Thread: First DE razor choices

I have a Gillette Super Slim Adjustable that I currently set on 4 and like it a lot. Normally I shave with a straight, but like the DE for mornings when I am pressed for time. This razor delivers. I also like the Merkur Progress, but the longer handle of the Gillette makes me reach for it first.

Not sure where you would place mine.. I have a Schick Krona ( no stamp on the face) and love the way that shaves. I had a fat handled tech and it was a rough cut and almost as irritating as multiblade.

I think that the EJ89 makes a fine first razor. It's not too aggressive but not mild either. Combined with a good blade it will give you a first rate shave.

SE handles are great in comparison to a str8 razor if you dont have one..an SE handle...the blades r mainly stainless steel and r pretty cheap..lemme know if you want more info!..
Gillette tech ball is a nice starter..very mild..try a sample pack of blades if you don't have one from Men's Shaving, Grooming, Skin and Hair Care - West Coast Shaving


pcdad

I like Gillette adjustables for a good starter DE. They have a nice weight and even though they are adjustable, they seem to be less aggressive then other adjustables.

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