DE razor and blade question

Like most newbies, I'm only doing bits of my face with a straight, plus sometimes I need a faster shave. To finish off, I've been using what was left of my mach 3 blades. For only a little more than replacement blades, I can get a DE razor.

Seems like that would be cheaper in the long run, but I'm wondering if there are any pitfalls I don't know about?

Are the cheaper models any good? How long do the blades last? Are they hard to shave with?

I don't really feel like giving Gillette any more money.

Thanks,

Patrick

I'd recommend a Merkur 37C if you have normal size hands, a 39C if your hands are large. Known as the 'slant', the head is designed to do a guillotine stroke and, though scary at first glance, is a great DE shaver. It is, in the current scheme of things, reasonably priced and very well made.

For blades the Feather is about the sharpest but a sample pack of different brands is probably your best bet, as you may like one or more better than others. Blade choice is a very individual thing.

As for pitfalls, compared with cartridge razors I cannot think of any. :gl:

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Originally Posted by JimmyHAD

I'd recommend a Merkur 37C if you have normal size hands, a 39C if your hands are large. Known as the 'slant', the head is designed to do a guillotine stroke and, though scary at first glance, is a great DE shaver. It is, in the current scheme of things, reasonably priced and very well made.

For blades the Feather is about the sharpest but a sample pack of different brands is probably your best bet, as you may like one or more better than others. Blade choice is a very individual thing.

As for pitfalls, compared with cartridge razors I cannot think of any. :gl:

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That DOES seem scary. That one's not available from classic edge (I live in Canada). I guess I'll find out what the shipping costs are from SRD. Thanks for the advice!

Does anyone know *roughly* how long the blades last? I know this is going to differ for everyone, but I'd just like to get an estimate.

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Originally Posted by pitrik

Does anyone know *roughly* how long the blades last? I know this is going to differ for everyone, but I'd just like to get an estimate.

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There is no set time it depends on the blade it self and your beard. I am new to DE's I have packs of 10 different blades so far and I use them for four shaves each flipping the blade after every shave. I am only using them four times to evaluate them and then when I make it through the lot I might see how long I can run each blade.

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Originally Posted by pitrik

Does anyone know *roughly* how long the blades last? I know this is going to differ for everyone, but I'd just like to get an estimate.

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I use Feather blades when I use a DE which isn't often. That said ..... I am careful to loosen the head after the shave and thoroughly rinse the head and the blade. I leave the razor in the medicine cabinet and pick it up with the same blade whenever I am running late enough to need it. I might shave a dozen times with the same blade but I'm not really sure. Back when I shaved DE all the time maybe half a dozen and I changed it just because I thought it was about time. YMMV.

I'd spend the money and get a nice Merkur to start out.

It will last forever and blades are cheap.

Michael

Thanks everyone!

Edwin Jaggers are nice too. I use one with feather blades. Might give them a look.

i have gone through a couple of DEs and to be honest the ones i found to work the best were the ones i got from antique stores. i don't think i ever paid more than five bucks for one from an antique store. when i do use my DE i usually swap out blades every five or so shaves, they would probably last longer than that but ehhh they are cheap enough to swap out. The only downfall i can think of is that it isn't a straight. they are not hard to shave with, much smaller learning curve than the straight.
-Dan-

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Originally Posted by pitrik

Like most newbies, I'm only doing bits of my face with a straight, plus sometimes I need a faster shave. To finish off, I've been using what was left of my mach 3 blades. For only a little more than replacement blades, I can get a DE razor.

Seems like that would be cheaper in the long run, but I'm wondering if there are any pitfalls I don't know about? ...

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YES. If you use a DE like a cart, you will get a nasty surprise. You have to learn how to use a DE just as you are learning how to use a straight. If you use pressure to shave with one like you do a cart, it could take your face off. Your best razor and blade combination are found by trial and error, but you need to look at some DE shaving videos and learn proper technique. Just a heads up. :gl:

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Originally Posted by pitrik

That DOES seem scary. That one's not available from classic edge (I live in Canada). I guess I'll find out what the shipping costs are from SRD. Thanks for the advice!

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Try Fendrihan. they are located in Oakville, On i get almost all my supplies from them.

I will definitely watch some videos. I ended up going with an Edwin Jagger from classicedge.ca.

I didn't really want to spend more on the Merkur progress, so hopefully it will be good enough. I've heard good reviews.

I use a Merkur now, but if your are not going to use it that much try this one: Amazon.com: Wilkinson Sword Classic Razor + 50 Double Edge Blades (10 Packs of 5 Blades): Health & Personal Care

The razor is some kind of plastic but it works very well and the blades are good, too. Mine was working great when I retired it. I just wanted something a little better. As for blades, when you use up the Wilkinsons, get one of those samplers and try them all.

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Originally Posted by pitrik

I will definitely watch some videos. I ended up going with an Edwin Jagger from classicedge.ca.

I didn't really want to spend more on the Merkur progress, so hopefully it will be good enough. I've heard good reviews.

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I started out with vintage Gillettes DEs and Schick SE, but my first modern DE was the Edwin Jagger. It's a good razor. You should try an injector razor sometime. I use a Schick injector sometimes for touchups.

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Originally Posted by pitrik

Like most newbies, I'm only doing bits of my face with a straight, plus sometimes I need a faster shave. To finish off, I've been using what was left of my mach 3 blades. For only a little more than replacement blades, I can get a DE razor.

Seems like that would be cheaper in the long run, but I'm wondering if there are any pitfalls I don't know about?

Are the cheaper models any good? How long do the blades last? Are they hard to shave with?

I don't really feel like giving Gillette any more money.

Thanks,

Patrick

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I'm a fan of this r89 and their 'popular' blade sampler. I've settled on a few blades that really work for me and they give you 5 or 10 of each so you can really try them out. The various blades do make a big difference in the shave.