Thread: New to DE's

The whole DE thing is new to me and I'm interested. I was bored at work last night and wound up on Amazon. Since I was previously on SRP, I had shaving on my mind. I've always wanted to try DE's and purchased a Parker 82r.
http://www.amazon.com/Parker-HeavyWe...7216872&sr=8-1
It received good reviews, and looks pretty cool too.
I'm reading a lot about Mekur, Gillette, and EJ. The Parker was only 30 bucks and since it is my first, it seemed a safe bet. So, Did I screw up?

Rich

I don't know about the Parker Rich as I've never had one. The Gillettes are real good and the Merkurs, among others. The main thing once you have a DE is the "right" blade. That can vary a lot depending on individual preference. For me the Gillette Swede and the Feather were the best but some guys like others better. A blade sampler pack is the best bet to figure out what blade suits you. West Coast Shaving has them and probably other vendors..... sampler packs that is.

Hello, Zib:

The double edge still has its own place in my shaving world. I use it as part of my rotation for a change of pace, as well on occasions when I am rushed for time. A straight razor shave is like a great meal: both are worthy of savoring. That's why I prefer not to rush my straight shave.

I used Gillette in my youth. I have one Red Tip, which I have refurbished, which I never use. I don't much care for Gillette. I had a couple Parker double edge razors, neither of which I liked. They were too rough and aggressive.

My Merkur were fine, but eventually I settled on the Edwin Jagger and Muhle-Pinsel, which are cousins, really. Currently I have an Edwin Jagger "Chatsworth" barley, which is a beautiful double edge, and a Muhle-Pinsel R89, which also is sweet. The Red tip sits unused.

Should you ask for my recommendation, it would be the Edwin Jagger L89, as well as its rich cousin, the Muhle-Pinsel R89.

For blades, after having tried many brands, I have settled on Feather and Gillette 7 O'Clock "Sharp Edge" yellow packs. I also suggest, as Jimmy notes, to try sampler packs, since beards are different.

Regards,
Obie

Hey Zeb:

I think you are going to like it. I have only tried it once, but reading many of Obie threads, I too have deceided to add it to my rotation. The only way you can have an opinion is to try something. I like my Fat boy but have nothing to compair it to yet.

Crom

Obie, I think you should take a bullet for the troops and get one of those new Feather Stainless DE's and then report back to us. You know you want one anyway right?

Originally Posted by thebigspendur

Obie, I think you should take a bullet for the troops and get one of those new Feather Stainless DE's and then report back to us. You know you want one anyway right?

Hello, thebigspendur:

I have seen photos of those Feather Stainless DE's. Talk about space age tools. Oy! I am sure they also carry the Feather quality. I have the Feather Artist Club straight razor with replaceable blades and it oozes quality. The same with the Feather blades.

The new Feather double edge, though, I think is way overpriced. Come on, people, easy with the prices. We at SRP aren't exactly millionaires, you know? The idea of buying it crossed my mind for a few moments, but I rebelled against the high price. Also, I threw a sweet wink at a couple straights I liked instead. I am curious to know how they shave, though.

I had also considered buying the Edwin Jagger lined Bulbous, which is simply gorgeous, but I passed on that, too, for a Revisor 6/8" muted spike.

Well, my new novel will be finished by year's end. If I can sell it to a publisher and if it becomes a bestseller, I'll buy one for each of us, you and me, my good man. That's a promise.

By the way, do we know of anyone who has bought one and shaved with it?

Regards,
Obie

I think I do know of someone as it happens: I'll check and report back.

I haven't tried a Parker razor but they have a solid reputation as a quality DE. I have used Merkur and Muhle/Edwin Jagger DEs and like them very much. I only have one DE left but it is a Muhle with the new head design. It is an excellent shaver.

Blade choice is important and I would suggest Feathers or, as previously mentioned, a blade sampler pack from westcoastshaving.com.

Here's a bit of chit chat about the Feather all stainless razor. Strangely the thread has gone very quiet, so I've tried to ginger it up again. Nice pictures.

The Shaving Room • View topic - Its here

Hello, Arrowhead:

Thank you for taking the time to provide the information on the Feather. Obviously everyone using it seems to like the razor. I am sure it carries the Feather quality.

The price, however, I still find too high. Of course, we go back to the old question: is such a razor worth the price to the one who owns it? For the gentlemen in the forum you kindly provided, the razor is worth the money. In that case the price is right.

For me, that high price would be acceptable for a straight razor of my choice, but not for the double edge. I like double edge razors, but I don't like them that much, certainly not as much as I do straight razors. So then, for me, the Feather stainless steel double edge is not worth the money.

Regards,
Obie