Thread: First DE and now I have questions

OK, maybe I posted this in the wrong location. I put it under the General forum.

Can anybody answer my questions?

Originally Posted by KindestCutOfAll

Alright, I won a Shave Kit, courtesy of sharpologist.com[/URL] (thanks guys). It's from The New York Shaving Company[/URL]. It includes a tub of their Tonsorial shave cream, a pure badger brush, a DE razor, and a bottle of their Tonsorial aftershave balm.

I have been a SR shaver for about 9 months now and love it. I want to take a crack at the DEs also. I researched on SRP but cannot find alot on the New York Shaving DE.

I understand different razors and apparently blade combinations shave differently. Here are my questions.

1. Anybody have experience with the NYSC DE?
2. What blades do you recommend for a DE?
3. If I become affected with DEAD (gosh that sounds bad), can anybody recommend some vintage DEs?
4. Any comments or comparisons with the NYSC shave cream?

Note: Don't label me a Heretic. I am still a religious followers of the SR faith. I am just thinking of when I sleep late on a work day, fly and don't want to risk my precious SRs, or all the razors in my rotation are suddenly an inexplicably dull and no time to hone before I shave.

Thanks in advance for your input.
Jim

I can answer #2 and #3.

I have had my best results with Shark Chrome blades, but you'll get plenty of additional opinions here.

As far as vintage DEs go, you could start with a Gillette Fatboy. They are adjustable.

There is a whole other universe out there concerning DEs. There are loads of vintage brands and many new production brands, so many I couldn't even begin to tell you. You're better of going through the forum and reading them in your spare time. As to blades I like feathers I think they are the sharpest except with an open comb razor. Then they are too aggressive.

I completely appreciate your thinking; I too started with straights before dabbling in DE. Now, I feel like I get the best of both worlds; the craft, reward, ritual and results of Straight Razor Shaving AND the ease, craft, ritual and results of Double Edge Shaving too. I am about evenly split, and enjoy each equally but for different reasons. I do appreciate that I can turn to my DE's when I'm pressed for time, and still get an amazing shave. I adhere to the thought that I am a wet shaver, and embrace all that encompasses.
The NYSC DE's look to me like Timor designs, although I always thought Timors were Wieshi rebrands. Competent razors as I see, but I've never tried one. Seems like NYSC re-boxes them and adds $4 to the going price--again I'm speculating.
Experiment with blades, as they vary quite a bit. Find what works for you. Like straights there's a universe of variation and for me the entire experience has been all good! Enjoy!

2. I use Wilkinson Sword ($1 per 5 pack) because I get them cheep and they work well.
3. When I DE shave, I choose my '71 Gillette adjustable (set to 3) got for $10 at local curio shop
Ymmv
Like said above, much good info already here for you to read
GL!

Probably a good idea to get a blade sampler pack like Bullgoose and West Coast Shaving and others sell.

Ok, a sample pack it is.

I'll order a sample pack. I found one with feather and other blades (about 40) for about $20. Since I usually shave with a straight this should last me about a year. After they are gone I should have a preference in blades.

Any thoughts on adjustable versus non-adjustables?

Since I haven't had any input on the NYSC shave cream and balm, I'll post a review after I try them.

Thanks to all of you for your input.
Jim

You cannot go wrong with a Merkur 34C. It is not vintage, but it gets the job done.

Originally Posted by oldsCool

Probably a good idea to get a blade sampler pack like Bullgoose and West Coast Shaving and others sell.

+1 on the sample pack....

And do check out the local Wallmart or Target. They
contract buy unmarked DE blades and if you get lucky you can
get some good blades. When you find some good ones
get some extra promptly because in six months it may be a new
maker.

I have some that are as smooth as some of the well considered blades
but the price is way less and no shipping and handling.

My input is that if you already have the 34C , non adjustable, I 'd go for an adjustable next.if your only source for vintage is the eBay, I'd not risk your 2nd purchase on something pricey that may or may not work. I'd stick with the Merkur and buy new. A Futur or a Progress.