Thread: I'm Liking the look of DE Razors Lately

Just came across this thread. VERY interesting discussion going on. Just thought I'd throw my hat into the ring as well.

I'm a week-end straight user as well. Still trying to get the hang of it....but it's a ton of fun in the learning process. Anyhow, I'm a big vintage DE fan and have a size-able collection. But my two favourites are both Gillette OC's - a 1928 new improved from their "Richwood" set and a 1938 Senator. I use the Gillette 7 O'clock Super Platinum Black "Ninja" blades from India. Usually can get a BBS with 4 passes.





I have recently acquired a Single-Edge Ever Ready "Lather Catcher" from around 1912 (I think). Holy Cow!! I got a great BBS shave on 3 passes. Got a few weepers, though, by not paying close enough attention.

Well, I finally did it. I had my first shave with a DE razor.

Maybe starting with the supreme Lorenzi Gold blades was a little pretentious, and it can be that it didn't allow me to completely understand what I was doing, but after trying the shavette type of razor, the Wilkinson Empire, the Mach 3 and Wilkinson 4, and every kind of grind on straight razors, I think I have at least an idea of the evolution of wet shaving through the last 2 centuries.

My face had about 20 red points on it before I cleansed the soap, but all of them were gone by the time I applied Floid on my skin. Probably it was due just to my total lack of experience. It struck me how easy it was to get a real smooth skin with a single pass!

My personal preference keeps on going to the old wedge str8s from before 1860, but i have to say that while using this DE I was surprised by the easiness of shaving. I did just a single pass (really!) to get a result that was better than a superficial (read "fast") shave with a str8. Also, I must say that the improvement from this kind of shave to the one given by a Wilkinson Quattro is less than half of the one from a hollow ground str8 to a DE.

This is true if we consider the result only. The ritual itself is quite dry, not so different from a Mach 3 one, just you use a brush instead of a spray can. So I think this device is not proper to the man who wants to enjoy his own time with himself, like most of the members of this forum seem to me to be.

I will keep the DE shave as an opportunity to shave fast and well in case of particular needs, although I love my Wilkinson Quattro with battery operated mustache trimmer at the bottom.

But I'll go on with my old style razors. For the best things we can do, are those that make us happy.

Mauri,
I agree with your points about the ritual being 'dry'. Using a DE, for me, at this early stage, does lack some of the awe of using a straight. Last night I shaved with my Klas Törnblom AND my Mühle R 89, using the Mühle for the second ATG pass. One COULD say that is the best of both worlds, however, I'll continue to use a straight every day except Saturday, which will be DE day.

PS, looking at the nice vintage DE razors around I predict I'll weaken and buy one sooner rather than later to add to the new Mühle...

Carl

Originally Posted by AFDavis11

I like these Parker 22Rs.

I quite like mine, though it did take some time to warm up to it. They do have some known QC issues, but it's nothing you can't work around with a bit of experience.

Originally Posted by carlmaloschneider

Mauri,
I agree with your points about the ritual being 'dry'. Using a DE, for me, at this early stage, does lack some of the awe of using a straight.

It might seem that way at first, but that will quickly disappear when you get the perfect razor/blade combo that gives an undeniably outstanding shave.

Yes folks, they can be right up there with straight shaves....

The Merkur 34G looks quite nice, but maybe a vintage gold plated would be nicer? Just for touch-ups only...

I have the 34C and have to say I like it. Still want a 'GoodFella' though.


Mick

Originally Posted by carlmaloschneider

The Merkur 34G looks quite nice, but maybe a vintage gold plated would be nicer? Just for touch-ups only...

actually I like the silver better )

Originally Posted by bjmoose01

Just came across this thread. VERY interesting discussion going on. Just thought I'd throw my hat into the ring as well.

I'm a week-end straight user as well. Still trying to get the hang of it....but it's a ton of fun in the learning process. Anyhow, I'm a big vintage DE fan and have a size-able collection. But my two favourites are both Gillette OC's - a 1928 new improved from their "Richwood" set and a 1938 Senator. I use the Gillette 7 O'clock Super Platinum Black "Ninja" blades from India. Usually can get a BBS with 4 passes...
...I have recently acquired a Single-Edge Ever Ready "Lather Catcher" from around 1912 (I think). Holy Cow!! I got a great BBS shave on 3 passes...

Wow, I like the first and second one, the second one is MASSIVE!