Thread: DE Choices...Can only be just one.

Considering the EJ DE86, the Merkur 43C and also the Merkur Progress and the Futur if it's really worth the difference. Thoughts, gentlemen?

I have been using the MERKUR HEAVY DUTY DOUBLE EDGE SAFETY RAZOR - 34C for two years. I really like weight and overall size. It is very simple. I am sure that you cannot go wrong with the ones that you have listed. I believe you can get the same quality shave at a lower price point. Learning on a razor without the bell and whistles might be the easiest approach. Good luck.

I think I would favour an adjustable as a first razor or only razor. Bring an adjustable you can use it's mildest setting while learning to shave with a DE and as your skill/technique improves you can progressively use more aggressive settings for an even closer shave if you want to. In the same manner you might be able to find a setting that works best for different brands of blades. With a fixed DE you might find a brand that you can't tolerate. Adjustable DEs have easier blade replacement due to being TTO and not 2 or 3 piece designs. I would also throw another razor in as a suggestion, the vintage Gillette Fat Boy adjustable. If you keep your eyes peeled at garage sales you just might find a good one cheaper than on the bay.

Bob

Is this for your first safety razor? You really can't go wrong starting off with an adjustable.

If you want adjustability in your razor, then the Merkur Progress is the razor to go with imho.

If you want a well-made aesthetically pleasing razor then the EJ DE86 would be my choice over the Merkur 43C.

I had a Merkur Futur, but found it way too bulky for my tastes, even though it was, like the Progress, adjustable.

Merkur Progress w/ long handle. I'm also looking at the shape and texture (or lack of any texture) of the handle for grip.

Originally Posted by HaiKarate

Merkur Progress w/ long handle. I'm also looking at the shape and texture (or lack of any texture) of the handle for grip.

I have to admit that I'm thinking a lot about the Progress Long. Makes a lot of sense.

I have the Merkur 43C which is their heaviest and love it, since the weight of the razor does the work, whereas on my other DE (a Parker and a vintage Gillette) hey are lighter, so I tend to use pressure to compensate, thus getting a less comfortable generally less satisfactory shave, closeness wise.

I'll second, with qualifications, the choice of an adjustable as the first and only DE .. now for the qualifications.

So, the qualifications, in no particular order ..

While the adjustable allows you to dial in your comfort/closeness level, most folks find that one magic setting and stay right there. On a Fatboy, mine is 6, on a Schick Type M Adjustable, it is 8, on a Futur it is 2.5. The vintage Gillettes are of far superior construction to the Merkurs, and if you look can be had for less coin. The Progress isn't recommended, there is actually a guy somewhere who specializes in fixing flaws on the factory ones - hence the "Mergress". I had one, sold it. Fiddly and with pot metal construction compared to plated brass ..

A basic Merkur, though of the same rather dodgey materials, holds value pretty well and can be a decent middle of the road DE. Ditto the Jagger with it's higher finish & pricetag.

BobH has the right idea, a Fatboy is the Most Wanted, but a newer Gillette Slim or Super Adjustable usually goes for less and will give all the benefits.

Just a little more about people finding that one setting on an adjustable and staying there. I used to have my Gillette Fat Boy set at 6 also using Astra SP blades. That is until last week when I set it to the 9, most aggressive, setting and found that after 2 years of daily shaving with a straight had taught me how to shave with a light hand. Light enough to make using the 9 setting no problem. I am waiting for some more aggressive blades to come in and I will dial it back again for those initially then work up again. One of the benefits of an adjustable.

The only new DE I own is a Muhle R41, not recommended for a beginner being very aggressive, and the handle on it is not very grippy and too light. The handles on most older vintage Gillettes are far better for gripping with better knurling. Another non adjustable vintage Gillette that is a TTO is the 1940s style Super Speed. Very nice shaver and not too aggressive. It too can be found cheaply at yard sales as can the Fat Boys.

Bob