My First Discussion: Discovering the Perfect (for the moment) DE

[dickt]

Hello.

I returned to DE shaving a few months ago, after a 30-40 year absence, which coincided with cultivation of a handlebar mustache. I am happy with both decisions.

So far, I have used a Jagger 89L (could, but a tad too mild), Muhle R41 (since sold--I found it too harsh), a Weishi (bought in trying a three razor program -- the R41 for WTG, the R89 for the XTG, and the Weishi for the ATG), a Merkur Futur (used in a 3 pass scenario at Numbers 3, 2 and 1, respectively), and today, for the first time, a Merkur 39c. I think I like the 39c the best as it really mowed down my 2-3 day wire like growth very easily, although I did get a couple of neck weepers on the ATG pass. It is smoother, for me, than the Futur, probably because it is more aggressive than the R89, but less than the Futur. I strongly suspect that the Merkur 39c, for the WTG and the XTG passes, with the Weishi or my little Gillette travel razor for the more tender XTG pass.

I find it strange that I seem to have made a hobby out of something that I have always hated doing! It may be because of all that I have learned on B&B in the past few months, coupled with the fact I do not shave everyday anymore.

[The Don]

Welcome! Congrats on finding one at works well at the moment. The 39c is a very popular razor. I went through a similar progression when first getting into DE shaving. What was surprising and gratifying to me was how differently those razors performed for me after putting them on the shelf for a while. Now I find I'm able to appreciate each one for what it brings to the table, and I adjust my technique accordingly. Keep us posted on how it all progresses for you!

[The Kiwi]

You may be my age or older, although at 72, nearly, there haven't been many saying they were older than myself. I held onto a majority of my DE razors and haven't bought any to add to the ones I had, but I "only" spent about 25 years with cartridge razors, after more than twenty using DE razors (and almost ten with Injectors).

One difference is that I grew a mustache that I kept, starting from when I was about 25, but no wax or other concoction would ever allow me to train it into a handlebar configuration.

Enjoy yourself. Real glad to have you here with us.

[StillShaving]

Welcome back. Welcome to B&B.

[H.S.M.Jr.]

Hello.

I find it strange that I seem to have made a hobby out of something that I have always hated doing! It may be because of all that I have learned on B&B in the past few months, coupled with the fact I do not shave everyday anymore.

+1 Sir, I concur 100%. By the way, welcome to B&B, it's great to have you with us.

[NickCutlip]

Welcome to B&B !!

[the.village.idiot]

Yes, indeed... the Sledgehammer is a most excellent razor... glad you found your way to it...

I use Astra SP blades in mine exclusively, and love the combination.

Welcome back to DE shaving... what took you so long? :-)

[Sledgehammer39]

Welcome Aboard!