Printable View
hi all
been a bit absent but here's the new interest - DE razors. I have a merkur 12c on order from SRD and possibly an 11c. looking for personal experiences on what you use - any differenc in blades and why do you throw a DE into the rotation?
hoping the 11/12c will do the trick for a nice change from the normal straight rotation and not escalate into another RAD disorder.
TIA
Andy
Hello, 44Whiskas:
I am down to two double edge razors, which I use in rotation with my straight razors. The reason I still use double edge razors is simple, really: I like double edge razors.
My razors are: Edwin Jagger "Chatsworth" barley and Muhle-Pinsel R89. My blades are Feather and Gillette 7 O'Clock "Sharp Edge" yellow packs.
Regards,
Obie
hi Obie,
the R89 - is that open or closed? that one was on my short list - I think the 11/12c overlap the 89 though?
I read alot of people recommend feather - I assume there us no honing of the blades and once they are past life you just toss em rather than resharpening?
thanks
Hello, 44Whiskas:Quote:
Originally Posted by 44Whiskas
The R89 Muhle-Pinsel is a closed comb razor.
I don't know what you mean by "I think the 11/12c overlap the 89?"
No, as a rule, there is no honing of double edge razor blades. I change blades every third shave.
Regards,
Obie
44Whiskas,
Razors: Gillette #88, Muhle Pinsell R109, Muhle Pinsell R41, Schick E2 (SE)
Blades: Feather, Russian Gillette 7'o Clock Sharpedge, Iridium Super
I find that a DE/SE shave makes for a fine change :)
Have fun !
Best regards
Russ
i have been shaving more with a DE the last week and i'm really into it.. i've just got the merkur hd.. pretty much the vanilla of safety razors. i've yet to use any blade other than feathers.. i really want to try a slant bar at some point.
I have a Merkur 34C HD, which is a well made razor. I use Gillette blades in it, and it works very well.
I used it today in fact, mainly because I overslept and didnt have time to use the W&B wedge I had ear marked for this mornings shave..! Ah well, tomorrow hopefully!
I have and use a Merkur 34C HD too. I have slipped away from straights for a large part, and only bring one out on occasion. Yesterday I used my (dare I say it here?) B&B Le Grelot LE. Such a nice blade. Combined with Musego Real shave cream, followed up by a splash of Proraso splash leaves my face feeling wunerful,wunerful ;-)
Ken
I might be confused - I heard that the Muhles use the Merkur heads or maybe design - just refine it to a higher tolerance - again, I am purely basing things I say here on what I read on the Big wide web :)Quote:
Originally Posted by Obie
I've been using Gillette DEs. Mainly use a blue tip Super Speed and a Slim adjustable, but I have several others. I get most of mine at antique stores. I started with DEs before trying out Straights. Still new to straights so am using both ATM.
2 - 34C's :) The 11c is just the open comb version of that razor -
How do you both find the comfort of the size and weight of the razor? Seems to be a solid razor.
I wanted to try the vintage but I know too little for vintage acquisitions - and the new merkurs and muhles got bling :)
Hello, 44 Whiskas:Quote:
Originally Posted by 44Whiskas
No, Muhle does not use the Merkur shave head, but, rather, its own shave head. Edwin Jagger also uses the Muhle shave head. I feel the Muhle-Jagger shave head to be slightly less aggressive and more refined than that of the Merkur — for me, that is. Many gentlemen prefer the Merkur over anything else. For the most part, this is a matter of personal taste.
Regards,
Obie
Hi Obie,Quote:
Originally Posted by Obie
My bad - the R89 is a muhle head and the new R41 is an open with a merkur head. The old R89 was an open with a muhle head so I guess the R41 is the replacement.
I have the Merkur 12c in transit from Don and Lynn but all the talk about the quality of the muhle has my attention.
I heard about the Super Speeds and the fatboys - what makes them so good?Quote:
Originally Posted by thevez2
Shaving with Straights is great - I just need a change up or a boatload of new straight razors, brushes, scuttles, AS, creams to keep things new - I figured a start into DE shaving would be less expensive :hmmm:
Hello, 44Whiskas:Quote:
Originally Posted by 44Whiskas
I am not aware that the Muhle R41 open comb uses a Merkur shave head, but then maybe it does and that's the first of have heard of it. I can't give you a firm answer on this.
