What is the Best Beginner Double Edge Safety Razor?

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Merkur 34C/HD
weight: 77g
handle length: 75mm
overall length: 83mm
cost: $50
Edwin Jagger DE89
weight: 67g
handle length: 85mm
overall length: 94mm
cost: $48
Parker 91R
weight: 85g
handle length: 98mm
overall length: 108mm
cost: $28
Gillette 40's Super Speed
weight: 54g
handle length: 75mm
overall length: 83mm
cost: free-$75
www.gillettedatecodes.com to look up your birth year razor!

[@KristjanBeilmann]

As a European watcher, I appreciate you using the metric units. Thank you.

[@gutworm686]

Kristjan Beilmann I was wondering why he was using metric.

[@timmy334]

I did my first safety razor shave tonight with the Edwin Jagger DE89 and I enjoyed it after I started getting the feel of using a safety razor. I won't go back to the cartridges!

[@djmcwill1010]

Timmy Fangs I started about four years ago with that same Edwin Jagger. It’s easily the most precisely made razor I own, and I still use it all the time. Have you tried a Feather in it? ❤️

[@szymongorczynski7621]

I'm 17 and have pretty light stubble, would you recommend it or is it too aggressive?

[@viningscircle]

The DE89 was my first safety razor too. I never looked back to those unsatisfactory cartridge shaves again!

[@freedomvan2970]

This is the video that I was looking for. Great vid and great production with all the details. Thanks!

[@jessecook2839]

Yes I'm very great video

[@Pierrep999]

Great video, I switched to DE 4 years ago, the 34C is still my go to razor.

[@suleimanshaik]

Thanks a million, Matt. Love this intro. I'm waiting for my first DE razor to be delivered. It's a 1955 Gillette. Super excited and thus, really appreciate this info and advise you share. Wishing you a fab festive season.

[@polluxtroy69]

Bought a basic 3 piece DE yesterday. Cheap, got a bit of weight to it. Shaved yesterday with the blades that it came with but waiting for some new blades to come so I can experiment with them. Going to use it over the next year or so to see what I can learn before I invest in a more expensive handle. Great video. Keep up the good work.

[@sshepherd981]

Thank you!! I have watched your videos looking for a better shave. I then started wet shaving then showed my friends and colleagues!! You have made our required shaves a pleasure instead of a task.

[@RazorEmporium]

Thank you Shannon!! That is our goal with every video, pleased to hear you are enjoying shaving now!!

[@pauldamelio4694]

Another great video Matt! I have the Merkur 34C and it is awesome! That one will always have a spot in my rotation. I'm a daily head shaver (you don't have that concern. :). A friend of mine in the shaving community is giving me his Gillette 195! Can't wait to literally dial my wet shaving experience up a few notches with that incredible piece of history!

[@obxguy1]

I got the Merkur 23C about a month ago...Love it!!!

[@usernamemykel]

The 23C (European) is also known as the model 180 in the USA, same razor, but the 180 is about half the price - Amazon.com!

[@opinionator3884]

After a quick test run with a cheap Wilkinson Sword a few months ago, I bought a DE89 and really enjoyed it. I bought a sampler pack of blades from you guys and was surprised how much difference the blades make in my shave. For Father's Day, my family ordered a K1 1965 (my birth quarter) Super Speed Flare Tip from you and I cannot believe how much I enjoy that razor. I initially wanted to use it like you use a classic car, on weekends and special occasions, while using the DE89 as my daily driver. However, the SS is so amazing that I am having a hard time not using it every day. Very close, very comfortable. Easy to load blades and to find the proper angle. And I have to add, your team did a great job with the restoration as it looks nearly new. Great job! As a side note, I was surprised by how much lighter a SS is than a DE 89.

[@RazorEmporium]

Great to hear ;)

[@syncrol]

i'm not new to the safety razors but i'm glad i found a new yt channel to follow :)

Cool educational video. I just purchased a Super Speed for my latest conversion kit!!!

[@christopherach4402]

Fabulous video Matt. You are a tru GREAT GRAND MASTER of knowledge on DE razors. no one knows more about the subject then You. Thank You so much for sharing Your vast knowledge with all of us. Three cheers to Razor Emporium!!!!!!!.

