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Round_Technician_728 t1_iyxbzcc wrote

For anyone not s#itting money - there’s the German Mühle and Merkur. They have good standards and even the cheapest models starting at 25-30€ have great quality and will in normal use last for a couple of lifetimes.

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LaskoHolmes OP t1_iyxd5v8 wrote

I started out with a Merkur 34c. Awesome razor

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Round_Technician_728 t1_iyxm8du wrote

Cool. But what happened that you got the Rex now?

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LaskoHolmes OP t1_iyxni04 wrote

I gifted it to a friend of mine. Wetshaving is also a hobby of mine. I began saving for this a while ago!

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Turbo_911 t1_iyxhl3x wrote

The Edwin Jagger DE89 is an excellent choice as well!

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Round_Technician_728 t1_iyxjioh wrote

Edwin Jagger is a knock-off company after what I know. Just a reseller, trying to imitate being something old and bigger.

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LaskoHolmes OP t1_iyxi0bj wrote

Definitely! So many beautiful handle choices as well!

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Poormidlifechoices t1_iyzot62 wrote

I picked up a long, heavy handle and put it on a Merkur head. They are interchangeable.

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JOYCEfromNS t1_iyxz3m5 wrote

Also fairly easy to find Gillette razors from the 1st 7 decades of the 20th century they too will last multiple lifetimes (many already have) shave just as well as anything manufactured today that is readily available for pennies on (regardless of price point $40 or $400) the dollar. Also made in the USA, or for some of the prettiest razors known to man, Made in England. Most everything today is just a copycat of Gillette's offerings in the 1900's. disguised as a modern marvel

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Faeglantina t1_iyzfsoz wrote

I have a 1930s Gillette. It works well and feels super solid. If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it.

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DirftlessEDC t1_iyxy95k wrote

Also visit your local antique shops! I use to collect, restore, and sell vintage safety razors, at one point I had 80 razors with probably 70 at least being vintage and I had only one razor out of all that with an issue I couldn’t fix, basically all of them just needed a good cleaning, maybe a little oil if they’re mechanical. Personally I got rid of all my double edge razors and now only use injector razors, ones I like are from 1950’s and on. Supply razors make a modern injector razor that’s pretty awesome too for not too much

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PeeboJones t1_iyzhwyk wrote

I received a Merkur Futur for Father's Day a few years ago. It's adjustable, which I use for around my upper lip. I can't imagine needing to get something for hundreds of dollars. With that said, I'm not one of the r/wickededge people. I bought into safety razors because the blades were cheap and I originally got a razor from Maggard, a brush, a bowl, a holder, an assortment of blades and a few soaps. I settled on my favorites and I've been using it all for the better part of a decade now. After I got the Futur, the Maggard became a part of a travel kit, so it still gets used several times a year.

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WalrusSwarm t1_iz0uity wrote

The only thing that’s not “buy it for life” about the Merkur is that it’s chrome plated. While the chrome plating is very thick, if you drop it enough times on hard surfaces (over the course of ~10 years) you’ll chip the plating.
It’s still an excellent value and I replaced it with another Merkur. My blade preference for the Merkur is Astra Superior Platinum.

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Round_Technician_728 t1_iz0vprf wrote

The first time you drop it, you’ll break the head off at the thread. That’s how 95% of these shavers die, I suspect. At least the ones with a heavy handle shaft - maybe the ones with a lightweight handle survives a fall better.

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LaskoHolmes OP t1_iywu5yj wrote

This is my personal razor. It is entirely composed of stainless steel, and manufactured in the United States. A little fun fact: this is the first US produced adjustable safety razor since Gillette stopped producing their models.

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coffeejn t1_iywv8mw wrote

They are pricey, but at least it's SS instead of chrome coated. My personal driver is a feather all stainless with my secondary been a Razorock SS Slant when I forget to shave for a week.

The blades used are so cheap compared to newer razors.

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gerardgg t1_iyyzubo wrote

yeah chrome sux. you never know when it's going to start flaking and you find out when it cuts your face up. not deep cuts but they scratch you up pretty bad. if that happens you have to hit your razor with some fine sandpaper to get rid of the chrome burrs.

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colonelmaize t1_iyxe57d wrote

Adjustable is what sense? Is it telescopic (extends) or something else?

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LaskoHolmes OP t1_iyxfqod wrote

The space between the guard and blade/ top cap will increase as you increase the setting. Lower settings will have a more mild feel, while higher settings will offer a more aggressive takedown of facial hair. It serves 2 purposes; to provide a variety of options for comfort for the user, and to increase the razors ability to handle heavy hair growth.

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BriBegg t1_iyz018e wrote

Can you link a place to purchase it? I’m a lazy shaver & as a female with so much more surface area to cover this adjustable option sounds amazing.

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adamant628 t1_iz0czgi wrote

There are many less expensive options for adjustable razors. This is definitely a very nice luxury item.

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groovy604 t1_iyx07ho wrote

Googled how much these cost and wow, nearly $400. What makes it so much better that other razors of similar style?

