Thread: Advice on DE choice for a straight-shaver

I posted a video review of the Parker 99R last week and I think it's a great razor. It's about on par with the Edwin Jager DE89 as far as aggressiveness, but it's about an ounce heavier. That weight with a somewhat mild head and a feather blade seems to really work well for me. I can easily get a BBS three pass shave with no irritation in under ten minutes. I like more aggressive razors too, but a bit milder is better if I'm in a hurry. I have dozens of DE razors and the 99r seems to stand out for me.

Merkur Slant w/ Feather blade, not the prettiest one but I like my short handles...

So I picked up a vintage Gillette for cheap - real cheap, although it looks to be in good shape.
No idea what model it is; but once I receive it I'll post a pic or two so we can get an ID.

In the mean, I saw this one for sale : Fendrihan Alabastron and was wondering if any of you have had experience with it.

Looks to be a reputable retailer and the have the DE89 as well as a slew of others...

Merkur 32C with Feathers. Solid in all respects, travels well.

If I'm reading your initial post correctly, you're looking for a razor that you can use quickly and get a good shave without cuts and nicks on your face. For DE razors, you might consider a Gillette ball-end Tech or a Schick Krona... you can still get a good shave even in a hurry when you're late for work... one of my favorite for that scenario is a Schick injector. Even when I'm running late and in a hurry, I can get a close fast shave without carving myself up.

Originally Posted by cpool

... you might consider a Gillette ball-end Tech or a Schick Krona... you can still get a good shave even in a hurry when you're late for work...

That's exactly what i picked up for cheap.
A british Tech (circa 1976) with the aluminium handle - it's very light weight ( <30g ) - but works well for the purpose.
Unfortunately for me, I kind of like it - and so I'm likely to pick up a more "solid" DE with a bit more heft (and some shiny chrome!). I hoope this doesn't turn into a whole other sort of RAD.

I know exactly what your talking about. However, the solution to this may cause you to find less time to use your straight razor. I too had that same problem and if you get proficient at straight razor shaving there is nothing better. That said its still a 30 to 45 minute process from start to finish and I would rather sleep than shave. So I invested in the safety razor wet shaving considering the only real need was a razor and the blades. I got a Merkur 34c nothing crazy and about 25 bucks and it did just fine. My plan was to use my straight on days that I had extra time and de on those tight time days. After learn the de I wanted something that just a tad more aggressiveness to it so reading and reading and more reading I decided to get a Merkur 39c slant bar and that became my goto razor. It shaved well but it never gave me that Wow bbs shave as my straights. Now for the reason for my reply, a month ago I got my 3rd de razor Muhle R41 grande. This is an open comb razor and I swear it shaves as well and as close as my straights. It was pricy 75 bucks but it's a nice razor. If you can swing it get the grande the difference is just the handle but its just the handle that makes it worth it. To my 1st point this razor is by far my 1st choice even over my straights and there is no honing no stropping and new blade every few shaves and the time is 15 minutes for that bbs can't beat it.

Good luck

The DE that competes with the closeness and length of time a straight razor shave lasts is the Muhle R41 (2013 version) with a feather blade. That is my go to DE combo. I did not care for the handle and replaced it with a solid stainless bulldog grip. I like the added weight of the handle and the extremely grippy cut knurling. Close behind would be an Open Comb Gillette with a feather blade. Will be trying a Merkur 37c slant if Can Post ever gets around to delivering it. A unique razor head design and would be surprised and delighted if it out shaved the Muhle R41 but I suspect that will not be the case.

Bob

To the OP. You could also pick up a vintage razor and send it in for restoration. https://www.google.ca/url?sa=t&sourc...PazDNJ1HV81SFw

I haven't tried them but you get the swanky new feeling with a quality build old school.

Originally Posted by CyberShdw

I haven't tried them but you get the swanky new feeling with a quality build old school.

I like the idea of a fully restored vintage DE - but my DE use is intended to be limited to rare/rush mornings when I need to get out the door. Seems like a nice service though, for those who would prioritize that sort of thing