Online Safety Razor Retailer

SaBBz · 13 Aug 2007 at 20:50

I'm after a new double-edged safety razor and was wondering what websites people can recommend for buying this sort of thing. I think I've decided to get a Merkur Futur, unless anyone can persuade me otherwise, and also need some decent shaving soap/cream, a nice shaving brush and some good aftershave balm. If anyone could give me any advice/recommendations I'd be very grateful.

Thanks in advance.

Scuzi · 13 Aug 2007 at 20:53

I have a Merkur 34 and a Futur. The Futur is quite nice as it has 6 adjustment settings but I find myself using the 34 more often. It gives me a much smoother and closer shave and just feels 'right' in my hand.

I buy my Merkur blades from The Gentlemans Shop - http://www.gentlemans-shop.com/acatalog/safety-razor-blades.html#a51

I also bought my razors from there and the service is outstanding, they are really helpful

Get yourself a genuine badger hair shaving brush. You don't need anything too big, a standard size should suffice and I actually prefer the standard size. As for shaving soap, I get mine from Taylor of Old Bond Street, specifically their Sandalwood shaving soap. I also use Geo F. Trumper soap but I prefer Taylor. You can get these from The Gentlemans Shop - try the Taylor Sandalwood in the wooden bowl.

Shaving soap doesn't lubricate particularly well so get a good shaving oil, apply it with your hands then apply the shaving soap using the badger brush.

SaBBz · 13 Aug 2007 at 20:56

Thanks for the quick reply Scuzi. I've heard that it's hard to get a shave close to the bottom of your nose due to how big the Futur is, would you say the 34 is better in this respect? It's quite a bit cheaper than the Futur so I'm seriously considering it

Scuzi · 13 Aug 2007 at 21:01

SaBBz said:
Thanks for the quick reply Scuzi. I've heard that it's hard to get a shave close to the bottom of your nose due to how big the Futur is, would you say the 34 is better in this respect? It's quite a bit cheaper than the Futur so I'm seriously considering it

Yes, the 34 is much more manoeuverable in that area I find.

Don't expect a perfect shave on the first go, I sliced the face off myself

. Once you get the hang of it you just won't go back, it really is far better than a Mach 3 shave. It is also much better for your skin if you use a badger hair brush and a decent shaving soap - my skin is much smoother now.

It'll save you a fortune too. £3.50 for 10 blades

SaBBz · 13 Aug 2007 at 21:04

Scuzi said:
Yes, the 34 is much more manoeuverable in that area I find.

Don't expect a perfect shave on the first go, I sliced the face off myself . Once you get the hang of it you just won't go back, it really is far better than a Mach 3 shave. It is also much better for your skin if you use a badger hair brush and a decent shaving soap - my skin is much smoother now.

It'll save you a fortune too. £3.50 for 10 blades

I've been using a cheapo Boots double-edged razor for the last few months and find is a lot better than the Mach 3 I used to us! I figured that a Merkur would give me an even better shave, especially when combined with a good brush and some shaving soap rather than just using shaving gel as I am at the moment.

Leaning towards the 34 now due to your recommendation

Would you say that you need a shaving stand if using a badger hair brush? I've read that you need to let the brush hang down otherwise you can get mildew and mould between the hairs.

Scuzi · 13 Aug 2007 at 21:08

I recommend the following as a starter kit -

Merkur 34 safety razor - http://www.gentlemans-shop.com/acatalog/merkur-34-razor.html#a45
10x Merkur safety razor blades - http://www.gentlemans-shop.com/acatalog/safety-razor-blades.html#a51
Edwin Jagger medium English Shaving Brush - http://www.gentlemans-shop.com/acatalog/English_Shaving_Brush_-_Medium_Best.html#a533
Taylor of Old Bond Street Sandalwood shaving soap in Wooden bowl - http://www.gentlemans-shop.com/acatalog/sandalwood_shaving_soap_2.html#a113
Taylor of Old Bond St Essential Oil Pre-Shave Treatment - http://www.gentlemans-shop.com/acatalog/taylors-pre-shave-oil.html#a101

You can get an aftershave as well if you don't have any. I like Taylor Victorian Limes

You may also want to try Proraso shaving soaps but I personally prefer Taylor.

Would you say that you need a shaving stand if using a badger hair brush? I've read that you need to let the brush hang down otherwise you can get mildew and mould between the hairs.

A stand is essential. The brush I have recommended comes with a stand icluded.

Old Wino · 13 Aug 2007 at 21:26

MNuTz · 13 Aug 2007 at 21:31

I started a thread about this a few months ago and there was lots and lots of really good info in there.

