Ideas for de razor please?

Will Power

Will Power

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Jan 18, 2007
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I'd like some ideas for DE razors, I have 3 or 4 Merkurs one of which is a travelling model that gives excellent results. Another two are long and short handle versions which I've been using for about 6 years, but the plate on the guard is absolute crap, has been flaking off due to the poor finish on the metal and this is now scratching the face I have a completely silver plated Open Comb model and while the plate on this is fine (unlike the chrome finished models) it is far too mild a razor for my liking, you can't get a decent close shave with it, which surprises me as I imagined Open Comb to be naturally 'aggressive' :confused:

I have one Mühle razor, great finish but it is impossibly aggressive a total blood-bath however careful you are:barf:

Any ideas? I live in Europe so access to vintage DE razors could be limited, but I don't rule it out if I can find a decent quality one.

Thanks, Will
 
I had a 1919 Bulldog and while the silver plating was gorgeous, it was a skin remover! Been using an Edwin Jagger EJ89 with a bulldog handle for years. Not overly aggressive, but with a SS bulldog handle is the sweet spot for me.
 
A couple of thoughts, one is that the idea of an open comb being more or less aggressive has been pretty well debunked as far as I'm concerned. Perhaps it would feel that way in heavy growth, but thats about it.

You should be able to find vintage Gillettes around all over the place. Any twist-to-open that is even on both sides, and opens well will be a good start, and an adjustable would be even better.

Have you tried different blades in your razors? I've found that it can make a pretty big difference, and some blades find their sweet-spot easier in some handles. Since a lot of great blades are made in Russia still, you shouldn't have trouble tracking down a wide variety to try.
 
Thanks for your replies gents, I was beginning to think the place had been overrun by Bearded Hipsters or Cut Throat Razor fans only...:eek::D:D

I've heard about Jagger razors but don't seek a mild razor, will certainly check them out.

I don't know much about DE razors except using them for some decades, don't want to get involved in all the disputes you may find on Shaving Forums, not interested. Perhaps I wrongly assumed Open Comb were de facto more aggressive, or did I mean slant-bar?

I have tried many blades, but I like Feathers most of all. The problem I'm having is that Merkur razors made in this century have CRAP plating on the guards, it peels off and reveals nasty sharp points that scratch the face. Nor are they the cheapest razor but I'm disillusioned by them for sure.:(

Thanks, Will
 
I've been using a Merkur razor 5-6 days a week for the last 5 years. No chips or flakes in plating.
 
Well, 2 out of 3 of my Merkurs have this guard problem and the silver plated Open Comb is fine but too mild for my beard. You may have got hold of older stock which I hear was not only better but had a decent guarantee, they don't anymore...
 
A slant bar is definitely more aggressive. I've heard of guys getting razors re-plated, but I don't know how easy that is to get done, or if its justifiable cost-wise.

There is a company called standard razor, I don't know much about them, but it might be worth looking into as well.
 
Plenty of good razors out there, just have to find the right one. Don't get caught up in "trendy" stuff like Fatboys. Good razor, but not the supreme shaver that the prices might indicate. If you find a good non-adjustable razor that works just right for you, it will shave circles around an adjustable. I've tried them all and I have only kept a Black Beauty. No way a "fat head" shaves better than a sleek. Nothing beats a str8, but that's another discussion. Our whiskers grow unique so keep looking and trying.
 
The EJ89 "Kelvin" model is all I've used in months since getting it out of the box. Good weight and knurling, first class fit and finish, and good performance without being overly aggressive.
 
With open comb razors some are mild and some are aggressive. You could check out the reviews of the Fatip OC and the current Muhle R41 2013 version if you are looking for an aggressive DE. Some say the Merkur slant is aggressive but I do not find it so. For me it is a very nice shaving DE that shaves close and the shave lasts.

Unfortunately the Gillette Fat Boy is a cult DE and priced accordingly. For me, when set to #9 with a good blade like a Feather or Gillette Silver Blue it will shave right up there with the Fatip and Muhle R41 2013 Version.

With any of those finding and keeping the right angle as well as using no pressure on the blade is very important. Needless to say a very good lather is a must too.

Bob
 
Will, I shave with a 1956 Gillette Super Speed razor, using Feather blades. I found it at a knife show and bought it for 2$. A big risk. I cleaned it up and started shaving with it. It took me about 2 weeks to get use to it. I really enjoy shaving with it now and have been shaving with it for 5 years. You may can find one at a antique mall or pawn shop. The plating is sound on mine. Its a flat-bar, non-adjustable with a long handle and the Feather blades give a very close shave. It helped me to enjoy DE shaving. Good luck, DM
 
Fatip Grande in nickel is my current razor of choice. Got tired of the zinc heads flaking off the chrome on my Merkurs and Jaggers. Fatip is the last of the all brass razors. If you want one that will last this is the one.
 
Bartleby Not heard of those but will look into it.

Thanks to everybody for your suggestions, the FBoy certainly seems to be 'cult like' and that and some eye watering prices put me off....

Regards, Will
 
My 5 yrs. with the Feather all stainless has been very enjoyable.
Not cheap, but a very good investment in personal grooming.
 
I bought an Edwin Jagger 87 with ivory colour handle direct from the maker. Excellent service and fast delivery.

The razor certainly seems to be highly finished, noticeably better than Merkurs. However, it's still too mild to deliver a satisfying shave (at least I'm not getting scratched by flaking guards..) with a Feather. I like to shave every other day but with this it does not feel close enough to go 24 hours, rather disappointing. I have this Muehle 89 (I think that's the model No.) and this is impossibly, psycopath aggressive. You can see the blade protruding more or less unguarded and it will blood you just looking at you, so that's no use either!:(
 
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