Page 1 of 3 123 LastLast
Results 1 to 10 of 22
Like Tree1Likes

Thread: SR shavers needs advice for a DE

  1. #1
    Senior Member
    Join Date
    Feb 2010
    Location
    Maryland
    Posts
    209
    Thanked: 44

    Default SR shavers needs advice for a DE

    Originally Posted by zib in the Strop forum in response to my question about traveling with a hanging strop:
    Traveling is a great time to break out the DE. I bring a DE, a shave stick, and a brush.

    My response, which so far hasn't generated any advice, so I'm reposting it here

    I've never tried a DE. Which razor & blade combination would shave somewhat like a 5/8 full hollow ? Is it hard to adjust the angle the blade is to the skin during the stroke (which is something I find I need to do with a straight to get a smooth AND comfy shave) ? I also tend to like lighter straight razors. Do the DE's work well in lighter weights (I hear "only use the weight of the head" a lot in DE posts) ?

    Another question:
    Do E-W passes on the neck work OK with a DE ? (I have E-W hair growth on my neck, deep valleys alongside my trachea, and neck stubble that lies flat to the skin. So BBS smooth on the neck with a SR is very very very elusive - and often results in razor burn if I try 4 passes to get smooth enough that the hairs don't catch in my shirt collars by 3pm...)

    Thanks.


    Thanks.

  2. #2
    The original Skolor and Gentileman. gugi's Avatar
    Join Date
    Aug 2007
    Posts
    17,410
    Thanked: 3906
    Blog Entries
    1

    Default

    The angle of a DE razor is set. If you want to vary it you should get one of the adjustable razors. I like the so called long handle gillette superadjustable, they have black handles.
    You'll have to experiment with blades yourself.

  3. #3
    Junior Member
    Join Date
    Jun 2011
    Location
    Rapid City SD
    Posts
    25
    Thanked: 2

    Default

    I have been playing around on this front for a while and here is what I like: On the DE shaver, I found a 1961 fatboy and purchased it for $2.00. I also have Merkur 39C. I have purchased a couple of different brands of double edge razors and my skin reacts a little different to each. The shaving cream also makes a difference in my opinion. In the end, you will have to experiment a little to see what works for you. For me, the best setup so far is the 1961 Gillette Fatboy, Trumpers shaving cream and Feather DE blades. BTW, you can set the blade in the fatboy from 1-9 (easy shaving to aggressive.) I currently use 5/8 and 6/8 straights and all I can tell you is I won't go back to the new cartridge shavers.....ever. Good Luck and Enjoy!!

  4. #4
    The Hurdy Gurdy Man thebigspendur's Avatar
    Join Date
    May 2005
    Location
    New Mexico
    Posts
    32,736
    Thanked: 5016
    Blog Entries
    4

    Default

    A DE is totally different than a straight so forget about comparing the two and trying to get a shave that feels or works like it could have come from both and you couldn't tell. I would get a sampler set once you get the razor and experiment with what works best for you. It's a very individual thing and what works great for me may be terrible for you.
    cpcohen1945 likes this.
    No matter how many men you kill you can't kill your successor-Emperor Nero

  5. #5
    It's All about the Groove... KeithS's Avatar
    Join Date
    Sep 2011
    Location
    Los Angeles, California
    Posts
    73
    Thanked: 31

    Default

    Quote Originally Posted by gugi View Post
    If you want to vary it you should get one of the adjustable razors. I like the so called long handle gillette superadjustable, they have black handles.
    You'll have to experiment with blades yourself.
    +1 on the Gillette Long Black Handle Adjustable. They're not as popular for some reason as the Fatboys and Slims and can be had for less money if you keep an eye out for them.

    Have you considered using an SE? I can't comment much on it's comparison to a straight as I am just getting started with the straight (...getting surprisingly excellent shaves so far). I don't have the expertise or experience with a straight yet.

