Thread: D.E advice

I'm not so sure about the old technology DE's. The new EJ's definitely give a better shave than the old type or at least they do for me. I know no matter how much I fiddle with my fatboy the result is still a notch below the EJ. I've had 2 mercurs a future and a 39c and I wasn't impressed with either of them to be honest.

Originally Posted by Harvitz81

Modern Aggressive:
Merkur Slant
Muhle R41 open comb
Merkur Open comb
Merkur 34HD

I'm puzzled as to why some people feel the 34C/38C are considered aggressive. IME they are a nice, very forgiving DE that I wouldn't hesitate to recommend to a beginner.

Yes Mick, that was my endorsement for your first DE...

If I were in your shoes, I'd get a Merkur 34C either regular or Heavy Duty. They are reasonably priced and readily available for purchase.

I own both a Merkur HD and a Futur and prefer the former over the latter. In fact, I just used my Merkur HD today, as the attached SOTD photo attests, for the very same reason you offered; namely, that there are those times when you may not want to use your straight razor for a shave. Today was one of those days for me.

I guess I wasn't clear. I mean that basically there has not been a new idea in the DE razor since maybe the Gillette adjustable. Later razors might execute better, but the basic idea and most of its refinements remain unchanged. Jaggers and Merkurs might be better razors than 1960's Gillettes, probably are; but they are working on the same ideas, even going back a notch (Merkur Progress not doing the butterfly opening for example).

Has there been an actual technological advance in the DE since 1965 or do they just make 'em tons better, closer tolerances, better metal, etc.?

That's not a challenge, btw, just a real question! If I'm mistaken, I get to learn something and the senior members here are the most likely folk to "learn me" well!

Originally Posted by thebigspendur

I'm not so sure about the old technology DE's. The new EJ's definitely give a better shave than the old type or at least they do for me. I know no matter how much I fiddle with my fatboy the result is still a notch below the EJ. I've had 2 mercurs a future and a 39c and I wasn't impressed with either of them to be honest.

Well, if it's to be a new one, the Jagger seems to get more praise than any other current razor, but if adjustablilty is a must, I think that means a Merkur. The Futur is liked by many and is certainly a heavyweight - by reputation it has aggression aplenty on offer, but I don't recall anyone mentioning mildness.

Not really germane to this thread, but I really want to compliment Lawson on that GI set. A very nice acquisition, sir, and just crying out to take its place in the washbag.

Thanks for all the advice so far, I think I'm going to go for the Merkur HD. It has the sex appeal, insofar as razors can be appealing in that way, that I go for. I would have like to see it in an adjustable format, then I told myself to Keep It Simple Stupid.
Next question: Derby blades or Feathers? Differences if any.


Mick

P.S Lawson I WANT that GI set. Beautiful!

Originally Posted by MickR

P.S Lawson I WANT that GI set. Beautiful!

Glad you like it. I actually plan to try it on trips periodically.

Originally Posted by MickR

Next question: Derby blades or Feathers? Differences if any.

Chalk and cheese, and neither would be my first recommendation. Derbys: variable quality, sometimes within the same pack, which was enough for me to reject them permanently. They have quite a few fans though who report that they are an easy going, not especially sharp blade. Feather: notorious for being very sharp, and not particularly smooth in my personal opinion. I very much enjoy using them once in a while, but continuous use leads to irritation. They are very consistent.

A few other brands might offer a better experience if you're just starting out, for instance red Personna (cheap, reliable, not overly sharp); Gillette 7 o'clock yellow pack (sharp and reliable), or Iridium Super (similar to the Gillettes). There are a few blade threads on this board if you feel like taking this further. I always say the same thing about blades, and I'm going to do it again: when you find a brand which really suits you, buy a lot.

The basic principle by which DE's work really haven't changed. They have been just tweaked and improved. Some would say the SE's (injectors) and later cartridge razors were a natural improvement in design the same way many would say the DE was the next improvement over a straight.

I wouldn't say that but many would. But, if your looking for a progression in technology here (good or bad) that's probably it.

No different than if your into electric razors you have the rotary and the foil. I had my father's Sunbeam Shavemaster from the 1950s and basically it's the same as a modern foil razor just heavily modified and tweaked.

I've had numerous vintage Gillette's and a Merkur progress. I like them all but the Progress was to aggressive for my skin, so I sold it. I really like the flare tip super speeds and the Gillette adjustable.