[@RazorEmporium]

Christopher Ach you're too kind :)

[@Goldenkid1991]

Great advice mat. Too many guys switch razors rather than get used to using one. When first starting out learn to shave well with one razor and just change the blades !

[@mattpisarcik5865]

Ben Golden no need to keep up with the latest and greatest until you master the basics!

[@Tee_Dawg1]

Ben Golden I agree 100%

[@nemoanon5615]

Find the right blades and how to use them will be work enough without adding to the complexity.

[@THX-C]

The 40s SuperSpeed is the easiest razor to learn on, it’s built like a tank. It’s also still very affordable. I loved it so much, I bought an old Milord and then bought a refurbished one plated in gold (essentially a Milord) from RE.

[@obxguy1]

I use the Merkur 23C razor with a Gillette Silver Blue blade. A great medium aggressive razor for a beginner or experienced shaver. Love the long handle!

[@mister-Kayne]

I love the butterfly razor. Easy to change blades without much effort. And it gives a good shave with confidence 👍 currently using the double edge razor by a company called Pearl

[@ricktemmen6272]

Just got into wet shaving ... This is a very helpful video ... Thanks ...

[@tomlevine1]

Thank you! Very helpful.

[@aymangorgise1628]

great vid with info mate..thanks

[@albertcastro409]

I always enjoy your videos. 👍🏻👍🏻

[@DaveR24]

This is the video that convinced me to start DE wet shaving. I took your advice and found a really nice 1951 Gillette super speed to start with. That was 3 months ago and I am glad I ditched cartridges for de blades. Thanks for the great information.

[@TraumaER]

The best thing I did was ditch all electric razors. I noticed I had flaky skin and realized it was the 100 cuts/min of those shavers that were ruining my face. Now my face looks like a super model.

[@cptseagull]

Excellent video. Thank you.

[@miniondave6314]

I went with a Weishi safety razor . They are inexpensive but well built and give a good shave. I got the gold plated model but the plating hasn't held up well. Mechanically, it's in great shape after 8 years of use. The model I have has a short handle and I decided to try the long handle version a couple years ago. I went back to the short handle. I use the Feather Hi Stainless (platinum coated) blades.

[@jillsnoddon4463]

Great video. Informative.

[@bumponlog]

The achilles heel of these cheap razors is definitely in their metalurgy. I had the edwin jagger as my first razor and while the chrome job was nice the metal doesn't hold up and it's threads disintegrated over only a couple years use. I'm on a merkur now and no problems. I noticed one of the main differences is merkur handles are hollow so water can drain out. The EJ doesn't have this drain ability so it can collect water in the handle if you're not careful and this can lead to corrosion. My next razor will definitely be one with a more durable metal (ss, brass, al).

[@cavolpert]

Try Muhle

[@jimnoyb1209]

I always learn from you... Wish your store was closer.

[@stephenwright133]

I have the Merkur 34C HD. It has been a good choice for me.

[@kerrykerr1210]

Fantastic advice Matt, shaving at night is solid advice for those with time issues and irritation.

[@mattpisarcik5865]

Kerry Kerr it's always been my preference!

[@Noc4ball]

Absolutely. I learned this from experience. Shaving at night allowing for healing overnight is the way to go.

[@jessecook2839]

That's me....I all way's shower and shave and nighttime....Or I we'll have to get up an hour earlier roughly

[@leegrant1800]

I started off with the Wilkinson sword traffic safety razor so I would deafly recommend the classic Wilkinson sword for entry-level wet shaving.

[@robertcochran7103]

This is a very nice video. I'm thinking of getting a modern double edge razor. In one sense I'm experienced with double edge razors, since I've used them for a few years on a daily basis up to about 3 years ago. The last 2-3 years I have had a beard, and this threw me out of practice with shaving. So I am going gently and learning how to shave again.

[@cryptik3918]

He does a nice instruction video as well. kzbin.info/www/bejne/pqSbaYWLlKeLoqM

[@abdullahmenevse5023]

very nice it looks really perfect sir congratulations.

