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Peas
Dec 31, 2014
Is this a good product for someone who wants to ditch the Gillette razors that cost me a bundle?
cbbrowne
114
Dec 31, 2014
PeasIt ought to be. I'd be inclined to suggest something with a "comb" like the GoodFellas razor (which is what I mostly use) to start with; you'll likely cut yourself less with the "comb" arrangement.
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Mind you, I began with a Merkur Futur, which is pretty similar in blade arrangement to this.
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If I'm uncareful, "side swipes" can cut me up pretty good :-(. I will probably resist this one, as the GoodFellas along with Merkur Futur and a Merkur 45 Bakelite seem like they're about enough razors, but it's definitely tempting. If I didn't have the first two razors, this one would be super-tempting.
FYI, you'll need more blades eminently soon. I recently got a 100xpack of Feather blades from Amazon for ~$40 which ought to last me several years to come. There probably ought to be a Massdrop for DE blades.
takeshi
37
Dec 31, 2014
cbbrowneA comb doesn't really make one less likely to cut oneself. DE's without combs still have guards. A comb is just a slotted guard.
whacko
253
Jan 1, 2015
cbbrowneA comb-style guard doesn't make you less likely to cut yourself. I don't even know why you would think such a thing. The main difference between a comb and a razor with a solid guard bar is that the comb is less likely to clog when shaving off a longer beard.
kingping
107
Jan 1, 2015
cbbrowneCareful on the "cut yourself less with the comb" recommendation; the real arbiter of "aggressiveness" is blade exposure, not comb alone. The more aggressive razors in my collection (of about 20) are all open comb. My Muhle R41 open comb is one of the most aggressive double-edge razors available, and one I would not suggest starting out with one. Conversely, an Edwin Jagger DE89 series razor is a great starter razor--and easy to use. This razor seems similar to the more forgivable "safety bar" style of razor. I assume this Standard is anodized aluminum? Aluminum is not considered a quality metal for DE razors generally--chromed brass and stainless steel are usually preferred. I don't know how long the black finish will hold up. Ultimately this looks like an OK choice, although for the price point there are many options in the open market. Your Futur is a fairly unique and well regarded razor in the DE world. Salud!
kingping
107
Jan 1, 2015
PeasPeas- the short answer is "yes." The longer answer can be seen in my response to cbbrowne's post either above or below. Absolutely make the move to double egde and a shaving brush and soap. See badgerandblade.com for starting advice or get a copy of Leisureguy's Guide to Gourmet Shaving. Enjoy-and watch out for RAD! (Razor Acquisition Disease!)
Yggdrasil42
28
Jan 2, 2015
cbbrowneI love the Merkur Futur. It's the least aggressive razor I own (and is adjustable if you like it more aggressive) and its significant weight makes it easier to use than my Merkur HD. The only downside is the big head, which makes shaving under the nose a bit tricky as well as a precision trim around the sideburns. Still my favorite from the ones I own (Merkur 34 HD, Merkur 37C slant, Merkur Futur, Weber DLC), although I wouldn't mind advice for a good slant razor. The Merkur 37C is a too inconsistent for me (one side is more aggressive than the other). Merkur quality control isn't always great I hear so it may be just mine.
I also use the Feather blades with them. Extremely sharp, so take care with your technique if you're new to DE shaving. For a beginner I would suggest getting a blade sampler pack, available at many webshops, so you can try multiple brands. Try each one for a week or so to give yourself time to adjust. Blades can be a very personal thing so don't be afraid to compare them.
Yggdrasil42
28
Jan 2, 2015
PeasI have not tried this specific razor, but a double-edged (DE) razor is definitely the way to go. They give me great shaves and the blades are very affordable. Combine them with good shaving cream, preferably with a badger brush although a good canned foam is still a better option than the stuff you'll find in supermarkets, and you'll get smoother shaves for less.
It'll take a few months to get used to the technique, for example you'll need to use far less pressure than a cartridge razor. I would suggest starting with these 'Getting started' video's by DE expert Mantic59: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL2DB6D82F52BA7608
Another good beginner's razor is the Merkur 34C (also known as the Merkur HD), which is about $38 and well regarded. This Standard looks a bit nicer though (I hope the black doesn't wear off), and the included stand is a nice touch.