I'd love some suggestions on a new DE Razor

[michaelw]

Alright, i will start by admitting that I shouldn't be so lazy and just do the research myself, but that aside, I'm going to be lazy and ask to "crowd source" my research.

I'm looking to get a new DE Safety razor. I currently have a Parker 22R (my first DE) and I'm making my way through a sampler pack from West Coast Shaving. i've been using it for about a month or so. The problem that I'm having with the parker is that it won't hold the blade very tightly; when I've tightened it (by screwing the barrel) it just bent one of the clips holding the butterfly piece. I've bent it back into place, but it still isn't a great razor; and I will replace it.

There is a >0.0001% chance that I will ever switch back to Mach 3 or Fuzion or whatever, so I don't mind spending a bit on a good razor if it will last - but of course I don't want to spend a small fortune either. And I'm already pissed that I spent about $30 on the parker that isn't all that great.

Any suggestions are greatly appreciated!

Thanks

-m

 

[ari95]

If you want a newly made razor, then about any Merkur will suit. I have a Merkur HD, and a 1904, they are both quality razors and are good shavers. If you don't mind vintage, then a Gillette super speed or tech is a great razor for any level of experience. I have also used a Gillette New with great results. I should add that any of the mentioned razors should do well with a variety of blades.

 

[Luc]

+1 on Merkur HD, Classic, 1904... You could go crazy and get the open comb or slant!

A vintage Gillette like a Tech should set you back to $10-$15. A Gillette SuperSpeed is great and you would stay in the TTOs.

 

[michiganlover]

If you are considering the Gillette Tech route, and instead want a new razor, consider the very fine "Feather Portable". It's a Gillette Tech clone. It even comes with 2 Feather blades.

You can pick it up for under $10 shipped from user "pauldog" here on B and B.

 

[TimeWeaver]

I also started out with a Parker 22R about four months ago, my first and until yesterday only DE. (Although I should say I was lucky enough to get a reasonably decent quality 22R and I've been very happy with it).
And I, too, have been working my way through a sampler pack of blades from West Coast.

So yesterday I received a Merkur 12c and a puck of Tabac from West Coast. Tried it out this morning with a Red IP.
I was a little rushed today because I hit the snooze one too many times and had to get to church, and I was a little sloppy with my lathering technique. But other than a few weepers, probably from being in a hurry with a new razor, two passes (wtg/atg) + t.u. resulted in my requisite DFS.
I found the 12c to be about on par with the 22r in aggressiveness, because the (my) 22r is fairly aggressive. Ease of blade replacement (or placement since this was my first with this razor) doesn't even compare, since the 22r is a TTO and the 12c involves unscrewing this thing that makes the top of its head come off, and it's got a threaded core that one has to get the blade over. But this is totally doable if you're not in a hurry. So perhaps do blade changes the night before.
But the shave was really good.

Next weekend I'll try to post a review in the appropriate forum.

 

[Cutter]

Gillette Slim Handle Adjustable. Similar in size to your 22R, much better quality, and you decide the aggressiveness.

 

[hurricane]

I had recently picked up a Merkur Progress and it has personally worked better for me than my vintage gillettes have and gives an incredible shave. If you lather using your hands it may cause problems because it does not have the gritted handle and maybe more slippery but I have never had a problem.

 

[DunEdinRanger]

If the Parker is considered an aggressive razor, you will want something at least comparable in aggressiveness.

Maybe a Barber Pole Slant, or an adjustable?

 

[Magnus6208]

Merkur slant...you won't regret it.

 

[Stubblefield]

Well, step right up my friend to Mr. Gillette's Vintage Razor Emporium!



I'd do you a disservice if I recommended anything other then a Gillette Slim Adjustable or a late 50's Super Speed. The Slim is a superb shaving instrument, easily dialed in from non-aggressive to somewhat aggro. If you choose to forgo an adjustable razor, then the SS, in all its sundry incarnations, is your friend.

 

[JimBow]

I also hear those British New's are pretty awesome...

Seriously though, the above suggestions are top notch. You can't go wrong with really any of them.

 

[Gafer]

Merkur slant...you won't regret it.

And the signature says it all....

 

[michaelw]

Merkur slant...you won't regret it.

Thanks, I'm leaning towards a Merkur and probably a slant.

I will give it a few more days (at least) to think it over. I don't want to rush into something and then regret it - and I think that the parker is still perfectly useable.

-m

 

[JimBow]

I will give it a few more days (at least) to think it over. I don't want to rush into something and then regret it - and I think that the parker is still perfectly useable.

-m

There's absolutely nothing wrong with that. Good for you, the fact that you have self-control. Now, could I borrow some from you?

 

[Chuakar]

I had recently picked up a Merkur Progress and it has personally worked better for me than my vintage gillettes have and gives an incredible shave. If you lather using your hands it may cause problems because it does not have the gritted handle and maybe more slippery but I have never had a problem.

+1 And they do make it in a long handle now.

This has also been a great razor for me, but I did get the Merkur Slant and have been using it for a couple of months now and, wow, it's better than anything I've ever used.

 

[D.Irving79]

none. go SE; get a gem.

 

[Left Coast DJ]

Merkur 38M is an amazing looking razor that shave just as well as the 34C.

 

[pablo_h]

none. go SE; get a gem.

+1

 

[SRock]

I'm looking to get a new DE Safety razor.

You don't want a new razor unless you mean the NEW by Gillette. Seriously why buy new when you can get the unequaled quality and history of a vintage Gillette. If you want aggressive consider the Gillette NEW, if you want flexibility try the Fat Boy or Slim and if you want smooth and gentle give a Tech a try. All Gillette's, all quality and all vintage!

For what it's worth the NEW and Diplomat are my favorite razors.

 

[Suzuki]

If you're looking for a new razor, I suggest either a a Merkur Classic (regular or long-handle) or one of the new EJ razors (I suggest the chrome vs. the black or white models if you're looking at the ones that cost about $35 - $40). Either of those will be miles better than the Parker.

If you want to consider a vintage razor, then I thing any superspeed style razor (except the blue tip, which is quite mild) is worth trying. Expect to pay between $15 to $25 on the BST depending on the model and condition. $20 to $25 should get you one in very good to excellent shape.

Now if you want to branch out, the next step is the injectors (which are easier to use and have greater blade availability than the GEM/Ever-Ready razors). If you're interested, I suggest a later model - they have the longer plastic handles, as opposed to the small bakelite handles of the earlier variants.

Hope this helps.