Van Der Hagen Tradition Safety Razor Include 5 Premium Blade

DISCLAIMER: I am somewhat new to DE shaving - a few months. This was my first razor and I have since also acquired Merkur 37c Slant and Merkur 15c Open Comb. I still think this is a great first razor, especially if you can get it under $20. I ended up buying another one for about $15 from Amazon Warehouse Deals - either as backup or to give to a friend to try. On the other hand I have several straight edge razors and have started that over a year ago. I loved it, but when I'm in a hurry I can't take the care it takes, so I decided to get a DE.1. The ripoff companies that make cartridge razors have lost me forever. I am not coming back. With straight edge I usually only indulged myself when I had a leisurely morning, not in a hurry anywhere (but that's rare). This DE razor is actually easier and faster than a cartridge, because once you fill up the one side you flip it over and continue, twice as long before rinsing. Shaves closer too. This was the smoothest shave I ever got (mind you, I'm still learning with the straight edge and while they shave great, it's not as easy to finesse the difficult spots - chin, upper lip. Plus I am still learning to hone/strop).2. EVERYTHING is a gimmick! Pivoting head - a gimmick. Multiple blades - gimmick. Rubber guides - gimmick. And ESPECIALLY the aloe strip - was specifically developed to create a psychological perception that it's time to change blades (heard this one was in a business school case study). One of these DE blades lasts a long time and blades are dirt-cheap, even the premium ones.3. I was concerned that this razor is made in China, but it feels very solid. And I liked that it has guides underneath the cutting edge (aka "safety bar") - it's not like a free blade, not like straight edge. My first time shaving with it I had zero cuts/nicks. The handle is a little short, but it's just a matter of getting used to it. It's probably even better when you need to use it upside down, under your nose, etc. FWIW both my Merkurs have even shorter handles - by another quarter-inch.4. I got mine from Target, twenty bucks, just because I wanted one "today" and it was cheaper than most decent razors on Amazon.5. I expected that the butterfly opening would be worse than the usual twist-off handle (like my father had), but it's a solid mechanism. A pretty good design because you won't lose parts, won't drop anything down the sink, etc.I just came across an article on Fortune.com: "How long does a razor really last? Gillette comes clean". In it they talk about Gillette's new ad stating that their Fusion cartridge will last "5 weeks". Yeah, right. But even if it did AND even if they gave them away free, I would still continue using DE. And if you like simple math: if you shave daily AND throw away your DE blade every time, 5 weeks worth of shaving with Astra blades will run you about $3.50 (or even a tad less). A Fusion cartridge costs $4 - IF you buy in bulk from Costco. But typically those Astra blades last 4-6 shaves :)UPDATE 06/10/2015: went back and used this razor again, with Astra SP blade and Williams Mug Soap. Good shave again :) After using my two other razors, which also happen to be mild, the only comment about this one: it's not aggressive. And if you know the difference between aggressive and harsh, you'll know that a little more aggressive can be good. It was a good shave, but buffing just took a few extra passes (and minutes), but on the plus side: no irritation/burn/bumps. At some point I'll try it with Feather, Wilkinson Sword and Merkur blades.

I have used this razor for 2 weeks. I am new to this kind of shaving and like others razor burn for the first few days. Once I got the angle and technique figured out it works fine, I like a close shave so I need to go over 2 times with it. I started with the blade that came with it, nice for my face. I also got the 15 blade variety pack to see what blade(s) work the best. If I can get a month out of each blade I will have about a 20 month supply of blades. A lot sharper than the disposable ones that only last a week and then are completely dull. Great investment!!!UPDATE: I have been using this razor for awhile now and I, too, have had the same problem with it getting to the point of not being able to open it. If you sterilize it like me with alcohol, the alcohol disperses the lubrication off the shaft and causes it to open hard. Just buy a can of 3 in 1 oil for a few dollars and put a drop on the shaft [after removing blade] work it in, and it will be fine. I keep my 3 in 1 oil in medicine cabinet right next to razor and put a drop on after sterilizing or if it starts opening hard. Cheaper alternative than buying a new razor which if you sterilize you will probably run into the same problem. Love the razor, great shave. found feather blades to be the best for my face...UPDATE 2/21/2020: I am still using this razor 5 years after purchase, I still use 3 in 1 oil after sterlizing with alcohol and as needed and I have no problems with it being hard to open as long as I use the oil as needed on it. I still love the razor...

I would have given this product 5 stars if the handle was a bit longer. I am so used to using the razors with longer handles that getting used to this particular one will; take a short time. The shorter handle makes the razor easier to handle. Be prepared for the shorter handle when you order this quality razor.It is so hard to clean the razors on the market right now because of the multiple blades used in them & they are expensive as we all know.I forgot how well these safety razors worked way back when.They give you a very smooth shave every time & are very easy to clean. No more beating a razor on the sink to clean out a multiple blade razor! Sure, you can order so many other safety razors at very high prices,but why? The price of this razor is so much lower than some of the others out there but it works just as well. You do get 5 replacement blades with this razor & Van Der Hagen is a quality name from Germany. I paired this razor with a Van Der Hagen luxury shave kit which includes a brush/razor stand,cup & one shaving soap. This kit costs around 30 dollars but there are more expensive ones out there. Do not listen to the reviews of the shaving snobs who have more money than good sense who claim that you need to spend a bunch of money to get an outstanding shave. I am very particular about what I shave with & I could have spent more money on these type of products, but why?

I was hesitant to go back in time to the “safety razor” I finally decided to buy this razor and give it a try. So far I do see why all the purists stay with this or a straight razor. The shave IS far closer than the expensive cartridges I’ve used all my life. With practice I think I’ll be packing away my “modern” shavers including the Norelco. Using this fine razor and inexpensive Wilkinson blades I have been getting a much closer shave for one tenth of the price. I highly recommend trying a better way from the past. One blade is all you need for a clean close shave.