[@davidpackkard3354]

Well done Matt. Great advice.

[@davidpackkard3354]

I really love my Merkur razors.

[@CocoboloCowboy]

Wow your in Phoenix Arizona how lucky am guy, 45 minute drive to visit your shop. How cool👍

[@gergemall]

What great channel!! Thanks

[@albertcastro409]

Thank You. Good to mention the price. I was wondering and you answer it.

[@thatxonexguy5438]

The van der hagen from walmart/target is great 👍. I wanted just a little something to see how they shave and how i would like them, now i plan to buy something very high end since these things last forever.

[@alexandermuller465]

My first double edge razor was the edwin jagger de86. He is very mild and it's very easy to deal with.

[@orthicon9]

The DE-87 *looks* great too, with the faux-ivory handle, and the appearance of the ends of the head, with a sort of "rocker" curve on the bottom of the base plate.

[@veldmaat]

Thanks for the advice on the DE89! Just had my first double edge shave. I used the DE89 with a Derby Extra blade. Went with three passes. I got a few nicks, but not more than with the Gilette Fusion. But most importantly NO razor burn, I can actually touch or rub my face after shaving! I might actually enjoy shaving. I ordered a sample pack from a local site here in the Netherlands, and a couple of loose packs that weren’t in the sample pack. Now to find out which blade suits me best. No more cartridge razors for me!

[@RazorEmporium]

welcome to the club ;)

[@bronzedragon18]

Great video Mat, much appreciated! New to DE wet shaving. Looks like my first safety razor is the Assured butterfly from Dollar Tree, with the Merkur 25c and the Merkur 39c and a pair of razor blade sample packs coming. Any thoughts on this greatly appreciated!

[@rocling4]

One of the reasons am happy I’m from India. Good indigenous brands that give a lot of affordable options with really good quality🙂

[@dlwst44]

U have incredible street barbers too

[@tyronejrleake1068]

I wanna get into this type of shaving what you you recommend too get for sensitive skin or how too prep with sensitive skin thank you

[@theshavingrealtor8980]

Great video Matt. Thank you, -Brandon

[@RazorEmporium]

The Shaving Realtor here to help!

[@clayyates2416]

I bought a 1930's 40's safety razor that is brass but you couldn't have known when it was new but the chrome has worn in some places it's a 3 piece with a case for the blades and a leather case for all of the components. I got it for 20$

[@paulmcwilliams1709]

I have a Merkur 34c. It's a great razor for beginners as well as shaving veterans. You can NEVER go wrong with a Gillette razor. There has to be a reason why so many Gillette razors are still around!

[@WolfRanger2008]

All so similar yet so different. Strange but remarkable.

[@jeycalc6877]

I love that you used metric for the measurements

[@Creshex8]

Consider an ikon X3 slant. The sweet spot is small and it is very efficient. Watch out for beginner razors given as gifts, if they are inefficient vs cartridges, your friends will quickly switch back if they get the impression they are worse. Also, I recommend not pushing newbies to do 3 or 4 passes. That’s hard to do without bad fatigue on your skin.

[@RickWDonovan]

Thank you!

[@parrotheadlasvegas]

My first safety razor was a really BAD and super cheap Chinese butterfly about 9 years ago. I replaced it after one shave with a 30s to 40s Gillette fat handle Tech which is still a favorite 😁 These days I have a King C Gillette, a couple from Roman Empire that are amazing for the price, and a growing collection of Vikings Blade models that work wonderfully 😊 My blade collection continues to expand, but Feather and Gillette Platinum are favorites 😉 Thanks again for sharing your insights, wisdom, and honesty 😎👍

[@cariza5]

Do you find one side of the Merkur 34C shaves better than the other side.

[@DismontDeSire]

Good, useful advices. I always shaves in evening. Even some of youtubers with shaving channels is filming their video at evening. Kensurfs for example.

