Hi, I would like to have some opinions and proposals concerning a first purchase of a safety razor, I thought of a Merkur Futur 701 Chrome, is it a good choice? Is it the best in its price range? I also wanted to get feather blades, regarding the badger I had thought of a Kent Infinity, but if you know of a better one for 30 € maximum I'm in it. Concerning the products, (shaving soap and eau de toilette) I had the idea to get them from Martin de Candre, Penhaligon's, Castle Forbes, Proraso or Tobacco. Thank you in advance for your answers and have a nice day.
First purchase questions
- Thread starter Kilmeny
- Start date
Namely that I'm pretty confident about my choice of razor and blades, but the brush I have doubts, I think I can get better for a budget of 30euros (unless I'm wrong?). The shaving soaps I hesitate between those :
Rustic Shaving Soap Vegan & All Natural (by Tobacco) or Formula T Shaving Soap made with Shea butter & Tallow (by Tobacco brand again)
or shaving cream with sandalwood and cedarwood scent from Castle Forbes or Potted shaving soap, Proraso white line with green tea and oats. (which one you suggest for instance among them ?)
, are they qualitative or would you have better products from other brands (that's possible) ?
Rustic Shaving Soap Vegan & All Natural (by Tobacco) or Formula T Shaving Soap made with Shea butter & Tallow (by Tobacco brand again)
or shaving cream with sandalwood and cedarwood scent from Castle Forbes or Potted shaving soap, Proraso white line with green tea and oats. (which one you suggest for instance among them ?)
, are they qualitative or would you have better products from other brands (that's possible) ?
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Sean
Active member
Hello Kilmeny, welcome to the forum.
The brush is a very subjective element of shaving. I’m still pretty new to this, but before I bought a brush, I familiarized myself with the different kinds of bristles. Kent is a well respected brand, but be sure you know what to expect with synthetic versus natural knots. If synthetic is what you want, take a look at the Muhle brand as well. If you aren’t set on synthetic, then compare some badgers. I bought a Parker silver tip and I like it...but it was a little more than your stated cap.
If you opt for a natural badger knot, look into the different grades of bristles. “Best badger” isn’t the softest.
If you plan on “face lathering” spend enough on the brush to get a good experience.
The brush is a very subjective element of shaving. I’m still pretty new to this, but before I bought a brush, I familiarized myself with the different kinds of bristles. Kent is a well respected brand, but be sure you know what to expect with synthetic versus natural knots. If synthetic is what you want, take a look at the Muhle brand as well. If you aren’t set on synthetic, then compare some badgers. I bought a Parker silver tip and I like it...but it was a little more than your stated cap.
If you opt for a natural badger knot, look into the different grades of bristles. “Best badger” isn’t the softest.
If you plan on “face lathering” spend enough on the brush to get a good experience.
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I've edit my post following your remarks, and yep as i said i prefer to buy a artificial brush because, in the first prices of natural badgers (and the top of the range as well i supposed), I don't know how badger breeding to take the fur, so the time to inform myself more on the subject (edit : The little I've read about farms (especially in China) for the moment is not in favor of animals, which reinforces my desire either to move towards the artificial brush (despite the pollution it causes), or to turn to hair from pigs for example (I saw a brand that uses it with pigs raised in full and fed with acorns for example). btw I heard about the Muhle badgers which also seemed interesting to me, one model in particular that you advise me ?).
Concerning the shaving creams/soaps that I proposed, they seem good or for similar prices you have other products much more qualitative (these are around 20/30 euros except the Proraso which is only 5 euros for 150 grams).
And according to you, the after-shaving is it really necessary ? Thank you again in advance for your time.
Concerning the shaving creams/soaps that I proposed, they seem good or for similar prices you have other products much more qualitative (these are around 20/30 euros except the Proraso which is only 5 euros for 150 grams).
And according to you, the after-shaving is it really necessary ? Thank you again in advance for your time.
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Jdchambersjr
Well-known member
Hi Kilmeny,
My first set up was a Parker TTO (Twist to open), Williams mug soap (not recommended), a Tweezerman Badger Brush and Aqua Velva aftershave.
The shave soap you are calling "Tobacco" is made by WSP (Wet Shaving Products). "TOBACCO" is the scent. Both the Rustic and the Formula T versions are great. The Rustic is vegan. The Formula T is Tallow based. It is a very good artisan soap.