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graywoman7 t1_iyx2zxa wrote

It looks like the standard model is $150 which seems reasonable for a made in the US, lifetime warranty, non chromed stainless steel product of this quality.

https://www.razoremporium.com/rex-supply-co-envoy-stainless-steel-3-piece-de-razor/

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F-21 t1_iyz618r wrote

Gilette Slim adjustable, made in usa, in 1961 costed 1.5$, which adjusted for inflation would be 15$ today.

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StillMadeHere t1_iz0rqa9 wrote

I'm 90% sure that's the model I use. It was my grandpas, and I bet it will outlive me too.

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F-21 t1_iz2sv11 wrote

Yeah... Just find it absurd people think 350$ for a razor is totally justifiable, and it does not even have a butterfly mechanism.

It's pretty much jewelry. I can understand why it's liked and I'd want one too, but if we're real - anything over ~100$ is pure profit for them, especially for a stainless razor where you don't even need to add any final coatings over it. Old gillettes were nickel plated brass, but made to a high quality standard so the coating did not peel off like it does on some modern razors. Economy of scale made the gillette a lot cheaper, but not 200% cheaper.

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StillMadeHere t1_iz2wj0k wrote

I'm glad someone is buying them, but I'd save money and get a non adjustable. I never adjust mine anyway. But what I really want is a US made shavette.

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LaskoHolmes OP t1_iyx47fs wrote

The cost is mainly due to the piece being produced entirely in the US. I believe 10 pieces make up this razor, each of which (with the exception of the spring inside) are CNC machined from solid billets of steel. I imagine labor is a large factor in determine the MSRP, as well as the tolerances the final product is held to. Additionally, many other adjustable razors are made using cast zinc alloy. Zinc can last a while, but once the plating (usually chrome) is compromised, it will corrode rapidly. I’ve had a couple lost to the host metal decaying over time. Usually the threads in the top cap begin decaying first. Many zinc alloy razors go for around ~$30-$60, and can last a while (which I think is still a good investment). However I believe that if I continued in that route, the cost of all the zinc alloy razors would eventually overtake the cost of this piece. Machined material offers superior grain structure compared to cast material which translates to overall durability. Fit and finish is immaculate. As for performance, this is a SUPER efficient piece. here is a video of a man practically wiping heavy growth off of his face. In my experience, this piece allows you to have a mild or aggressive shave without sacrificing the efficiency depending on the setting it is at. To me, it performs above all the other razors I have used and owned. It’s a nice feeling to know that I can execute a comfy shave with no hassle or clogging regardless of how much hair is on my face.

It definitely is a pricey piece, and I was lucky to be able to scoop one up during their Black Friday sale which kind of helps.

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throwaway827364882 t1_iyx3n6n wrote

I cannot justify the price tag...that is some king type shit

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LaskoHolmes OP t1_iyx5a53 wrote

Very hefty price tag. It’s a luxury item for sure. The models plated in precious metals are even more outrageous. I have the base SS model here and was lucky to get 25% during their Black Friday sale

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throwaway827364882 t1_izfulh2 wrote

lol even if i was rich I would still settle for Equate 98 cent pack of 12. that's just me, im cheap, you do you boo.

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edcculus t1_iyxrw9e wrote

Wet shaving. What you save in paying for cartridges, you will eclipse tenfold buying brushes, razors, soaps, creams, aftershaves, and more!

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Inevitable-Simple569 t1_iyxx732 wrote

Can confirm this is true but the shave is 20x better so I guess it’s worth it.

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edcculus t1_iyybhvi wrote

Yep, I’ve been doing it since 2006, though I definitely dialed back the GAS after the first few years. Decided to grow a full beard this past January, so I don’t even need to shave now

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NWO_Eliminator t1_iyyitr8 wrote

I make my own all natural shaving cream. No need for anything else.

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CapitalParallax t1_iyxfdvw wrote

Jesus. I got a Gillette Schick Quattro for free in the mail when I turned 18.

35 is right around the corner, and I still use it.

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NWO_Eliminator t1_iyyjgiu wrote

Used the original Gillette Sensor razor from 1991-2021 when the tongs wore out and couldn't hold the cartridge anymore. Switched to my grandfathers early 60's adjustable Slim Gillette razor I had for 20 years (he died in 2001) and haven't looked back. The blades are insanely cheap.

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commentNaN t1_iyz9pi9 wrote

Same here. Got a Mach 3 when I turned 18. Gonna be 40 next year. It's a great marketing campaign.

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LaskoHolmes OP t1_iyxhoe4 wrote

Nice! My father has a couple older handles like the Mach 3. He seems to enjoy it. Unfortunately I would always get skin irritation with cartridges!

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Express-Button-6925 t1_iyxq1fg wrote

I tried this but not a fan. Timeless Ti with 95 blade gap is the way to go for the same price IMO. That is BIFL.

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Express-Button-6925 t1_iyxqb7u wrote

It’s because the action is imprecise, and hence blade gap is uneven. For such expense I expect better at that critical spot.

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Inevitable-Simple569 t1_iyxwzim wrote

In a decade or so when my 6c needs to be replaced I’ll hopefully be in a spot to justify something like this.