[@jaredhighlands4604]

Got one at Walmart did my first safety razor shave. A few small cuts but not to bad

[@blauebazille8530]

Edwin Jagger ist my no. 1. They buy the German Mühle shaving head and rifining it with a extra chrome layer

[@michaelgroesbeck8850]

*I use both a DE Safety Razor & a Multi-Blade Disposable.* One for the bulk, the other for the stubble. Fast, Easy-To-Clean, Smooth Shaving is the outcome.

[@lorenfok1097]

I have maggards v3 first time wet shaver been about 3 weeks now. Not bad I have only been doing WTG passes, I tried a XTG and ATG pass and got extremely bad razor burn.

[@martsec9330]

Is the 91R middle of the road or more aggressive

[@MM-lq4xf]

I bought today my first safety razor, a plastic Wilkinson Sword with 5 blades for a £5, you can get it for just £3 online! I think it's a good way to start. Made my first shave and it's cool, I like it. Will probably go for a metal, butterfly Wilkinson which costs £10 at my local Tesco.

[@InugamiTheHound]

thanks for video. I really wanna try out safety razor. I have a question before I shave I have to use a clippers beforehand so I don't clog up my disposable razor blade(5 blade razor FYI, is what I need) my facial hair is very whisker -like hence why I use the clippers and than shave my face. So will I have to use my clippers beforehand or can I go straight to my safety razor and shave my face?(my neck, chin,jawline,cheeks and upper lip)

[@Voltanaut]

I've had an Edwin Jagger for 6 years now, since I was 19, and it's very good for beginners.

[@EasyTarget82]

have had mine for 6 years too, my one and only

[@TraumaER]

Merkur is #1! I don't use it on my neck though because it's too sharp. I use cartridge and safety combo.

[@aiquelindo]

Thank you for the metric units.

[@andreebelisle6866]

Super conseils! Merci!

[@lenniebruce]

Metric is great! It's like using English, it's the world standard. Time the U.S. drops the Imperial like Canada and the rest of us did ages ago!

[@afrog2666]

It`s more logical and intuitive for sure, but the world is a big place, and most commerce is global. That can in time be incentive enough for a change, at least some time in the future. Everything can change ;)

[@justsomeasshole7388]

How long is this? Oh id say 0.3 meters. See? No one says that

[@KillerofGods]

Well since he used metric I have no idea how big anything is, shoulda provided two measurements

[@gilleslahire1856]

My first DE Razor was the Merkur 37c. No Problems.

[@samzilla1050]

Looking for a double edged safety razor and blades to use for when I shave my head any advice? Thanks

[@mikerose51]

My first safety razor : Muhle R-41 2nd Razor:SlimAdjustable Honorable mention: Classic Samurai shavette

[@SoothsayerZ]

I'm thinking about getting a Fatip Piccolo, which is made entirely out of brass, to my understanding. I wonder why it's so economical for being made of brass.

[@GuamanianBlood619]

I blindly picked up a Van Der Hagen long handle safety razor at Target for around 20 dollars not knowing to much about DE shaving. It was life changing, it turned my mundane shaving routine into a pleasurable ritual that I look forward too. If you style a goatee/mustache saftey razor us a must you can get the lines super precise, and its really less intimidating than it seems anyone out there on the fence I encourage you to give it a try 👍🏽

[@coolguy298]

Good job

[@arey256]

Oh ok I’m new at this so I was thinking about getting the VDH since I’ve seen it at Walmart. What kit do you think I should get with it?

[@yosnas1]

@@arey256 the most important thing is don't use the blade it comes with you will cut yourself. Order a variety pack of blades and pick the one you like. I used regular shaving cream and I was fine for a while until I got my soap and pre/post shave :).

[@arey256]

@@yosnas1 which one do you get?

[@yosnas1]

@@arey256 i got a random mix from Amazon, but the blades that I ended up liking are Astra.

[@gezzly72]

Would you say the merkur 33c is similar to the 34 c for a beginner?

[@TheWoWBane]

Great video! :)

[@mattpisarcik5865]

Jesper Christensen thx!

[@mikenikolovski8792]

I've seen all of the emporium videos before same with manic 59 sirnotra lenon and the rest of them in the past .

[@unocarb]

I have a short handle weishi that calls itself Van der Hagen, works pretty great, beats the pants off cartridge any day!!

