Thread: What DE razor is good to use?

I have a Super Speed adjustable, and use Derby blades. The SuperSpeed is a very mild shaver, and the Derby is a mild blade. Using the adjustable on 3 seems about like a normal Super Speed; higher numbers get more aggressive.

I only use it when I travel (so I have next to no practice with it), but I get fast, easy, 1 pass clean shaves, even with only water.

I have a '62 Fatboy that shaves very well, a nice vintage piece if you come to prefer heavy razors. And then there's my trusty Merkur 38C, highly recommended by me.

I've gotten about 6 DE from various LOT wins and they all scare me a bit. I keep telling myself to get over it and give it a try but ALWAYS wig out just after I put a blade in one...

Oh well I'll stick to a straight till I get over it

If there are any bad vintage Gillettes, I've been lucky enough to avoid them so far, that's why they get my recommendation. From battered old razors from the 20s to the snazzy adjustables of the 60s I've found them all to be good, even tempered razors, but the pick of the bunch are the Superspeeds and Rockets from the 40s and 50s for my money. Which is good, because that generally means not a great deal of money.

The matter of blades however is a real can of worms, and best left for another thread. It's enough to drive a fella to a straight razor, well this one anyway.

Ramon,

I would recommend the Merkur HD or Futur. I have and use both. I'm quite pleased with them.

As Obie suggested, the Edwin Jagger de's are quite nice as well.

Then too, if you can snag a vintage Gillette de off of ebay, you can't go wrong there either. I have a 1960 Gillette Butterfly or Twist-to-Open (TTO) Super Speed and love it.

Make sure that you purchase a de razor blade sampler pack as well. This will let you chose the best de razor blade that is economical and best for your beard.

I have and recommend the Goodfella DE razor. It is handmade in New Zealand and was reviewed on SRP by a member who knows a thing or two about razors.

It is available at Westcoastshaving in their dents and scratch section for a very reasonable price.

I have two DE razors. One is an old open comb gillette and the other is a 1966 gillette travel tech. The little travel tech has a handle that is about as long as the blade is across. (1 1/2 inch?) It gives a great shave, and that is with super market blades. It is the razor I use when I just don't have time for a real straight razor shave but have to shave. I want to make a small case for travelling with it and a full length handle for use at home.

Originally Posted by rrp1501

I am curious as to what would be a decent DE to use? I am a dedicated Straight shaver but am thinking about just trying a DE. Any suggestions out there?

I normally recommend the Merkur 34C but since you know how to use a straight I'd recommend the more aggressive Merkur 37C Slant (39C is the long-handled version).

I have a new Merkur classic long handle, no comb, and I absolutely love the thing. It's built like a Russian tractor, heavy and sturdy. It feels like a tool in your hand, not a razor. That's why I like it.

rrp1501,

+1 on Obies' advice - the Muhle headed razors are excellent - I have a R109.

I think every shaver ought to have a TTO Gillette, and with the SuperSpeed it is hard to go wrong. My favourite Gillette DE is the English New, long-comb two peice; abslutely a superb shaver (for me).

+1 on the advice to get a blade sampler pack; the choice of DE blades is possibly one of the most personal things in shaving !!! One persons ambrosia blade is anothers poison !! (Blade samplers can be had from WestCoastShaving (Sample Packs)

or ConnaughtShaving (Connaught DE Sample Packs) amongst others.

Good luck !

Have fun & a Merry Christmas !

Best regards

Russ