    I started with the DE for a bit, and still use it for a change of pace for fun. But I really started getting good shaves when I ran across an Ever Ready Patent 1912 single edge. That 100 year old razor sold me on never using a cartridge again...ever! I travel a lot and this is my go-to travel razor. 3 passes and it's the best shave I've ever had! Very comfortable in my opinion. Easy to load. Easy to use with good feedback, and it's economical if you buy the white box GEM blades in the 50 or 100 counts from razorbladesandmore.com or Connaught.

  6. #6
    Senior Member
    Join Date
    Feb 2010
    Location
    Maryland
    Posts
    209
    Thanked: 44

    Default Adjusting angles

    What I meant by adjusting angles was to use a more upright angle near the corners of the mouth, or under the jaw, etc. I imagine that as long as the blade edge projects approximately 3 mm, then the angle could also be varied ”mid stroke” with a DE. Is this the case???

  7. #7
    Senior Member blabbermouth Theseus's Avatar
    Join Date
    Mar 2011
    Location
    Ohio
    Posts
    2,786
    Thanked: 421

    Default

    +1 on getting a Gem/Ever Ready 1912. They are about as close as you can get to a straight with a safety razor. The blades themselves are much stiffer than their DE counterparts meaning much less flex.

  8. #8
    Senior Member TonyN's Avatar
    Join Date
    Aug 2011
    Location
    Lawrenceville, GA
    Posts
    158
    Thanked: 15

    Default

    +1 on getting a sample pack of DE blades. Some will give you a nice shave and some won't. Each blade will also feel different in different razors.

    As far as a SE, I aree with a Gem/Ever Ready 1912 or else a Gem G-Bar. Usually the vintage Gems and Ever Readys can be picked up for a decent price on the Bay or sometimes in the classifieds. As far as SE blades, I agree with the PTFE coated Gem SS blades.

  9. #9
    Plausibly implausible carlmaloschneider's Avatar
    Join Date
    May 2011
    Location
    Mount Torrens, South Australia
    Posts
    5,979
    Thanked: 485

    Default

    I've really only used one DE (well, in recent decades) but I would find it hard to imagine a nicer razor than my Mühle R 89. Like has been said; you can't really compare straight razor shaving and DE shaving, though it's in the same 'coolness' ball park. Yes, adjusting the razor's handle adjusts the angle of the blade against the skin. I use as much pressure with my DE as I do with my SR, i.e. almost none. I find it easier to do ATG on the neck and get difficult areas of the neck with a DE. Again, I must say I've only used the DE three times; I only got it very recently.

    It sounds to me like you'll really enjoy using a DE for each shave, along with your straight razor. I think it would help you get to those tricky areas on your neck that you mention.

    PS, I find the Mühle R 89 head is quite heavy, though I've no other DE to compare it to. The weight of the head is an advantage though, as it really does do all the work...
    Good luck with your search for a nice DE!
    Stranger, if you passing meet me and desire to speak to me, why should you not speak to me? And why should I not speak to you?
    Walt Whitman

  10. #10
    Senior Member Str8Shooter's Avatar
    Join Date
    May 2011
    Location
    The Woodlands, Tx
    Posts
    1,912
    Thanked: 214

    Default

    I agree with all and can add a bit more. I actually do a E-W pass on my neck and it works fine.
    All my DE razors are different with different blades except the Edwin Jagger Barley. It takes any blade and shaves fantastic(unless you put the blade in wrong) The only difference I can tell is how many shaves I can get out of the different blades(all quality blades).
    I I had it to do over I would obtain some type of cheap adjustable(fat boy or slim etc...) and use it to learn a bit and discover if you like a more aggressive or gentle shave pass. It is easy to learn and you are right about using no pressure but the razor weight. Enjoy!!
    Paul
    "We sleep soundly in our beds because rough men stand ready in the night to visit violence on those who would do us harm."

Page 1 of 3 123 LastLast

Posting Permissions

  • You may not post new threads
  • You may not post replies
  • You may not post attachments
  • You may not edit your posts
  •