Looking for additional DE

Hi folks,

I started shaving again recently with my DE. Had a beard for a while. I use the following with Feather razors and get a pretty darn good shave. Feathers seem close in sharpness to a straight. Must mind your Ps and Qs. I can get a BBS with relative ease, have a medium beard and don't have too many issues irritation (as long as I mind weight of the razor pressure and angle, of course).

Anyhow, I'm looking for an addition. I've read the Rex review but am balking at the price tag. I picked up my Gillette for like $10 at an antique store.

So, I need some opinions/recommends based on my comfort level with the current Gillette pictured below. Also, with your recommendations, can you include what razors you like the best and why?

Attachment 318825

Cheers!

i really like my Gillette slim adjustable. That way you can try different blade exposure and dial in the perfect shave! If you look in antique stores and flea markets you can sometimes get some good deals.

The Timeless is a great shaver. For me it's in the top 5. The Rockwell adjustable gives an awesome shave as well. At this point those two are top of the line.

I recently picked up a Special Safety Razor Co. open comb DE with a flat head. First time I've shaved with a DE since 2012, and it's pretty nice for me and considered mild. What I like about it is that I have to angle the handle further away from the shaving plane or more towards the head in contact with the skin. So the angle is similar to a straight that way.

As I shave with both hands with a straight, I would like to do the same with the DE razor. But for now, I'm only using it with the dominant hand.

I agree the adjustables from Gillette would a good next step (slim, fatboy, black beauty, toggle)
But as for non adjustable gillettes, my favorite is the NEW standard or New Improved (mr-razor New Improved. It's more aggressive than most of the other gillette heads imho.

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Originally Posted by TwistedOak

I agree the adjustables from Gillette would a good next step (slim, fatboy, black beauty, toggle)
But as for non adjustable gillettes, my favorite is the NEW standard or New Improved (mr-razor New Improved. It's more aggressive than most of the other gillette heads imho.

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+2 This is some pretty sage advice, and any of these would run considerably less coin than the REX. I have all of them, including the REX, and prefer the Fat Boy, followed closely by the New Improved. Up to each to decide whether the modern ss tools are worth 10 times the vintage Gillettes ...

I'd also suggest a vintage Gillette adjustable as you can dial in the shave that suits you best and they can be found at garage sales in good condition for a reasonable price. For new and reasonable priced DEs you could consider the Rockwell 6C which is adjustable by changing the supplied base plates. There is also the Merkur 37C slant DE and if you like an aggressive DE the Fatip OC is a good one.

I only have experience with one expensive modern DE and that is the Wolfman WR1 OC. I am not disappointed with it as the build quality is impeccable. It also shaves very well like the above mentioned razors do for me. It's up to you how far you want to open your wallet up.

Bob

One post-script - the razor pictured appears to be a Gillette Tech, which is among the mildest DE they produced. So an adjustable makes some sense as the OP is used to a mild razor & the adjustables can be dialed down to Tech aggression levels ..

That's good to know. Feels like it can get a little aggressive with the feather blades.

Never quite knew which model it was.

Adjustable sounds like a wise route.

Thanks for taking the time to respond

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Originally Posted by thebigspendur

The Timeless is a great shaver. For me it's in the top 5. The Rockwell adjustable gives an awesome shave as well. At this point those two are top of the line.

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On the Rockwell, which model do you have?

I have new adjustable one. As I recall they call it model T.

Ordered a Rockwell 6C adjustable.

The rational of being able to dial it down to the level of the Gillette that I currently have makes a lot of sense. I've seen several people use a progression on it as well for the different passes, something I hadn't even considered.

I appreciate everybody's input.

Thanks,

Attachment 318978Have been a ten year SR user but wanted to try out a DE for awhile. I have been using a German made Merkur Futur I picked up for about $40. It is adjustable which I set on 1.5. It is longer and heavier than my Gillette Fatboy that I have used years ago. I found the handle quite slippery and ended up using some 1/2" ID Clear Heat Shrink Tubing and that did the trick. Have been using some vintage Personna 74 Tungsten blades and it has been delightful. Make three passes for a BBS every time. No burns or weepers. This is a really nice DE and I highly recommend it.

Fine looking razor. It this pic with the heat shrink installed. Looking at online images, I'm going to say yes. It doesn't change the slick look of the razor all that much, imo.

I had the futur years ago. I never liked it. It's ergonomics were terrible and it had a large clumsy head on it. it did give a good shave.

I thought it was expensive for a zinc razor with chrome plating.

I just ordered my first Safety razor as well. I went with Gamechanger .84 with HD handle. I love straight shaving but got these for when I am on the road

Siguy, yes it is clear tubing and goes all the way up past the numbers. Provides a nice grip.

I have a philosophy about this kind of thing.

When you spend yer hard earned bucks you shouldn't have to modify anything especially when there are so many alternatives out there that match or excel it and you don't need to do any alterations.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by thebigspendur

I have a philosophy about this kind of thing.

When you spend yer hard earned bucks you shouldn't have to modify anything especially when there are so many alternatives out there that match or excel it and you don't need to do any alterations.

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Understand your point but with a simple modification to the handle, the Futur gives me a great shave nonetheless. Cost of the Timeless is about five times what I paid for the Futur and the Rockell adjustable is twice the cost. Both are probably out of my DE price range, but both look like great DEs. Like you say, there is a lot to choose from when considering a DE.

Very happy with my decision.

Rockwell 6C w/ stand
Attachment 319162

Beautiful BBS. Progression 6-3-2 and 2 for touch up.

Thank, everybody, for all the helpful input. SRP is the best.