Thread: double edge razors - who does it and what do you use?

I purchased a Merkur HD around this time last fall. I used Merkur, Personna (US) and Wilkinson Sword blades pretty regularly in it until I made the switch to straight razors. They all gave me excellent shaves, although the Merkur's tend to be a little more harsh on my face/beard than either the Personnas or Wilkinson's.

I still use my de on occasion and have some Feather de razor blades in my medicine cabinet for use the next time a need a new blade in it.

Hello 44Whiskas'

In answer to your first question, when using DE's, I use a Merkur 34c HD, a Gillette Superspeed Red Tip, A Gillette Knack, a German Gillette Tech, or a Fat Handled Tech. I use the Red Tip and the 34c mostly. I use Gillette, Personna, and lately LORD blades. Any of the above combos will give an excellent shave if you use good technique. The Red Tip and the 34c are the more aggressive of the bunch. Even though many folks say the old Gillette Techs are too "mild", I find that with a SHARP blade and good technique they are very good shavers. They are also a little more forgiving during the learning curve.

Gerald

For razors I use Merkur, Gillette and a Parker. For blades, I have too many in my rotation to name them all off the top of my head.

Originally Posted by Obie

Hello, vthomlinson:

The Merkur 34C is a fine razor and has many fans. You're doing okay with that one. If you want to pad your double edge razor collection, I recommend the Edwin Jagger or its rich uncle, the Muhle-Pinsel.

The Merkur blades draw opposite reaction from gentlemen: they either like or dislike them, with no gray area. In my experience, the Merkur blades are rough and not a good shave. They, however, may work well with your beard. Give them a try.

Of course, from experience, I find the Merkur a feeble match to the great Feather double edge blade in every way. I don't even think one can compare them.

Regards,
Obie

thanks obie.. as always you are a wealth of information.. seeing as how the feather blades are the only blades i've used to far.. i think i should try the gillette sharp edges.. i really love trying new things.. i'm guessing i could spend the rest of my days learning to shave.

Originally Posted by vthomlinson

thanks obie.. as always you are a wealth of information.. seeing as how the feather blades are the only blades i've used to far.. i think i should try the gillette sharp edges.. i really love trying new things.. i'm guessing i could spend the rest of my days learning to shave.

Hello, Victor:

You are very welcome, and thanks for the kind words.

Yes, I think you will be pleased with the Gillette 7 O'Clock Sharp Edge yellow packs. I find them sharp, but also smooth. Keep us apprised, please.

Regards,
Obie

Unfortunately, my interest in DE led to a whole new AD. In addition to straights, I now have a Merkur, a Muhl, an iKon, an Edwin Jagger, and even a Gem SE in my rotation.

Originally Posted by Obie

Hello, Victor:

You are very welcome, and thanks for the kind words.

Yes, I think you will be pleased with the Gillette 7 O'Clock Sharp Edge yellow packs. I find them sharp, but also smooth. Keep us apprised, please.

Regards,
Obie

Obie,

I've been meaning to ask you, but what is the difference between your favorite Gillette 7 O'Clock yellows and the 7 O'Clock greens (which are the permasharps, if I'm not mistaken).

I always hear about the yellows, not so much about the greens, leading to to believe they are either rare or inferior.

Thanks,

Ryan

Originally Posted by Ryan82

Obie,

I've been meaning to ask you, but what is the difference between your favorite Gillette 7 O'Clock yellows and the 7 O'Clock greens (which are the permasharps, if I'm not mistaken).

I always hear about the yellows, not so much about the greens, leading to to believe they are either rare or inferior.

Thanks,

Ryan

Hey Ryan82:
I got this from xillion over at B&B
Gillette 7 O'Clock Discussion - Badger & Blade

Yellow 7 O'Clock , Sharp Edge, are multi-coated and made in St. Petersburg Russia, these are great blades.

Green 7 O'Clock, Super Stainless, are uncoated and are also made in Russia. There is also a multi-coated version, Perma Sharp, that are made in India.

Black 7 O'Clock, Super Platinum, are platinum coated and made in India, these are also great blades.
__________________
-Chris-

Originally Posted by Ryan82

Obie,

I've been meaning to ask you, but what is the difference between your favorite Gillette 7 O'Clock yellows and the 7 O'Clock greens (which are the permasharps, if I'm not mistaken).

I always hear about the yellows, not so much about the greens, leading to to believe they are either rare or inferior.

Thanks,

Ryan

Hello, Ryan:

Our good friend Cromagnum's quote from Badger and Blade is quite accurate. I have tried both of the greens. They are good blades, but I feel the yellows, the Russian-made "Sharp Edge" blades, the best of the trio. The 7 O'Clock yellows are almost as sharp as the Feathers, but for me they are smoother.

I have used many blades throughout the years, including the highly regarded Super Iridium, which I find sharp but harsh for my Hollywood face. None has pleased me as much as the Feather and the Gillette 7 O'Clock "Sharp Edge" yellow pack. Since I have trouble choosing between the Feather and the 7 O'Clock "Sharp Edge," I use both.

I still have a few greens left, which I use in my travel Merkur razor that I have modified with the Muhle Pinsel-Edwin Jagger shave head. These are one-shave blades, since I prefer not to pack an open blade if I am staying in a hotel only one night. If more than one in the same place, I follow my general rule of changing blades every three shaves.

Regards,
Obie

Hello 44Whiskas,

I use a DE razor from time to time, just for a change really, or if I'm in a hurry for whatever reason. Mine are all Gillettes: Fatboy, Slim, flare tip Rocket, Aristocrat Junior and a couple of Techs. I'm awfully tempted to have a go with my wife's Lady Gillette too - I happen to know that I wouldn't be the first.

Controversially, the two adjustables aren't my favourites, although they're accomplished shavers. For my money the AJ and the Rocket (both are effectively British Superspeeds) are unimprovable, the consummate DE razors.

The blade selection is not going to surprise anyone: Feather, Super Iridium, 7 o'clock yellow, red Personna. Better than any of these are my remaining UK made Wilkinsons and Gillette Swedes, which I have to ration now.