[@giorgipachuashvili8272]

wich is the mildest safety razor avaliable in the market? i am novice in wet whaving so need advice

[@matthewhoover6154]

I started with the Merkur 3 pc. Love the weight, nice and heavy. Seems like the comb/blade angle prevents it from being too aggressive and would definitely recommend as a starter.

[@borbetomagus]

Thanks for your video. If I were to re-choose my first safety razor I would get an adjustable like the Parker Variant, Rockwell 6C (to be released in March 2017) or a Merkur Progress. I would argue that an adjustable is a better starter razor than the normally recommended Merkur 34C HD or Edwin Jagger DE89, since it can shave mildly (best for beginners) to moderately aggressively (which may be needed if your beard is particularly coarse, or if you want a closer shave and have learned proper technique). An adjustable safety razor is slightly more expensive ($50-60 and up), but it will grow with your shaving needs as your skill improves. A Merkur or Edwin Jagger only has one setting and (despite learning proper technique and exploring different razor blades) may require you to later upgrade to other more aggressive razors if it doesn't provide you with a close, comfortable shave in 3 passes.

[@hardinmichael1981]

I just ordered the Rockwell 6c which I am going to look at as my training razor. I also got a Edwin Jagger DE89 for when I feel ready to take the training wheels off so to speak.

[@hardinmichael1981]

The Parker razors caught my eye too.

[@borbetomagus]

@@hardinmichael1981 Glad to hear of your Rockwell 6C purchase. I don't know if you'll find much of a difference with the Edwin Jagger DE89 and some of the lower Rockwell 6C plates, but everyone's beard growth is different.

[@tony.montana.]

I bought Mühle R108 and I'm happy

[@Grant_Ferstat]

What would people suggest for a slimmer headed DE razor for getting under the nose. It's really the only aspect of DE shaving I still find a bit tricky even after trying all the techniques.

[@ExaltedDuck]

My only safety razor has been a Parker 27c open comb. I see no need for having any other unless maybe at some point in the future I want to buy myself something expensive. My feeling is that any decently made razor will work fine as long as the right blades are selected and a good soap and good techniique are used. (I find middle-of-the-road blades work best for me:gilette, Bic, dorco... Most lower tier blades are harsh and don't last and most higher tier blades start harsh and have to be worn in but do last crazy long). I also strop my blades in the razor with my thumb when I warm/wet it before shaving. Without, only few blades last a week of daily use. With, most blades go at least 3 weeks, some up to a month.

[@buddcarcook4655]

Nice vid, but you missed an excellent beginner de razor: Wilkinson . It’s so non aggressive and super inexpensive. Keep your vids coming!💈

[@gutworm686]

Buddcar Cook yes the new Wilkinson butterfly is a brilliant razor. I have used one since they came out.

[@joeyc8622]

Why would you buy Chinese when you can buy German ?

[@vhira]

People in the past have recommended me the merkur 34c because it is very mild if you use the Russian Astra blades and excellent for beginners is thar true or any other recommendations anyone?

[@marklazaroff7213]

Loved my DE89 until the screw sheared off in the handle while I was putting on a new blade. I did not know they were die cast. Good video. I my go vintage this time.

[@marklazaroff7213]

Done: bought a vintage Gillette Slim Adjustable I-3 1963

[@marklazaroff7213]

Plus - I'm going to drill out the DE89 handle to replace a bad rubber cover on an old Stanley nail set. It will be the classiest nail set in town.

[@idubbzz7790]

I love my 34c n now I want the futura

[@sly2792004]

Wish the merkur 23c got more attention it's a great starting razor especially if coming from a cartridge. For some it'll be too mild and they'll move on for me most other razors are too aggressive.

[@Oakleyworld]

I started using preshave oil ,cream and safety razor but im cloggin my sink and bathtub, how do you guys keep these from clogging?