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LaskoHolmes OP t1_iyypmk3 wrote

The 6c is such a good razor. I’ve got the gun metal version.

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LaskoHolmes OP t1_iyyqbyl wrote

There is a super similar razor- the Pearl Flexi. Very well made (CNC machined brass & nickel plated). It is a fraction of the price at ~$80USD. Comes with a stand and 50 blades.

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BongoTBongo t1_iz0efwt wrote

This is beautiful, but for those of us not willing/able to dish out 400 bucks let me tell you about Henson razors. Designed and made in Ontario, Canada by a precision machining company that specializes in aerospace components - made of aluminum - about $75 USD. I’ve been shaving over 50 years and have tried everything out there (except a 400 USD offering) and the Henson is my Holy Grail. https://hensonshaving.com/

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LaskoHolmes OP t1_iz0g4fx wrote

Those Henson razors are really something else. Its amazing what standards they are held to!

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BongoTBongo t1_iz0hjth wrote

At first I thought the “holds the blade at 30 degrees” thing was just marketing BS - but it really works. This is the first razor in years that has not nicked or cut me.

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WhiteWingedDove- t1_iyxzhql wrote

My guess is this thing is going to outlive you.

The 316L denotes the specific kind of stainless steel used. 316L has molybdenum in it and has enhanced resistance to corrosion from chloride and acids (very important when many municipalities add chlorine to the water during treatment).

The most common stainless steel finish, 304, isn't as long-lasting as 316 and hence why you still see rust on stainless steel over time. All stainless steel isn't created the same.

ETA: The type of steel can also go towards explaining the high cost of this razor too, as the increased nickel and molybdenum content makes 316 steel 40% more expensive than plain old 304 steel.

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ultimate_im t1_iyys939 wrote

I'm sure you know, but there is a difference between 304 and 304L, 316 and 316L as well

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LaskoHolmes OP t1_iyypfzr wrote

I would love for this to out live me. I am looking to pass it down when the time comes

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GIjohnMGS t1_iyxjs7q wrote

Great buy. I'm still rocking 70 year old Gillette's. When they die, I'll definitely consider one of these beauties.

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LaskoHolmes OP t1_iyxp67i wrote

It’s a fantastic piece I am proud to own. I think you’ll love it if you end up getting one!

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HereComesFattyBooBoo t1_iyy4hx1 wrote

I have another version of these types of razors and sadly, I hate them, went back to my regular razor. :( I found this type to be terrible for bikini line etc.

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GreenIsGreed t1_iyyy8k9 wrote

Try a Leaf! It has a pivoting head and makes for a really comfortable shave on the bikini line. I had a Merkur before and felt the same as you and switched back to disposables. No matter how careful I was I couldn't get as good a shave as I wanted in that area. I've had the Leaf for a year now, and it was a game changer. I've not even nicked myself once with it.

Edit: Just don't expect much from the Leaf blades. They're okay for like one shave before they dull. Grab some Astras or Nacets.

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BillGatesVaccine t1_iyymgu8 wrote

I have a simple safety razor like this. Pretty nice it was $200. But I have saved 100s in razor blade purchases. I usually buy a pack of 100 safety razors at about $12. I shave every day and that one pack usually has me covered for a year.

Edit: typo

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Unable_Studio_6117 t1_iyymi2f wrote

I've got a slant from Maggard Razors for a particularly aggressive shave. I think most Stainless safety razors are BIFL and can't imagine going back to disposables or electric.

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Awesome_Shoulder8241 t1_iyzh8l4 wrote

That looks like something a person would receive as a gift. It even comes with a box.

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Geopilot t1_iz0h7lp wrote

I have the Chieftain made by Vikings Blade, and it hasn't shown any signs of wear in the 3 or 4 years I've owned it so far

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Attention_Bear_Fuckr t1_iz7dl7u wrote

My Grandfather bequeathed to me an ivory handled razor and brush. It was exquisite and worth thousands. It unfortunately got lost in a house move :(

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creimanlllVlll t1_iyys6r5 wrote

I got a Merkur for me and each of my brothers. At the time I got 100 blades for myself. It’s been almost 10 years and I still have some new blades left. My brother told me he was going back to “regular cartridges” I wonder how much more he’s spent over the years.

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LaskoHolmes OP t1_iz1s58x wrote

Thank you! Unfortunately the only Merkur model I have used is the 34c.

As for being mild, the Rex razor has a blade positive exposure, so there is some blade feel. For me it is not too much or uncomfortable by any means. If I ever try a progress though I will report back to you

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big_top_hat t1_iywutw8 wrote

If it was 904L i’d be impressed.

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10Bens t1_iyxdhko wrote

Isn't that the Rolex specific alloy? It's dogshit. Designed and chosen for it's distinct "luster", it scratches like crazy. Folks over at the r/Rolex sub will tell you that they baby the crap out of their subbies/GMTs/explorers and oysters only to have scratches magically appear all over the place all the time. Probably not as much of an issue for something like a razor, but you also don't need exceptional glamor and shine from something as utilitarian as a razor.

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