Thread: Which DE Should a beginner get

OK, here is a question I feel qualified to answer (I have been using and collecting DE's for years but am still to take my first straight razor shave... any day now...)

As previous posters have mentioned your best bet would be either the Murker HD or the Edwin Jagger 89L.

I have both. The Merkur is more aggressive than the EJ and I prefer the shave it gives. Having said that I have been doing this for many years and a milder razor might be slightly better for your first one.

The fit and finish on the EJ is second to none. They pride themselves on their plating with good reason. It is a very pretty razor. Murkers are good but occasionally have been criticised for patchy quality control, mainly on their plating. I haven't had any trouble with mine though.

Don't write off vintage razors, though. As the saying goes, "they don't make em like they used to." Some of the vintage Gillettes are awesome. And if you get the right blades, the single edge Gem's can give you a super close shave that feels very like a straight razor shave, or so the people in the know tell me.

So you would not recommend getting the Parker 82R TTO?
Amazon.com: Parker 82R Super HeavyWeight Butterfly Open Safety Razor and 10…

remember I'm only getting one don't have enough $$$ for more

So Should I get the:

1. Parker 82R TTO
2. Murker HD
3. Edwin Jagger 89L

only reason I bring up the Parker is both hearing a lot of good things about them and the 26 reviews on amazon where the Edwin Jagger only has 1 review :/

The EJ has less reviews because it is a lot harder to get and rarer. (And probably more expensive)

IMO I would rate both the Merkur and the EJ above the Parker.

Get the Merkur if you want a little more aggression or have a heavier beard (It is still not a crazy aggressive razor though, and probably the most commonly recommended as a first DE)

Or the EJ if you want a less aggressive one and Rolls Royce quality.

If you want more detailed reviews on both head over to Badger & Blade, where there are many reviews on both razors in the review section, and the forums have people banging on about both until your eyes bleed.

They are both very popular amongst people in the know. Both will serve you well for years. Parker... not so much.

Oh, and then you are going to have to start thinking about which blades you are going to feed the thing, as that will make a dramatic difference to the shave quality. But that is another can of worms.

Hello again, Straightnoob:

Excellent choices from everyone. The Edwin Jagger 89L is priced around $35 to $40, depending on where you go, and I think well worth it. I have seen the razor at The English Shaving Company and Best Grooming Tools. Other vendors might have them, too.

Regards,
Obie

Alright so I think Im going to get the EJ 89 just confirm I have the right razor

Amazon.com: Edwin Jagger Double Edge (DE) Smooth Chrome Handle Safety Razor: Health & Personal Care

I hope you guys know what your talking about the parker is more expansive yet still has fabulous reviews both on amazon, and the Badger & Blade website. Oh well, I hope this is heavy enough to glide without pressing and gives a good shave will see.

ALSO Any good recommendations on razors for a first time DE user?

Originally Posted by straightnoob

Alright so I think Im going to get the EJ 89 just confirm I have the right razor

Amazon.com: Edwin Jagger Double Edge (DE) Smooth Chrome Handle Safety Razor: Health & Personal Care

I hope you guys know what your talking about the parker is more expansive yet still has fabulous reviews both on amazon, and the Badger & Blade website. Oh well, I hope this is heavy enough to glide without pressing and gives a good shave will see.

ALSO Any good recommendations on razors for a first time DE user?

That's the one.

Do you mean recommendations for blades?

Most of the guys on B&B who love this razor tend to match it to feather blades. I personally would not go that route if you are new. They are too sharp and you will cut yourself too much learning. Even with a mild razor like this one.

My "go to" blades are the red pack personna's made in Israel. They are not quite as sharp as a Feather but smooth, cheap and safe. I almost use them exclusively in DE's now.

Originally Posted by Legion

That's the one.

Do you mean recommendations for blades?

Yup, I have heard feathers give the closest shaves but are extremely sharp and only for experienced users. How do you rate Dobby? Shark? etc.

Thanks for all the help guys.

Legion are these the blades you use?
http://www.amazon.com/Personna-Plati...7104799&sr=8-1

I personally recommend merkur blades. They're the smoothest I've tried.

Hello, Straightnoob:

You will prefer the Edwin Jagger 89L with the lined handle. It will give you a better grip than the chrome handle without lines at which you are looking on Amazon.

For blades, I use Feather and the Gillette 7 O'Clock "sharp edge" blades in the yellow packet. Yes, they both are sharp, but that's what a blade should be. And of course, you need to use care when shaving no matter what the brand of your blade. Might as well go, then, with blades considered by many as some of the best.

Some of the others that I have used and find passable are Derby, Personna and Crystal, among others. I did not like the Merkurs, as I found them rough. With the Merkurs, gentlemen either like them or dislike them.

Westcoastshaving.com has sample packs of several different blades. Start there for your blades. If you have more questions, please don't hesitate to ask. Good luck.

Regards,
Obie

Originally Posted by Obie

Hello, Straightnoob:

You will prefer the Edwin Jagger 89L with the lined handle. It will give you a better grip than the chrome handle without lines at which you are looking on Amazon.

For blades, I use Feather and the Gillette 7 O'Clock "sharp edge" blades in the yellow packet. Yes, they both are sharp, but that's what a blade should be. And of course, you need to use care when shaving no matter what the brand of your blade. Might as well go, then, with blades considered by many as some of the best.

Some of the others that I have used and find passable are Derby, Personna and Crystal, among others. I did not like the Merkurs, as I found them rough. With the Merkurs, gentlemen either like them or dislike them.

Westcoastshaving.com has sample packs of several different blades. Start there for your blades. If you have more questions, please don't hesitate to ask. Good luck.

Regards,
Obie

I totally agree with Obie on this one.. Try a sample pack of blades, and find out which blades will work best for you.