Suggestions for my next DE acquisition

[Leo8701]

I'm ready to buy a new modern razor. I started with a Merkur 34 C HD and have since acquired a small collection of vintage Gillettes ( Slim, SS, Tech) a couple of SEs (Ever Ready, Gem). The only other modern razor I have is a Lord long handle I bought for travel.

I use the Slim (62) and the SS (54) the most. I started with the HD and used it exclusively for months but now I find it taking a back seat to the vintages. I use the Slim on 3 and 5 and like the SS so I suppose I prefer less aggressive. I do have a heavy beard and do 4.5 passes.

That said, I think choosing a modern razor is more difficult than searching for the prized classics. I read the blogs a lot and hear the raves about the slants, the 41, the EJ, etc., but what I am trying to do is hear from others who have been here about what a good logical next step would be.

It seems to me that I am following a typical pattern, pick up a starter, get some vintages and so forth. I want an everyday modern quality razor. Although my old Gillettes are great, I am looking for a nice out of the factory go to. Any suggestions or feedback welcomed,

[jbradley]

I have no modern razors, but from the post by BluesBishop and his brother Daniel, and James Pro, I know the first 2 I will get will be the Merkur 1904, and the R41, unless the Webers are ready, then it will be the first, followed by the others.
Johnnie

[turtle]

Well take the big step and get one of the giants.

If you want something with some bite (aggressive) go with a Merkur Futur

If you want something that is middle of the road (not too mild not too aggressive) go with a Merkur Vision 2000

Both are adjustable razors so you can dial in the aggressiveness you need depending on what you have to cut. Crank em up and both can mow through days of growth as easily as if you had just shaved an hour before. Dial em down and they are smooth as a kitten.

http://badgerandblade.com/gallery/displayimage.php?imageid=32276

[celestino]

It really is up to you, but the Merkur Slant or Sledgehammer are both very good razors that are quite aggressive.
If you are looking for an ajustable, there is the Merkur Progress, Futur and Vision as turtle has stated.
What are you looking for in a razor is something you have to ask yourself.
Good luck.

[DaveL]

I would suggest you look at the Merkur slants.

[global_dev]

LEO, i have a PILS with your name on it...(well not exactly your name literally on it) they don't get any more modern than that and since my new nephew's name is Leo, if you are interested, i will hook you up with a sweet discount! just like that! PM if interested.

[dpmtherrien]

1904 open comb.

[ERVARGASNY]

EJ For sure, Super Smooth and Effective with a Feather Blade, Awesome Razor, Now if you want something a little more high End, Next In Line i would Recommend Feather AS D-1 $189.99 But will last you a lifetime and its Machined Carved from Solid Stainless Steel.

[yakster]

I'm going to recommend the Merkur slant since you mentioned that you use your Slim and SS the most and that you do 4.5 passes. You didn't say what setting on the Slim you use, but the SS and the number of passes makes me feel that you'll like how effective the Slant can be without coming off too aggressive. The slant is great for heavy beards.

I like the R41 and am using it as my primary, buying it after picking up the Merkur 39c slant, because the shaves last into the evening, but this razor is very aggressive and is really schooling me on refining my technique or I'll see the red marks on my work.

[Vivasanti]

I have a Merkur 38c which was my first razor, then gotta some vintages (see my sig)

then i got an Edwin Jagger DE89l cause people raved on about it, its the best razor i own now.... so smooth.

[Azarius]

I really enjoy the Merkur 1904 Open Comb and 34C. Muhle seems to be a tad nicer as far as quality, but there is nothing wrong with the fine razors from Merkur. It is hard for me to justify spending more than $80 for a razor, but that is just me.

I have a 2011 R41, a 2010 R41 and an Merkur 11C on the way...still looking for that elusive 2009 R41 that has a head similar to a Joris/FaTip.

I will be honest, I am no longer a fan a TTO's, mine are sitting there...I would much rather have a nice 3 piece head, nothing really beats my NEW Long and Short Combs. My next razor will more than likely be a BRW Bullmastiff handle with a replated NEW head.

[fatthumb]

I really enjoy the Merkur 1904 Open Comb and 34C. Muhle seems to be a tad nicer as far as quality, but there is nothing wrong with the fine razors from Merkur. It is hard for me to justify spending more than $80 for a razor, but that is just me.

I have a 2011 R41, a 2010 R41 and an Merkur 11C on the way...still looking for that elusive 2009 R41 that has a head similar to a Joris/FaTip.

I will be honest, I am no longer a fan a TTO's, mine are sitting there...I would much rather have a nice 3 piece head, nothing really beats my NEW Long and Short Combs. My next razor will more than likely be a BRW Bullmastiff handle with a replated NEW head.
Hi Daniel, how do you compare your Gillette OC head with Merkur 1904 OC (in terms of aggressiveness)?

[Azarius]

The NEW Long and Short Comb are far more aggressive than the 1904, BUT...

The one thing I like about the 1904 head is that I can buff like a mad man along my jawline and the trouble areas on my neck, with zero irritation afterwards.

Up until recently I was all about a razor being very aggressive, I regularly shaved with my Fatboy and Slim on 8. When I first used the 1904 I thought, "wow this is milder than my Flare", but after a weeks use, it has become my favorite behind the NEW's.

Of course, YMMV, but the 1904 is one fine razor IMO.