Now, the Muhle R89 is the rich uncle of the Edwin Jagger L89. Both are great razors, both using the Muhle shave head. The razors differ in design, but the workmanship and overall quality in both razors is impeccable.
The only Merkur double edge razors I have used are the 34C and the 38C "Barber Pole." Both are excellent razors and I liked them. I prefer the Edwin Jagger and the Muhle. Again, that's a matter of personal taste.
To my understand, the Merkur 12 C, which you have coming, is the open-comb version of the 38C "Barber pole." Or at least they are cousins. That razor will be a bit more aggressive than the 38C, because it is an open comb, but it's still a Merkur and those razors are quality.
What I like and what you like might be different, and that the Merkur might be more to your liking than either the Muhle or the Edwin Jagger. Go with what works best for you.
Regards,
Obie
I use a Gillette Fatboy adjustable, or a Gillette Black Beauty, or sometimes a Parker I got off Amazon. They're all good. I've been using Shark super chrome blades with great results. I use the DE's as a time saver occasionally.
Merkur 34C HD with Derby or Feather blades.
all this de talk is starting to get to me.. having only used the 34c.. i want to try something else really different.. i think the 60's gillettes slim adjustables look very cool.. i'd also like to try a different blade.. i'm only used the feathers.. but i still have the merkur super that came with the razor.. how do they compare to the feathers?
Hello, vthomlinson:Quote:
Originally Posted by 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
Quote:
Originally Posted by 44Whiskas
Hello 44Whiskas:
I have also heard that the R41 now uses the Merkur head this is new for 2010, the 2009 head has since been scare and can not be found. The quality issue I believe is with Merkur not with Muhle, most people say the quality of Muhle is top notch and somewhat iffy on the Merkur, but you only hear of complaints on something that has a problem, which I think is low in incidence. I have heard that Merkur now only has a 2 year guarantee as well. I just place an order on two Muhle and will let you know how I like them when they come in.
To you first question, I use a gillette gold ball tech razor 1920, a diplomat, gillette slim adjustable, and a red tip gillette. I love them all but have been having fun atm with the gold ball tech, possible since its the oldest of the lot and has an open comb, and what a shave. I use gillette yellow packs and feathers.
Crom
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.
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.Quote:
Originally Posted by Obie
Hello, Victor:Quote:
Originally Posted by vthomlinson
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.:D
Obie,Quote:
Originally Posted by 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:Quote:
Originally Posted by 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-
Hello, Ryan:Quote:
Originally Posted by Ryan82
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.
I use a Gilette G2 Fatboy, with Feather blades or Iridiums, although I have a bunch more different blades I have yet to use.
I am using (only since a short while) a modified Progress 500 (the Mergress XL with a longer knob) and currently the Personna Red blades. Still have a pack of Feathers to finish off as well.
This is actually my first DE and I will be trying different blades over the next couple of months just to see which suit me best. Am also wondering if the Mergress was the right DE to start with or not. Currently, it feels rather aggressive but I but that down to my still poor technique. Has anyone maybe a suggestion for another, non-adjustable, DE which is on the less-aggressive side? Thanks in advance.
I rotate between straights and DE.
I started using and then collecting vintage Gillette's, then came a few straights.
I have considerably downsized my collection and feel that if I don't use it, then I should not keep it.
One, that I pull out quite often is my Gillette New Improved. The blades I use are Crystals or Red IP's. These work well for me for consistency blade after blade and the prices will not break the bank either.
I had a bad de rad, sold a few off but have to many, and dont really want to count them:rock:i love my de's, and have some real good vintage gilettes amongst other vintage brands, and a good selection of current de's, 1 thing i have noticed though is that even the cheapest, most common razors can give you excellent shaves, its just learning to use them correctly, a bit like a straight, when i started i yearned for such models as a fatby, aristocrat etc, now i have them i find that even the humble tech gives me great shaves, and i use them in rotation, and get great shaves from them all, i will never sell the ones i have, and perhaps will even add to them, as for blades, i bought 3 huge sample packs, and not even made a mark on them yet.