Help! Please help me find the right DE Razor for my beard.

[Deepiscool]

My fellow shavers,

I currently started back up with DE shaving because I'm done with razor burns and irritation. I stopped because it just wasn't working out the first time because I have such a thick beard (middle eastern type beard hair, i can't grow it out because I look like tom hanks from cast away). I had 100 free cartridge blades that I used for the last year. I have 40 left but I'm done using them because of the burn and irritation. Anyway, I currently use a Parker 22r with Derby blades but I'm looking at changing up my tools because I don't like the feel of the Parker in my hands and the Derby's just don't cut it (pun intended).

1- What razor is great for thick and tough beards? I was looking into the EJ89 or Merkur 34c. I'm not sure though. Or is an adjustable better? If so, which one?

2- What blades would be great for a thick and tough beard?

Thanks

 

[bakerbarber]

Have you considered your preparation?

The blades are a big factor, and Derbys aren't the best. They aren't the worst either though.

Buy a slant and some Feather blades. If you still have issues, you might want to go back to square one and look at the basics.

No matter how light and fair a guys beard is, if he doesn't soften and hydrate it before cutting it off he'll have issues.

Personna Lab or Medical Prep blades are pretty decent too.

An adjustable would be a good thing to get for trial and error to see what kind of razor action you prefer.

Good luck!

 

[Deepiscool]

With not a lot of money to spend, i want to make sure i purchase something worthy for a while. What's the difference between the slant and ej89/34c?

My prep routine is fairly lengthy and proper. I don't shower first, but I make sure to soak my face and use a towel prep and I use Kiss my Face lather which I love using. I'm most def going to try out different blades. That i can afford with 5 bucks here and there. But the Razor is going to be a one time purchase. I think I'm subconciously afraid of the slant because I don't know how aggressive it might be, but I hear such great reviews about closeness.

 

[RaiserLiebe]

Anyway, I currently use a Parker 22r with Derby blades but I'm looking at changing up my tools because I don't like the feel of the Parker in my hands and the Derby's just don't cut it (pun intended).

1- What razor is great for thick and tough beards? I was looking into the EJ89 or Merkur 34c. I'm not sure though. Or is an adjustable better? If so, which one?

2- What blades would be great for a thick and tough beard?

Thanks

A Gillette adjustable Slim can be had for $20 on ebay, or try here on BST. You can vary the blade gap until you find the right degree of aggressiveness for you. I own one and it is a good shaver!

I also own a 34C HD and I like that too- Caution- it is a very short handle, which took a little getting used to. It has great weight tho and i love the feel of it now. Gives me a close and comfortable shave.

Tried Derbys and they were rough on my face. Smoother (for me) were Gillette Blacks or Blues, Astra SP, Supermax SP, Crystals, and Red Personnas. All of them are plenty sharp for me! I agree- changing blades is an inexpensive way to vary the aggressiveness/closeness of a shave.

Cheers!