My big stack of cartridge razor blades has just run out and I’d like to replace it with something less wastefull, and from what I hear a safety razor gives a better shave too.
From what I can see there’s no big difference beyond personal preferance on ergonomics, but are there any brands to avoid? Any well regarded? Can I just get anything? Anything I might not have thought about?
FYI there’s a whole Lemmy instance for wetshaving. If you don’t get enough answers here, swing by !wetshaving@sub.wetshaving.social
Edit for some more info:
We have a wiki with a hardware section, and you should also check out the beginners section. https://wiki.wetshaving.social
Since this is a BIFL community, you’re probably interested in a razor that will last you a long time. In that case, you’ll want something made of stainless steel, brass, titanium, or aluminum.
Most of those options are expensive, with aluminum being the most affordable option for new, modern razors.
Vintage razors are an EXCELLENT way to get a great, BIFL razor that will last generations. Search on eBay for Gillette Tech. They are very affordable, and if you’re picky you can just keep an eye out for one that looks nice. Even if the plating is worn off, they are made of brass and will last forever.
Gillette Tech has another advantage, in that it’s widely regarded as being relatively mild (good for just starting out), but also good at shaving. Mild razors can sometimes come with the downside of not providing a very close shave. Trading comfort for efficiency. With a Tech, that’s not much of a problem.
If you’d prefer a new razor, I’d actually recommend starting with one of the many Zamak razors available, figuring out what you like, then getting something more expensive. The starter kits in the wiki have decent razors to get you started. I also like to recommend this Baili on Amazon. It won’t last more than a few years, probably, but it’s a great starter razor (I still enjoy using it even as an “experienced” person).
You gotta decide if you want a fixed blade or adjustable, adjustable will cost more and have a higher learning curve but can give a closer shave. I like Merkur, but I’m sure there are other good brands. I started with a cheap fixed and then replaced it with an adjustable a few years later.
https://slrpnk.net/post/4377634 crazy that this lemmy community is old enough and big enough that we can refer some new posts to related older posts now.
Whoo, go fediverse!
Yessss
There is a dramatic difference between razors of different cutting efficiencies (basically, how much of the blade is exposed). Someone with light facial hair and sensitive skin would likely benefit from a milder razor to prevent needless skin irritation. There’s also designs that mimic the experience of a cartridge razor, such as the Hansen razor (makes it very hard to irritate or cut yourself even without learning safety razor techniques).
Walden’s recommendation of a vintage Gillette Tech is a good one, but if you have your grandfather’s razor, that indeed would be the best place to start, as it’s likely just as good as anything you could buy now.
