Thread: seriously thinking about buying a DE

For travel, you should be able to find a Gillette Tech travel kit at a decent price that is virtually brand new. The thing about the Tech though is that its really light in weight.

(I can't speak to an SE, since I've never used one; but on the DE

On angle, there's a trick that Mantic59 (on YouTube) does that helped me find my angle with my DE (Merkur Slant Bar).

1. First do a completely useless stroke on your cheek, with the head of the razor flat against your cheek and the handle sticking out at a 90-degree angle. You will cut no hair, because the blade is not touching your face.

2. Do another stroke, changing the angle so that you're almost touching the blade to the face. Again, nothing cut.

3. Now finally do another stroke (lather up again, of course), changing the angle just enough to bring the blade into contact with the face.

This last is the angle that you're trying for, especially at the beginning of your efforts. Increasing the angle too far beyond that point is what gets me the red painful face. The DE edges are just so darned sharp, they are less forgiving about angles.

Just as with the straight, after some practice, it's all automatic and takes no time at all. I really like to keep my DE in my rotation.

I was also shaving with a straight razor before I decided to get a DE.

I think they're great. On the days when I couldn't shave with a straight for whatever reason, I wanted something that would provide a shaving experience worth whipping up a lather with a brush for. If you're using some plastic cartridge razor, I don't see the point.

So I got a Merkur classic. It's great. Used it yesterday, actually. At first I diced my neck up with it, but you learn the feel pretty quickly. Just try to maintain a consistent angle, just like the straight, and use a very light touch.

Later, I found this old Gillette in an antique store. Is this what you mean by a three-piece razor? 'Cause the Merkur I have has the same components. It just didn't come with a metal storage box.

I have several shave ready DEs for sale on e-bay right now.. if you win one I'll give ya free shipping and throw in a few blades for you. toss me a pm if you are interested and I'll get some links for ya. Ahh the benefits of SRP membership!

Hi there,

Maybe I can help with one or two ideas about trying a DE for infrequent use. The first thing I'd ask is...........what kind of shave are you looking for? If the expectation is one of a BBS experience, you're probably not gonna get that the first couple of shaves. If you want a shave that looks and feels good but not great, then you won't have a problem.

You're gonna have to learn a new technique, so be prepared to pay some dues. Yeah, you're already way ahead of the whole shaving deal, but the DE is a new tool to master. It's got a learning curve, but it shouldn't be a steep one in your case. The member who suggested Mark's (Mantic) videos was giving you good advice.

Some members already gave you some good tips about blade samplers and that's a MUST. Sure you can use lousy blades if you like, but that would sorta defeat the purpose. You have no idea how much of a difference the right blade can make for both comfort and performance. Crystal, Derby, and Swedish Gillette blades are good ones to start with. Merkur blades are ones to NOT start with, but to try after you have a reference point for what a good blade feels like. It's only then that you'll understand how bad these blades are......heh. Actually, some people like em, but most don't.

As mentioned by another member, injectors are capable of giving tremendous shaves, but once again there's a learning curve to em. Plus, some models are more aggressive than others, AND, not all SE blades are the same either. Luckily, the Chinese made Schick blades have been getting very good reviews, and they're widely available now.

I'm not trying to talk you out of using a DE or SE razor.........they're both excellent shavers. I did want to mention that you will need to practice a little bit before taking these on vacation. I don't use a straight (too much screwing around honing and stropping silliness.....heh)), but I do know a good bit about the two razors mentioned here. I use a gillette fatboy as my everyday razor, and would recommend any of the adjustable models made by that company.

Anyway, I hope this helps in some way,
Martin

Originally Posted by eddielang

you might also consider a wife who becomes less irritated .

My wife has allowed me to have a monthly allowance to fund my RAD and any future HAD. So I have no intention of getting a new wife.

Hi everyone.
Thanks for your great advice. I have decided to go with the three peice. This is it here.
GILLETTE Gold Safety Razor in Black & Red Metal Case - eBay Safety Razors, Shaving, Vanity, Perfume Shaving, Collectibles. (end time 06-Mar-09 13:41:51 AEDST)
I have access to feather blades here in Bangkok. Are they any good to start with?

As for Eddielang's idea:

Originally Posted by eddielang

you might also consider a wife who becomes less irritated .

I have no intention of getting a new wife. My wife has decided to enable my RAD and any future HAD with a monthly allowance.

Originally Posted by ndw76

..
I have access to feather blades here in Bangkok. Are they any good to start with?

Some think the feathers are too sharp. Just give them a try and see how you like 'em.

Nice looking DE at what I imagine must be a good price!

I haven't used the feather blades, but if you do a Search on the forums you'll find plenty of opinions. Overall it's a lot like the discussions about the Shavette: feather blades are "scary sharp," and opinion is divided on whether that's a good place to start with a new shaving tool.

Have fun!

Originally Posted by ndw76

Hi everyone.
Thanks for your great advice. I have decided to go with the three peice. This is it here.
GILLETTE Gold Safety Razor in Black & Red Metal Case - eBay Safety Razors, Shaving, Vanity, Perfume Shaving, Collectibles. (end time 06-Mar-09 13:41:51 AEDST)
I have access to feather blades here in Bangkok. Are they any good to start with?

As for Eddielang's idea:


I have no intention of getting a new wife. My wife has decided to enable my RAD and any future HAD with a monthly allowance.

hmm don't know about the condition of that one ... Those gold gillettes you have to be careful with when cleaning/restoring. I think it's metal then a coat of laquer on them or something. Scrubbing bubbles will be too harsh. I've used dishwasher soap with a toothbrush with good results on regular DE's but that may even be too harsh.

If you dont' have luck with that one, some awesome shavers that you can find cheap on badger and blade are:

Gillette fatboy (adjustable click collar for blade aggressiveness) prob around $50
Gillette slim adjustable (adjustable click collar for blade aggressiveness) prob around $25 in great cond
Gillette super speed (SS's are fixed but generally thought as an awesome shaver) even cheaper than slim

I've shaved with the slim and the SS. I can get really baby smooth shaves with a DE but not a straight, weird huh? Guess it's all in the practice.

The feather blades are what I used. They are very sharp and can be harsh but are fine if you are careful. Some put it through a cork before shaving the first shave with one. I usually can get 2 to 3 weeks out of a DE blade shaving every other day.

My view on the DE edges is that they are super sharp, maybe even sharper than straights, but don't have a smooth edge like straights. Pretty harsh if you are not light and careful with angle. Don't let these guys get you down, you're not cheating on your straights by using a DE for travel. They are great when you don't have much time and you get an equivalent shave!

idk if this link was given yet but here are sample packs from a reputable dealer:
Sample Packs : West Coast Shaving, Double Edge Blade Sampler Packs