Thread: Suggestion on first DE buy

Originally Posted by Vulcan500rider

If you go new, I would suggest looking at the Edwin Jagger razors. They're wonderful. Interestingly, I hear they actually use Merkur heads for many of their models, but I find they tend to have a more classy look (IMO, of course).

Hello, Vulcan500rider:

You are so right about the classy looks and the quality of the Edwin Jagger double edge razors. The old Edwin Jaggers used Merkur heads. The new models, however, use the Muhle-Pinsel shave heads. Unless, of course, further changes have taken place in recent months.

Regards,
Obie

Originally Posted by Vulcan500rider

If you go new, I would suggest looking at the Edwin Jagger razors. They're wonderful. Interestingly, I hear they actually use Merkur heads for many of their models, but I find they tend to have a more classy look (IMO, of course).

You guys are bad. I haven't heard about these since I have not used a DE in a long time. Despite that, I find myself thinking of buying one! yeah, they do look nice.

My dear Ray:

I know what you mean. I shave straight, but I have kept the Edwin Jagger "Chatsworth" barley in my rotation for variation. Also I use it when in an absolute rush.

The other day I ordered a Muhle-Pinsel R89, because I couldn't resist it. That is really a well made razor, and gorgeous, that along with the EJ's. They both use the Muhle-Pinsel shave head.

I had sold all my Merkurs, Edwin Jaggers — except for the barley — and the Muhle-Pinsel R89. Now I plan to include the Muhle in the rotation, too, just for variation. By the way, my Feather Artists Club straight has remained in the rotation — I didn't want to hurt its feelings.

Regards,
Obie

Originally Posted by Obie

Hello, Vulcan500rider:

You are so right about the classy looks and the quality of the Edwin Jagger double edge razors. The old Edwin Jaggers used Merkur heads. The new models, however, use the Muhle-Pinsel shave heads. Unless, of course, further changes have taken place in recent months.

Regards,
Obie

Thanks for that, Obie; I didn't realize that EJs had stopped using Merkur heads. That might explain some of the claims I've heard that EJs typically have a nicer chrome finish to them than the Merkurs--though I can't substantiate those claims, as I only own the EJ.

I can't get rid of the DE, even now that I'm starting to use straights. For now, it serves for my ATG pass (still working toward getting a BBS with the straight, so I often need an ATG touchup). Hopefully in the future it will just be for use when I'm in a hurry.

Hello, Vulcan:

Yes, now the Edwin Jaggers use the Muehle-Pinsel shave heads. They are beautifully made and great shavers. I like the Merkur razors, too, mind you, but I do prefer the Edwin Jagger and the Muehle Pinsel.

I no longer have my Merkur razors. I have kept my Edwin Jagger "Chatsworth" barley, and I have a Muehle-Pinsel on the way. I do have a pair of Gillette Super Speeds, including a Red Tip, which I have restored, but I don't particularly like Gillettes and never use mine.

It's all a matter of taste and preference, really. Some gentlemen swear by the same Gillettes I don't particularly like, some by the Merkurs, and some, as I, by the Edwin Jaggers and Muehle-Pinsels. So it goes. What matters is what the shaver prefers.

If you need to use the double edge in the hard spots on your face, I don't see anything wrong with it. As you say, eventually you will not depend on the double edge except when in a rush.

Regards,
Obie

Well, since nobody else seems to have said it, my vote is for a 40s or 50s Gillette, probably a Superspeed. I know of nothing better and there are plenty of bargains around.

Did somebody mention blade sampler packs? You pretty much need to get one because blades are a personal thing. Try to stick with each type of blade for a week or more before deciding whether they're for you or not. Once you find out what you really like, buy a lot, because if you don't chances are they'll get discontinued - this happened to me with the UK made Wilkinson Sword blades, and Swedish Gillettes. Once I found my replacement for these (Super Iridium, for what it's worth) I bought a thousand, even though I use a straight 90% of the time - once bitten ...

I agree about giving a new blade brand a decent test. I've tried blades and been underwhelmed at first, then later decided I liked them. As to the question about best DE razor for a newbie: I'm a firm believer in the Merkur HD. I love the old Gillettes, but I think its probably best to develop a good technique prior to starting in on them. Knowing what works for yourself, and having a good idea exactly which razors would satisfy you could save a LOT of time and money.

+1 on Edwin Jagger 89L

To the OP,

I'd suggest starting out with a fixed head razor. Get to know your angles and get a good feel for DE shaving before moving on to adjustables. Adjustables are nice, especially for the experienced shaver, but it's yet another variable to think about when you're just starting out.

Oh, and +1 for Merkur...

Hello, baby123:

The Edwin Jagger L89 double edge razor is one of the best made today. The shave head is by Muhler-Pinsel, whose own version of the razor is the R89. They are both fabulous double edge razor. The R89 usually costs a little more. The workmanship on the razors is impeccable and the shave quite comfortable. Either razor would be my recommendation for you.

Regards,
Obie