been shaving with a straight, but want a DE, guide me please

**wapi229** · 08-15-2010, 08:13 PM

I've been shaving with a straight now for 8 months or so, and I DO love it. But I need something I don't need to strop when i'm in a huge rush or traveling. I've been researching the forums for hours now on which DE to get, either a Merkur 23C or the Vision. I would just like to buy one and be done with it. Do you shaving veterans that have done it all recommend the vision if I still want the best damn shave I can get? All the talk about aggressiveness seems to depend on the person. Sometimes I don't shave everyday and can have a good scruff to mow down here and there. I'd hate to buy a 23C and end up wanting something adjustable. What do the guru's have to say?

**luvmysuper** · 08-15-2010, 08:37 PM

The Muhle R89 or the EJ89 if you want a new razor.
Simply the best production razor made today IMHO.

If you're looking for Vintage - well, the world is your oyster!

**44Whiskas** · 08-15-2010, 08:41 PM

I'm no guru but did the same thing recently
IMO if you shave w/a straight and are proficient in your technique and want a similar style shave either get an adjustable you can dial up or get an open comb - a muhle r89 or other closed comb might just be too mild for you

I found in the open comb, I hear more feedback - like a small half hollow. The closed comb is fairly quiet w/little sound.

also different blades in different razors changes the game.

Andy

**Alacrity59** · 08-15-2010, 08:48 PM

I went the other direction. I started with a Merkur 38c and have been using a straight since January. I started shaving with an adjustable back in the 70's and for me I don't need it. For travel I have a couple of sensor blades left but I think I'll eventually end up with cheap Bic disposable of some type.

**Harvitz81** · 08-15-2010, 08:53 PM

Originally Posted by luvmysuper

The Muhle R89 or the EJ89 if you want a new razor.
Simply the best production razor made today IMHO.

If you're looking for Vintage - well, the world is your oyster!

+1

I started with the merkur 23c and later bought the EJ89L. Night and day difference. I concur that the 89 is probably the best modern day production DE.

**instpasr** · 08-15-2010, 09:16 PM

I'm going the other way. Just getting into straights. I have a progress that bob changed the handle out for me and I just love it. In a couple of months you'll probably be looking for just one more DE. Good luck.

**Luc** · 08-15-2010, 09:19 PM

Originally Posted by luvmysuper

the muhle r89 or the ej89 if you want a new razor.
Simply the best production razor made today imho.

If you're looking for vintage - well, the world is your oyster!

+1

**wapi229** · 08-15-2010, 09:33 PM

I really like the idea of a long handle. Maybe the 25C would be the way to go then. I don't see an EJ in an open comb anywhere...

**alex2363** · 08-15-2010, 10:00 PM

as you can see, the majority says edwin jagger e89l .....its no brainer, inexpensive, and if you dont like it you can sell it here within seconds someone will buy it.heres a pic

**OV1kenobi** · 08-15-2010, 10:16 PM

Since you are already a straight user and are looking for something in DE, you really ought to consider a Gillette NEW, Old-Style or ABC Pocket Razor.

That is, if you really do insist on a DE.

Otherwise, please consider a GEM/STAR/EVER-READY single-edge razor. Those are "straights on a stick" and you would probably be very happy with one of those.

However, if you must have a DE, then do yourself a favor and go with "older is better"!

Then again, you might be very happy with a more recent late 1940's NDC (No Date Code, 1948-1950) Gillette Super-Speed razor. Has a TTO "Butterfly" action and performs an absolutely wonderful shave!

Regards,

David

**Sir Ronald** · 08-15-2010, 11:19 PM

those suggesting a modern day closed comb - lame!

the OP's already shaving with a straight

I'd suggest a Merkur Futur (adjustable) which can be dialled up to the aggressiveness you're already used to, or an Old Type open comb.

**OV1kenobi** · 08-16-2010, 12:01 AM

Originally Posted by Sir Ronald

those suggesting a modern day closed comb - lame!

the OP's already shaving with a straight

I'd suggest a Merkur Futur (adjustable) which can be dialled up to the aggressiveness you're already used to, or an Old Type open comb.

Most heartily agree!

A modern closed-comb would be very lame for a current straight razor shaver!

Again, I would suggest and recommend a Gillette open comb (such as a NEW or Old Type) or even a SE.

David

**Legion** · 08-16-2010, 01:39 AM

I know this will confuse the issue....

Go with an SE.

Get a 1912 Gem and some Gem blades to go with it. It will be closer to the straight shave you love, with the speed and convenience of a safety razor. They are cheap, easy to get and work amazingly well. All the other razors suggested are worthy... But get the SE. Seriously.

I think if I was starting again and RAD had never taken hold of me, that would be the set up I would go with. Straight razor 90% of the time, Gem 1912 for when I'm in a real rush. Or drunk.

**sam o'reilly** · 08-16-2010, 02:21 AM

I would just like to buy one and be done with it. !!! Lol, good luck with that.

**inkcoffee** · 08-21-2010, 01:59 PM

+ 1 to GEMS

Or the other SE, Schick injector, if you must have a DE, I'd get a Merkur Slant. I am someone who is afraid of straights (this may change

) and have read that these provide the closest shaves from safety razors, I agree.

Originally Posted by legion

I know this will confuse the issue....

Go with an SE.

Get a 1912 Gem and some Gem blades to go with it. It will be closer to the straight shave you love, with the speed and convenience of a safety razor. They are cheap, easy to get and work amazingly well. All the other razors suggested are worthy... But get the SE. Seriously.

I think if I was starting again and RAD had never taken hold of me, that would be the set up I would go with. Straight razor 90% of the time, Gem 1912 for when I'm in a real rush. Or drunk.

**apino** · 08-22-2010, 09:39 AM

Well, I'm definitely not a veteran or a guru, but from my limited experience I'd say the 23C is very good value for the money.

So far, I only have a 23C, a British Gillette Aristocrat Junior and a 50s ball-end Gillette Tech. To me, it's hard to say which shaves better, the Aristocrat with a Feather blade or the Merkur with an Astra Platinum. With the right blade, I don't find the 23C too mild at all when compared to The Tech which seems quite mild even with a Feather. But then again, I only have a medium-light beard.