Recommendations for a high-end DE?

[msam]

I've been on quite the buying binge lately, for AC razors. While I prefer them to DEs, I'd like to pick up one high-end DE. I'm looking for something under $250. Titanium or SS, though, I do prefer somewhat lighter razors. I have my eyes on a few right now (Blackland Blackbird, Timeless Ti, and the Aylsworth Apex) but figured it wouldn't hurt to seek advice before pulling the trigger. All recommendations are appreciated.
In terms of aggression, I have found the Shield AC, La Faulx with ++ plate, and Alpha Spirit to be perfect for my taste. While I enjoy my Alpha Claymore, it tends to tear up my face. I may also consider picking up a Timeless Ti Crown handle to pair, since I have read excellent reviews about them.

 

[tehnothing]

I've been on quite the buying binge lately, for AC razors. While I prefer them to DEs, I'd like to pick up one high-end DE. I'm looking for something under $250. Titanium or SS, though, I do prefer somewhat lighter razors. I have my eyes on a few right now (Blackland Blackbird, Timeless Ti, and the Aylsworth Apex) but figured it wouldn't hurt to seek advice before pulling the trigger. All recommendations are appreciated.
In terms of aggression, I have found the Shield AC, La Faulx with ++ plate, and Alpha Spirit to be perfect for my taste. While I enjoy my Alpha Claymore, it tends to tear up my face. I may also consider picking up a Timeless Ti Crown handle to pair, since I have read excellent reviews about them.

Wolfman aluminum Guerilla with the rebel handle. Affordable and light. Karve aluminum Overlander, also light and affordable. The TI Timeless has many fans.

 

[Quaznoid]

Tech

 

[helicopter]

Blackbird

FS - SS Blackland Blackbird SB in Satin Finish w/ stand and original box!

Howdy! Great condition SS BB in Satin with stand and original box - $170 CONUS only and I prefer Paypal G&S - shipping is included in the price! I might also entertain some trades so let me know what you got. Thanks PS: Better and more detailed pictures incoming, trying to post this...

www.badgerandblade.com

 

[lasta]

Tech

+1

Tech is hard to beat at any price.

But if the OP wants to spend for something more premium, look into the Flat Bottom variety or an Aristocrat. Mint condition ones can be found easily for under $250.

 

[Mr. Shavington]

It depends what you mean by “high end”. In my mind it means not only a great shaver, but also great design, outstanding manufacturing and finishing quality - which are more to do with the quality of the item than the shave, and you tend to pay for this level of premiumness. I’d say the only truly high-end razor around $250 is the bronze version of the Lambda Athena (or the Lambda Ares). It’s a remarkable value and there’s no razor at a higher price that is better in any way - even razors approaching $1,000. Of course your personal shaving preferences are the most important in choosing an expensive razor, but most people find the Athena is among the best shavers for them. It’s not a lightweight razor, though, if you want that. The titanium version is much more than $250.

There are other really great razors around $250 or lower that don’t have this kind of ultimate, obsessive finish level but are very nicely made things nonetheless. I haven’t checked the prices and availability lately but I’d recommend the Blutt BR-1 (most like the 1.20 plate), the Rocnel Elite, and the Karve Bison or Overlander. The Blutt is matte but really wonderfully made, with a very low profile head, and it’s quite light and nimble in steel. The Karve Bison is anodized aluminum so it’s very light, and way less than $250.

I like the Timeless razors too but I’d only get the polished finish (their matte finish feels gritty to me), and you should note that the heads are bulky so not the most nimble - but otherwise excellent and I prefer their build quality over Blackland.

I wouldn’t choose the Wolfman Guerilla, personally. I found it to be disappointingly basic in quality and nothing special as a shaver. I think there are much nicer razors at better prices.

