Advice for purchasing an everyday use, mild razor

[jerpied]

Hi everyone, I'm new to wet shaving and even newer to this forum. In late June I purchased a Merkur HD 34C, making the switch from cartridge razors. Everywhere I read the general consensus was the HD or the Edwin Jagger DE89 are a good starter razor.

My preference is to shave everyday or almost everyday, but I find the Merkur is perhaps too aggressive for my skin, or maybe my technique needs some work. I'm often left with irritation in two main trouble spots. If I give my face a 2-3 day break, I get a very close shave with the Merkur with no irritation.

However for the time being and while my technique improves, I've been researching mild razors. Between the Schick Krona, Gillette Tech, Gillette SuperSpeed or new razors like the Feather Popular or Merkur Classic 1904, which mild razor is best for shaving everyday, that will not leave my skin irritated?

 

[Aquila Oro]

You could try a Muhle which I find a very mild razor and comparable to the Jagger.

 

[mblakele]

Welcome to B&B!

I would try the Tech, or a Krona if you have to have a TTO. Nothing wrong with the other razors you mentioned, but I think the Tech is your best bet and you should be able to find one for a good price.

Note that generally speaking the older Techs are more aggressive and the newer ones are milder. That is true of the Krona, too. The Super Speed is more complicated.

 

[deafficianado]

If you want a mild razor go with a Tech, Krona, blue tip, any Feather razor,or black handled flair tip, or a Gillette adjustable. All of these can be mild and can be shaven with everyday. Personally, I recommend the adjustable or Tech.

 

[pantsonfire]

Welcome to B&B!

I would try the Tech, or a Krona if you have to have a TTO. Nothing wrong with the other razors you mentioned, but I think the Tech is your best bet and you should be able to find one for a good price.

Note that generally speaking the older Techs are more aggressive and the newer ones are milder. That is true of the Krona, too. The Super Speed is more complicated.

+1...in spades!

 

[shoulderpet]

Gillette Tech are mild and can be found for cheap, Gillette Superspeeds are also fairly mild (except the red tip superspeed), the blue tip Superspeed is apparently very mild. A Gillette Slim is also a very good razor and is adjustable so you can go from very,very mild to aggressive.

 

[engblom]

I have never had a safety bar Merkur, but from what I have read in some other threads, they should be more mild than DE89. That said, it might still be that DE89 or R89 might fit you as this with razor is so YMMV.

I tried maybe five shaves with R89 (same head as DE89) and I realized I could never shave with that one daily. With the setup I have right now I am able to shave every day.

I am using Merkur 15C when I have extra sensitive skin. It is the most mild razor you could have, but it is still able to shave many days of growth. When I want a more close shave I am using Gillette Tech or Sodial (a very cheap Tech copy).

Yesterday I shaved 3 days of growth. I begun with 15C and made two passes. Then I made the final pass with Sodial and I was really smooth.

15C is having a very short handle, but all Merkur open comb razors have the same head, so if you would happen to decide to go with Merkur OC, you can pick according to handle.

 

[Stampede]

IMHO it is mostly about: PREP; TECHNIQUE; BLADE. Selecting the best blade for your razor and skin is a very YMMV thing. Having said that, I would recommend that you stick with your 34C for now. Try some different blades and make sure your prep and technique is sound.

 

[imatabor]

I'm new to this as well. I have to agree with the tech. I have tried a few different vintage razors and the super speeds a good also.
But when I have butchered up my face a few times trying out different blades or razors, I will use the tech while my face heals up. I haven't had irritation from my tech.
Also you can find the techs really cheap.

 

[Willionaire]

I have to agree that what you heard about the DE89 is correct. It is mandatory for me to shave daily for work so I know where you're coming from. My first DE razor was a Muhle R106 which has the exact same head as the DE89. After a couple of weeks with it, you'll find your technique improving and as I've found, it is a great daily razor with the right blades. The Astra SPs work really well for me. One last bit of advice on this razor and with most DE razors, once you can find that balance of applying little-to-no pressure and using the right angle, you'll get a smooth and close irritation free shave on this one!

 

[Toltepeceno]

I have to agree that what you heard about the DE89 is correct. It is mandatory for me to shave daily for work so I know where you're coming from. My first DE razor was a Muhle R106 which has the exact same head as the DE89. After a couple of weeks with it, you'll find your technique improving and as I've found, it is a great daily razor with the right blades. The Astra SPs work really well for me. One last bit of advice on this razor and with most DE razors, once you can find that balance of applying little-to-no pressure and using the right angle, you'll get a smooth and close irritation free shave on this one!

+1 on the DE89, it's my daily shaver. I also have a couple of tech's that are even milder but the DE89 is still mild.

