3 DE Safety Razor Choices...

[TripleB]

Thanks to so many helpful people with my first post (40 years of electric, finally giving double edge safety razor a true chance), I've decided on my shaving cream (Proraso Sensitive) and my brush (starting with a synthetic brush and stand). The only thing left is the razor and the blades.

After getting recommendations here, and checking out reviews, it seems to really come down to three best choices for a newbie:
- Edwin Jagger DE89
- Merkur 34c heavy duty
- Muhle R89

So, for a newbie, which of the three do you think is best to learn wet shaving?

As far as blades, I watched a video that said don't buy 100 of one kind, but buy a few of several kinds to see which one(s) you prefer. Being a newbie I doubt that I'll be able to tell a huge difference between various blades (I'll be too worried about nicking myself), but what are some that you recommend?

Again, I can't say thank you enough for welcoming me and helping be get started in the correct way!

TripleB

 

[reformedshavr]

Welcome! - Any of those razors is an excellent choice. Despite all that happens here and other shaving forums, achieving a great shave is all technique, technique, technique. Your soap/cream choice is excellent, maybe try the Proraso Rinfrescante afterhave ando/or the matching Proraso Sensitive balm to go with it. Those are exactly what I started with myself.

And yes, you should get a variety pack of blades. DE blades are as YMMV as it gets and you'll just have to find the 'one' or a style that matches your needs. (super sharp, mild, agressive, smooth) and something to me could be the polar opposite to you. Your blade needs will likely shift as yor technique improves. Enjoy!

 

[Multum in parvo]

The D89 and R89 are 3 piece razors so you can swap out the handles with aftermarket ones. It’s not a big thing but you can go longer/shorter light/heavy thin/thick further down the road.

The Merkur is a 2 piece so only the top unscrews and you can’t change parts. I have one and like how it shaves when you stick to the optimum angle. Once you are a bit off it’s not as efficient anymore. That is not necessarily a bad thing though as it will guide you when starting out.

 

[Phoenixkh]

If you prefer a longer handle, you could take a look at the Merkur 38C. That’s our youngest son’s favorite, though he also likes the Merkur Progress XL (501). He has large, thin hands and that style works better for him.

 

[1e4]

Of those, I highly recommend the EJ DE89. It’s a great all round performer, and forgiving on skin and technique. Can’t be beat on price to quality (Amazon sometimes has a good price compared to other websites). I find the 34C to be less user friendly overall.

Whatever you get, definitely stick with it for a good while — focus on technique (including making a good lather) before switching around your products.

For blades, you can get a good sampler from Razor Blades Club (on its website, or through Amazon) or Maggard. I’ve lately been enjoying the Gillette Wilkinson Sword blades manufactured in India (“Saloon Pack”), but there are lots of good options out there.

Good luck!

 

[NorthernSoul]

There is an Amazon deal currently on the King C Gillette which is essentially an R89 head on a different handle. It comes with five King C Gillette blades, the made in China ones, which are quite OK. Around $22 for the kit. Just thought I would mention it since you are starting out, you don't have to drop a lot of cash.

Also, take a look at the Proraso Blue (Aloe) in the tube or the Palmolive cream.

 

[Eben Stone]

I haven't owned either, but I'm pretty sure the Edwin Jagger DE89 and the Muhle R89 are both clones of an old Merkur razor, so in terms of head geometry, they are most likely identical.

 

[DesertIguana]

Ca n not go wrong on either, Edwin Jagger DE89 and the Muhle R89. Check prices if money is object many sources.

 

[BigJ]

As others note, you have three fine options! (And I would say that the EJ and Muhle are essentially the same.)

I suggest you pick one along with a blade sampler or two, then focus on your technique!!

 

[Quaznoid]

Don’t know where those 3 choices came from. I started with a SuperSpeed then later added a Tech. Both or either are fabulous razors for beginners and experienced alike and all you’ll ever need, and they’re a lot less expensive than the 3 you reference.

 

[musicman1951]

When I got my first DE razor (DE89) it came with Derby Extra blades that were so dull it felt like pulling the hairs out. They may be different now, and even the old version was just fine for some shavers, so I wouldn't assume you won't feel any difference.

A blade sampler is a must. You can find them ready-made or put one together yourself. If you get a Feather blade in your sampler save it for last - great blades, but very sharp and very unforgiving of any lapse in technique.

There are occasionally bad blades out there (often just one side). If you find that a blade seems terrible for you stop mid shave and throw it away. Try the next one down in the package. If that's no better save those blades for many months down the road (sometimes a blade's comfort changes with improved technique). There is no obligation or necessity to use all the blades in a 5 pack if they're not working for you.

Use very light pressure - and then cut that in half. Experiment a bit with razor angle and find out what works for you. Ask questions. We love questions here.

Good luck.

 

[The Coffee Bandit]

Does is absolutely have to be one of those three? I'd prefer to a recommend multi plated or adjustable razor, effectively getting multiple razors in one.
The Rockwell 6C being, I think, a much safer bet on your part. If it has to be one of those three, I'd get the 34c.

