I have been shaving with DE razors for about 5 years, but don't own that many yet! I wanted to stop throwing away plastic, so it feels weird to buy a lot of razors, but I can't resist a few.
I now have two early 1960's Gillette Techs. I thought they would be milder than they are, based on posts on this forum. Of the razors I have:
Karve Christopher Bradly B plate - mild and great shave; my favorite
Karve CB C plate - just a tad more aggressive than B, second mildest; second favorite (tie)
Merkur 34C - medium mild; sometimes give me weepers on the neck
King C. Gillette - medium
Gillette Tech 1960's - medium; pretty often gives me weepers on the neck (second favorite, tie, just because it is THAT cool to own and shave with a vintage razor)
Baili 171 (the numbers change a lot, but it is a newer Tech-like razor) - special case: almost no blade feel but huge blade gap, and some blemishes on my face can get caught in it no matter how careful I am. I can't use it for that reason.
Viking Blade the Chieftain - way too harsh for me! It was the first razor I got, and it is very uncomfortable and cuts me a lot. I stuck with this one for a couple of months thinking it was just me and my technique. But it was not. I replaced it with the Merkur 34C, which, for me, is enormously more comfortable - I was simply amazed when I switched, and quite delighted.
That's my whole list. Sort of pathetic compared to most people on this forum! As is always stated: YMMV. And my lack of DE razors should not be confused with a lack of interest in this hobby!
Anyway, my main point is that the Tech isn't particularly mild for me, even though it has that reputation (which I might have gotten wrong, for all I know). My next purchase, as currently planned, will be either one of the adjustable Gillette's, or the Tatara Masamune. I'd go for something by Italian Barber, but their web site is so annoying that I can't bring myself to buy anything from them, even from a different vender. The Henson is interesting, but the model does carry the number 13, and so I would consider it an unlucky item to own hahahaha. All suggestions are welcome.
I now have two early 1960's Gillette Techs. I thought they would be milder than they are, based on posts on this forum. Of the razors I have:
Karve Christopher Bradly B plate - mild and great shave; my favorite
Karve CB C plate - just a tad more aggressive than B, second mildest; second favorite (tie)
Merkur 34C - medium mild; sometimes give me weepers on the neck
King C. Gillette - medium
Gillette Tech 1960's - medium; pretty often gives me weepers on the neck (second favorite, tie, just because it is THAT cool to own and shave with a vintage razor)
Baili 171 (the numbers change a lot, but it is a newer Tech-like razor) - special case: almost no blade feel but huge blade gap, and some blemishes on my face can get caught in it no matter how careful I am. I can't use it for that reason.
Viking Blade the Chieftain - way too harsh for me! It was the first razor I got, and it is very uncomfortable and cuts me a lot. I stuck with this one for a couple of months thinking it was just me and my technique. But it was not. I replaced it with the Merkur 34C, which, for me, is enormously more comfortable - I was simply amazed when I switched, and quite delighted.
That's my whole list. Sort of pathetic compared to most people on this forum! As is always stated: YMMV. And my lack of DE razors should not be confused with a lack of interest in this hobby!
Anyway, my main point is that the Tech isn't particularly mild for me, even though it has that reputation (which I might have gotten wrong, for all I know). My next purchase, as currently planned, will be either one of the adjustable Gillette's, or the Tatara Masamune. I'd go for something by Italian Barber, but their web site is so annoying that I can't bring myself to buy anything from them, even from a different vender. The Henson is interesting, but the model does carry the number 13, and so I would consider it an unlucky item to own hahahaha. All suggestions are welcome.