Seeking advice for my next razor acquisition !

[Marc J 13]

As some of you know I'm still fairly new to wet shaving, I've been using the only DE I own a feather popular. Recently I've been wanting to purchase a new razor. I've looked at a few different razors and initially thought I had to have a modern adjustable. I now know the only modern adjustable razors are made by Merkur and have looked at both the Progress and Futur. I really like the look of the progress but have heard there are some quality control issues with the finish and adjustment knob. I've also looked at some vintage Gilette's but think at this point in my journey would prefer a new razor, not sure about that though. Then there are modern non adjustable razors that I really like, one being the EJ DE89. Any advice or input would be greatly appreciated , thanks.

 

[Teppanyaki]

I'd vote for a vintage Gillette - New open comb (short comb or British) or Tech (probably pre-war with triangular slots/Canadian/British).

You will get a hundred different opinions, for about 30 different razors.

 

[eezee]

I have just recently acquired a 1976 Gillette Super Adjustable and it shaves great. Don't be afraid of the vintage razors. They can be fantastic.

 

[The Accountant]

The vintage Gillette razors are great, the DE 89 is a great razor and the Progress (or Mergress) are nice as well. Having said that check out a slant; the 37c is easily available and affordable, the Ikon Slant is also available but more expensive. The slants are really nice shaving razors and not aggressive but efficient. Something else to consider (and buy!)

 

[eezee]

The vintage Gillette razors are great, the DE 89 is a great razor and the Progress (or Mergress) are nice as well. Having said that check out a slant; the 37c is easily available and affordable, the Ikon Slant is also available but more expensive. The slants are really nice shaving razors and not aggressive but efficient. Something else to consider (and buy!)

+1

 

[greatbolo]

I just received my merkur 39c "sledgehammer" slant and have shaved twice with it. It has move to the top of my list of about 15 other razors including de89, 34c , progress. aristocrat.,fatboy, superspeed adjustable, and rocket. It is efficeint takes NO pressure - no weepers - I would vote for this or the 37c above

+1

 

[DaRnOk]

I am in the exact same position. I bought the progres long handle for my father this Christmas, and I was going to go with the futur for myself. I think I will be getting the de89l after giving it allot of thought instead.

 

[Tarheelboy]

If you want to jump into the shallow end of the pool and not the deep end, take a look at a 40's Gillette Super Speed. Mild, but a great everyday shaver. Hard to go wrong with this one.

 

[Nomad1600]

I have and like a number of vintage Gillettes, but since you mentioned the Edwin Jagger DE89L as one you are interested, I will go against the flow and suggest that. I have been using my own DE89L this past week (after a month of Movember) and it has been refreshing how well that razor works. It simply works... perfectly balanced and with a good blade (I really like Voskhods) I always get a very close and comfortable shave.

I will get back to my normal rotation, but if you haven't tried a EJ yet... you really owe it to yourself.

 

[Zeppelinkarte]

All the above good advice but your inclination I think is correct. Modern adjustable. Merkur Progress. One of the best razor designs ever. Simple, effective, great shave a pleasure to use. Easy to take apart and clean. Merkur has had a few problems over time but nothing really with this razor. I have 12 in various formats and all are perfect condition and came that way. And over time you can customize the Progress with different knob assemblies. Mergress, Digress, Ikon and BRW if you can find the last two and more coming from other handle makers.

 

[mikemullin6]

I would suggest you strongly consider a Mergress (Progress that has been modified with SS knob and CALIBRATED). Some have commented on QC issues with Progress but Eric (B&B ID is Mer) does a great job on replacing the plastic knob and calibrating the numbers.

A Digress modification to the Progress is also available through a source in the UK

 

[crleftwich]

It seems a lot of people really like the EJ DE89. Another popular razor people seem to rave about is the Merkur 34c. I asked for the latter for christmas and hope I will get it.

 

[Marc J 13]

Thanks for all the advice guys ! How much would it cost to get the progress modified to a mergress ? I've looked at a couple of slants but would they be good for a somewhat newbie ? I wish I could get one of each and perhaps over time will, but for now I'll just have to take everyone's advice and decide on one.

 

[The Accountant]

From time to time I see a Mergress on the B/S/T; they run in the $80 to $100 range. The modification is about $50 or so if memory serves; you have to purchase a Progress as well so add that cost in to get the total. If you are able to get a DFS / approaching a BBS shave with your current razor then your technique is solid enough to try a slant IMHO. Just take it easy and you should be fine; I was really nervous my first time out with a slant but soon discovered it was nothing to fear as long as you treat it with respect and pay attention to your technique. Of course, YMMV and all that...

 

[Marc J 13]

Thanks for all the advice guys ! I'll have to weigh out all my options and make a decision. When I do I'll be sure to let you all know. Thanks again.