Thread: Experienced SR user adding a DE

Originally Posted by lawman

I don't shave every day but, when I do, I demand a close, comfortable shave. I have a rotation of three SRs that do that for me very nicely but I'm interested in/curious about adding a DE to my rotation. I've read just enough to be thoroughly confused by all of the comments regarding open vs. closed comb DEs and DEs that are "agressive." The only thing that I'm certain of is that everyone who comments on the Merkur 34 seems to love it.

I would appreciate help on two issues. Knowing that these issues have probably already been addressed elsewhere in an earlier thread that I didn't see, feel free to point me to the thread(s) as opposed to reinventing the wheel.

1. Given my expectations of a razor as noted above and my experience with wet shaving, is the Merkur 34 a good place for me to start? If not, please comment accordingly.

2. Please point me in the right direction with regards to blades. From my reading of the forums, it appears that, even with a good DE, shaving results vary widely with the variety of blades available. Where should I start?


Thanks in advance.

I'd highly recommend the Edwin Jagger DE 89 mine is the 89L. Just a great razor. Due to work travel and my reluctance to check a bag on airlines I travel with my DE. So far TSA isn't concerned with my DE blade.

My expierence with a DE is different. I get a BSS very easily and quicker than a SR. I'll admitt I have more expierence with DEs than SRs. I still feel my DE shaves stay smoother longer than my SR shaves. I just enjoy the SR shave so much more.

Get a variety pack of blades and try them out. I like the Derby Extra blades. Yes the Merkur 34 is a nice razor as well.

One can never have enough weapon systems!

I have to agree with the variety pack approach to blade testing and recommend you get one that has Wilkinson and Feather blades included. Before I started with a SR (just recently) I had used a TTO with a normal safety bar for decades and only switched to and open comb Merkur 15c a few months ago but wish now that I had got the longer handle 25c. The open comb seemed an improvement and I think that going from SR to DE an open comb might be the way to go.

+1 on the Edwin Jagger 89. I got an LBL model off Amazon for like $35 and a 100 pack of Astra blades. I have a very tough beard and that combination of razor and blade slice through my whiskers like nothing else.

I shave with my straight razors 98% of the time. I use a DE in two situations, if I can't carry a straight razor because I'm traveling on short notice or if I have a sunburn.

DE for close shave when there is no straight razor available: Merkur 38C barber pole with a Perma Sharp Super blade

DE for sunburned skin: a Goodfella razor with a Perma Sharp Super blade, very gentle shave which spares the skin, not quite as close, of course. Extremely light for travel.

I think the great DE shave combinations actually shave microscopically closer than a well honed straight, but the straight razor shave leaves the whiskers just a touch longer and softer (pure speculation, no supporting facts). I compare it to the difference between the feel of closely cropped grass to that of a lawn which is a tiny bit taller. I think the "softer" feel of the straight razor shave mirrors the slightly longer grass cut in that comparison. There is absolutely no doubt in my mind that the "shaved skin feel" lasts longer with a straight razor shave. I can straight razor shave the night before and still be "shaved" for a workday. I can't do that with a DE shave. I need to DE shave again that day if I want to go out after work looking clean shaven. The stubble feeling returns sooner with the DE shave.

As for DE vs straights, it doesn't matter. What matters is expertise. I wouldn't bet against expertise. Ever. What a human being can accomplish with practice and attention is truly amazing. That's why I think the quality of the shave is the result of the accumulated skill, preparation and judgement of the shaver. Comparing methods DE vs. straight vs. whatever is not productive, since it all depends on the skill of the shaver and his(her) experience with the chosen method.