The Next Step - Upgrading My 34c

[tmurzz]

Okay, so I've had my 34c for about 1.5 years now and I'm looking to upgrade to a higher level / more aggressive DE razor. I know there is tons of information and/or threads available but I thought why not make a new thread to get some more personalized suggestions, so I'm making a forward apology on that front.

Currently have the 34c regular handle and am looking for, I guess, "the next level". Need to keep the cost closer to the $50-$60 range. I really don't mind a learning curve, so I'm definitely open to razor that is quite a bit more aggressive. For now I would probably like to purchase a more modern razor rather than vintage. If you guys need more information just ask, I threw this together in 2 minutes so I probably left some important facts out.

Anyways, thanks for any suggestions and feel free to bash me for keeping my 34c as my exclusive razor for almost 2 years!

 

[rockviper]

Congrats on being the RADman's nemesis!!
Since it sounds like you like the 34C, I would suggest the 37C slant (or go for the 39C if you want to try a longer handled slant).

 

[NeverOne99]

Merkur Futur would be a worthy upgrade.

 

[alex2363]

Well, since your in Maima Ken/Bluedishop would love to have you in his BOTOC gang ( LOVERS OF OPEN COMB RAZORS) And he and I would suggest a R41 or a FaTip razor, they are more aggressive thann your 34c.

 

[Agravic]

Well, since your in Maima Ken/Bluedishop would love to have you in his BOTOC gang ( LOVERS OF OPEN COMB RAZORS) And he and I would suggest a R41 or a FaTip razor, they are more aggressive thann your 34c.

+1 agree.

Fatip $35 + Weber bulldog handle $38 = blissful OC shaving and prompt entry into BOTOC gang

R41 $60 = aggressive OC shaving and respectful entry into the BOTOC gang

Either way, you are in for a ride!!!

 

[RaiserLiebe]

... I'm looking to upgrade to a higher level / more aggressive DE razor. ... am looking for, I guess, "the next level". ... I'm definitely open to razor that is quite a bit more aggressive. For now I would probably like to purchase a more modern razor rather than vintage.

Merkur 39c Slant "Sledgehammer" NOT a biter unless used carelessly. More efficient. I get closest and most comfortable shaves from my 39c.
I know vintage may not be your thing (but why not?), but I just tried a Gillette Slim. It is also a beauty. VERY close and comfortable.
Cheers!

 

[dieselfuel79]

Slant.

 

[celestino]

So many to suggest:
Slant
Tradere SB
open-combs

 

[dpmtherrien]

I'd go with the slant, and then on to the R41.

 

[Aptivus]

+1 on the Futur!

 

[Searlands]

Merkur Futur would be a worthy upgrade.

+1 on the Futur.

 

[Vivasanti]

going from a 34c to a futur is a huge jump on aggression and size, I would suggest a Progress or a Slant.

 

[Searlands]

going from a 34c to a futur is a huge jump on aggression and size, I would suggest a Progress or a Slant.

Depends on what you would call "huge" I guess. I learnt to DE shave with a 34C then moved to a Futur.

The reason I got the Futur was its adjustable and it's not so traditional. You can make it as aggressive as you wish.

 

[skleice]

I started on the 34c and then moved to the Futur....it was no problem. I've since grown tired of the very large and heavy Futur and moved to the R41 (which I'm loving). I think you need to decide if you want long/short, heavy/light, adjustable or not, etc. to narrow down your choices. Also, I prefer the fit and finish of the muhle over the merkurs (though the Futur is a beautiful razor imo).

FWIW you can get MUCH better prices on some of the UK sites if you're willing to wait a week+ for delivery.

 

[Invicta]

Okay, so I've had my 34c for about 1.5 years now and I'm looking to upgrade to a higher level / more aggressive DE razor. I know there is tons of information and/or threads available but I thought why not make a new thread to get some more personalized suggestions, so I'm making a forward apology on that front.

Currently have the 34c regular handle and am looking for, I guess, "the next level". Need to keep the cost closer to the $50-$60 range. I really don't mind a learning curve, so I'm definitely open to razor that is quite a bit more aggressive. For now I would probably like to purchase a more modern razor rather than vintage. If you guys need more information just ask, I threw this together in 2 minutes so I probably left some important facts out.

Anyways, thanks for any suggestions and feel free to bash me for keeping my 34c as my exclusive razor for almost 2 years!

What immediately occurs to me is what is wrong with the 34C that is short of the "top level"? Is your technique good enough to suggest no improvement is possible?
Don't get me wrong as I too am considering if a slant bar is more efficient or can I improve my technique?

 

[Aptivus]

I did the exact opposite of what the general rule is, and started with a Futur.

going from a 34c to a futur is a huge jump on aggression and size, I would suggest a Progress or a Slant.

Depends on what you would call "huge" I guess. I learnt to DE shave with a 34C then moved to a Futur.

The reason I got the Futur was its adjustable and it's not so traditional. You can make it as aggressive as you wish.

I started on the 34c and then moved to the Futur....it was no problem. I've since grown tired of the very large and heavy Futur and moved to the R41 (which I'm loving). I think you need to decide if you want long/short, heavy/light, adjustable or not, etc. to narrow down your choices. Also, I prefer the fit and finish of the muhle over the merkurs (though the Futur is a beautiful razor imo).

FWIW you can get MUCH better prices on some of the UK sites if you're willing to wait a week+ for delivery.

 

[tmurzz]

Okay so there's a varying consensus. For simplicity I suppose it's down to:

Slant (39c or 37c?) Difference?
R41 (any specific year and how to acquire a specific year?)
Futur

Kind of leaning to the slant due to price, or should I just move to a Futur?

 

[kiwimike]

Certainly not gunna bash ya for using the 34C for so long- an excellent razor!!

 

[ArNav]

I used 34c mostly and now the Progress. I like the Progress a lot.

 

[tfinch]

+1 for the Progress. It's a fantastic shaving tool.