your blades. Although Dorco's may be a good start. maybe.
 
I have tried all the ones that Munky88 mentioned and yes I like the Dorcos best, ST-301, not ST-300. They are mild and take an extra pass or two to get that BBS shave, but I like shaving and have all the time in the world to shave:D
The Astra blades were a close second for me, and Feathers and Derby just didn't work for my face. Most people recommend Derby blades so that may be something to look for in a sample pack.
It doesn't say where you are from so you could look here at West Coast Shaving in the States or Fendrihan in Canada. Those are the first two off the top of my head but there are many more online dealers to choose from.
 
Shaved with it today. It mowed 2 weeks of scruff with no razor burn. I'm so glad to have a double edge razor again! The 510 is nice and heavy with good wide gaps for flushing out hairs.
 
BigDude said:
Any recommendations for really tough thick whiskers?
Click to expand...

I have thick whiskers and very sensitive skin. The "Israeli Red" Personnas (the ones with the red wrappers) have been treating me really well. I get three awesome shaves out of them, then it goes straight to blood bath, so I know to switch after the third time. In my next order I'm going to include some Dorco ST-301s as Unky Gumbi suggested.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top