DE for 'off-days' ?

**Jantjeuh** · 01-08-2009, 09:19 AM

Hey guys,

I'm currently using a gillette fusion (like mach3 mostly) when in rush and for some areas where not comfortable yet with a straight.

I need new blades for this one, and a pack of new blades is a whopping 50 EUR here, I can't believe it :-D

Was thinking of just replacing it with a DE, but heard they're not so easy to use either.

Anyway, anyone doing this also? Could you recommend a cheap/good combo for one? Anything below EUR 50 would be nice.

Also, while I'm here, suppose I buy it (today), how often should you replace the blades?

I would only be using the DE when I can't reach a spot properly with the straight, and also when in a rush (happens).

**Jantjeuh** · 01-08-2009, 01:31 PM

Well I went ahead and bought one, the thing is I'm not sure which one I have...

I thought it was a merkur HD (straight), it was basicaly the only one they had. Well they had this, then with a long handle and then the same one but in gold (was more expensive). Mine was, thanks to the discount period, 25 EUR + extra blade.

I'll try to take a picture and post my razor when I get home, as I'm curious to know!

It's one of these:

Pretty sure it's the HD as it was both in silver and gold, and I think that's one of the only ones that have those colors standard?

I chose the one with the short handle, because it looks so different from the usual :-)

**chee16** · 01-08-2009, 03:31 PM

i still keep my DE handy in case i miss some spots or have a hard time with certain areas and don't want to do another pass with the straight (i try to limit myself to 3 passes). i use a Gillette Fatboy i got off Ebay, from what i have read you have a good shaver there as it isn't too aggressive but has enough to give a smooth shave. my only advice is to watch the pressure as it is easy to get heavy handed, especially with a Merkur as they seem to be heavier then most. i'm sure it will work great.

BTW i don't know what the price of fusion blades are here but 50 euros? that is crazy! and a great reason to switch.

**theworldover** · 01-08-2009, 05:32 PM

Yep, that looks like a Merkur HD. They're the gold standard in DE shaving.

**rsrick** · 01-08-2009, 05:44 PM

The shorter handle is the HD while the longer handle is the Barber Pole which, I believe, is identical to the HD except for the handle length.

Once you get used to using the DE, it will provide a quick shave and a great alternative for the days you don't use your straights and for the areas of your face that you are not yet comfortable working the straight across.

The light touch skills that you have no doubt learned using the straight will come in handy with the DE - use no / minimal pressure, take short strokes, and let the head of the DE "fall" down the contours of your face.

Cheers,

Rick

**BeBerlin** · 01-08-2009, 06:10 PM

Nice one. Make sure you have really good blades to go with that one. Personally, I prefer Personna blades, my best man swears to Dovo Platinum (which I find too aggressive). Either way, learn to hold that DE as loosely as possible. The idea is to let the DE do the work for you, not pull it along - or worse, across - your face. If you apply minimal pressure, and avoid horizontal gliding motions, you'll be on the safe side. You might find this video by mantic59 useful:

YouTube - How To Shave With A Single-Blade Razor

**Jantjeuh** · 01-08-2009, 08:08 PM

I just shaved with it, and I am quite surprised!

It's not as fun as shaving with the straight, but it's waaay easier. I did exactly what you said, zero pressure and just angled the razor a bit but not too much (to get the feel of it). I didn't hear/feel anything getting shaven, but to my surprise it feels just the same as a pass with a m3. When I brush up against my face AGT I feel I missed some spots, but I do that with an m3 as well :-)

Im truly surprised! The only thing is that it's imo a very very heavy instrument, especially since you have to hold it with two/three tingers. I used the Merkur blade that came with it, worked just fine.

The experience was nothing like shaving with a straight, more like with the usual m3, but I'm definately sticking with this for when I'm in a rush etc... This and my straight will be my tools from now on :-)

Thanks for the useful tips and video!

**rsrick** · 01-08-2009, 08:46 PM

Glad to hear it worked out for you.

I have always found that using the three finger grip at the end of the handle to be cumbersome. Instead I cradle the handle between my thumb and first two fingers letting the end of the handle rest against pads at the upper part of my palm.

**Jantjeuh** · 01-09-2009, 07:46 AM

That's exactly what I ended up doing :-)

Again, it's now morning (here) and the shave is still uncomparable to the usual m3 shave for example. Truly impressive! I hope to find some cheap but good blades for it, so I always have something ready in case time is not on my side :-)

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