BadNews said:
PDubb, can you post a link to a decent "double edge" razor so I know what I should be looking for? Also, how much do I want to spend to make sure I get a decent razor?
Thanks in advance!
I purchased Set #1, and I am very happy with it:
http://thesuperiorshave.com/Safety_Razor_Gift_Sets.html
The Merkur 34C is a highly recommended razor, especially for those learning to use DE razors. I am very happy with it. You can get a very different shave simply by changing the razor blade itself, so it is good to find what works best for you. The set provides 10 blades from 3 different brands. I really like the "Feather" blades (Yellow package).
There are many different brushes to choose from, but the brushes in these gift sets are pretty nice. I think it is a great value.
The shaving cream itself in this set is ok. Nothing too special, but it's good enough to not make the set a waste. I am, however, looking forward to getting a better cream once I run out. I've heard very good things about the cream in Gift Set #3.
So, Set #1 is $125, free shipping. And in that, you are getting a razor you can use for life, a brush you can use for roughly 25 years if taken care of properly, 30 razor blades, and shaving cream (well, shaving soap, actually) that I have been using for 3 months and still have 3/4 left. I think it's a much better deal than getting disposables and overpriced cans of horribly made "shaving cream".
But like I said, it does take more time to shave. The process takes me about 15 minutes to create the lather and actually shave. There is also a learning curve to DE razors, and some important techniques you need to learn, or else you can really hurt yourself. It took me about a month to become really comfortable with it, and I'll never look back now.
If enough people are interested, I may start a thread with some tips, techniques and good links, so that we don't completely hijack this thread!