Thinking about a DE

[anoop]

I used to shave with a Gillette Sensor Excel 3. I had 2 of
them -- one for home and one for travel (and that is still
my travel razor).

A couple of years or so ago, I got a Merkur Twin Blade and
slowly started using that at home. At first I didn't like it at all
(preferred the Gillette), but now I feel the Gillette has no weight
and leaves my face feeling slimy after a shave. The Gillette
I used at home started getting sticky so I tossed it.

Now since I don't like the Gillette, I'm contemplating getting
another Merkur Twin Blade for travel as well. Which then made
me ask whether I should try a DE. With the Merkur Twin Blade,
I think I have learned good shaving practices and shave in only
one direction (downward) letting the weight of the razor do most
of the work.

I have read some of the reviews of razors on here and it
seems like the Merkur Progress would be a good one to start
with. The VISION looks cool, but given that it needs maintenance,
it's probably not for me.

So a few questions:
- If I'm reasonably happy with Merkur Twin Blade, should
I just stick with that or should I try the Progress?
- What kind of benefits can I expect to see from switching
to a DE from the Merkur Twin Blade? (Anyone use that
before switching to a DE?)
- Is it possible to learn how to use a DE without cutting myself?

Thanks!

 

[StillShaving]

...So a few questions:
- If I'm reasonably happy with Merkur Twin Blade, should
I just stick with that or should I try the Progress?
- What kind of benefits can I expect to see from switching
to a DE from the Merkur Twin Blade? (Anyone use that
before switching to a DE?)
- Is it possible to learn how to use a DE without cutting myself?
Thanks!

I think you owe it to yourself to try the Progress or some other DE razor. There is more variety in the number of DE blades available and prices will be cheaper, which is one benefit. Another benefit is that the shave can be closer and less damaging to your skin, though that statement is harder to quantify or back up with facts. The DE shave will be different, but it can be as good or better once you learn the techniques. While learning to use the DE razor you are very likely to nick yourself and bleed, but it should be relatively minor. After that you will have many close shaves without cutting yourself, and be glad you tried.

 

[BladeDE40]

Shaving w/ a DE, or an SE for that matter, Is a whole different experience than shaving w/ cartridge razors. Yes, as with anything there is a learning curve, but it's not that bad. As stated above, you owe it to yourself to try a DE. There are many good current production DEs and there are many vintage classics that can be found here on BST or on sites the EBay cheaply.

 

[Mad Man]

In order:

Try a Progress - or any DE razor; however a nice tech would be a great place to start.

Benefits are usually the flip side of whatever problems you're experiencing now; ingrowns, bumps, burn, cost.

Yes. I went quite a few shaves with my tech/Astra combo before experiencing a decent nick that required styptic: and that was a due to a lack of attention on my behalf.

 

[Samjax]

Progress is a great way to go. Decide if you want the Progress 500 or the Progress 510; the 510 gives you a fair amount of more handle length if you have larger hands. Also, with either of them, you can also have them "Mergresed" down the road if you ever want to. They hold their value rather well, so it's a fairly solid shaving investment for you. I have the Mergress LH (the modified 510), and I prefer it over my Vision as a regular shaver.

 

[Sledgehammer39]

I enjoy using my Progress a lot!

 

[celestino]

I think you owe it to yourself to try the Progress or some other DE razor. There is more variety in the number of DE blades available and prices will be cheaper, which is one benefit. Another benefit is that the shave can be closer and less damaging to your skin, though that statement is harder to quantify or back up with facts. The DE shave will be different, but it can be as good or better once you learn the techniques. While learning to use the DE razor you are very likely to nick yourself and bleed, but it should be relatively minor. After that you will have many close shaves without cutting yourself, and be glad you tried.

+1 Great advice, here. Once you use a DE and get the technique down, you, probably, will not go back. Good luck.

 

[anoop]

Thanks for all the replies.

Will the Progress need any kind of maintenance/cleaning? I don't anything
with my current razor. I have read that the VISION needs maintenance,
but what about the Progress?

 

[CGW409]

I can't say on the Progress but with the vintage Gillette iron I use outside of a wipe with a wet cloth and opening the head a bit for a quick rinse not much heavy cleaning needed.
When it comes time for blade change I'll give a bit more attention with an old toothbrush just to get the soap/cream residue out of the gaps.

