Thread: To DE or not to DE

I started shaving with a Straight a little more than 2 months ago. Un like other members I did not start with DE's and move on. I have recently become curious about them and am considering purchasing one to use when I am in need of a quick shave and can not dedicate the time and focus I normally do to my straight. I would like to completely swear off my fusion razor but i still use it to shave my head as im not ready yet to make a go of it with my straight. I wanted to know if anyone could tell me the difference and uses for the flat style looking DE's vs the ones that have an edge that looks like a comb and if there are distinct diffrences in the replacement blades used with each. Oh and are DE's and safety razors the same ? Not to mention any other relavant info you might have for me . What might be a good one to start with ? Thanks.

Hi,
I occasionally use a DE when I'm pressed for time. I have a few, but the best one for me is a late 40's/early 50's Gillette super speed--Very good shavers and easy and fairly inexpensive to acquire. BTW: DE's are safety razors (there are also single edge safety razors too).
You might want to check out the Shaving with Safety Razors topic below too. There are lots of suggestions and good advice there.

The open comb types are much more aggressive and some feel they get a closer shave and some feel the increased chances of cuts isn't outweighed by the additional closeness. For a beginner I'd get a quality closed type.

DE and safety razor are one and the same, interchangeable terms. And if they interest you why not pick one up? Since you have some experience with SR's the transition to DE's should be fairly easy. Trust me, once you get the technique down for both DE's and straights you will never use a cartridge or disposable again.

As for a beginner model many will recommend a vintage Gillette. Nothing wrong with that, but if you want a new model I'd say go for a Merkur 34C or it's larger brother the 38C.

I'll second the Merkur 34C. I've had one for a few years and it's solid and well built. Nothing wrong with a vintage DE if that's what you prefer, but at around $30 for new it's more a preference thing than an affordability one.

The safety razor is very handy to have, as you can still get blades at drug stores. They're not great blades, but it means you can fly with it and pickup blades at your destination.

Another current-production DE razor I keep hearing about is the Edwin Jagger DE89 (there are several models with different handle treatments). I don't have one, but others like them.

For a new, very inexpensive DE razor, the Weishi (Chinese, aluminum) is a decent choice. it's very mild -- unlikely to cut or give you razor burn, even with Feather blades.

Lord and Parker DE razors are also available, cheaper than the Merkur and Jagger.

So you have a good choice of new and vintage razors. Compared to a straight, _any_ DE razor is a piece of cake to shave with. IMHO, of course.

charles

I have a 38c from Merkur and it gives me nice shaves when I use it. I also want to pick up a Gillette Fatboy at some point.

I got a question regarding DEs. If you only use it once in a blue moon, when your in a rush, will the blade need to be replaced each time? In other words, how big a concern is the rusting of the blade? Also on the other end of the spectrum, if I use it every day how long does the blade last typically and is there any storage prep?

The Weishi is way to mild in my opinion. Most people at Badger and Blade also thinks so. Most of the people who have tried weishi have been unable to get a bbs shave with a Weishi. In my opinion, Lords are not that good of a razor and should not be trusted.
If you decide to get a parker, get a newer parker. The older ones had very terrible quality control. They have improved the quality of their razors since 2011.
To a beginner, I would recommend Merkur HD or Edwin Jagger DE 89L or feather popular (feather's plastic TTO razor). The feather popular is a great razor however, it is plastic. If you want the feel of a real DE razor, go for the Merkur or Edwin Jagger.

Originally Posted by Knife

I got a question regarding DEs. If you only use it once in a blue moon, when your in a rush, will the blade need to be replaced each time? In other words, how big a concern is the rusting of the blade? Also on the other end of the spectrum, if I use it every day how long does the blade last typically and is there any storage prep?

Modern blades are coated and should not need to be replaced each time provided you give the razor a shake out and hang it up to dry, as it is the blades are cheap enough (yes, even here in Australia, they are cheap if you know where to look) that you can replace the blades frequently without it being too much of a burden. How often will depend on the user. I replace mine after every fourth shave. I use a Cut-throat as my main tool and use my DE maybe once a week. I clean the razor thoroughly every blade change, with an old toothbrush and toothpaste and that's it. I believe Obie takes it to a much higher standard though, but I'm pretty rough as guts and blasie about it. I just do the basics.


Mick