So Many Choices, EJ, Muhle, Merkur, Parker, Etc. HELP!

[seanusa]

I have an Edwin Jagger DE89BA, a 1945 Gillette contract tech, and a 1970 Gillette super adjustable. I am on the hunt for a new razor as I'm sure many of us are and cant seem to decide on anything. I would like a more aggressive razor but am worried about going too aggressive and not being happy with my choice. I have been eyeing the Muhle R41 GARAND for a while but it also has a reputation of being the most aggressive razor out there. I have started to look a Merkur slant bar razors and open combs, but with the open comb many say some are aggressive and some are not, some say the slant is not aggressive enough. I want some feedback from B&B as I greatly respect the opinions of its members and you gents have gotten me outta a hard place or two. I always love the pics of peoples gear so just for grins here are the razors I mentioned.
View attachment 301069
P.S. I am happy to say I have gotten my wife interested in DE shaving and she has her eye on a Parker 96R shave set with the matching brush and stand, although when it arrives she wants me to give her a tutorial by shaving a small section of my leg. The sacrifices we make for DE shaving

 

[Vivasanti]

Dont be scared of the R41.

The slant is a great razor.

Merkur OC's are some of the mildest ever made.

 

[seanusa]

Well the R41 GARAND has been the one I'm leaning toward. It looks as well finished as my EJ and has its unique hybrid open comb but I still need a little push in that direction. Anyone know of a razor that rivals this one in closeness and quality or would I be better off with the slant for the price ?

 

[Monkeyboab]

The R41 is about as close as it gets for me with fewer passes I love it. If I was you I wouldn't got for the Grande I would get the normal one then a heavier handle. I like my 39c slant but I don't think the finish is anywhere near as good as the muhle. Like Vivasanti said don't be afraid of the R41 it's a great razor.

 

[wagstaff]

The fact is that "some people say...." varying things because it's true for their experience. That's how much YMMV.
For myself, the Merkur slant bar razor was bad thing. The R41 has been a good thing. I agree with Vivasanti's notion that you buy the less expensive one since you probably will find an aftermarket handle for it anyway.

But some people love slants, and you won't know if you're one of them without trying one. And some people love other slants (either vintage or some of the brandless bakelite slants are all that seem to be available outside of the two Merkurs right now).

 

[mistercitizen]

You've got a very nice variety of razors already. I think a slant or an open comb would be the next step. You've got a bit of a feel for vintage Gillette with your Tech, I'd go for a vintage Gillette New open comb, either short or long comb with a common bar handle. You can find them pretty cheap on the bay or in the B/S/T forum. For a slant, I'd recommend the Merkur 37c, but that's the only one I've ever used so take that recommendation for what it's worth.

Ben

 

[TallyShave]

Aggressive/mild does not affect how close or comfortable the shave is. Your technique will dictate that. You may end up with a preference for certain razors based on a number of factors including weight, balance, head size and geometry, blade exposure, handle, etc. Don't forget how much a blade can affect each razor as well. It really is a personal thing.

The obsession and focus around here on "aggresive" versus "mild" is largely useless. A pyschiatrist would have a field day with it though. There are many factors, and I would argue more important factors, that will affect how a razor works for you. At the end of the day, any of the competent razors discussed around will give you as good a shave as you perform. The rest is just personal preference.

 

[Attila]

My recommendation is for you to try a 37c slant or if you have the money, a Tradere 2'nd generation open comb. The Tradere is a bit more efficient I would say and a lot more expensive. Though it is in a different class build wise.

 

[celestino]

Try the 37C slant for something different or a Weber for a stainless steel. Also, an open-comb Aristocrat is very nice.
There are just too many choices to try.
Why don't you try shimming your current razors if you want something different and you won't have to spend any money doing it.

 

[mcdidher]

I would recommend the Merkur 37c. The slant isn't really what I would call an aggressive razor, but the cutting action is very effecient and completely different from anything else in the DE marketplace. If you decide you don't like it, you won't have any trouble finding a buyer in the B/S/T.

 

[seanusa]

One reason the open comb appeals to me is that people talk about how it doesn't plug even with a heavy beard and sometimes I like to go for 7 days or so before I shave and want an efficient way to get BBS in the fewest passes, plus I have been thinking seriously on getting a straight razor and thought a more aggressive DE razor would be a better first step, and a cheaper one. What aftermarket handles are there to retrofit the Muhle R41, the bulldog is the only one I have seen.

 

[wagstaff]

I use the GS1 handle with the R41. Any of the three Webers and a Trdere also work. I don't have experience with iKon or UFO... but I think those are threaded right, too.

 

[Useless shaver]

.....although when it arrives she wants me to give her a tutorial by shaving a small section of my leg. The sacrifices we make for DE shaving

DON'T do that, never, ever

 

[mistercitizen]

UFO's are great aftermarket handles. I can't stop using my Kaiser Short ever since I got it a couple weeks ago. UFO handles seem to fit everything. I can't recall it not fitting anything that I have yet. I believe the ikon handles fit the EJ and Muhle heads as well with no issues. I have one, but I can't remember.... I'd have to check to be sure. Stainless steel handles are pricey, but I feel very much worth it to have the additional weight and durability.

Ben

 

[dynagroove]

Lots of great suggestions! By far the best is to realize that you can always move stuff that doesn't suit you on the BST. I had the R41 standard, tried the head on a Tradere handle (1st gen) and it was noticeably better. When an R41 Grande showed up on the BST, I grabbed it. I personally like the Grande the best out of the three R41 configurations I've tried. I'm still learning the 37C slant, but it is a wonderful razor. For a daily driver, my favorite out of the suggestions made is the Tradere OC new style. It's agressive, but well balanced and I can get great shaves out of it on a daily basis. The R41 is by far the closest shave, but I've found that I need at least 1.5 days of growth for an irritation-free shave.

 

[Goes2Eleven]

I've never tried the 41, but I have a '61 Fatboy, an Edwin Jagger EJ86BL, and a Merkur 39C Slant.

I bought the slant after borrowing one from a fellow B&Ber.

It's my go to razor now. I don't find it aggressive, but maybe "efficient" is a better term. It cuts with less effort.

THe design of the slant leaves a large gap for shavings/cream to pass. It does not capture the cuttings nearly as much as my other two razors, although I don't find it to be a problem with them either.

The machining on the handle is very "grippy". Probably could even be considered "rough". I was a little unimpressed when I first took it from the box, as it seemed unrefined (particularly with respect to my EJ). However, the handle is great as it doesn't slip when your hand is wet. Turns out that this is a good thing cause my hand is usually wet when I shave.

I really like the slant.

 

[seanusa]

I have been warned about the finish on merkur razors and heard allot of stories about the plating falling off prematurely. not sure what to think about that, I certainly wouldn't want it to happen to a razor I spend 40 + on

 

[Viseguy]

Grab a nickel-plated Premax (a/k/a Fatip) at Zamberg.com. Pair it with a Weber handle, or maybe a UFO. Virtually as effective as the R41, but a lot smoother.

 

[seanusa]

I have a Parker heavyweight barber pole handle, not stainless of course, but 4 inches long and very weighty with good grip, can you purchase just a razor head like the fat tip open comb?

 

[Viseguy]

I have a Parker heavyweight barber pole handle, not stainless of course, but 4 inches long and very weighty with good grip, can you purchase just a razor head like the fat tip open comb?

No, unfortunately. With few exceptions, to get the head you've got to buy the whole thing. But the Premax short handle a/k/a Fatip Piccolo is 18 bucks and change at Zambergs. It's a steal at that price.