Thread: looking for a DE

Merkur 37C/39C (slant). Work great on coarse facial hair like mine. Smooth, close and comfortable every time. Slices the hairs off rather than chopping them. Best DE razor design ever, imo.

Originally Posted by rwebb1683

I know this is completely an opinion question, but I'm open to all suggestions. What is a good DE razor for someone whose never shaved with one?
Ronny

Hi Ronny,

Pick one of those Merkur or EJ razors.....good a place as any to start with. Just stay clear of any open comb or slant types for right now....nothing too aggressive.

You're gonna need some decent blades, and some to maybe stay away from would be the Derby and Merkur. Some people like those but many don't. Don't try a Feather blade either. Best thing's to get a small sampler pack of maybe 10-15 different blades.

Since you already use a straight, you should get consistant good, but not great shaves after a week or maybe less. After that your technique will improve rapidly and that's when things get fun. If a good shave's what you're looking for , it won't take long.

If you want a great shave, that's a totally different thing. Not only do you need excellent technique, but you also need a wonderful razor/blade combo. That set up only comes with experience. The right blade is just as important as the correct razor. The best technique in the world sometimes can't compensate for a poor fitting blade or razor.

Martin

I think the merkur Barber Pole is a good all around razor. If you want to go vintage you really can't go wrong with a Gillette fatboy. The Feather stainless and EJ razors are pricier but they are very fine instruments.

Weight of the D/E is important to consider, I have a few really heavy raxors, like the Futur, that tend to give a more aggressive shave. I don't recommend them for begginers. I do like the Merkur Barber Pole, its really well balanced, and its a razor you can still get feedback from your fingers and face as to pressure. I am also a fan of Parker's classic butterfly razors. I go by how well they feel in my hand, and I like something with a textured surface, ideally. You also need a good brush and soap or cream. You really shouldn't need much pressure at all, infact, the weight of the razor does most of the work. Too much pressure is really irritating, do not try to get all your beard in one pass! Lather up again and be gentle. Blades are also a matter of choice. I am a big fan or Merkur and Feather blades, but again, these are probabley the most aggressive blades, and I would start with Lord or another brand till you really feel confidant. (SRD has some great blade sampler packs) Blades are very personal, and you will soon find out your favorite, and how long it will last you. A really dull, overused blade will cut you or irritate you. When in doubt, toss it out (in a puncture proof container or a blade safe disposal unit) . After shaving, rinse the razor well in hot water, and if there is soap film you can carefully eliminate it with rubbing alcohol.

I don't think you could go wrong trying the LORD L6 for a starter. I still use mine as a daily user, and I have a collection of 60 razors to chose from.

I've never used a modern double-edge but my go-to razor when I don't have time to use a straight is an old 1920's Gillette open comb razor with a Feather blade. It comes as close to a straight razor shave as anything I've used yet. Aggressive, yes. Exactly what I want.

Originally Posted by Theseus

A big +1 on the Gem SE razors. I have three 1912, a Micromatic open comb, a 1912 Damaskeene and a 1912 Gem Jr.
Attachment 90349

GEMs are about my favorite safety razors. I've had particularly good results with a G-bar and an open-comb Micromatic. The Micromatic is very much like a straight in that the blade MUST be new-blade sharp for it to shave you comfortably, along with little to no pressure.

I really like the my Mühle R 89. The workmanship is excellent, it looks cool and it shaves really nicely. Very manoeuvrable too.

I prefer open comb DE razors, like Merkur 11c when not shaving with a straight. Unfortunately Merkur does not produce 11c and 12c any longer. But 15c and 25c are still available.

If you're looking for a new open comb at a reasonable price try the Merkur 1904 OC. Not quite like the original Gillette '04 but if you don't want to fuss with looking for a clean original the Merkur is a good first choice that's easy to find and buy.