Thread: Looking for an excellent DE shaver

Good day Gentlemen,

I have been shaving with a straight razor for several years now. I love the shaves and am happy with the results. However I am finding myself much busier these days and am looking for an alternative shaving method I can use when I dont feel I have the time/concentration for a straight razor shave.
I am seriously considering getting a DE razor and would simply like some comments on what you gentlemen think would be an excellent high quality DE for the first time DE user.

I could take some time to research this on my own, but I thought having a conversation with all of you here on the forums would be so much more enjoyable!

Cheers!
Matthew

Merkur 34C (short handle) or 38C (longer handle). I have the 34C and love it.

Hello, Mathew:

I own and have owned numerous Merkur models, including the 34C and the 38C, as well as a collection of vintage Gillettes, among other brands. The Edwin Jagger 89L received my highest recommendation. The workmanship in the EJ 89L is impeccable and the shave superb. What's more, the razor is reasonably priced. Try it with blades such as Feather, Gillette 7 O'Clock "Sharp Edge" in the yellow wrapping, Astra, Personna "red" and Derby.

Regards,

Obie

Ace, Obie, thank you both for your thoughts. I do appreciate (and trust) your worthy advice.

Does anyone know anything about Muhle DE's? I've read some good things about those as well. On the whole it seems that the Edwin Jagger receives more accolades than the Merkur so I'm leaning towards the 89L at this point.

A wonderful day to you,
Matthew

I have the Merkur 38C with the comb style guard. I use it with Merkur and Feather blades. It really is a great razor. Secure in the hand and very maneuverable.

Every D/e is A good d/e, it's all in the hands of the operator. Picking a first d/e can be challenging as everyone has their own opinions. EJ' and Muhle's are are from my understanding basically the same razors but with different handles. (and much different price). Merkur HD's have many fans. I personally find Ej's and Merkur HD horrible shavers. It's a total YMMV thing. I highly recommend vintage Gillettes as a great entry point until you can figure out what you really desire in a d/e. If your set on new razors there are some great tech clones out there, the feather clone is highly regarded. You can check out Bruce on shaving's blog for a great article on picking your first d/e.

Hello, Mathhew:

The Edwin Jagger 89L and the Muhle 89R share the same Muhle shave head. The handles are different. The Muhle is Edwin Jagger's rich brother. Muhle 89R's workmanship is also impeccable, and the shave is similar to Edwin Jagger's. You will not go wrong with either, although the Muhle is pricier. I have both razors and love them.

Regards,

Obie

Originally Posted by MatthewShropshire

Ace, Obie, thank you both for your thoughts. I do appreciate (and trust) your worthy advice.

Does anyone know anything about Muhle DE's? I've read some good things about those as well. On the whole it seems that the Edwin Jagger receives more accolades than the Merkur so I'm leaning towards the 89L at this point.

A wonderful day to you,
Matthew

I recently purchased the EJ 89 and am very happy with the shaves I have been getting from it I have never owned a Merkur so I can not really make a comparison (although I did have a tough time deciding between the EJ 89 and the Merkur 34HD) I use the Astra blades in my EJ 89.
Caution: the chrome finish on the Edwin Jagger DE89 can blind you. Lol

I have also heard very good things about the Edwin Jagger 89L. I was thinking about getting one myself. And yes, it is quite reasonably priced.

You can't go wrong with an old vintage Gillette like a Super Speed or a Fat Boy either. Keep an open mind, there are many great razors to be had.