A good DE razor?

[Billy bobs]

So do different DE razors suit different ppl or is there one out performing razor that is hands down a better razor for any type of face?

[alex2363]

So do different DE razors suit different ppl or is there one out performing razor that is hands down a better razor for any type of face?your answer is in red

[cxg231]

I totally agree with Alex's response above, but a good place to start would be a vintage Gillette Tech. They were produced for 40+ years for a good reason and they can be had for ~$10.

[Billy bobs]

Why can't it be easier lol

[celestino]

Have to agree with Alex, also! Different razors and blades for different folks!

[k2clones29]

Why can't it be easier lol

Because there isn't any fun in that!

[The Kiwi]

The Gillette Slim is Medium sized, has adjustments spanning the useful range of settings people want, has a heavier than average weight, which helps steady it, is available reasonably priced. LOOKS right, has lasted fifty years and can last another hundred. It was built quite well. On low number settings, it will just tickle a tough beard, or nicely handle a youthful peach fuzz, on Medium settings, it equals the reknowned Red Tip Super Speed. On high settings, you can shave as closely as just about any razor made.

[OldSaw]

While I agree with the previous posters, there are a few that stand out as generally well accepted by a wide margin of users.

Edwin Jager DE89 series (my current favorite)
Merkur 34C (I have not used this one, but many claim it is a good razor to start out with)
Gillette 40's Superspeed (my favorite for years)
Gillette Tech (I find it performs nearly the same as the 40's Superspeed)

Any one of the above is more likely than not to work well for you. I would even venture to say that the EJ DE89 is now leading the pack as best all around razor for beginners and veterans alike. It is becoming very popular around here.

[xraygun]

Pick one, which ever one you find first from Dennis's list and you are off to a good start. You don't need an Eclipse Red Ring to enjoy your shave. Alex has them all anyway.

[Parallax]

I've found the DE89l to be a great razor. But for my beard, with a Derby, it was a tad behind the Tech which was, in turn, a tad behind the Fat Boy. The red tip SS is a great razor too, as is the "48-49 Superspeed. It's hard to go wrong with any of these razors. Still have to try my Slims and Black Beauties.

[Debrushman]

The only way to correctly determine which razor will be suited to your needs, is by buying at least one of every razor. This is, without question the only viable option which will truly answer your question.
I don't think anyone here will disagree.

[Daiku]

I agree with those who say start with a Tech (mild, vintage, cool AND cheap), or the gloriously chrome-plated Edwin Jagger DE89. Both outstanding razors, and not just for beginners.

[pipskicks]

I totally agree with Alex's response above, but a good place to start would be a vintage Gillette Tech. They were produced for 40+ years for a good reason and they can be had for ~$10.


Gillette Tech for $10? I want one for $10 where??

[kosby]

I would suggest either an Edwin Jagger DE89 or Merkur 34c. Of the two, the EJ has a nicer finish and is usually less expensive but I find that I have been using the 34c more often. On that note, it is going to be whatever suits the user and either of those is a great place to start. However, I suggested an EJ last holiday season to a lady wanting a nice gift for her boyfriend and when received, she said he raved over it but now swears she was trying to kill him.....

[pezhore]

Gillette Tech for $10? I want one for $10 where??

Ebay? Antique shops? I picked my Tech up for $5 in a junk store (it was right next to an engine cylinder and a "samurai" sword).

[inspiringK]

I like the suggestions of one of the EJ line razors. Also the 34C from Merkur. The Slim is also a good suggestion and may be the best razor (vintage or new) that was ever made.

The Tech is so mild that many people can't stand it. Others love it. But since there are so many that have not figured out how to get a decent shave off one, I would not include it in the list of "safe" choice razors.

Maybe get them all...... and a 40's SuperSpeed, and some SE razors, and a late model SuperSpeed, and a Super, and an Old Type Gillette...... and a New........ then keep going.

[retturn2blades]

or is there one out performing razor that is hands down a better razor for any type of face?
If only it were that simple...

[pipskicks]

Ebay? Antique shops? I picked my Tech up for $5 in a junk store (it was right next to an engine cylinder and a "samurai" sword).

Ebay seems like it will be at least twice as much and the condition is always very poorly explained.

[Mr.Oak]

I myself think open combs such as the NEW and New Standard are excellent shavers.

[dcobranchi]

The only way to correctly determine which razor will be suited to your needs, is by buying at least one of every razor.

