Is this a good beginner razor? I have used a shavette that uses de blades and have been getting consistently good shaves with it and wanting a safety
2009177
This razor is very nice for fit and finish quality. I actually ordered it as my first de razor, but found it a bit too short with the handle length the whole razor barely covered the palm of my hand. I actually ordered and use to this day the Merkur HD I liked the barber pole handle length and weight. I prefer the closed comb and recommend you check into the differences in closed and open comb before ordering a razor.
2009178
Very nice razor. It is small in size keep that in mind you might want a longer handled one if you have big hands though I have No problem. Also this is one that you take apart to change blades like the original. That is a plus though since it stays much cleaner.
2009179
Merkur razors are considered the best in the market (or one of the best) 42c is an entry level Short handle razor). It's a classic design that has been made for a very longtime time. Simple design, 3 piece razor that gives you nice control. With the US dollar extremely strong shaing the euro we are seeing 5 year lows on prices.Time is now to buy these razors! They will not be this cheap much longer
265702
There are many techniques for DE Razor shaving. There are excellent beginner guides over on the Badger & Blade web forum if you want starter information.
1005989
it doesn't give a shave as good as a shaver, but it gives clean shave when you combine it with another razor, like the wahl balding razor. you should be okay if you use both.
45787
This is a very important question as it relates to worth of this razor. The best I can answer you is that it certainly does as good as multi-blade razors and if you prep correctly it does a much better job.
2097783
This razor is a much better razor than the double or quintuple bladed kind both in terms of cost and quality of shave. this is especially true if you use a shaving brush and shaving soap, these will improve the glide and decrease irritation, this decrease in irritation will result in fewer problems for the skin. It must be noted that at first there is some learning curve and some small cuts are possible, but with attention and experience you will be able to avoid all these issues. I would never return to cartridge shaving, this is cheaper and better.
653806
I gotten up to 10, but then I switched to another brand of blades to try them. I think at about 10 for my beard was the limit. I've only returned to DE shaving since mid-December, and I've tried 4 different brands. The Feather and Wilkinson Sword seem best for my needs. I have friend who has been using DEs for decades, and he says he gets them to last a long time, but he did not define the length of time.
674539
My wife bought me the Braun 390CC-4 shaver since I have very sensitive skin and have never been able to shave with a safety razor without breaking out. I get a very smooth shave with the Braun and heartily recommend the "clean and renew" feature. It really does a great job of keeping the unit in topnotch shape shave after shave. Every shave is like having a new shaver!!!
394013
Any Double Blade (DE) razor. The brand does matter. Just do a search for safety razors. Don't spend a lot of money on one either. I am currently using a Parker butterfly safety razor. I am happy with it.
2083953
I bought the razor for my husband as we as extra blades and it took him a while before he used it. Finely he watched a video on YouTube that showed him how. You have to do several passes for a close shave but there are less nicks and cuts, and no razor burn. They also suggest that you use a shaving soap instead of a cream. It makes the blades last longer. Good luck with it and I hope this helped you out a little.
1188155
My Norelco shaves really really well with new blades . . . .for about 2 months. I mean . . . . as good as a Gilette power 5-blade razor. But then the performance falls off pretty quickly. At 3 months, I'm debating on whether to spend another $40 on new blades or go back to the Gilette. It's my only disappointment in Norelco razors.
1906252
Ditto on the other responses..... A great razor....blades last a long time!!
999151
I think its an awesome shaver . It shaves really well and I love using it. It would be hard to use any other kind now. it shaves very well and I use baby oil with it . clean cut is a great product
1395335
I have to admit that when i first starting using it, my hand would cram a little because using a safety razor you should hold it a certain way to get a good shave. After about 3 months of shaving I have no issues. I cant speak to the longer version aside from using the standard bic that most people use today. I bought it for compact. There are some good youtube videos out there that can probably give you a better answer. Good luck, its a great razor!
2258453
I've been blade shaving for as long as I've been shaving (I'm 68 yrs old). I tried a few electrics but I never got the close/clean feel of a blade. I also used a Mach 3 but will have to disagree with you about the inexpensive blades. That's one of the reasons that I decided to give this wet/dry a try. Being total honest I don't think it gives as close of a shave as a blade but by the same token it dosen't remove as much skin either. As far as cost, I have owned my wet/dry since Dec. 09 and I just replaced the foil and blades at a cost of 50+ dollars. It helped a little speeding up my shaving time but I think the old foil and blades could have gone a few more months. I don't think your thinking is wrong it's just that everyone's different and has their own opinion. Watever works best for you is right.
1506953
Had mine just over three months. I use it with hot water and hand soap. The blades are definitely less efficient than they were, although still better than my last razor.Out of the posters on this thread, three indicate a life of 3-4 months... Interesting. Guess I'll try the "Tom's brushless cream".J. Thayer, how old are you and how hard is your beard?
1110131
I have both (bought the ES8103S first), and the ES8243A is by far the better shaver for me. My 60+ year old face has some tough hair growth and getting a close shave was always a dream, until the ES8143A.A shave does take me 4 to 6 minutes due to some tough under chin areas so I only get 3 to 4 shaves per charge but for me it is worth it. I get up to a year on the foil/blades before I have to replace them. Unfortunate the foil/blades are so expensive. The shaver is 4 years old and going strong.
151737
I wouldn't switch to a DE if I were you. I actually just switched from a DE. First of all you have to be extremely careful with them because it's extremely easy to cut yourself. It actually to me a few weeks of cutting myself before finally learning how to use it properly. Also with DE razors the blades only last for 1-2 shaves then you have to switch it out. Considering that and how often you will have to buy more blades it's actually more expensive. Overall I'd say to just stay with a more modern razor.