Thread: Warranty and expected longevity of modern DE's

Hi guys,

I'm on the hunt, for a modern, lifetime razor.

I really like the idea of having something years from now I can pass along, but I'm a little uneasy about the new batch of modern DE's.

I have four in mind, actually a fifth thats a pipe dream but an obvious one.

I've tried an Ej DE89 and liked it a lot. I'm also looking at the Goodfella razor which may be my top pick. the new three piece merkur with the black handle has cought my eye, but I'm afraid of the finish.
I'm still considering a parker, but wow, the 91r I had was a skin remover. And I guess as a fifth, the Feather SS.

I know the Goodfella claims a lifetime warantee, and seems like a good all arounder with a decent price. Do the EJ razors have a similar warantee? Any idea on the feather?

I figure I dont want to have to return a razor because the finish died on me, but I like a company that feels strongly enough about its product to stand behind it.

Any thoughts, suggestions for a razor that will go the distance?

P.S. I'm only 33, if I was 93 it wouldnt be as hard a decision. lol.

Thanks again fellas.

Ryan

I dunno about going the distance but DEs are fairly simple mechanical devices and manufacturing faults, if any, should show up quickly on a new razor. The major part that wears is the blade and those are replaced when dull. I am not sure the finish on them will last 50 or more years in pristine condition with constant use. Then again will a company be around 50 years from now, in this day and age that is iffy. I currently use a Gillette Fat Boy bought used and is likely the better part of 50 years old and it still shaves great. The finish is still darn good but not pristine too. Just a long winded way of saying a new current production DE razor from a reputable firm should do most if not all you want from it.

Bob

I suspect that the chrome plate on my EJ DE89 will be perfect when I die -- but I'm retired already. My Gillette Tech (nickel-plate) may also outlast me, and it's 50 years old already.

If you want a "guaranteed-forever" razor, buy something that's made of stainless steel -- a Weber, or one of the others.

From "Sharpologist":

But what, exactly, does the razor buyer risk? The razor is a simple three-piece design: no moving parts, nothing to break. You get the whole thing and it’s complete in itself and will work for so long as the steel endures and blades are available. Once you have the razor, the manufacturer becomes irrelevant: you don’t need to get anything more from him. You don’t even need a manual—at least I didn’t get one with my Weber and had no trouble using it. An example of highly successful “orphan” razors are Gillette razors from the period 1930-1960: enormously popular once again and now widely used, with no support at all from the manufacturer.

A razor isn't like consumer electronics.

Charles

I can only speak for the two new DEs I have...a Parker 22R (gave that away because it wasn't my style), and my Feather SS. Love my Feather and I can tell from the manufacturing quality and material that this thing should last a few lifetimes in my opinion.

I also have a few vintage Gillette's and they too look and shave great despite their age. I think it's a matter of how well you take care of them. Proper drying and cleaning.

Also, I think anything with a gold finish would likely wear inevitably. Could stand true for black...

Thanks guys. that gives me something to chew on. Its a shame Merkur has lost some of its reputation. I think its the 30C thats really cough my eye. I may go back to an EJ. Theyre just so damn hard to beat. I think its a toss between it and the Goodfella.

I think the worst that could happen is the threads could wear if you are not careful. However if you take good care if it a DE should last indefinitely except of course gold plate which will wear because it's soft.