Merkur 34C and the Edwin Jagger DE89 sit right in the middle of that curve between mild and aggressive making them likely choices for the beginner.
Razor blades are the most intimidating choice when getting started. There are so many options that it is almost impossible to choose. Russian or Indian? Stainless steel or platinum-coated? The sharpest or the smoothest? The best way to sort through all the options is to try a sample pack found on Amazon. Unfortunately, the only way to know if a blade works for you is to try it. To make matters more confusing, blades will work differently in different razors. So, once you have found a blade that you like, stick with that blade and razor combination for a while to get your technique down, and then you can start experimenting. If you absolutely need one razor to start with, I would recommend the Astra Superior Platinum blades. They are fairly sharp blades, but the platinum coating helps keep your shave a bit more comfortable, and I have never really heard someone make a complaint against them.
If you want to start an argument, as a group of traditional shavers if they recommend a pre-shave treatment. Some think using a pre-shave oil is a waste of time and money, others think it’s a crutch and take some of the skill needed out of the process and still others think it helps to get a better shave. I, personally, tend to have a closer, smoother shave when I do use a pre-shave. The only pre-shave I use is the Proraso Pre-shave Cream. This is an excellent product made in Italy since 1948. I have used oils in the past and have always found them to be too heavy, and they do not mix well with my skin. This Proraso cream, however, is light and not oily. It provides a great level of slickness that helps your blade glide across your face. If you are going to try a pre-shave, this is the first one to try.
Start with a boar brush. There are many wonderful badger brushes. The problem with badger brushes for people new to wet shaving is that a quality badger brush will cost you. Now, I am not saying don’t ever buy a badger brush, but, for now, I would start with a boar brush from Semogue or Omega. I personally like the Semogue 1305. A boar brush will take some additional time to break in compared to a badger brush, but it will only get better with time, just like your shaving.
Just like razor blades, your choices in shaving creams and soaps are virtually unlimited. I really like the Cella Shaving Soap from Italy. Cella is a soft soap making it extremely easy to lather, but it provides excellent protection during your shave too. If you don’t want to try a soap, but would rather start with something more familiar. The shaving creams from Taylor of Old Bond Street in London cannot be beat. Taylors makes excellent quality creams in a variety of scents. I always recommend the Sandalwood.
The only product on which I must insist on buying for anyone starting out with a safety razor is an alum block. It also happens to be the least expensive product. Just wet the alum block with a little cold water and run it over your face after you shave. The alum will help soothe any razor burn and it will also stop any nicks from bleeding. It acts as an astringent and an anticoagulant making it the perfect tool for any new shaver.
Finally, choosing an aftershave is almost as personal as choosing a cologne. While the scent will not last as long as cologne, how you choose to smell is a very personal decision. That being said, I always recommend the Geo. F. Trumper Skin Food. It’s unscented, so it won’t clash with any cologne you are wearing. Just a few drops will help heal and protect your skin after shaving. My normal post-shave routine consists of using an alum block followed up with the Coral Skin Food. It never disappoints.
There are so many product options available in the world it really is intimidating and can even turn some people away from learning this new skill. I invite you to visit Tailor and Barber with any question, advice or comments you might have regarding the world of shaving, style and gentlemen in general.
Regards,
Tailor and Barber