Thread: What is the best DE razor?

If there was a best we would all have it and probably nothing else except as collectibles. So, unfortunately or fortunately depending on how you look at it you just need to experiment with razors and blades to find the best fit for you. Personally, I like my feather SS and my EJ Chatsworth.

Like Obie, I have several Fatboys that I don't usee much anymore. since I got my NEW Open Comb Gilette, that is the one that is probably my favorite now. Don't get me wrong the Fatboys are nice razors, but I seem to get a better shave with the NEW.

I agree that the "best" is a YMMV thing, and with DE/SEs, blade choice is as/more important than the razor. But, If I had to make a selection in each major category:

Current non-tto DE - iKon Bulldog open comb. Honorable mention to Merkur slant.
Current TTO - none worth mentioning
Current adjustable - Merkur Futur

Vintage non-tto - Gillette New Deluxe, Eclipse Red Ring
Vintage tto - Gillette President/Diplomat/Aristocrat
Vintage Adjustable - Gillette Slim

SE: Gem Jewell/Ever-Ready Streamline - honorable mention to Gem Deluxe and 1912 (especially the Damaskeen)

Sorry about the unanswerable question. I should know better than to ask such an open ended question.

This is my actual question.
Of the current production DE razors which do you recommend.

More specifically of the higher price range and even more specifically adjustable and butterfly loaded models.

In my mind it would be between the Feather "not adjustable or butterfly" and the Merkur Vision/Futur? But I wanted to get additional recommendations.

Thank you,
--Shoki

Personally I use a Merkur 37c with Feather blades, every other day. I follow it up with a quick rub of the alum block and dab some Lush "cosmetic lad" over the top; job done.

I tried a Muhle DE razor (can't remember model) and found it to be a bit light in the hand and I didn't like the idea of putting a bit of pressure on the razor as I got a shed load of razor burn from the Muhle; whereas the Merkur is nice and heavy and controlling the weight of it as it falls down/across my chin is enough.

Originally Posted by Shoki

In my mind it would be between the Feather "not adjustable or butterfly" and the Merkur Vision/Futur? But I wanted to get additional recommendations.

Thank you,
--Shoki

Funny thing, those are my two preferred DE's. The Feather and the Vision that is
Sorry, not much help for you other than to say that I enjoy using both of them.

I love my EJ Barley. Fantastic shaver. Also my '63 Gillette Slim adjustable is fantastic. Or my gillette '56 Red Tip, LOL or the fixed '54. Really I have found that they all have blade preferences and so does your face.

ive never used a DE, and somebody sent me some free Polsilver blades. now i need to get a DE to try them out!
looking for a cheap one though in case I hate it.

There is no clear cut answer I can give to you. It's a journey to find your favorite razor. Some will work for you and be absolute crap for others. BUT if you stick with quality companies, you will find a razor that should last you for the rest of your life.

My personal favorite is the Gillette Fatboy with Rapira blades. Smooth and comfortable shaves.

Good luck finding your combination

I prefer my Muhle R106. It's my only modern razor (right now).

Pros:
-Smooth head unlike my Gillette TTOs (you notice the little bar that sticks up on the TTOs after using this)
-Weight - it isn't too heavy, but not light either
-Design, it can carve through anything easily (especially with a sharp blade) without the fear of irritation
-It is also VERY easy to clean!!
-Muhle takes care of you if anything happens (I had a problem with my handle and notified Muhle...within 2 weeks of e-mailing them I had a replacement handle in my hand...Thanks Muhle!)

Cons:
-3-piece desing makes it so you may cut yourself (you have to try to though)
-It's closed comb, so not as aggressive as other razors (if that is a con for you)

I hope it helps.