The others you mentioned are also good. I used Proraso early on as well. It is a very nice italian shave soap. It is quite affordable. Another Italian choice is RazoRock with tons of scents. Martin de Candre (French) is quite expensive (especially here in the US) but it is an amazing triple-milled soap. A large jar will give you a years worth of shaves.
Let me also recommend some of my favorites: Soap Commander, Crown King and Phoenix Artist Accoutrements (all American) and Saponificio Varesino (Italian).
As for British offerings, G.F Trumper and DR Harris have fine offerings as do Crabtree & Evelyn. The creams are easier to lather.
German soaps are also decent. Tabac had been around for years and has a strong following.
There are a ton of fine inexpensive brushes around. Whether you prefer Badger, Boar or synthetic is a personal choice that will develop as you enjoy the hobby.
Merkur makes fine razors. Look for one that is labeled "mild" to start with. I used a Merkur HD 37 for a while and enjoyed it.
I will leave you with a word of warning. You stand on the edge of a deep rabbit hole.
I started 10 years ago (to save money). I now own hundreds of shave soaps and aftershaves. I love the variety. I enjoy trying new offerings. I own 25-30 DE (double edge) and SE (single edge) razors and the same number of straight razors.
As for aftershaves. That is one of my favorite parts. I love Alt Innsbruck and Sir Irisch Moos. The former being a Tobacco scent and the latter a fresh Fougère scent.
Hope you enjoy the hobby.
John
My first set up was a Parker TTO (Twist to open), Williams mug soap (not recommended), a Tweezerman Badger Brush and Aqua Velva aftershave.
The shave soap you are calling "Tobacco" is made by WSP (Wet Shaving Products). "TOBACCO" is the scent. Both the Rustic and the Formula T versions are great. The Rustic is vegan. The Formula T is Tallow based. It is a very good artisan soap.
The others you mentioned are also good. I used Proraso early on as well. It is a very nice italian shave soap. It is quite affordable. Another Italian choice is RazoRock with tons of scents. Martin de Candre (French) is quite expensive (especially here in the US) but it is an amazing triple-milled soap. A large jar will give you a years worth of shaves.
Let me also recommend some of my favorites: Soap Commander, Crown King and Phoenix Artist Accoutrements (all American) and Saponificio Varesino (Italian).
As for British offerings, G.F Trumper and DR Harris have fine offerings as do Crabtree & Evelyn. The creams are easier to lather.
German soaps are also decent. Tabac had been around for years and has a strong following.
There are a ton of fine inexpensive brushes around. Whether you prefer Badger, Boar or synthetic is a personal choice that will develop as you enjoy the hobby.
Merkur makes fine razors. Look for one that is labeled "mild" to start with. I used a Merkur HD 37 for a while and enjoyed it.
I will leave you with a word of warning. You stand on the edge of a deep rabbit hole.
I started 10 years ago (to save money). I now own hundreds of shave soaps and aftershaves. I love the variety. I enjoy trying new offerings. I own 25-30 DE (double edge) and SE (single edge) razors and the same number of straight razors.
As for aftershaves. That is one of my favorite parts. I love Alt Innsbruck and Sir Irisch Moos. The former being a Tobacco scent and the latter a fresh Fougère scent.
Hope you enjoy the hobby.
John
Wich is the price of the Muhle "Fibre" Silvertip ? Can you share me a link in private message if possible please ?
Hi John !
First of all, thanks for you long post, concerning Martin de Candre, you said "A large jar will give you a years worth of shaves.", what do you mean by large jar ? A jar of 200 grams ? Because i'm French so the prices are lower than the US. For a jar of 200grams for instance, i have to pay 44euros.
You also said "Look for one that is labeled "mild" to start with", that's why i want to buy the Merkur Futur, since it is adjustable it's perfect to start and then if need be increase the exposure of the blade no? For the price of 70/80 euros it's a very good razor see one of the best in this price range we agree ? Concerning the two after shave that you've proposed, the first one is available on amazon france but not the second one with the fresh fougere scent. Did you know some other good brand potentially available in my country ? I can try aftershave from Martin de Candre or Proraso if they make after shave product ? (i'm open for others suggestions as i said)
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Jdchambersjr
Well-known member
Kilmeny,
The Merkur Futur is a great place to start. I own one and highly recommend it for the very reason you mentioned.
