I just recently got a Henson AL13 (mild version) and Supply SE. I loved how great my face felt after shaving with both razors, though I think I’m beginning to favor the Supply SE. Any other suggestions for ultra-mild and comfortable DEs or SEs? I also have the Feather AS-D2, but that razor has fallen out of favor with me.
Best Ultra-Mild DE or SE?
- Thread starter Bud2024
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Dull yet interesting
I think the Edwin Jagger DE89 is pretty mild but offers excellent shaves as well as terrific value.
The Henson mild is about as mild as a razor can get. Practically no blade feel, which is why I love it. An adjustable on the lowest setting, like a Rockwell on the R1-R2 settings should also suit you
The ASD2 is "ultra mild"...may I ask what you don't like about it?
Are you open to vintage gear?
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I started off with a Merkur 34C, then got a Muhle and an EJ. While those are somewhere between mild to medium, I’m not sure they are a part of the ultra-comfortable era that we find ourselves in.
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- #7
It doesn’t provide as smooth and comfortable a shave as more recent razors such as the Henson or Supply SE, IMO. I think we have a new breed of razors now and that’s what I’m asking suggestions for. The AS-D2 isn’t in the same category or tier as the SE or AL13. There are also some great mild, vintage razors (I own a few), but they also don’t match up.
Vintage Gillette Techs and Superspeeds are generally pretty mild, but still efficient enough to get the job done.
Edwin Jagger / Muhle 89 are a nice modern mild DE option.
Yaqi Romulus is a mild option for SE artist club-style razor.
Edwin Jagger / Muhle 89 are a nice modern mild DE option.
Yaqi Romulus is a mild option for SE artist club-style razor.
The Merkur 41c (aka 1904) might worth a try. For me it's extremely mild. Of all the blades I've tried in it the only one that really worked well was a Feather.
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- #10
I appreciate the suggestions, but I’m specifically asking about recently invented razors that are a part of the ultra-mild and comfortable era. If you’ve used the mild AL13 or Supply SE, you’ll know what I mean.
I ask because I didn't want to recommend a Gillette Tech if you weren't getting good shaves from the Feather. The post-war Tech is very similar, in my experience, though the pre-war version (triangular slots on the base plate) is a bit more efficient.
You may want to look at a razor with a smallish blade gap and a bit of blade exposure to up the efficiency.
One example is the Razorock Game Changer. The 68P is mild and a bit more efficient than the Feather. I have the 68P, 76P, and 84P, and use the 76P most often. It's efficient and still well behaved.
Oh, and another mild yet efficient razor is the Timless 68. I have a stainless steel version with the scalloped safety bar, and it is the smoothest shaver that I own...more efficient than the ASD2...and stunning to look at. 
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- #13
Thank you for the suggestion! I have a Gillette Tech and other vintage Gillettes. I do like their vintage razors.
I have been using the AS-D2 for years as my daily driver. I finally decided to try out the AL13 and SE for the fun of it and was just blown away by the comfort, which is saying a lot because most of us know firsthand or have heard about how mild and comfortable the AS-D2 is. We are truly spoiled nowadays with the shaving products that are available.
This is great to hear. My titanium 68 is out for delivery todayOh, and another mild yet efficient razor is the Timeless 68. I have a stainless steel version with the scalloped safety bar, and it is the smoothest shaver that I own...more efficient than the ASD2...and stunning to look at.
Gillette Techs, Timeless Titanium 68, EJ89.
I'd suggest Henson+ but I've barely shaved with mine since I got it during Summer 2023. It's definitely mild.
I'd suggest Henson+ but I've barely shaved with mine since I got it during Summer 2023. It's definitely mild.
Well, it's just one man's opinion, but my prediction is that you'll like it. It's not super efficient, but I always get a very comfortable DFS+ (near BBS) 3-pass shave with mine.
One additional nice thing about Timeless is the ability to mix and match metals among all their products... I found the titanium 0.68OC just a bit too light for me.... I ended up with two hybrid 0.68OCs: bronze cap/titanium base plate; titanium cap/stainless steel base plate.... both perfectly balanced for me... just tilted slightly towards the razor head, using a Ti Crown handle.
@Bud2024 For a DE I'd suggest taking a look at the Simple Clean Shave / The Razor Company razor. It's very much like the Henson but more rounded and cheaper to boot. I prefer it over the Henson. It's extremely smooth but efficient.
For a SE look at the Leaf Twig that takes a half DE blade. I think it's dang near perfect, but some find it too mild and go up a level to the Leaf Thorn. The small head makes it very nimble.
For a SE look at the Leaf Twig that takes a half DE blade. I think it's dang near perfect, but some find it too mild and go up a level to the Leaf Thorn. The small head makes it very nimble.
Tatara is what you're looking for, a Muramasa or fixed model with a milder baseplate combination.
Also maybe a Karve with a mild baseplate. The SCS razor is also probably what you're looking for, although it might be harder to find now.
Maybe Yates with a neutral plate?
I would recommend the Tatara Masamune with safety bar. Among my razors, it is the mildest in my opinion, but still shaves like the best. Next in line are the GC 68P, Karve CB with B or C plate. If you like ULTRA mild, you may even want to consider an A plate with the Bradley. I have the OC-B and SB-C plates, which are great for my shaving and face. After that comes the Karve Overlander in my line up.
