Thread: Advice on DE choice for a straight-shaver

I find a Gem or Injector to be closest to a straight razor shave--and they are cheap on the auction site. I got a NOS Gem for only $20. However, if you don't want vintage, you can choose something like the King Cobra, Mongoose, or BBS-1 as they use the Kai or Feather single blades. But be prepared to pay since they sell for $150+.

I also have the EJ89 that was my first step into traditional wet shaving. Great DE, but it gets very little use from me, anymore. I have a Merkur slant that I prefer as a new DE.

Try Maggardrazors fire new in the very affordable range

I have an EJ 89, Parker 24C and Parker 22R (TTO). I started with the EJ89, then got the 2 Parkers. 22R is my least favorite, but I also use it the least, so I haven't really gotten to know it yet. Started with the EJ89 and it did very well, but then I got the 24C Open Comb from Parker and love it! Get a sampler pack of several different blades to see what works best for you. GSB, Feather, Kai, and a few others really irritated my skin. Gillette 7 O Clock Super Sharp Yellows and Shark Super Stainless are my 2 go to blades now, I can go thru 4 or 5 shaves w/o any issues!

I am a fan of the Mühle R41, R101 and R101 (identical open comb head design with different handle) razor family.

The aggressiveness of the current models is overstated IMO and these razors give me (with Feather or Astra blades) a shave that comes closest to a straight.

At about 12 mins, it takes me less than half the time of a straight shave and the Mühle remains my default DE razor if I absolutely can't find the time for a straight shave.


Between the time for a DE and straight shave, I also use the Feather AC DX, which gives me a straight shave, but I can do away with the preparations.



B.

Originally Posted by Phrank

I knew I woke up for a reason....look better than a vintage Gillette....HAH!!!!....the Edwin Jagger is a wannabe...really...well, back to bed now....glad that nightmare is over!

OK, ok Phrank.

A brand new EJ, and a brand new Gillette. I'd take the Gillette. I guess my 4 are just old and beat up, but I love the way they shave. I grab my two fat techs more than my EJ.

And your right about EJ being a wannabe. The design is almost identical to the 3 piece Gillettes.

It's the chrome man! The Chrome is flawless

A Muhle R41 (especially a 2011 model) with a proper blade is right up there with most straights and actually will outperform a straight razor which might be needing a few strokes on a refreshing hone.

For travel and situations which could result in my R41 "disappearing" or where a straight is not practical, I use a Merkur 33C. Good, reasonably priced, not "too aggressive" (can there be such a thing?). Again the personality of any DE can be altered significantly with choice of blade. That's one good thing about DE razors.

This one of those YMMV things... I started with a Muhle 89 and then got a birth year Gillette slim and a Weber. I am addicted to all things stainless (probably why I started brewing beer many years ago) and now have an ATT.

I use a straight on weekends when I have more time and a DE during the week so I can get out the door on time. Right now I am using the ATT, but that is probably because it is new and in a few weeks will be switching around as the mood strikes me. When I travel I normally take the Gillette slim or the Muhle.

If you are getting a lot of irritation from your Mach with a new blade, you may need to analyze your prep and your technique.

The recommendation on a DE sample pack is great advise. I find some pricey blades are scratchy and nicky while some of the mid-price blades are perfect. I personally find Shark stainless and Bic chrome platinum to be very nice.

I got lucky with the Sharks , I really like them, mainly I'm Shark & Feathers.

Lots to consider here. I had no idea that the blades themselves had such an effect on a DE shave. From an outsiders perspective, I figured a blade is a blade is a blade (at least for DEs - they all look so generic!)

Thank all for your advice - I'll do some shopping, and post my short list and we'll take it from there.