Thread: First DE razor choices

Hiya,

There's a large variety of DE razors to choose from when first starting this 'hobby'. Some razors are mild and some are aggressive, and most are somewhere in the middle. I won't get into what the differences are, since it would be difficult to understand unless you've used some. That's a whole other extremely deep badger burrow for another time maybe.

I'm of the opinion that most razors are fine for starting off. Try a mild or medium aggressive one, and stay away from the very aggressive type. Those will bite you much easier if your technique isn't good. You can believe me when I say that a very aggressive razor will not be a fun way to start out. You'll hear some members tell you to start with something aggressive that works well for them, but it's only gonna make learning this skill a bit more painful. Plus, it may well turn out that you end up preferring a mild razor after you've tried a number of em.

There's no way of telling what matches your face until you learn technique. You're gonna be fumbling around for a while in the beginning......trying to figure things out. Don't expect much for the first week or two, so be patient. Most razors will be ok to shave with, with the thought of using the same one for at least a month. By then everything will have come together somewhat, and you can start making comparisons with other razors. That's the name of the game after learning technique. It's trial and error when finding the right razor, and it can take a while.

The idea is to find a tool that gives you a close AND comfortable shave. No sense getting a very close shave if your face experiences discomfort along the way. It's very possible to have both those factors, and that should be the goal.

Gruesome eh? Yeah, this DE thing can be a looong journey if you decide on trying for the perfect shave. Gotta have some motivation, that's for sure. It's pretty damn fun though when everything comes together.

Heh, I wouldn't be surprised if other members have thoughts different than mine about what razor to start with. Matter of fact, I'd be surprised and shocked if everyone agreed with me. It's part of the diabolical nature of this goofy 'hobby'.......you gotta try it yourself to see what's up.

Martin

Hiya,

Just for the heck of it, I'll include a small but far from complete list of suggestions for a first DE, and I'll mention a couple to stay away from.

One good one is the Gillette Tech (almost any variation will be a bit on the milder yet effective side).

Another nice razor would be any Gillette adjustable set on #3. Most Gillette super speed models would be worth a look as well.

Many veteran members will use any of the above models mentioned as their razors of choice.

I can't speak for Merkurs, since I've never tried one, but the 34c(HD) is very popular. The Edwin Jagger or Muhle razors (both of those versions have the same newer heads) are also well received. You might want to stay away from the older versions from a few years ago.

Do yourself a favor and don't start with any open comb types, since many can be on the aggressive side. I'd also not recommend starting with a slant type razor.

That'll do it I guess, although I'm sure I've left out some....

Martin

Thanks, Martin

I have a fair bit of experience having used many different razors over the years, and I'll mention a little bit about what an 'aggressive' razor means to me. At this point in time I can shave with just about any type razor and will be left with a close and bloodless shave. By now I can adjust my technique to a razor's nature and those adjustments will do the trick nicely. It's just something that comes with experience and not because I'm gifted.........heheh.

There are some razors that are just too uncomfortable to use. Matter of fact, I even own a bunch of em.......sheeesh. These razors are too aggressive, even with a mild blade in em(another bottomless hole I won't talk about here). The main point is that the razor's design is something I can't overcome with technique. No post shave weepers or red face, but no fun on my face during the shave.

They feel uncomfortable and harsh, for whatever the reason(and there's a bunch of those). As a result I have some beautiful razors I never use. The discomfort just isn't worth the closer than usual shave many are capable of. A good example would be the old silver American made Bulldog types. Those are bad doggies.......

Unfortunately a new DE user won't know if a razor's too aggressive, and if starting off with one may be pretty discouraged. That's what happened to me with injectors years ago, and I almost quit on that type. Luckily I tried another model and it was night and day.

I'm just saying it's best to not assume that an aggressive razor will be more effective in your personal whisker whacking journey. Heh, no need to try anything drastic at this early date.

Martin

Some so called aggressive razors dont shave as well as a mild razor, a tech is a easily available mild razor, shaves like a dream, as good as a red tip, futur is a aggressive razor, takes time to learn, then gives good shaves, i have been using de's for around 5 years, and have far to many to count, but its not how aggressive it is, its how you use them.

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.