Looking for an excellent DE shaver

**TYdeFan05** · 04-17-2011, 05:50 AM

I've got about 3 years experience with a Merkur 34C HD. I recently purchased the EJ 89L and WOW. It just fits me. Just like a cologne or aftershave mixes with your body's chemistry, so too can a razor. This one fits my stroke, angle, and pace just right. Outfitted with a Feather blade this thing sings! The 34C HD is no slouch, and will certainly stay in the stable forever. I like the EJ enough that I've started recommending it outright to new users...unlike before when I'd say "it's a personal choice". I feel that strongly about it, especially at that price point.

Obie, glad to hear your thoughts on the Feather as I have one in the mail to me from Japan right now.

**Gigmaster** · 04-23-2011, 10:38 AM

Get you a vintage Gillette. They shave as close to a straight razor as you can get without using a straight razor.

Have you considered using a Durham Duplex? They are a straight safety razor, sort of the best of both worlds. I love mine.

**iwitness** · 04-23-2011, 09:36 PM

you can pay a lot for a fancy name or you can get a good vintage gillet,my personal go to is a 40's era super speed,i also like the new style open comb from the 30's,good doesnt always have to be expenseive.for what you pay for a good merkur you can get 2or3 good gilletts.i mean really,things were made in the 20's&30's and look as good as they did when they were made?i dunno but sounds like quality to me

**MikeMN** · 04-24-2011, 04:02 AM

I am in the same boat as you--just started with a straight razor, but also bought a De89lbl (got it but haven't tried it yet) and a feather all stainless steel for days I can't spend the extra time. I am thinking about returning the feather since it was so expensive. (I haven't actually received the feather--it is in transit.) The De89lbl was pretty reasonable at less than $34. Short handle, though it looks pretty nice, and there is a review on youtube Edwin Jagger Chrome

**tombuesing** · 04-28-2011, 10:26 PM

EJ has come out with new verisons of the 89 for 2011. I just got the 8911, updated 89. It is balanced more toward the head.

I got great shaves right out of the box.

It came from West Coast Shaving.

**jhenry** · 04-29-2011, 12:18 AM

An Edwin Jagger or Merkur de razor can be had for a relatively low cost ($28.00 -- $39.00).

Vintage Gillette's are excellent shavers too. They are available in the SRP Classifieds and on ebay, but they can be very costly on ebay.

**ryan2022** · 04-30-2011, 02:05 AM

Im sure this has been covered, but I shaved for the first time with my parker 91R tonight. Its fairly inexpensive compared to some, and it works great. Nice and beefy, with a good solid feel

**JimR** · 04-30-2011, 02:10 AM

I've found these to all be excellent:

Feather Portable
Feather Popular
Merkur Futur
Gillette Short-handled Tech.

**wmac** · 04-30-2011, 02:18 AM

I agree with Jim i just bought the Feather Popular to use for when I travel by plane and it works well I still fell my shaves with my straights are better but the Popular gives a provides a good shave also. I am just in the process of figuring out which blades I prefer.

**cpcohen1945** · 04-30-2011, 05:44 AM

I think the best place to buy old Gillettes is in antique shops, not on eBay. I've seen lots of reasonably-priced "twist-to-open" razors lying around.

I picked up a Gillette Tech (tarnished, in good condition) for $5. It works very nicely. With only three pieces of brass that screw together, there's not much to go wrong!

Charles

PS -- if you're not confused enough, pay a visit to:

www.badgerandblade.com

which is where the DE enthusiasts hang out. In the Wiki, you'll find measurements of some dimensions for various DE razors. And the 'Reviews' are loaded with contradictory opinions about every razor ever made. Buy _something_, and learn how to use it.

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