Thread: first DE razor

Hi, i have been shaving with a straight (Dovo bq) for a couple of months an im still learning, but sometimes it takes long (most of the times: 3 passes+one touch up pass)to get a smooth shave so i decided to get a merkur 23 with merkur blades for the days when im in a hurry or for touch ups, can i expect a close shave with this setup? And weirdly, im more scared of cutting myself with a de than a straight! And im expecting to get a Hartsteel for christmas, so the DE is really just for fun untill then ;-)))

Thanks
Mike

Mike, the double edge safety razor and the straight razor share many similarities in the shave: no pressure, proper angle and economy of stroke. Also, keep your wrist locked so that you don't change the angle.

Look at Mantic59's videos on YouTube for technique tips. As long as you avoid sliding the razor horizontally you should not cut yourself. A DE should allow you to shave faster than a straight.

I bought my first safety razor today. It's a Merkur 39C. First shave tomorrow. I bought a block of Alum too...

I just shaved with the DE, at first it dit not cut at all, i had put the lower plate backward, but when i put it right..wow, one of the closest shave i ever had!

DE's used properly can & will deliver a fast, close shave. The problem is that you can get too complacent & trustworthy with them, and when you least expect it........BITE!!

Absolutely Firefighter. The worst cut I ever made was with an EJ89 (very mild DE) with a Derby blade! Wasn't paying attention, moving to quick and presto! Instant slasher film...

I shaved with my new 39C yesterday for the first time. I used the stock Merkur blade. It felt closer at the time, with more irritation that I was used to with a two bladed store razor, and I got a few weepers on my neck. I'm okay with all that as I know I'm climbing a learning curve. However, as I sit now writing this before shaving, I have much more growth and stubble now than I've had before using the double blade store bought razor. I am assuming it is because I'm not comfortable with the Merkur yet, and not comfortable doing as many passes.

If this is not the case I'm going to end up being pretty bummed.... I'l give it several more weeks, though, before I put the Merkur up for sale.

Hey Blue,

Welcome to wet shaving! Don't be discouraged it takes awhile to get the hang of it. My only question is what brought you to the 39C? It is probably one of the more aggressive DE Razors out there. I have been using a DE for over 8 months and I just waded in to the Muhle 41 Grande which is only one step up from the slant ( was using the EJ89 which is a great starter razor). Also the stock blades off the slant IMHO are pretty rough. A Derby blade would be far more forgiving. All that to say, stick with it and you will be rewarded.

Hi Hardtop,
I settled on the 39C because I'm a real tightwad. I read thread after thread and realized I would probably be "moving up" the line of razors anyway, and read the 39C gets the closest of the safety razors to a straight edge. Based on that I went with the 39C, so I wouldn't have to keep buying more razors, and a box of sample blades. I have enough sample blades to last me at least a year. There is one box of Feathers in the sampler. I plant to use that one last. When the Merkur blade in the razor wears out, I'll start on the Derby blades in the sampler. If anyone knows a lot about different blades, I'd love to get some advice as to what rotation to use based on what I have.

I'm okay with taking time to get it down, and okay with a little blood and hot spots. I know the ends will justify the means..