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Thread: looking for a DE

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    Default looking for a DE

    I know this is completely an opinion question, but I'm open to all suggestions. What is a good DE razor for someone whose never shaved with one? I do use a straight but am now obsessed with all things,not cartridges, shaving. Any comments will be considered and appreciated.

    Ronny

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    Senior Member Cove5440's Avatar
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    My personal go to is the Merkur slant, when I'm not using a straight.
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    I like my Edwin Jagger DE89 "barley". It's fairly mild, safe even with Feather blades.

    If you want something _really_ mild, the Weishi (aluminum, made in China, and around $12 including postage) is a good choice.

    I also have (and have used) a Gillette Tech. They're inexpensive on the used market, and work OK. But since I got the EJ, the Tech hasn't been used much.

    . Charles

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    It's All about the Groove... KeithS's Avatar
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    I started with a vintage long handle Gillette adjustable before I went to single edge razors, then to straights. The Gillette is a good razor and it gives me a good close shave with multi passes, but many guys consider them pretty mild. I don't know as I only have the Gillette for a DE and then went in other directions before acquiring multiple DE's.

    I will still shave with it for kicks now and then. Funny, when I first started non-cartridge shaving, the DE blade took some getting used to. I was setting it on 3-4 then. After adjusting to the single edge and then a straight, the DE is permanently set on "9" and I don't even feel it, it feels so mild.

    Just to help your RAD a bit--If you're really looking for a nice shave from a safety razor. Look for a patent 1912 GEM, GEM Jr, Every Ready, or STAR single edge. These 100 year old razors give a nice close shave, are easy to handle, and come close to resembling the shave you can get with a straight. I use my 1912's for travel razors so I don't have to carry a strop on the road and I can shave anywhere. You can find them regularly on ebay. Keep an eye on a bunch of them and grab one that's falling through the cracks and not too expensive at end of auction. They can also be had at local antique shops from time to time.

    Enjoy!

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    All of the suggestions above are good. I too like my EJ89Barley, but I would suggest a Gillette super speed. If you can get a 40's model (pre-1955) that would be cool, but all of them are great first DE razors and any of them will last a life time. You can get them for less than $20 bucks on a pretty regular basis on the bay and there's not much that can go wrong with them. Many also like the tech.The GEM or Gem Jr. 1912 was made for decades and they are available cheaply too and work great. I love my straights, but for travel I usually pack a DE. GL.
    Last edited by oldsCool; 02-18-2012 at 01:45 PM.
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    The Assyrian Obie's Avatar
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    Hello Ronny:

    The British Edwin Jagger razors are fabulous, not only in their workmanship, but also in the silky way they shave. Muhle of Germany produces their shave heads. Muhle razors are also exquisite. The Edwin Jagger 89 "barley" is a good choice. There are other models of Edwin Jaggers and all superb.

    The Parker 92R and 99R are both TTO (twist to open) and quite mild. They are similar to the Gillette Super Speeds from the 1950s an the '60s. You'll do well with any of these razors.

    Merkur's 34C HD is a little razor and quite popular. It is a touch more aggressive than the Edwin Jaggers. The 38C "barber pole" is also popular.

    If I were starting out with the double edge razor, I would choose the Edwin Jagger 89 "barley." It's a beautifully balanced razor and well worth the try as your first razor. Of course, what strikes your fancy is what matters.
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    Senior Member blabbermouth Theseus's Avatar
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    A big +1 on the Gem SE razors. I have three 1912, a Micromatic open comb, a 1912 Damaskeene and a 1912 Gem Jr.
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    Junior Member StephenPGrasso's Avatar
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    I stated with a Merkur 34C and then picked-up a Gillette Milord on eBay for $11.
    Today was the first day using he Milord with Merkur blades and it was a really nice shave. I tried a 7am blade in my 34C nd didn't like it at all. I don't think you can go wrong with a vintage Gillette.
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    I own the merkur progress as well as a few other gillette's and a weishi.....I love the merkur out of all....I'm sure you would too as a beginner...it is a bit on the pricey side though...a weishi might be a great choice for a start razor

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    The Merkur 34C (HD) or its big brother, the 38C Barber Pole, would make a fine first razor and have for many people. There are also a good price and readily available.
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