Thread: First DE shave. Whoa.

While waiting on figuring out the whole 'honing thing' of vintage straights, I decided I should not go without a proper shave. After all, how can I tell when a straight is working well if I have never had a proper shave of any kind.

I picked up an old brass Gilette DE at the flea market, wiped it off, picked up some blades (Rite-Aid brand chrome offbrands) and went to work. Holy crap! Best shave I ever had and easy too. Only the absolute tiniest of nicks down on my chin. How on earth did the big companies ever manage to market cartridges as 'better' or 'faster'? It was so smooth I thought at first that I put the blade in wrong or something.

So a big thank you to all the info here that made the moment possible.
Salut!

Yeah when I first started shaving with DE I pondered that same question. I try telling everyone I know to start shaving with a straight, but when they don't go for it I tell them about DE's. If you only buy one razor and a year's worth of blades it is very economical and a super good shave. People don't know what they're missing!

the de is my new favourite toy.. i got a merkur 34c for $35 bucks and i just purchased 100 derby blades for $15.. i get way better shaves than any mach3 or fusion or whathaveyou.

Whenever I'm having an off day with the straight I always go back to my Merkur 37C (Slant) and/or the Muhle R41. In fact, finding new DE/blade combos is thoroughly rewarding.

Before coming here I was using the DE for a long time. Picked one up Garage Shopping about 20 years ago.

Get some Feather blades, much better than drugstore off-brands.

Well, I've just had my third shave with a DE today. Merkur 34c HD. Love the razor, however, the first shave had a days break between the next two, and after having two consecutive shaves using the Merkur blade provided, I ended up with a razor rash.
I may have been a little heavy handed with todays shave, but I decided to dump the blade anyway and put in a Derby to try, next will be an Astra, followed by a Treet and then finally, if I get that far, a Feather. When I land on a combo that suits me I'll order a 100 pack. That should last me for several years since I mainly prefer the Cutthroat.
I did make a basic leather case for my Merkur today though...Gotta look after my babies, The CT's have a little wooden stand that I made for them.


Mick

Hey Mick,

In my experience, the Merkur blades are very hit-and-miss, however, the Derby's and Astra's are fine blades. I also recommend the Gillette 7 O'clock series, especially the "Sharp Edge" and "Permasharp" blades. The Red Israeli Personna's are great blades as well.

I live in Sydney and I've got no problems sending you some blades as a sampler pack of sorts.

Thanks APeltzer, I was actually thinking of getting the Merkur 34 HD Slant sometime soon (Like I need another razor!) from MensBiz.com, and was going order some of the packs that they didn't include in the variety pack I've received from them already. Thanks for the kind offer all the same, most Gentlemanly of you.

Best regards,
Mick

100 pack o derby blades? Where can I buy some? I paid 7 for 15 crappy Rite-Aids.

My recommendation is to go here Sample Packs

buy a sampler pack and see what's the best for you. I personally love the blades that you are looking to buy but just becuase its right for me means zip for you. My face is so forgiving that I could do this job with the broken edge of a glass bottle and it would come out great. In fact I have done that, came out great. Shaved with a common kitchen knife also came out great. The reason that we don't shave regularly with the broken edge of a glass bottle or a common kitchen knife is that they are weighted wrong dang thing kept rotating.