Im sure scuzi will find a link for it if you ask him nicely

"A mans razor" a think it was called, or "A mans shave"

Scuzi · 13 Aug 2007 at 21:32

Old Wino said:
Has anyone tried a cut-throat razer? Surely this would give the closest shave, and as you can keep sharpening it with a 'steel' and 'strop' (not sure I have the terminology right), no need to ever buy blades.

Also what's the correct way to do the neck? Is it up or down or down first then up. Or up first then re-lather and up again. When I say 'up' I mean against the grain.

How long do those 'retro' blades last compared to modern say Mach 3 blades?

I have a straight razor and it is a pain in the ass to do yourself. A shave with a straight razor is best done by a professional barber who can maneouvre around you to cut at the precise angle.

Shaving with a safety razor is much better as it is quicker, safer and IMO gives a closer shave if you are shaving yourself. Safety razor blades are always sharp too as the blades are replaceable. You could afford to change blade every shave too at betwen 20-35p a blade.

You shouldn't shave against the grain at any time. It causes razor burn and ingrowing hairs. Shave with the grain at all times. With a decent razor, you will get a close enough shave with the grain.

The perfect shave - http://www.gentlemans-shop.com/acatalog/perfect_shave.html

Old Wino · 13 Aug 2007 at 21:43

tom_e · 13 Aug 2007 at 21:52

ive got a futur and i find www.shavingshack.co.uk very good and well priced especially if you become a memeber and write a few reviews to get shave points which can knock at good £20 off your order

SaBBz · 13 Aug 2007 at 22:38

Scuzi said:
I recommend the following as a starter kit -

Merkur 34 safety razor - http://www.gentlemans-shop.com/acatalog/merkur-34-razor.html#a45
10x Merkur safety razor blades - http://www.gentlemans-shop.com/acatalog/safety-razor-blades.html#a51
Edwin Jagger medium English Shaving Brush - http://www.gentlemans-shop.com/acatalog/English_Shaving_Brush_-_Medium_Best.html#a533
Taylor of Old Bond Street Sandalwood shaving soap in Wooden bowl - http://www.gentlemans-shop.com/acatalog/sandalwood_shaving_soap_2.html#a113
Taylor of Old Bond St Essential Oil Pre-Shave Treatment - http://www.gentlemans-shop.com/acatalog/taylors-pre-shave-oil.html#a101

You can get an aftershave as well if you don't have any. I like Taylor Victorian Limes

You may also want to try Proraso shaving soaps but I personally prefer Taylor.

A stand is essential. The brush I have recommended comes with a stand icluded.

That's brilliant, thanks a lot mate. I'll probably change the soap for the lavender variety but apart from that it looks just the job. I'll have a look at some decent aftershave balms too as I tend to get quite bad razor rash on my neck.

SaBBz · 14 Aug 2007 at 15:43

Just purchased everything, 78 quid including delivery. I'll let you know how I get on with the 34

Scuzi · 14 Aug 2007 at 15:45

SaBBz said:
Just purchased everything, 78 quid including delivery. I'll let you know how I get on with the 34

Excellent. You won't be disappointed :cool:

Like I said before, you probably won't be impressed first time round but after you get used to it, you won't go back. Yeah, it takes longer to shave and you have to be more careful but you get a better shave, it makes you feel more pampered and I personally find it quite relaxing and theraputic.

gjrc · 14 Aug 2007 at 15:54

i always use a brush and soap. makes for a much nicer shave.

Ghosteh · 14 Aug 2007 at 15:58

I'd love to get one of them Razors, but don't think it would be worth it for my baby face haha.

Scuzi · 14 Aug 2007 at 16:00

Ghosteh said:
I'd love to get one of them Razors, but don't think it would be worth it for my baby face haha.

Think of the money you'd save in the long run!

Ghosteh · 14 Aug 2007 at 16:01

Scuzi said:
Think of the money you'd save in the long run!

well, considering I've just got a Mach 3 now, and i seriously go though about 8 new heads in a year, probably not much

Youstolemyname · 14 Aug 2007 at 16:13

Scuzi's kit recommendation is first rate. I have the exact same setup apart from geo.f. trumper shaving cream instead of the hard soap.

I only shave with my merkur at weekends though as it just takes that little bit longer to shave in the mornings when time is precious...

I find a hot HOT wet towel on the face prior to applying and oil/soap/cream improves the shave infinitely.

Squink · 14 Aug 2007 at 16:24

Those extra 5 minutes in bed are very important to me, so I normally just shave 'blind' in the shower with a Mach 3. It works pretty well since all the steam and hot water ensure the stubble is soft. I don't look too scruffy even with a few days of growth, so don't shave every day and I've not cut myself or had a shabby result yet.

Having said that, I like the look of the stuff linked here and it looks like it would be quite nice to have around for special occasions, assuming I had 80 quid or so knocking about for shaving equipment.