Thread: Experienced SR user adding a DE

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.

Like you, I tried a DE after using straights. It was fun to see the difference but I didn't put the time in to get a shave like I do with straights. Neat little razors though.
As far as the blades, most places sell a sampler pack (like SRD, or royalshave.com, etc). Usually comes with 5 or 10 different brands so you can try them out.
Another option is to grab an older Gillette off eBay. There are literally hundreds or thousands probably at any given moment. They can still be had for $15-20 easily. Good luck!

Originally Posted by RoyalCake

Like you, I tried a DE after using straights. It was fun to see the difference but I didn't put the time in to get a shave like I do with straights. Neat little razors though.
As far as the blades, most places sell a sampler pack (like SRD, or royalshave.com, etc). Usually comes with 5 or 10 different brands so you can try them out.
Another option is to grab an older Gillette off eBay. There are literally hundreds or thousands probably at any given moment. They can still be had for $15-20 easily. Good luck!

A big +1 on the "older Gillette"; I'd be curious if the OP is shaving with "older" straight razors, or new/custom ones.

Originally Posted by JBHoren

A big +1 on the "older Gillette"; I'd be curious if the OP is shaving with "older" straight razors, or new/custom ones.

+1 to JBHoren

Have had a great time with my Gillette Aristocrat I got from E-Bay for $50...some old time shaving!!

I would third the vintage Gillette motion. An old Super Speed, Aristocrat, or Tech would all provide a nice comfortable shave.

I think it is going to be pretty hard to get as long a lasting shave with a DE as with a straight. The only DEs I have that give shaves close to lasting as long as a straight shave are 2 old open comb Gillettes and a new Muhle R41. They are considered aggressive DEs, I believe, and demand good technique or you pay for it in irritation, nicks and cuts. The vintage Gillette closed comb, safety bar, Techs that I have will shave close and are milder so give a comfortable shave more easily but the shaves don't last quite as long for me.

There is another option in adjustable DEs that allow you to adjust the amount of blade exposure/aggression to suit your needs and the type/make of blade you are using.

The type/make of blade you use depends on what you wind up liking the results from. A sample pack of a variety of blades is available from vendors so you can experiment to which one suits you. Me, I like Astra SPs and Israeli Personna Precision blades but that does not mean you will like them.

Another new Made DE that gets a lot of praise is the Edwin Jagger DE 89 series. Might be worth looking at reviews of those too before making a decision.

Bob

Thanks to all who have replied thus far. That gives me something to work with.

I agree with BobH on the Edwin Jagger DE89 series. They are great shavers...are they gonna shave as close as a straight? Probably not for most, they do for me. I'm not a real aggressive shaver, I go for comfort.

I have also used many of the old Gillette and many of the new Merkur and EJ, and Muhle.

If I use a DE it is the Muhle 89. I beats my Merkur, Gillette and Feather DE razor holders.

While I'm still pretty much a noob, I find that with my Razorock DE and a decent blade I get the same closeness that I do with my straights and due to the fact I have one of those multigrowth patterns on my neck I actually get a closer longer lasting shave on my neck with the DE. Probably because with the narrower blade profile I can cut cross grain without nicking the fat rolls.