Regardless, I'd like to heartily reinforce the importance blade samples. I've found blade choice to out weigh razor choice. In fact, I believe the importance of blade choice is junior only to prep and technique.

 

[TripleB]

Does is absolutely have to be one of those three? I'd prefer to a recommend multi plated or adjustable razor, effectively getting multiple razors in one.
The Rockwell 6C being, I think, a much safer bet on your part. If it has to be one of those three, I'd get the 34c.

No, it definitely doesn't have to be one of those. In looking for a "safe", easy to use, and mild double edge safety razor, it seemed like those were the top three that were recommended.

I originally was also looking at the Henson AL13 and the Rockwell 6C but wasn't sure if either was "safer", more simple, or mild enough for a newbie. What stood out about the AL13 was the design which made it look pretty safe for a newbie. What stood out about the 6c was Plate 1/2 that said "zero risk of nicks/cuts."

I appreciate everyone's honest advice. I know, with all of your helpful advice, I'm going to end up with an amazing razor for me!

TripleB

 

[Guido75]

So the R89 is a great choice which can last you a long time. It’s not just a beginners razor. Also seasoned shavers can still use this wonderful razor. The plus for the R89 compared to say a Tech (which is of course still the staple of DE shaving, let’s face it) is that the blade exposure is neutral (the Tech has positive exposure) and that triggers you into developing technique. It is relatively cheap and you can buy replacement heads too should anything happen to the one you have.

In the end it is more about technique than it is about razors. Blades also help, but there are plenty of decent blades around without having to search ad inifinitum for the one blade that will rule them all. Same can be said about razors by the way.

Welcome to B&B!

Guido

 

[brucered]

I didn't find the 89 mild at all. It was rough and not enjoyable from what remember last using, years ago

As pointed out, the EJ89 and Muhle89 are the same razor. They may even be identical, same factory made, heads with different handled and finish.

It's been a while, but Muhle is better finished than EJ and Merkur is terrible plating.

I'd go vintage or RazoRock if you want an inexpensive Stainless. RR Mamba 53 gets my vote. Mild and Efficient. It's my go-to as well as the DE one of our teenagers settled on.

 

[The Coffee Bandit]

No, it definitely doesn't have to be one of those. In looking for a "safe", easy to use, and mild double edge safety razor, it seemed like those were the top three that were recommended.

I originally was also looking at the Henson AL13 and the Rockwell 6C but wasn't sure if either was "safer", more simple, or mild enough for a newbie. What stood out about the AL13 was the design which made it look pretty safe for a newbie. What stood out about the 6c was Plate 1/2 that said "zero risk of nicks/cuts."

I appreciate everyone's honest advice. I know, with all of your helpful advice, I'm going to end up with an amazing razor for me!

TripleB

That being the case, I whole heartedly recommend the 6C. It's definitely the safer, more forgiving razor when using plates 1 and 2. Personally, I like plate 3. The Henson AL13's efficiency is probably equivalent to plate 3 on the Rockwell, though it achieves it through different means, so it's tricky to draw a sharp parallel.

Henson is also a good razor, but you're rolling the dice on whether the fixed level of aggression is or isn't what you're looking for, whereas the Rockwell 6C will almost certainly have a plate that works well for you with room to up the efficiency with higher plates if and when you feel experienced enough to do so.

 

[The Coffee Bandit]

I didn't find the 89 mild at all. It was rough and not enjoyable from what remember last using, years ago

As pointed out, the EJ89 and Muhle89 are the same razor. They may even be identical, same factory made, heads with different handled and finish.

It's been a while, but Muhle is better finished than EJ and Merkur is terrible plating.

I'd go vintage or RazoRock if you want an inexpensive Stainless. RR Mamba 53 gets my vote. Mild and Efficient. It's my go-to as well as the DE one of our teenagers settled on.

DE89 didn't work particularly well for me, either. It seemed very eager to give me small nicks disproportionately to how efficient it was vs my whiskers

 

[Alex Jr]

Rockwell for sure. Or Henson. I’d never trade those for a de89. It’s not even close.

The Rockwell is the smoothest thing that ever touched my face. And the adjustability is awesome. All plates have their place.

 

[Alex Jr]

I didn't find the 89 mild at all. It was rough and not enjoyable from what remember last using, years ago

I also don’t find it mild. And although it was one of my first razors and I had a nice time with it, today I find it almost unusable.

The blade rigidity is terrible and the thing is a follicle pulling machine, specially ATG. Once you try what’s out there, it simply lacks in comparison.

By the way, there’s a video on YouTube where the jagger is measured against the muhle and apparently their heads have different parameters and not by a small margin, the jagger being considerably more aggressive.

 

[Ouelljas]

I would recommend one of the lower plate Gamechangers (.68P or .76P), the 6C, or the Henson. All very smooth.