Thread: Dumb ?... DE Razors

ok so I'm new to wet shaving, I am looking to get a shavette in the very near future and get the technique down and then when money allows I will be picking up a true straight. I am also interested in DE shaving for when I'm in a hurry (after I get the technique down of course) but I have a question...

I cant seem to find info on this, but looking at different DE razors, the only differences I can see is the handle style/weight and sometimes I see a "comb" style head... I really dont know what makes a good DE, are there differences between them other than what I've already noticed? (if we are comparing only those made of SS) There are so many to chose from but I literally cant tell the difference between a $20 razor and a $200 razor like I can with a SR...

Sorry if this has been discussed a million times but I'm new lol

The head design and materials and workmanship make up the real differences in prices in new DE's. Vintage ones come down to collectability, rarity etc

Take a look at the Parker 99R, it is a good beginner DE. It is not too heavy, not too light, not overly aggressive, and well balanced. They cost around $32.

Whatever you get, get a sample pack of different blade types. Each blade type shaves differently and you will find that hate some of them and love others.

My favorite new one is an Edwin Jagger 86, it is a three piece razor and under $40 if I remember right

Yes there a subtle differences between DEs, even with the same looking head design, that you might not notice till you shave with them. It mostly has to do with blade gap amount and blade exposure amount. More of either or both can make what most refer to as an aggressive razor regardless of head style, safety bar or open comb. Add a blade that is very sharp, like a Feather, into the mix on an aggressive DE and you have a razor that is not really for a beginner. They require a shaving technique that is every bit as good as you would need with a straight razor to get a smooth comfortable shave.

If you will only be using a DE infrequently when you are in a rush get a mild one. Find one you like the look of in the price range you want and check reviews of it. Like previously mentioned get a sample pack of blades to find one that shaves to your liking in the DE you buy. Even a DE made of pot metal and plated will do for an occasional usage. I'd worry a bit more about build quality if it was my primary razor in daily use.

I find I like Open comb, OC , head designs as they seem to clog proof compared to the safety bar, SB , head designs that I have. I believe Merkur makes a mild OC model or two but you'd have to find reviews for them to be sure they are considered mild.

Another way to go is an adjustable DE, either vintage Gillette or modern make. When you change the setting on an adjustable it changes the blade gap or angle or both. You can vary the aggression from mild to wild so you can start on a mild setting and as your technique improves you can dial up the aggression factor to suit.

Bob

I recently purchased my first DE and like you was looking for something when I needed a quick shave. I dont know much about what is good/bad but I can say I am more than happy with my Maggard MR1. I bought it with the 7 blade type variety pack whole thing was 36$ (canadian) I cant remember if that is with tax/shipping but I think it was. I was so pleased I bought a 2nd one from their cosmetically damaged bin (even cheaper) fro my gym/travel bag.
At some point am planning to get something else probably a bit more agressive but for a 1st DE I am very very pleased with what I got.

*edit*
Many people have mentioned the baldes can make a huge difference. I bought the 7 variety pack but have only used 1 type so far, so when I say I am more than happy with the MR1 it is with the gillette 7 oclocks. I'll try another type next to see if I notice a difference.

I usually compare a razors aggressiveness to my Gillette Adjustables. As far as a beginners choice of razors, The Erwin Jagger DE89/MuhleR89 (same head) Merkur 38 or 34c rated between a 4-5 on adjustment for a Gillette Slim, FB or BB. These razors are not only good beginners razors but are for many a go to razor. Another line of razors are the Parkers, the 91r and the 98R 99R (more aggressive) are 2 more to research. Then their are the Above The Tie razors, these cost about $185 but are made in USA are stainless steel and a choice of heads and handles.
When ordering you razor I would also order a sample pack of blades. the right blade for the razor of your choice is important.

Why not just start with a straight razor? Just saying! You can get a real good deal on the classifieds here for some great prices that would be much cheaper than a good shavette. Anyway, whichever way you decide, smooth shaves to you.


Mike

My first DE Safety Razor was a Merkur 180 ( or 23C). German made and about $28. It has a longer handle like modern razors and a simple design. I bought an adjustable Gillette Slim later and I'm probably going to go back to using the Merkur, when I'm not using my straights.

I read one place that the open comb razors are more aggressive and read in another place that some of the open comb razors can be milder, because it is position/angle of the blade that determines how aggressive it is. I haven't used enough of them to say how true this is.

I think if you get a more basic design from a trusted name you'll be happy with it. After you've used it for a while you may try something else you like better, but you won't know YOUR preferences until you've tried a couple. For example, I thought the newer 'butterfly' opening heads would probably be better when I first started. The first Gillette butterfly head razor I used though I didn't like and eventually sold. Some here may feel the exact opposite about them though.

Wow, a lot of good information... Thanks guys, guess I'll have to start reading reviews

Yea this sorta stemmed from being on the maggard website and seeing all of their selection and how attractive they are as well as their price. I also saw a few that looked good in their scratch and dent but I wasnt sure if I would end up with something that would work for me. Maybe I'll start there and see how it goes...