 

[infotech]

Hi everyone, I'm new to wet shaving and even newer to this forum. In late June I purchased a Merkur HD 34C, making the switch from cartridge razors. Everywhere I read the general consensus was the HD or the Edwin Jagger DE89 are a good starter razor.

My preference is to shave everyday or almost everyday, but I find the Merkur is perhaps too aggressive for my skin, or maybe my technique needs some work. I'm often left with irritation in two main trouble spots. If I give my face a 2-3 day break, I get a very close shave with the Merkur with no irritation.

However for the time being and while my technique improves, I've been researching mild razors. Between the Schick Krona, Gillette Tech, Gillette SuperSpeed or new razors like the Feather Popular or Merkur Classic 1904, which mild razor is best for shaving everyday, that will not leave my skin irritated?

I had the exact epxierence as you when i first started. I even quit and went back to the cartridge for awhile. When I finally picked a DE back up I used the Gillette Slim Adjustable set to 3 for about 6 months before moving on to other razors. When you feel like your technique is better you can dial it up a bit to see what you think. I think the long handle also helped the transition from cartridges.

 

[nymtber]

After two years at this, I will personally say "mild" razors leave me with more razor burn and no where near as close of shave.

Why? Because I HAVE to push on them a little to get them to cut at all on my coarse beard. Obviously people with lighter beards can likely use really mild razors. I'm jealous!

I use a Gillette Adjustable (I have a Slim, Fatboy, and Super Adjustable), set it to 9, load it with a Personna Lab Blue (smooth, sharp, but mild blade) and use a very light touch. Whiskers jump off my face Most other blades, I will be honest, I have to turn the razor down to 6/7 after the first pass. Lab Blue I can leave at 9 and get a great comfortable DFS. I don't go for BBS, but it does happen once a week usually.

The best mild razor I have found is the Schick Krona. I hate the long handle, but it is a smooth, mild razor that is rather efficient. I sold mine off, but its a good razor. Second, for me, would be Gillette SuperSpeed 40's style (early 50's were made the same way). Mild, and built like tanks I can shave every day with a superspeed, but I prefer to shave every other (or every 3rd day) with a more aggressive razor. I'm single, I work in a factory, and I get a more comfortable shave if I skip a day or two...

 

[Capslock]

I like mild razors, and have found the following great:

Tech
Superspeed
late 40s Aristocrat
Slim adjustable set low

To be honest, I didn't stop getting irritation until I figured out the grain on my beard, though. Technique trumps razor aggressiveness. Still, I prefer the mild razors to something like an Old type.

 

[FlamesFan]

I will try not to hijack this thread, but I am looking for very similar advice. I haven't jumped from using cartridges yet, but I am very interested in doing so. I have picked up a brush and shave cream, but have yet to get my hands on a DE razor. My neck is incredibly sensitive, so I am interested in something mild. My face on the other hand, I could likely hack at it with a machete and not have an issue.

For those recommending a Tech, where are usual places to look for buying? Keeping in mind that I am shopping in Canada.

How would the Tech and the Merkur 15C compare?

Thanks for the good read, and any further posts of advice.

 

[Tsurukame]

As a fairly new wet shaver I have to agree with the Tech. I have a 50'S Tech and it is very mild and forgiving great to learn on. I also have a 30's tech but as said above the older Tech's are bit more aggressive. Having started with a EJ I have really come to appreciate the vintage razors. They are my go to razors. Wishing youmany happy shaving hours ahead!

 

[engblom]

How would the Tech and the Merkur 15C compare?

15C is milder. Tech cuts loudly after 15C is finished. 15C is giving a decent shave but not the same close. Also 15C can handle easily several days of growth. It is aggressive towards long whiskers but mild towards skin.

 

[EPMD]

I am a recent convert to DE shaving. My first purchase was the Edwin Jagger DE89L. The cheapest price (including shipping) that I found for a Canadian purchase was on sale at Amazon.ca for $28. That said, the razor can be found regular price in the $35-$38 range at many other online retailers (Frendrihan, Italian Barber, Westcoastshaving) who are happy to ship to Canada for a small additional fee.

Obviously, I cannot compare this new razor of mine to other DE razors. I will say, though, that I have not had any irritation so far...only a few cuts from carelessly applying way too much pressure on a mostly unnecessary third pass. If you suffer from irritation then just try to shave in one or two passes until your technique is perfected. My skin feels better than it did after cartridge shaving.

 

[InfernoOrangeSS]

Go with a Superspeed or a Superspeed Blue tip off of eBay or the B/S/T here. I think they are excellent beginner razors, as is a Tech. I would also suggest an Ever-Ready or GEM 1912 if you care to venture into SE shaving. You won't be disappointed.

 

[deruitem]

The Merkur 1904 has the same head as the 34c. I would go with a tech or a slim adjustable