razor choice

[Tim B]

If you are right at the start of DE shaving, try the Wilkinson Sword Classic razor. It's only around £4 from Boots and possible other stores. Or Boots own brand of DE razor. Both these can used for holidays or travel as they are cheap and light, and not a problem if lost.

The Boots razor does give a close shave, but is very light to use so avoid the temptation to press.

I used the Wilkinson Sword Classic razor for several years in the 1990s. It is fairly light, but the head threading can wear out easily.

A first 'proper' razor would be an Edwin Jagger, priced from £21 up to £70; but the Barley handled razor for £26 is a good choice. Merkur also do some good inexpensive razors, and lots of other brands are out there as well.

For open comb razors, the Merkur 25C gives a close mild shave.

The English Shaving Company stock Edwin Jagger razors, and a few Merkur and Muhle razors. There is also Connaught Shaving Supplies who have more extensive stocks of Merkur, Muhle, as well as other brands.

I tend to prefer heavier long handled razors and I use mainly the Edwin Jagger Chatsworth Barley (not to be confused with the smaller barley handled razor for £26). The Chatsworth range, as well as the Plaza range have larger handles but the prices are higher.

 

[Fido]

If you are someone always looking for the "right" thing, there are no short cuts. You need to try examples of different types of razor. If you are prepared to settle for something that will do a decent job and not too interested in a lot of research, a Merkur 34c or one of the cheaper Jagger razors will serve you well.

 

[geezer]

The razor that is very popular would be the EJ DE89 range with a choice of handles. They are a two piece razor (head in two parts with separate handle) and very well finished chroming. The Merkur HD 34C is shorter handled and a two piece razor where the end of the handle has an adjustment knob to free the top cap of the head.

Probably would advise the EJ for its finish and longer handle and aggressiveness similar to the Merkur as well as being a bit cheaper than the Merkur.

Should you not like the razor they do hold most of their value here or on ebay.

Weber ARC/DLC from America is all stainless but rarely in stock and cost is about £50 plus customs fees if you're unlucky enough to get caught. That gets good reviews too but as you're starting out you may not want to splash the cash at this time.