[@africantwin173]

What is the finest twist to open double edge razor. Im using a gillette slim G and feather popular with Voskhod blades. But there not agressive. It does the job, but i need something better nib. Any recommendations

[@nukiesduke6868]

I bought that viking revolution kit from amazon. I really don't know what brand their razor is, but it's most likely just some rebrand of some other razor. But I'm really wondering how much of a role/factor the quality of the razor itself is when it comes to the shave. Would it be kinda like a 50/50 for the razor and blade brand? Basically I'm trying to figure out if my razor burn and what not is coming from bad blades or a meh razor.

[@bobpfaff2258]

If I shave at night, by the morning at work I look like I’ve come straight from a night club.

[@jth_printed_designs]

I think he's just giving a tip for starting out shaving with a DE, that way you can learn in a no-pressure kind of way. Then once you're comfortable, transition the DE to your morning routine.

[@noobnoob911]

I have been using cartridge razor for years without any irritation. Yesterday I tried to use safety razor with astra blade and my mustache area felt burned and the hairs weren't even shaved properly. What did I do wrong?

[@anthonylowder6687]

What about the Weishi 9306e, it was the first DE razor I used after using multi- blade razors for years and I have always gotten good very close shaves with it and different blades even though I will occasionally switch between it and my Merkur 15c that I purchased from your company.

[@k-trailblazer]

You're a great guy Matt. Indeed shaving is all about enjoying. Bye bye modern disposable blades.

[@karltaylor5643]

I'm trying to get back into double edge razors. Have a bunch of oddball flee market DE razors. Think my 50-ish era Gillette Aristocrat butterfly is the best I have. I like it. Surprised the price gone up so much.

[@karltaylor5643]

My best guess is it's made middle of 47 to end of 50. No code. Knurled upper ring, no knurle or light knurled lower base ring on handle. Gold brass, ovals with notched center t.

[@romanhanus4478]

Thank you.

[@eminusipi]

Went back to DE with Merkur 34c, blade alignment issues, went to Edwin Jagger DE89 but changed to third party SS handle, settled into a Rockwell 6C, usually with a #4 plate. Now my favorite. Why can't Rockwell polish their 6S? I don't want to spend a lot of additional money for exotic finishes.

[@Park2King]

I currently use an Edwin Jagger DE89 but will have to replace it because the part that screws into the handle is now stripped after just a few years of moderate use--only shave maybe once or twice a week and keep the blade for at least 4 shaves. That's disappointing because the machined thread just didn't hold up like the rest of the razor. If I could get the bottom plate replaced--I should check the warranty--I would continue to use it as it is my first DE razor. P.S. Right now I am using some sewing machine thread wrapped around the "bolt" but it must be done "just so" in order for the blade to fit correctly or there is blade chatter and the angle is too aggressive.

[@Bungle2010]

You can buy replacement heads on the website. That's why I did after mine failed after just under a couple of years use. While it was unusable I bought myself a Merkur Progress, which seems to work better for me. Now I've got the DE89 fixed I'll try going back to it and see how I get on, as I haven't used it for a while.

[@polpan1973]

Thanks Matt for yet another great video. I agree with everything you have mentioned, except maybe on recommending Gillette Super Speed to a beginner, in the sense of having to spend >90 USD just to try something. On the other hands, extra thumbs up for your advice to shave at night. I find the procedure to be very relaxing and I enjoy it in the evening. Another reason to shave in the evening is that my wife gets to appreciate it and she loves it too! Lastly, if you do it properly, there is no way that by the following morning you will look unshaved or stubbly.

[@RazorEmporium]

We have super speeds for sale all the time in the $55-65 range. And they can be had un-restored for much less too. It's a heck of a razor!

[@DenMan24Fan]

My everyday razor is a 1968 black-handle Super Speed (birth year and quarter) that I got on eBay for $14.00. It has some scratches and worn spots on the handle, but it shaves great and I love it. I also got a 1954 Super Speed on eBay for $8.00 with free shipping. What looked like corrosion in the ad turned out to be old soap scum that came right off. The razor itself is in near-perfect condition. Going vintage is easy, and there are some great bargains out there if you know where to look.