+1 And in all of the available platings. I mean a 1964 gold plated Tech is VERY different from a 1964 nickel plated Tech. :shifty:

[SteveWY]

You can't go wrong with any of the suggestions of an EJ, Merkur, any vintage Gillette. A general observation for those starting out... Don't look for "What is the best razor... blade... soap? There isn't one. Good intention questions, wanting to start with "the best" thinking that will get you a head start. Pick any reasonable razor, blade, soap, brush, etc. and get to work on prep, lathering, and technique.

[PugslyCat]

Gillette Tech for $10? I want one for $10 where??
Yesterday a friend of mine received a red tail from eBay for under $10 including shipping.

[cxg231]

Gillette Tech for $10? I want one for $10 where??

I have 9 techs, all acquired since I started DE shaving this past December. The cheapest was $4, one under $5, 4 of them were ~$10, and three were over $10, with the most expensive being a $22 minty early fat handle tech.

You just have to be willing to look around on Ebay, Etsy, antique shops, etc...there are good deals to be had! Don't expect mint ones for $10, but user grade ones around that price seem to be pretty available IMO.

[HoosierTrooper]

Yesterday a friend of mine received a red tail from eBay for under $10 including shipping.

That's a pretty good price for a hawk.

http://i190.photobucket.com/albums/z317/sirfrancisdrake12/RedTailhawk.png

[pipskicks]

I have 9 techs, all acquired since I started DE shaving this past December. The cheapest was $4, one under $5, 4 of them were ~$10, and three were over $10, with the most expensive being a $22 minty early fat handle tech.

You just have to be willing to look around on Ebay, Etsy, antique shops, etc...there are good deals to be had! Don't expect mint ones for $10, but user grade ones around that price seem to be pretty available IMO.

I'm jealous I have been looking at stores, but being in Los Angeles I haven't found anything, but there was nothing "thrifty" about the thrift stores around here, maybe it's the area.

Ebay I guess is a good idea and I've seen stuff, but compared to pictures on the BST...it is horrible and I have trouble with the grading on there.

All I really want is a user grade that's able to be sanitized and cleaned to be able to be used, I care less about the looks than I do about function.

Even with all that I still am hesitant on some of these Ebay auctions....


I have bought off the BST (not a ton but so far very positive) and it was well-priced and they were very honest about grading so I have really been watching that the most, but I find that a lot of people are selling rare ones over ones that are just cheap....

[xraygun]

You are going to be cutting whiskers with the razor blade, not the razor, so don't worry about sanitizing so much. Barbicide, alcohol, scrubbing bubbles, one of those and you are fine. Just read up here before you start boiling a new acquisition in vinegar, bleach, battery acid or Court Bouillon. Plenty of info on cleaning razors, and best consulted BEFORE undertaking said project. MANY sad tales here of "I boiled my nice gold razor in bleach and ammonia, why is my plating looking weird, and oh, why is everyone in the house dying?" Sarcasm intended for emphasis. Read the Wiki first.

Many great razors can be had for MUCH less than ebay by watching the BST for an afternoon. I probably have 20 from there. 2 alone coming from yesterday.
Grab a 40's Super Speed, and start shaving!

You'll want a blade sampler to start. I recommend you get one that includes some Personna and Gillette blades, not just the off brands found in the cheapest asst.
Buy a Simpson Berkeley 46 or Colonel. Then you won't have to wonder if it's your brush when learning to make lather.
Get an alum block and styptic pencil.
Witch hazel.
Try a Speick stick for soap to start. Cheap and easy to lather.

Enjoy your shave.

[Samjax]

I agree that the old Gillettes would be a good place to start. My son (age 19), uses a 1949 Superspeed that I gave him and he absolutely loves it. I've had him use a number of my others - but he has zero interest in any of them - simply preferring to keep it simple with his Superspeed. I picked his up for just a few dollars at a flea market recently - cleaned it up - sanitized - polished a bit - put in a new Shark blade and he's happy as can be. I've got several old Gillettes and if I had just one to choose - I would be hard pressed to find something that fits my face personally (and my larger hands) than the 1973 Gillette Black Beauty that I own. Plenty of setting choices - and you'll never lose money on it - you can generally sell it for whatever you paid (within reason).

[BowTieGuy]

I would also add, watch BST for a user-grade Tech or Superspeed, both great starter razors. I believe that's your best bet, rather than ebay; you can rely on getting something in the condition promised, and generally at a good price. Also, you don't have to wait for the 'auction' to be over.

[TonyBrown]

While I agree with the previous posters, there are a few that stand out as generally well accepted by a wide margin of users.

Edwin Jager DE89 series (my current favorite)
Merkur 34C (I have not used this one, but many claim it is a good razor to start out with)
Gillette 40's Superspeed (my favorite for years)
Gillette Tech (I find it performs nearly the same as the 40's Superspeed)

Any one of the above is more likely than not to work well for you. I would even venture to say that the EJ DE89 is now leading the pack as best all around razor for beginners and veterans alike. It is becoming very popular around here.

