DE For a Newbie

[TheShaun]

When I first joined this forum, the Edwin Jager DE89L was the razor to have. They were not in stock anywhere. I waited patiently for them to come instock and scooped one up as my first DE. I could not be happier with it. And it remains my first and only DE.

I now have a friend who has asked for a DE for his birthday. Is this still the DE to have, especially for a newbie? I'd be glad to get this for him. Or are there any other suggestions?

 

[Wingnut]

While your choices are almost infinite, that EJ DE8x series is still considered a great beginner razor. I regularly recommend them to new shavers over in the Newbie forum, and have gotten nothing but good feedback on them. Great finish, great comfortable shaves, and a very fair price (AND you can pick one up more easily than you could when you got yours!)

 

[derjoachim]

A good alternative to the EJ89 is the Muhle R89. Their heads are similar, but the handle is apparently more light-weight. I like it, but must admit that I never used an EJ89, so I cannot give a comparison. In Europe, the EJ89 and R89 are almost similarly prized.

 

[Luke49783]

The EJ89 Barley Chrome is a good option if you don't want to get him the exact same thing that you have.

 

[ShaverGN]

In my humble opinion, newbies should try something cheap, mild, simple, and plentiful. How about Schick Krona?

 

[tm3]

I think the merkur progress is the best starter. Buy him one of those.

or keep it for yourself and pass along the EJ

 

[chilliman64]

I think the merkur progress is the best starter. Buy him one of those.

or keep it for yourself and pass along the EJ

+1

I couldn't have put it better myself

 

[Bearsfan]

'40's Super Speed is a great choice. Cheap and easy enough to come by, and a smooth shaver too.

 

[bplipschitz]

Depends a little on what you friend likes. If he likes shiney new stuff, get him the new one. If he is a fan of reuse/vintage, get him a 50s era Gillette Super Speed. Very mild, easy to use, will spur him to buy others (evil laughter).

 

[fsturnz]

The EJ DE89 barley chrome was my first razor...only a couple months ago. I now have several vintage Gillette TTO's, both adjustable and fixed, and a three piece Gillette Tech that I have been rotating. I gotta say the the EJ, for a $40 new razor, is still my favorite!

 

[cubfanbob]

> In my humble opinion, newbies should try something cheap, mild, simple, and plentiful.

+1. Lord L6 - $10 shipped from a B&B vendor.

 

[Invicta]

Another vote for the Merkur Progress. You can adjust the aggresiveness to suit and the gives a great shave. It also has a good second hand value.

 

[derjoachim]

It also has a good second hand value.

If it's such a great razor, why sell it?

 

[Dick Solomon]

I learned on (and am still learning ) a Merkur HD. Solid razor.