Never used a DE

Okay so i have been using a Str8 for the last about 4months or so and love it and found a custom brush that i like and the seller came back and said he had a matching DE (see picture) at a GREAT price that i couldn;t say no to.... now i have been thinking about getting a DE for travel purposes and figured i might as well get a matching set :w. I unfortunately know NOTHING about it the seller says its an "Old Type" Gillette Head from the 1920's made of solid brass..... any advice on this razor and the type of blade it takes would be great because as i said i know NOTHING about DE

thanks guys!

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DE razors have much less of a learning curve than Str8s. If your interested take the leap and get the DE. I use one when I am in a rush. The razors required are just double edge blades placed between the comb and the head. You can get blades to try at Walmart and other pharmacies for a few dollars. There are many companies that make blades, you'll have to try different ones to see which ones your prefer. I use the ones from Walmart which are Wilkinson razors. i find them just fine to use in a DE.

Good luck!!

Oh i got it.... like i said the price couldn't be beat for the 2 of them....and that the exact application i am thinking for it...in a rush and travel.

If I was new to DE I would look for a Gillette super speed. Plentiful and relatively cheap. One of the main features is the TTO, twist to open. With the older types you have three pieces to contend with when changing blades. Not a big deal but the TTO replaced the two and three piece models because of the convenience. You should also look into a blade sampler pack. Not all blades are created equal and one may suit you more than another. What may be an ideal blade for me may not be for you and visa versa so look into that when you get started.

It looks like it might be uncomfortable to use... But it looks nice.

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Originally Posted by THG

It looks like it might be uncomfortable to use... But it looks nice.

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Uncomfortable because of the lip at the top of the handle?

The profile of the handle, over all. It's not a "conventional" style of DE handle.

Interesting razor, it's the first time I've seen one. Hope it delivers a nice shave once you get to using it.

Watch Mantic59's videos on youtube. He will give you great directions on how to use a DE razor. This model is not one I am aware of and I have a huge collection of DE razors, which I have been collecting and using for years. Hope the razor works well. If it does not and if you are interested trying DE shaving, check out the Feather popular (a great cheap plastic DE razor, which gives excellent shaves).
Good luck

Hey menthos thanks for the tip!! I'll def check his DE video out his other videos have been a HUGE help!! As for the razor it's a Gillette "old type" head with a custom wood handle. You have any thing I should know about the old type???

Thanks!! Everyone for your replies!!

BenjamanBaker, The old type head is an open comb head. Unlike other DE razors, on an open comb guard works slightly differently. In DE world, it is like using a straight and therefore these razors are more aggressive. The correct angle for these razors are also closer to 45 degrees.
Remember to take short strokes and be very careful until you are used to the razor. If you get a chance go to Badgerandblade.com and read some of the wiki posts. It might also be helpful to get a razor blade sampler pack (if you get some from the drug store only get 1 set of blades). You will have to figure out the right blade for you. Since there are very different blade manufacturers and each manufacturer's blade feels different. Once you find the right blades for you, then just get those blades.
I have found that Feather blades work best for me. I also like other blades like the astras and sharks. I get a set of Astra from ebay. Usually a set of 100 for $15. It will be cheaper to get your blades online, once you figure out what blades you like.
Keep us updated. Hopefully what I said will help.

+1 for Feather blades. My favorite DE blade and much better than what you will find at Walmart, Walgreens, etc., IMHO.

Hey menthos & blitzt.....thanks for the info!! I actually got this set from te B&B B/S/T bought the brush and then the seller said he had a matching DE and figured why not!! I tried to go to their wiki but it's been down for a few days!! I did however get a sampler pack from bull&goose that included feather blades since I have heard great things here about them and I have a few others from when i was using a shavette (that lasted about 2days b4 my RAD kicked in!!!) once it comes I'll let you know how it goes!! If you have any more advice that would ROCK!!

Thanks!

Badger and Blade is going to some modifications, so it's not reliable currently. Many things are not working on it. Hopefully we have helped you enough to get you going.

Funny story: My first shave with a DE was about two years ago. My girlfriend brought me a "kit" from Germany that included a Merkur (I believe i spelled it correctly) and some blades. I hesitated, waiting for the right time. Finally I tried it. And boy was I surprised. No more razor burn, a closer shave, and a cheaper shave as well. I figured I would never go back - and in fact, I never have. My next step was to the straight. A story for another day. The funny part here is that you went to the straight first! How cool is that!

Benjamanbarker,
Interesting razor. If you find it too aggressive for you, you could try the Edwin Jagger DE89 which is less aggressive and fairly inexpensive. Good luck.

it is hard to tell from the picture, but it looks like it might be Gillette new head, rather than an old head. That will make it easier, if so. I like the old head, but you have to be careful how you put in the blade, because it's very easy to have uneven blade exposure if you aren't careful.

Benjamin, be forewarned. If you find the right razor and blades, you will find them exceedingly close and comfortable to shave with. I now shave exclusively with the DE razors I have and my straights are more or less in the safe as collectables, even my new 5/8 Spanish Point Wacker.

Yes, I agree. I like the Shark brand and the Astra's too. Never any weepers!

Good recommendation on the Superspeed. Very gentle and perfect for learning. Having tried numerous razors, I prefer the Merkur HD (34c) as my everyday razor.