I have both 34c and de89, i find the merkur a bit less aggressive and easier to learn on, but the DE 89 is a quality razor as well, neither is a bad choice.

[takeshi]

Why can't it be easier lol
If you really can't choose after reading around then select one of the popular ones. If you're not happy with it and find a better suited DE for you down the road you can BST your first choice. Don't assume that you have to pick the best right off the starting line.

Thankfully, it's not easier and we can find the tools that are well-suited for each of us individually. Imagine if we only had one car to choose from. Or one food to choose from. Etc etc. "Easier" is a double edged sword.

As for the comments regarding what people consider to be "good" starters, keep in mind it's YMMV. If I had to start over I'd just start with a DE89. If you'll note, not everyone agrees on that matter even in this very thread. I didn't care for the 34C, the Super Speed, the Fatboy or the Feather Portable. Again, YMMV. Enjoy the journey -- don't fixate on the destination.

[tempusfugit]

I think the Muhle R89 is a good choice for general all-around quality. Not too aggressive, not too mild. Muhle hit the sweet spot with this one.

[DougieB]

I'll complicate things and say different razors / blade combo's suit different beard/face. I have settled in almost exclusively with vintage 3 piece Gillette's. Specifically a Fat Handle TECH is my Desert Island razor. It provides good to great shaves depending on the blade. FEATHER... great, but it might bite me. Astra Sp's no nicks but not as close. Personna Platinum in a red wrapper is in between the other two. YMMV

[RailroadMan]

Flea Markets, Yard Sales, and Junk Shops
237152
$12.75

An Old Type for $3

And a Krona, Black Beauty, and Slim Adjustable from what may have been a tweaker at the Flea Market for $6

also, things like this:http://badgerandblade.com/vb/showthread.php/287559-Sweet-Schicksteen-Pass-Around-PIF

[chongo gordo]

Gillette Tech for $10? I want one for $10 where??

I won this one. (http://www.ebay.com/itm/280852388412?ru=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ebay.com%3A80%2Fs ch%2Fi.html%3F_from%3DR40%26_trksid%3Dp4712.m570.l 1313%26_nkw%3D280852388412%26_sacat%3DSee-All-Categories%26_fvi%3D1&_rdc=1) A little Brasso and it cleaned up very nice.

[pipskicks]

I won this one. (http://www.ebay.com/itm/280852388412?ru=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ebay.com%3A80%2Fs ch%2Fi.html%3F_from%3DR40%26_trksid%3Dp4712.m570.l 1313%26_nkw%3D280852388412%26_sacat%3DSee-All-Categories%26_fvi%3D1&_rdc=1) A little Brasso and it cleaned up very nice.

I guess some of those just scare me as I'm afraid of some of those just being completely unusable, I've seen some honest people say the mechanism broke but very few...

Man these deals make me jealous!

[chongo gordo]

I guess some of those just scare me as I'm afraid of some of those just being completely unusable, I've seen some honest people say the mechanism broke but very few...
Man these deals make me jealous!

Keep two things in mind:

1). The old three piece razors are made of brass, and there's very little that can go mechanically wrong. Even the ugliest will clean up to a brass finish that is tough, attractive and hygienic.

2). If the prospect of cleaning up a stranger's 87 year-old rusty and blood encrusted razor skeeves you out, don't do it. It's completely understandable reaction, and there are plenty new, attractive and affordable razors on the market.

Me, I get a kick out of using a razor that was made while the Red Baron was still flying, but I'm kind of weird that way.

[gforgary]

I'll give another +1 to the EJ DE89. I'm fairly new and that was my first razor. In a way I regret buying the Feather because of the BBS shaves I was getting after I figured out how to use the DE89 =X

[pipskicks]

Keep two things in mind:

1). The old three piece razors are made of brass, and there's very little that can go mechanically wrong. Even the ugliest will clean up to a brass finish that is tough, attractive and hygienic.

2). If the prospect of cleaning up a stranger's 87 year-old rusty and blood encrusted razor skeeves you out, don't do it. It's completely understandable reaction, and there are plenty new, attractive and affordable razors on the market.

Me, I get a kick out of using a razor that was made while the Red Baron was still flying, but I'm kind of weird that way.

I am like you with liking the cleaning of the razor, I don't mind that.

That being said, I've seen a few 'Bay posts saying the TTO mechanism was broken...

Of course those were not techs, but I love that TTO mechanism I want my Merkur to do that.