Purchasing First DE

[DirtyMitts]

I have been pondering the idea of learning the old ways of wet shaving for the last little bit and am finally ready to order my first DE. I think I've narrowed it down to just 3 razors, all of which i think id be really pleased with. Just looking for a few final opinions from B&B members. My 3 choices are as follows

1. Merkur HD 34C
2. Merkur 1904
3. Edwin Jagger DE89L

So how bout it B&B members, how bout a little help guiding a "newbie" in the right direction

E

 

[rockviper]

Welcome aboard!

The EJ DE89L is just a wonderful razor, but I would have a hard time finding fault with either of the other two. You could also
pick up a used SS or tech or ... (well, just about anything) from the BST if you wanted to save a few bucks.

 

[ERVARGASNY]

1. Ej89
2. Gilltte Slim
3. Weber Razor "Anyone"
4. Feather AS D-1 When your Ready to spend the $170.00. Its worth it.

 

[Den]

Definitely the Edwin Jagger DE89L.

For approximately the past couple of years Merkur has been putting out less than acceptable products and customer service in many instances that have been talked about on these boards, so my advice would be to stay away from Merkur and stick with EJ or Muhle if looking for something modern.

I don't want to turn this into a Merkur bashing thread, so if you'd like more details like links to threads and such, just PM me.

 

[P Funk]

I don't think you can wrong with the EJ or 34c.
The EJ was my first DE razor. I quickly made the switch over to open combs but I kept and still use the EJ. I agree that it's fit and finish is above that of the Merkurs that I've seen. It looks classy and shaves easy.

The 1904 is an open comb, while the other 2 are not. I have not tried it is supposedly a very good razor as well. I believe it has the same head as the 15C which I have and like.

just my 2cents...

 

[DirtyMitts]

The DE89 was my first choice. The more and more i look on the forum i see a lot of you use the older gilltte's. I immediately assumed that the prices were going to be outrageous for a DE like these. I will have a look through the BST. I do enjoy the old school look of the 1904's though.

 

[Cochese2323]

I have a Muhle R89 which is essentially the same as the EJ. It will treat you well. Make sure to try Astra SP's blades in it, that combo is great.

 

[duokun]

The 1904 comes in both open comb and safety bar versions. I have the one with the safety bar, it is a good razor.

If you are looking for a mint condition Gillette or a higher end model razor you will spend more, but there are plenty of affordable vintage razors in good used condition. The Super Speed and Tech models are especially good choices for a first razor.

 

[DirtyMitts]

The Muhle R89 was definitely on my list as well. No not looking to break the bank on my first purchase but, i will be quick to build my collection as i get deeper into this hobby

 

[Cochese2323]

It is an awesome razor. Finish is really top notch. Worth the extra bucks IMHO.

 

[dieselfuel79]

I was selling a 1904 in the B/S/T until yesterday, but there were no takers. It's literally only been used 3 times and I am the original owner. If you're interested, please let me know. If not, no harm, no foul. I have owned it for almost a month.

 

[Sledgehammer39]

Another vote for the Jagger!

 

[Gingerbread]

DE89 for sure

 

[Saltwater Cowboy]

I own the two merkur razors you mentioned. I like them both. The only issue is just personal opinion, the 1904 has a short handle and it is not as "grippy" as the 34C. When i use it i am afraid of dropping it in my sink which of course would break the sink because the razor is very heavy. My suggestion for a good fairly inexpencive and in my opinion the most comfortable handle is the Merkur 23C. the handle is a bit longer, of course thinner and it is a bit lighter. I find it just feels better and is easier to hold on to when shaving in a semi waken state at 5am. I bought my most recent merkur which is the 23C last year from a model shop in downtown Victoria B.C. I was temporarily posted and didnt bring a DE so i was looking for a quick fix, which turned out to be a favorite. Not sure of the age of the stock but i dont think it was that old. I use it as my main razor. Oh and lastly, open comb all the way and every time.

 

[dpmtherrien]

Welcome to B&B. Of the ones you've posted, I'd go for the 1904.

 

[jsj_297]

89 L or the 1904 open comb either are great. I just can't in good faith, recommend a merkur 2 pc razor. Sorry

 

[harmoni]

I own the two merkur razors you mentioned. I like them both. The only issue is just personal opinion, the 1904 has a short handle and it is not as "grippy" as the 34C. When i use it i am afraid of dropping it in my sink which of course would break the sink because the razor is very heavy. My suggestion for a good fairly inexpencive and in my opinion the most comfortable handle is the Merkur 23C. the handle is a bit longer, of course thinner and it is a bit lighter. I find it just feels better and is easier to hold on to when shaving in a semi waken state at 5am. I bought my most recent merkur which is the 23C last year from a model shop in downtown Victoria B.C. I was temporarily posted and didnt bring a DE so i was looking for a quick fix, which turned out to be a favorite. Not sure of the age of the stock but i dont think it was that old. I use it as my main razor. Oh and lastly, open comb all the way and every time.

The bit I've bolded was exactly what came to mind when I saw the Merkur 1904 mentioned in the OP. I bought one of these a few weeks ago (the 41C open comb, as most of the comments on it here suggested it was "mild", and I'm not keen to try "aggressive" yet, the 1904 being my first open comb). On my first use of it with the supplied handle, I found my fingers were cramping up a bit as the shave went on. Next time out, I used a handle from another 3 piece razor (the Edwin Jagger Barley DE89BA11) and felt the shave went better.So I'd say the 1904 is a good one, imo. Of course, it's likely someone starting with the shorter, lighter handle might find it okay to grip, whereas I was used to bigger handles. I think other Merkurs like the 15C & 25C have the same head as the 1904 41C, but with longer handles. The 1904 seems to be the lowest priced too.

The EJ 89 was my starter razor too, and I found it good as well.

Good luck with your prospective purchase, dirtymitts.

 

[DirtyMitts]

Thanks for all your help to all that posted. Ill be making my decision by the end of the week and ordering my first DE, Brush, Soap, etc. Ill make sure to keep you posted