Yes. The 200 Gram jar will give you 300+ shaves easily. It takes very little of this awesome soap to produce a beautiful slick lather. Here in the US it is very costly because the shipping adds about another 30 euros. Nevertheless, I have three jars in the Original, Rose and Vetiver scents.
There are many good aftershaves in the european market. I like the inexpensive CHH Tobacco very much. Unavailable here, but prevalent in Germany. Proraso makes fine aftershaves in their original (eucalyptus) and in a sandalwood scent. RazoRock (Italy) makes some very nice aftershave scents that are quite inexpensive. A lot of this choice depends on whether you want to use the aftershave as a sort of EdT or if you prefer it to fade away quickly. Another great option if you can find it is Floid (Spain) - I have their Vigoroso, Suave, Black and Blue versions.
You might try to find a shaving group that is European-based that will have more insight into what is available over there.
Have fun!
John
The Merkur Futur is a great place to start. I own one and highly recommend it for the very reason you mentioned.
Yes. The 200 Gram jar will give you 300+ shaves easily. It takes very little of this awesome soap to produce a beautiful slick lather. Here in the US it is very costly because the shipping adds about another 30 euros. Nevertheless, I have three jars in the Original, Rose and Vetiver scents.
There are many good aftershaves in the european market. I like the inexpensive CHH Tobacco very much. Unavailable here, but prevalent in Germany. Proraso makes fine aftershaves in their original (eucalyptus) and in a sandalwood scent. RazoRock (Italy) makes some very nice aftershave scents that are quite inexpensive. A lot of this choice depends on whether you want to use the aftershave as a sort of EdT or if you prefer it to fade away quickly. Another great option if you can find it is Floid (Spain) - I have their Vigoroso, Suave, Black and Blue versions.
You might try to find a shaving group that is European-based that will have more insight into what is available over there.
Have fun!
John
I would like rather an after shave to use as a sort of EdT, while knowing that I not only want it to last quite a long time in terms of scent but that it also has benefits for the skin, so I don't know which one would suit me best in the ones you mentioned? Knowing that it doesn't matter if it's Tobacco, Floid, RazoRock or Proraso I think I can get them easily. Concerning a shaving group that is European-based, do you know any or not at all?
CBL Soaps are not available in France unfortunately, whether on amazon france or on french brands/stores, that's why i will probably pick among Tobacco, Martin de Candre, Floid, RazoRock or Proraso i think.
Regarding the shaving soaps, i'll probably choose between Martin de Candre and the others brands that all of you have cited, after shave aswell and brush i will looking from Muhle and Kent only i think. I think it's already enough in terms of choices/brands, I have to stop worrying too much about my head
drmoss_ca
Is there a Doctor in the house ?
I've had a couple of Merkur Futur razors (gold and brushed chrome), and liked them, but not so much as to use them often. Most people say the Progress is as good or better, and I think it might be cheaper. To be honest, I would recommend a Merkur HD as a first razor. I know, it is not adjustable, but you have to have a few years' experience before you will appreciate why that is a good thing. Making it simple lets you learn the basics. Making it complicated makes it harder to learn the basics.
If you like Kent brushes, there is nothing to be said against the BK4, but I have no experience of Kent synthetic brushes. A boar brush from Omega is quite a different matter, but also good, cheap, and does not involve Chinese cruelty.
Martin de Candre is a soap with which I have a complicated history. I could never make it work up a good lather, but lately either my water has changed or the use of finer badger brushes has made a difference, and I find it OK now. If you like the scent, no one I know of has ever said anything bad about Tabac soap, which should be easy to find in France.
If you like Kent brushes, there is nothing to be said against the BK4, but I have no experience of Kent synthetic brushes. A boar brush from Omega is quite a different matter, but also good, cheap, and does not involve Chinese cruelty.
Martin de Candre is a soap with which I have a complicated history. I could never make it work up a good lather, but lately either my water has changed or the use of finer badger brushes has made a difference, and I find it OK now. If you like the scent, no one I know of has ever said anything bad about Tabac soap, which should be easy to find in France.
I just talked to Chris at CBL and he says he ships to Europe.. He ships a lot to Switzerland and he can ship to France too.. He said... " The shipping costs for 8-30 ounces runs about $24 "
The futur is a good razor, but some people have a problem with the size of the head, they have said its a little big for getting the hair under the nose..
What is your price range concerning the razor? I'm surprised no one mentioned a Yaqi brush because you can get a very nice brush from them with Many choices of knots and handle designs..
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