I'm looking to make another DE razor purchase. My first DE razor was the Merkur 34C so I don't want to jump from that to something really aggressive. Looking for some recommendations for a good 2nd purchase that's more aggressive than a 34C, but not at the complete opposite end of the spectrum. Thanks!
Next step from a Merkur 34C?
- Thread starter Samurai Shaver
- Start date
If you want to go vintage, the Gillette Slim Adjustable is a great razor. It will also allow you to experiment with different setting to find out what you really like in a a razor.
Save the money and try a sharper blade. I have spent over $ 1000.00
Gillette New would be my suggestion. Pretty much any variation.
I started with a 34C, moved to an ATT R2, then to an H2, which I use most of the time. I also use a variety of open combs described generally as "aggressive." I don't use my 34C anymore. Your optimal journey may be different.
If you want to go new and not cripple your wallet I find that my Maggard MR5 is a step more aggressive than my 34c.
But trolling through junk and antique stores for a nice old Gillette is great fun.
Just last Saturday I scored a '52 Gillette Black Tip for $5.
Cleaned it up and shaved with it the next morning.
But trolling through junk and antique stores for a nice old Gillette is great fun.
Just last Saturday I scored a '52 Gillette Black Tip for $5.
Cleaned it up and shaved with it the next morning.
http://badgerandblade.com/vb/showthread.php/462878-FS-1964-(J2)-Slim-Excellent-Condition?highlight=
this is pretty good deal on a vintage slim.
this is pretty good deal on a vintage slim.
My second razor was a Muhle R106. I highly recommend it. It's substantially different than the 34c as far as looks, feel, weight, and size, but not any more aggressive. I felt I had more enjoyable shaves with the Muhle. It was exceptionally smooth, felt good In the hand and I ended up primarily using that over the 34C. After the Muhle, I tried an ATT and was blown away; sold both the 34C and Muhle. If I could have one back, I'd go with the Muhle.
Oddly enough, with an IP Red inside, my 34C is better at finishing a three pass started with my K1 Slim than finishing with the Slim. Dunno where the razor was labeled as a beginner's shaving tool. Nothing wrong with the Slim, but some days I am sure my 34C is the better choice. Advice? Go get a good Slim as a compliment!
Get this time an open comb so you get to try a such one too! If you want a bit more aggressive razor, try to get any version of the 3-piece Perl open comb. However, only buy it from a reputable seller and ask them to verify the alignment pins are in the middle as this is a pretty common flaw.
If you want to hardly jump up on the scale at all, go for a Parker open comb (24C or 26C).
If you want to hardly jump up on the scale at all, go for a Parker open comb (24C or 26C).
A slant, like the 37c would be a nice step
I agree, similar to use as the 34c but more aggressive
tankerjohn
A little poofier than I prefer
I started with an HD as well and have now used the 39c Slant Sledgehammer, 38c "Barberpole", 47c "Engine Turned", 41c/42c "1904" with open and closed combs, and EJ DE89. I guess I like Merkurs. Anyway, here's how they compare to the 34c to me, in the order I first used them:
39c - much more efficient, but not harsher. Shaves are both closer and last longer. I like the long and heavy handle better than the 34c. No regrets picking this up as a second razor. Still my favorite.
47c - three piece Merkurs are slightly milder than two-piece Merkurs, and that's true here too. A little smoother and less efficient than the HD. I love this one for its handle.
41c OC - probably the mildest razor currently in production. The whole "open comb leaves more lather on your face" thing seems to work, making this one extraordinarily comfortable. However, I can't get BBS with it, but that's okay on the weekends.
42c CC (actually the 47c head on the 41c handle, but same same) - Similar to the 47c, but with a much shorter and lighter handle. Felt very similar to the HD, but not as efficient
EJ DE89 - my only non-Merkur. Smoother and less efficient than the HD, but not by much. It mostly just feels different; I'm not sure how to describe it. It works better than the HD with certain blades, so I like it for that. I prefer the EJ head on the awesome 47c handle, thanks to its three-piece-ability.
38c - Shaves almost exactly the same as the HD, but I like its longer handle better. Prettier too, especially the red one I got. It matches my Cella tub for cheesy SOTD pics
.
So, based on my experience, I would say that if you want something similar to the HD, but with a longer handle, the 38c or 47c would be right up your alley. If you want to jump into a slant, go for it. I did not have any trouble making the switch. If you are looking for something milder, than either of the 1904 models or the EJ would suit you. I haven't used any of the aggressive OCs yet, but I feel plenty confident in my technique that I would go for it, given the opportunity.
