Thread: Best DE Razor for a beginner?

I've used an adjustable Gillette razor of some sort since 1972, but not exclusively. I always set the blade adjustment to 9, and I prefer Feather blades. I like a straight razor, but the DE is efficient. My suggestion is to use a heavy razor so that it will reduce the tendency to skip. Merkur has some razors with added heft. DO NOT BEAR DOWN. THAT WILL CAUSE YOU TO BLEED. Let the blade do the work. New blades are sharp, Feathers are really sharp, and all DE blades are cheap enough to replace when the shave begins to degrade. I've been butchered by most blades that I purchased within the last 10 years at local retailers. Order quality blades if you cannot find some good brands locally.

Shave prep makes a big difference. Hot water and quality soap will provide more comfort.

I don't think the adjustable razor has much advantage over the nonadjustable. My son shaves with a standard Merkur and has no problems unless he gets sloppy. I haven't tried the open comb or slant bar, but unless you have a really coarse beard the standard DEs should be satisfactory.

merkur progress. It's not too expensive (45 bucks or so I think), adjustible, so you can make it more or less aggressive, and it's high quality. I hardly ever use anything but a straight now, but I still love using the progress when I do use it as much as I did when I was starting.

Safety Razors & Blades

Its my only razor ( been DE shaving for about 6 months) and its been easy learning and I am getting awesome shaves...and relatively inexpensive at around $33 dollars ...