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Thread: What DE razor is good to use?
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12-21-2010, 07:17 PM #1
What DE razor is good to use?
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?
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12-21-2010, 07:49 PM #2
The Merkur HD is pretty well respected. I love the weight of the thing.
You can often snag Gillette Super Speeds off eBay. Often, with a little cleaning & TLC these are very serviceable shavers.
Some of the guys here are fans of the Edwin Jagger stuff too. I'm sure more folks will chime in.
Blades are another important part of the equation. Not all blades are created equal. I hate Merkur blades, but other guys here love them. Just about everybody agrees that Feather blades are rediculously sharp. If at first you don't like it, try a different blade.
I use about the same technique as I do with my straights. Stretching the skin, prep, etc. And no pressure.
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12-21-2010, 08:15 PM #3
What DE . . . ?
Hello, Ramon:
Double edge razors reflect personal choices. Sensei Kyle offers good suggestions.
I love the Edwin Jagger razors — all of them. The 89L is a sweet razor. The "Chatsworth" series is lovely, though more expensive. I also like the Muhle-Pinsel 89R, which is the richer cousin of the EJ 89L.
I do not have a Feather, but I will in the coming weeks. I have heard good things about it.
I have owned several old-time Gillettes, but I am not all that fond of them.
Merkurs are good razors, and I especially like the 38C "barber pole." The 34C has a cult following; it's a good razor. Also the 33C has its own followers. You cannot go wrong with any of these. I find the Merkurs a touch more aggressive than the Edwin Jaggers — and I prefer the Edwin Jaggers.
The fancy and expensive adjustable Merkurs don't do much for me, so I have nothing more to say about them.
For blades, I fancy Feather and the Gillette 7 O'Clock "Sharp Edge" (in the yellow packs). Also I find the 7 O'Clock "Perma Sharp" (green pack made in India) a good blade. Derby has a good following. So does the Personna "red pack" from Israel. Super Iridium, also made in Russia, is also a good blade, and sharp. I find Merkur blades hopeless.
Your best best is to try several sampler packs to give you a general idea of what works best for you.
Regards,
Obie
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rrp1501 (12-22-2010)
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12-21-2010, 09:13 PM #4
I am not a big fan of the Merkurs. I find their quality control spotty to say the least.
I much prefer vintage Gillettes. The SuperSpeed and Tech are two of my favorites. A Red Tip is nice too, but a tad bit more aggressive.
Another option is the Edwin Jagger DE89. It seems to have a strong following, though I have never used it.
My favorite overall is the Gillette Tech.
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rrp1501 (12-22-2010)
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12-21-2010, 09:50 PM #5
Hi Ramon,
I have a couple I use when I'm pressed for time. There's a guy on Ebay, Cedarfurnitureman, He sells vintage Gillettes. I got a Black Beauty, adjustable...Great Razor, and a 1961 Gillette Fat Boy, also adjustable...another good buy. I think you'd be happy with either of them...
Plus, I'm a sucker for anything Vintage....
As far as Blades go, The Gillette 7 O Clock are good and the Feather blades...
I have a boat load of Shark Blades, if you want, I'll send you a couple packs free.....
RichLast edited by zib; 12-21-2010 at 10:31 PM. Reason: spelling
We have assumed control !
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rrp1501 (12-22-2010)
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12-21-2010, 10:03 PM #6
A lot of this is personal preference really. I have the mercur 38C and I don't like it at all. I've also had the vision and didn't like that either. I have a vintage fatboy and it beats the previous two. The EJ razors like Obie said are really top notch and I have the feather which is it's equal.
As far as the blades go just get a sampler pack and experiment. That's the only was to do it.No matter how many men you kill you can't kill your successor-Emperor Nero
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12-21-2010, 10:04 PM #7
I can only answer for myself, but my Merkur 39C Slant has been excellent the last two years, still looks like new, and shaves fantastic with Feather blades. After learning to shave with Straithts I don`t use a DE much any longer, but when I do I use the 39C Slant every time.
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rrp1501 (12-22-2010)
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12-21-2010, 11:04 PM #8
I have a Merkur 1904(?...1907, I forget) and it works really good. If I remember correctly, it's an "open comb" while the Gillette I have (don't know the model) is a "closed comb"...I like the Merkur for the weight. It's really solid and heavy but it IS more aggressive with the open comb. The Gillette feels a good bit lighter. As for blades, Feathers is more aggressive too but I lean towards them as well. Derbys are good to start with as are Wilkinsons or sharks. I agree with the other posters here when they say to get a smapler pack and give it a whirl...alot of it does indeed come down to personal choice as far as blades and razors go. I've been using the Merkur for almost two years and the Gillette for more than 6 months until I recently discovered straight razor shaving back in September or so. Hope this helps.
Laugh at What You Can...Live with the Rest...
Rich
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rrp1501 (12-22-2010)
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12-22-2010, 12:15 AM #9
Thanks all!!! WOW, I didn't know they are just as complicated as Straights! I had bought some shaving supplies from Bull Goose and he sent me a pack of "Lord Platinum" and "Astra Platinum" blades so I figured to give them a try. God Bless all and MERRY CHRISTMAS!!!
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12-22-2010, 02:10 AM #10
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Thanked: 11Hello Ramon,
If you want new, I would recommend a Merkur Heavy Duty or a Merkur Progress.
If you want vintage, I would recommend a Gillette Super Speed or a Gillette Fat Boy.
Hope this helps.
Thanks,
Mike