[@Odinarcade00]

I’m honestly just trying to incorporate a good shave into every day. For over a decade I used the worst cheapest cartridge razors that made it a miserable chore. Little did I know that Schick and Gillette were good options. I use the newest Gillette but I’m incorporating a brush and aftershave into my routine. I’m doing 2 passes I never really knew that was a thing. I haven’t tried shave soap but I really wanna. I’m working myself up to a DE. I used to only shave once or twice a month because I used BIC and dollar shave club and it just wasn’t cutting it. Wasn’t a quality shave in my opinion. I’m really interested in the vintage Gillette. Something about the butterfly doors and the quality of material.

[@bridgesbushcraft]

Hi Matt, I have decided to switch over to the DE world, however, still not sure which razor to purchase. I am looking into the Merkur 34C and Rockwell 6C (Rockwell seems to be a better choice because of the adjustment). I am bald, and also never used a DE razor before....I know you made this video over a year ago, just wondering what you would recommend now? Thanks, enjoy your videos!

[@hardinmichael1981]

How has it been going? I’m in a similar place as you were when you posted this. Did you try the Rockwell 6c?

[@matthewvz28]

I want to try a DE safety razor, however, I'm not sure if I will need a long or short handle. I held a short handle at Walmart (Van Der Hagen.) I'm used to the standard run of the mill Gillette 4 blade cartridges and the length of that handle. So the VDH short handle felt different as I was holding it and making the motions as I was shaving (my face.) Any suggestions as to which length handle I should try?

[@Richard44077]

When I learned how to shave using these razors. My father would hone the blades in a shaving mug by placing them in the cup vertically. Then press down on the center of the blade and work them back and forth a few times on each side. I still only buy 1 pack of blades a year. I buy soap from Caswell Massey it also lasts forever.

[@greg6162]

One pack of DE blades wow?! Is Caswell Massey is an artisan soap? I only use traditional English creams because I know the American artisan soap bases are probably some of the best in the world of which I concur. While they are fantastic performers the scents aren’t as refined as the 3 T’s or like DR HARRIS IMO. Those soaps and creams have been produced or years so they’ve had centuries of experience in making scents that are all top notch cologne’s IMO. I’ve never tried Castle Forbes though. I will say AOS Sandalwood is in my top 3 though Edit: So I just looked up Caswell Massey and they look legit! I didn’t know there was an American soap maker that’s been around that long?! I’m definitely going to try it… any recommendations on scents? I like woodsy sandalwood is always a good start, but I like refined scents that have depth and uniqueness. Their 8oz of cream is a screaming deal… I’m glad you mentioned them. Hopefully I can get them to send me some samples. Did that with TOBS and DR HARRIS and I bought like 12 of their creams total!

[@Richard44077]

@@greg6162 Hi Greg, Sandalwood and No 6, are my favorite. They make them in a cream but I have always used the soap. I was in the military for 21 years and a safety razor, a brush, and shaving soap held up best in deployments. Nothing more annoying than to open your bag to find a busted jar of cream or worse, an exploded can of foam. I’ve been retired a long time I should give the creams a try. It’s nice to have a choice of scents in the morning so I have two or more different soaps on hand. The bath soaps are great too. Same scents, and long lasting, unlike mass market soaps which I think are designed to dissolve quickly to make you buy more soap, not give you a quality product.

[@andershakansson1710]

My advice for beginner is, a old Gilette Slim Twist or a cheap new Parker. They are not agresiv but forgiving. Or, if you can get your hands on a Gilette Fatboy/ Slim Twist Adjustable they are a dream to use,. Happy shaves!

[@szymongorczynski7621]

No more Gillette for me!

[@purpleey]

@@szymongorczynski7621 vintage gillette safety razors are good

[@brianh2287]

I'm not sure how I can get a better shave than my Merkur 34c with a feather blade. It is my first DE razor and still my favorite combo. I love the two piece design as well. It is literally a perfect razor for me.

[@bryankc9644]

Have you tried gillette nacet? Feathers are super sharp the second or third shave, nacet is more consistent

[@brianh2287]

@@bryankc9644 Funny you comment on this today, I tried nacet for the first time this weekend and I love the nacet blade. I agree with you, Nacet is sharp but more consistent than feather. Both blades are great but I may have to give nacet a slight edge.