 

[Virgil Sollozzo]

I've been on quite the buying binge lately, for AC razors. While I prefer them to DEs, I'd like to pick up one high-end DE. I'm looking for something under $250. Titanium or SS, though, I do prefer somewhat lighter razors. I have my eyes on a few right now (Blackland Blackbird, Timeless Ti, and the Aylsworth Apex) but figured it wouldn't hurt to seek advice before pulling the trigger. All recommendations are appreciated.
In terms of aggression, I have found the Shield AC, La Faulx with ++ plate, and Alpha Spirit to be perfect for my taste. While I enjoy my Alpha Claymore, it tends to tear up my face. I may also consider picking up a Timeless Ti Crown handle to pair, since I have read excellent reviews about them.

I have a Rockwell 6C - not expensive at all. GREAT shave.

 

[gdawg55]

Out of your list I would highly recommend the Ti Blackbird. My best performing DE. I also use the La Faulx ++ and it performs similar to the Blackbird as far as efficiency goes. The Blackbird may have just a bit more blade feel but remains nice and smooth. Those two razors are my best performers and are at the very top of my den.

 

[Quaznoid]

Tech

High-end but not expensive

 

[Doc Dan]

Henson Ti22

Made of Grade 5 Titanium, it is lighter than steel but also stronger. The skill and experience required to machine an exotic metal like Titanium to the tolerances Henson demands makes a razor like this a very rare commodity.

hensonshaving.com

Pick your aggression. This Titanium razor is really good.

 

[dotKomo]

I have a Rockwell 6C - not expensive at all. GREAT shave.

I have the 6S. Superb razor!

 

[Chaucer]

Tatara. Masamune is the mildest. Even the stainless steel version is not too heavy.

For a bargain, I agree with those recommending a Tech. For a little more efficiency, try a pre-WW2 Tech

 

[mfurie2540]

Just incase you are unaware but Blackland do a 30 day trial that offers you your money back if you don’t get on with a paticular razor they make.
My money would go on a BlackBird Titanium, either the Lite or the normal plate depending on your preference to blade feel.

 

[gdawg55]

High-end but not expensive

The Tech is nice for what it is. I pulled one of mine out last week and was underwhelmed with the results. Just too mild for me. I used them in the beginning when first learning to use a DE but now (maybe my beard has changed since it’s mostly grey) it just doesn’t cut the mustard.

 

[Quaznoid]

The Tech is nice for what it is. I pulled one of mine out last week and was underwhelmed with the results. Just too mild for me. I used them in the beginning when first learning to use a DE but now (maybe my beard has changed since it’s mostly grey) it just doesn’t cut the mustard.

Some folks think that and it can seem so at first. But the more you use it the better you get with it and, at some point, you realize you’re getting the best shave a DE can deliver.

 

[Odinarcade00]

High end you say? The ones I own and love are

Rex ambassador

Blackland Blackbird lite SS

Henson Ti22+(you can get any aggression you like though)

Phoenix Artisan Accoutrements "Quantum safety razor" I absolutely love this razor. It comes with a mild and aggressive plate. It feels premium. It shaves like a dream. Its got the heft. I highly recommend this razor. Its not always in stock so dont hesitate to get it if you want it.

I have a 6S but im not really in love with it yet. I need to spend more time with it before I can recommend it.

 

[Edgelord]

I would go with an Overlander or a Blackbird.

 

[sm29]

My SS Blackbird is my second favorite razor and is a key part of my travel kit. The only razor I like better is my Ti Blackbird. All of what’s good about the SS Bird and more nimble. Either would be a great choice.

 

[Pat Puma]

I've had many high-end razors including a recently purchased Wofman WR2. For aesthetics, one of the older Wolfmen was the prettiest, and that new WR2's Darwin handle is also beautiful. However, when it comes to performance, my favorite is still the Timeless .95 open comb. Personally, I prefer stainless to titanium because I like the heft, but I imagine the ti will shave just as smoothly and closely.

 

[Hannah's Dad]

After owning and/or trying probably 100+ razors, both vintage and modern, the only modern razor I kept is the Titanium Blackbird. If you get one to try for 30 days, give it at least 8-10 shaves before making any decision. It will either be the greatest shaver in your den, or you’ll send it back. I’m betting heavily on the former.