Crisis time razor : what is the best budget safety razor?

[Cristobal]

Hello Gentlemen,

I was pretty happy with my Merkur 34C, which I lost the head. Shortly after, I had a Fatboy but had to give it because of the burns (big disappointment, I couldn't find the right adjustment) ...

Now I am looking for a new DE razor. But this time price is an issue so I decided to go for a budget razor: 25 GBP/31 €/40 $ (shipping cost to France included) maximum, new (no second hand).

According to you, what is the best bang for the bucks?

The opinions on the Parker and Weishi razors seem to be very mitigated. At the moment I am leaning towards a Feather popular (15 GBP shipped from UK) or a Edwin Jagger DE89 (22 GBP shipped from UK), even a Wilkinson Sword Classic Safety Razor (mostly by curiosity) if I manage to find a webshop.

 

[justinjohnson86]

You could try some Gillette Vintages. Great razors. Mine cuts amazing and is pretty mild. Only slight irritation but I'm sure it's due to my technique and not the razor itself.

I'm also leaning towards the EJ DE89, but I'm thinking about selling my Gillette to get up the cash for one (I'm cheap).

 

[mistercitizen]

If you're looking for something new.... the EJ DE89. But the best bang for the buck has got to be a vintage Gillette Super Speed. Gillette Techs are very cheap as well, but I've never used one so I can't say.

Ben

 

[Cristobal]

I gave the Gilette Fatboy adjustable a try (during several weeks) and it was a really bad experience (almost traumatic). In this case I must be the exception here. By the numerous threads I read the EJ DE89 has a very good reputation and seems to be a very good value.

 

[fcdiscus]

For budget purposes- the Lord L6 or a bit more the Feather Popular.

 

[drawonme]

+1 for the EJ 89. You can pick them up for $30 or sometimes less on BST. Amazon occasionally has them at great prices also. Decent Gillette super speeds can be found for almost nothing and can be great mild shavers.

 

[Cristobal]

I have found this very interesting post in a blog:
The low cost, high luxury shave
http://www.bruceonshaving.com/tag/lord-l6-razor/

 

[Foyle]

The EJ DE89 is a really good razor. Were I you I'd try the EJ.

 

[BigWill]

For budget purposes- the Lord L6 or a bit more the Feather Popular.

+1

 

[Snargle]

If you insist on a new razor, the Edwin Jagger DE89 (or its stable mates) is the way to go.

If you want a razor that's lasted for 60+ years, and will easily give another 60 years of fine shaves, take a look at the 1940's-style Gillette Super Speed.

 

[ImTheGluestick]

Another vote for the L6 from me!

 

[PFP_Dad]

Out of the razors I've used, the feather popular probably ranks in the top 5. It doesn't compare to an old gillette on build quality, but if you're looking for a great, cheap shave, it's the way to go.

 

[tacchini]

edwin jagger de 89 or muhle r89, both the same razor i believe, you cannot go wrong with either of these.

 

[AABCDS]

I would say it's either a Gillette Tech which you can get for $10-$15 USD or an Edwin Jagger DE89 series which you can purchase for approximately $30 USD.

 

[tacchini]

the wilkinson sword classic you mention is not a bad razor, very mild, in the uk you get them from boots the chemist for about£4.50 with 5 of their excellent wilkinson sword blades.

 

[Nick Danger]

Another vote for the EJ DE89. That was my first razor and I really like it. Great shave, and beautifully crafted as well.

I have two vintage Gillettes - a '40s Super Speed and a '50s Tech - but both are too mild for me. The EJ DE89 is just right.

Nick

 

[chongo gordo]

New, nice, and cheap? At less than $13 shipped, the Weishi is decent, but read the fine lines and only get the brass version. It's a better razor than people will say.

If a Fatboy is too aggressive, the Weishi is the razor for you.

 

[Rivendell]

If you want a fuss free shave go for an EJ89 .. You may get a better shaving experience from a vintage, but my personal experience (in the UK) is that getting exactly what you want at the right price can take a little time. I have a great Fatboy, but paid more than I should have for it. The EJ89 is a safe bet and you know the quality of manufacture and shave will be excellent. The cheapest tends to have the polished chrome handle which I have found a little slippy - I changed mine for the black resin which I find is a little grippier. I advise against the Parker unless you can select one from a whole bunch (inserting blades to check even gap) - a good one is a bargain. A bad one can give a mightily scary shave. I have a bad one.

 

[Cristobal]

Thanks you all!

Finally I went for the Feather popular, for several reasons :
- butterfly opening, which means 1 piece razor (no chance to lose the head like my Merkur HD ...);
- price (19 € shipped) between the EJ DE89 (22£ shipped) and the Lord L6 (10£ shipped), I really couldn't decide between them according to the good feedbacks;
http://www.bruceonshaving.com/2011/01/24/some-traditional-shaving-bargains/
- 'the exotical appeal': made in Japan, I got used to the 34C, good opportunity to move on and try something new like a composite metal/plastic razor;
- replaceable with no regret if lost or broken, cheap enough till then.

I will seek some advice if the Feather popular is disappointing.

 

[Maxime D.]

A user grade super speed that you can purchase under 20$