Thread: First DE razor choices

I've been shaving with a DE for almost 20 years and the razor is a gillette adjustable that my father gave me. I have no idea how old it is but but am guessing it's a 60's model. I've never tried another kind of DE so I can't compare, but I do remember trying to learn shaving with it. My advice would be to start with an adjustable so that you can start with it set low and as you get used to the feel then you can turn it up a notch and compare the two. My father's advice was just that and if you feel like it's not cutting right you can either increase the angle your shaving or turn it up, with the latter probably the best choice to avoid nicks. Until I found this site I didn't know there was non adjustable DE razors I have no intention to try one cause the DE ajustable one I have does the job just fine. Usually I start out on #3 with the next shave is usualy #4 or #5. I generally don't like going too much higher than that on the razor cause it irritates my face more and I usualy nick myself especially if I'm in a hurry. The only time I had a major cut was when my 4 yr old at the time turned it upto #9 with a new blade in it, I went about an into the first pass and got a nice cut the whole length of the blade on my neck. Lesson learned I always look to see what it's set at before I start. I would say make sure the blade is sharp, take your time and you'll figure it out without much trouble.

Originally Posted by thumper15

. My advice would be to start with an adjustable so that you can start with it set low and as you get used to the feel then you can turn it up a notch and compare the two. My father's advice was just that and if you feel like it's not cutting right you can either increase the angle your shaving or turn it up, with the latter probably the best choice to avoid nicks. Until I found this site I didn't know there was non adjustable DE razors I have no intention to try one cause the DE ajustable one I have does the job just fine. .

Hiya,

Your reasoning for using an adjustable is something I agree with. Yeah, a new DE user can start out on 2-3 for a few weeks and then bump it up a bit after the technique's been improved. Makes for a less uncomfortable transition than if using an aggressive type or high adjustable setting.

You know, based on the settings you use, I'd bet I can suggest a fixed head razor you'd enjoy. That would be a late 40s-early 50s Aristocrat. To me it feels like a 5-6 on the Gillette scale, which is about what my comfort limit would be. I normally set my adjustables to #4, so it's not much of a stretch.

These are gold razors with some nice features. Balance is better than average, the knurling on the handle has some bite to it, and the Aristocrat feels very good in the hand. These types are also among the nicest looking razors, at least to my eye.

You might like to give that one a try sometime. One in fair condition wouldn't be more than about $30 or so, and you can sell the thing easily if it doesn't fit you right. They can get a little pricy for the ones in excellent condition with a nice case, but both priced ones will shave the same.

Thanks for your post,

Martin

Hey Martin,

I have looked at fixed DE on a few sites just to see what is out there. Don't know if I'd use one, I've used this gillette adjustable for so long it's one of those deals I don't have to think about it just do it shaves. I'l look into the aristocrat to see what your talking about.

For a new guy I would suggest a super speed for the first few shaves. After he is comfortable with shaving he could then go the whole gambit with the other DE's. I have given away super speeds and the new shavers were pleased with them. With a decent blade he shouldn't get into too much trouble and have a good experience.

bj

I really think the new crop of EJs with the new head are really hard to beat. They aren't all that aggressive and give a top notch shave.

Originally Posted by thebigspendur

I really think the new crop of EJs with the new head are really hard to beat. They aren't all that aggressive and give a top notch shave.

That new head has gotten almost universal great reviews, and that would be a good one to try if buying new. From what I've read, the EJ/Muehle razor is a much better value than the Merkur brand. I couldn't say for sure, having only seen or held one or two Merkur models.

I did try the EJ 89L a while ago, and found it wasn't a good fit for me. Heh, I was all set to love the thing, but no luck. A nice forum member loaned me his, so I didn't have to end up selling that one. Actually, I did sell the thing, but told him it musta got lost in the mail when he never received it back. Speaking of that, does anyone have a nice President I could try out for a few days? I would also like to try a Toggle.

Martin