39c - much more efficient, but not harsher. Shaves are both closer and last longer. I like the long and heavy handle better than the 34c. No regrets picking this up as a second razor. Still my favorite.
47c - three piece Merkurs are slightly milder than two-piece Merkurs, and that's true here too. A little smoother and less efficient than the HD. I love this one for its handle.
41c OC - probably the mildest razor currently in production. The whole "open comb leaves more lather on your face" thing seems to work, making this one extraordinarily comfortable. However, I can't get BBS with it, but that's okay on the weekends.
42c CC (actually the 47c head on the 41c handle, but same same) - Similar to the 47c, but with a much shorter and lighter handle. Felt very similar to the HD, but not as efficient
EJ DE89 - my only non-Merkur. Smoother and less efficient than the HD, but not by much. It mostly just feels different; I'm not sure how to describe it. It works better than the HD with certain blades, so I like it for that. I prefer the EJ head on the awesome 47c handle, thanks to its three-piece-ability.
38c - Shaves almost exactly the same as the HD, but I like its longer handle better. Prettier too, especially the red one I got. It matches my Cella tub for cheesy SOTD pics
. So, based on my experience, I would say that if you want something similar to the HD, but with a longer handle, the 38c or 47c would be right up your alley. If you want to jump into a slant, go for it. I did not have any trouble making the switch. If you are looking for something milder, than either of the 1904 models or the EJ would suit you. I haven't used any of the aggressive OCs yet, but I feel plenty confident in my technique that I would go for it, given the opportunity.
- Thread starter
- #15
Thanks for all the suggestions. To clarify, I have been using the 34C for a while and have tried 5-6 blades and settled with Feathers for now. That vintage slim looks sweet!
The Merkur 34C as I recall is the Merkur HD.
Your next razor should be a Merkur 37C, the Slant razor. Consider the Merkur Slant to be an improved HD, but it is not scary aggressive.
Your next razor should be a Merkur 37C, the Slant razor. Consider the Merkur Slant to be an improved HD, but it is not scary aggressive.
tankerjohn
A little poofier than I prefer
True statement - 34C is the model number for the HD
OP should go 37C if he likes the size the size of the 34C. If he wants to experiment with a longer handle, go 39C.
I started with an HD as well and have now used the 39c Slant Sledgehammer, 38c "Barberpole", 47c "Engine Turned", 41c/42c "1904" with open and closed combs, and EJ DE89. I guess I like Merkurs. Anyway, here's how they compare to the 34c to me, in the order I first used them:
39c - much more efficient, but not harsher. Shaves are both closer and last longer. I like the long and heavy handle better than the 34c. No regrets picking this up as a second razor. Still my favorite.
47c - three piece Merkurs are slightly milder than two-piece Merkurs, and that's true here too. A little smoother and less efficient than the HD. I love this one for its handle.
41c OC - probably the mildest razor currently in production. The whole "open comb leaves more lather on your face" thing seems to work, making this one extraordinarily comfortable. However, I can't get BBS with it, but that's okay on the weekends.
42c CC (actually the 47c head on the 41c handle, but same same) - Similar to the 47c, but with a much shorter and lighter handle. Felt very similar to the HD, but not as efficient
EJ DE89 - my only non-Merkur. Smoother and less efficient than the HD, but not by much. It mostly just feels different; I'm not sure how to describe it. It works better than the HD with certain blades, so I like it for that. I prefer the EJ head on the awesome 47c handle, thanks to its three-piece-ability.
38c - Shaves almost exactly the same as the HD, but I like its longer handle better. Prettier too, especially the red one I got. It matches my Cella tub for cheesy SOTD pics
So, based on my experience, I would say that if you want something similar to the HD, but with a longer handle, the 38c or 47c would be right up your alley. If you want to jump into a slant, go for it. I did not have any trouble making the switch. If you are looking for something milder, than either of the 1904 models or the EJ would suit you. I haven't used any of the aggressive OCs yet, but I feel plenty confident in my technique that I would go for it, given the opportunity.
Very useful thank you for this man
Vintage Gillette Red Tip - definitely next step up 
tankerjohn
A little poofier than I prefer
Hey, you're welcome! Glad that old post was still useful. I have to say that since writing it, I've gotten into vintage Gillettes in a big way and these days my hands down favorite razor is the Red Tip. So I have to agree with ThomasB. Imagine a razor with the efficiency of the HD, but exponentially smoother. Like, it doesn't even feel like a blade is touching your face-smooth. But then you notice the water in the sink is full of stubble and your mug is smooth as glass and its like daaaaaam! Anyway, Red Tip - great razor.
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