 

[StillShaving]

The Progress should need no regular maintenance, just an occasional cleaning to remove the built-up soap scum. My understanding is that the Vision maintenance is related to the Twist-To-Open doors on top. The Progress is a simpler design without those issues.

The various Merkur fixed head razors all perform well and have an even simpler design if that is a primary concern. However, I would expect decades of problem free shaves with the Progress.

 

[takeshi]

If I'm reasonably happy with Merkur Twin Blade, should
I just stick with that or should I try the Progress?

Impossible to answer for you. Your best bet is to try it and see. There's no way to assess that which you haven't experienced.

Is it possible to learn how to use a DE without cutting myself?

It's possible but cuts happen even to experienced DE users.

I have read some of the reviews of razors on here and it seems like the Merkur Progress would be a good one to start with.

If you haven't used any DE's it's really impossible to determine what is or isn't good for you. Positive (or even negative) reviews don't necessarily indicate what's specifically best for you. Again, you have to try the options and see what works for you. Don't expect to get the perfect DE on your first shot. Once you've used one or more you'll have a better idea of what you're looking for. I think I went through 5 before settling on the DE89. Again, you can't assess what you don't have any experience with. You can always BST whatever doesn't work for you.

 

[anoop]

OK, so I've done some research into the DE thing and also into
razors. While it looks like a number of people speak of the virtues
of a DE razor, it seems like it isn't necessary always better
(http://www.thegr.com/index.cfm?event=AsktheBarber#6).
[He actually thinks Fusion & Mach III are acceptable! I find
that really weird, but I don't want to write him off since I use
their shaving cream and moisturizer and like those.]

But given that I have some redness on the neck each time I
shave, I'm still inclined to give it a shot. After all, switching
from a Gillette Sensor Excel to a Merkur Twin Blade has itself
provided some relief and has helped me improve my technique.

Now on to my research about razors.

I have found many negative reviews about the Merkur Progress,
especially related to its finish. One razor that
seems to have consistently good reviews is the Edwin Jagger
http://www.westcoastshaving.com/Edwin-Jagger-DE8911-Double-Edge-Safety-Razor-Chrome_p_1029.html

However, as with most other DEs, I find that the loading/unloading
of blades is going to require extreme care (I'm clumsy). Given that
concern, I was wondering if I should go with something that has
a butterfly loading system:
http://www.zamberg.com/zb/traditional-safety-razor-by-erbe-solingen-germany-11520i.ashx

Any thoughts on this?

Thanks.

PS: What does the term TTO mean in connection with the loading
mechanism...it seems to be used interchangeably with butterfly.

 

[anoop]

Impossible to answer for you. Your best bet is to try it and see. There's no way to assess that which you haven't experienced.

I agree. But I also want to draw on the wisdom of
others to avoid making obvious mistakes and to
improve my chances of success. It also helps to
get some encouragement.

It's possible but cuts happen even to experienced DE users.

This is a bit disconcerting. Are you saying cuts happen even
after the technique has been reasonably mastered? It is because
of being in a hurry?

If you haven't used any DE's it's really impossible to determine what is or isn't good for you. Positive (or even negative) reviews don't necessarily indicate what's specifically best for you. Again, you have to try the options and see what works for you. Don't expect to get the perfect DE on your first shot. Once you've used one or more you'll have a better idea of what you're looking for. I think I went through 5 before settling on the DE89.

Wow. You have a lot of patience. I think I would keep trying
with the same razor like maybe once a week, thinking that it
is technique that I have to learn, rather than a problem with
the razor (especially if the razor is one that is highly rated).

I kind of went through that as I tried to switch from the
Gillette Sensor Excel III to the Merkur Twin Blade. I found
I had to do some learning to get around the loss of swivel.
I also started shaving with down strokes only. I previously
used to shave in any direction that came to my mind, especially
around the chin, neck, and jawline. While I did occasionally
get some minor nicks in the process, the main inconvenience
was with not getting all of the hair. Now I can usually get
a clean smooth shave, even without my glasses on (and I
have pretty bad eyes).

You can always BST whatever doesn't work for you.

What does BST mean?

Thanks.

 

[PMT]

Hi and welcome, nicks are not a big deal and I remember getting them with cartridges as well as I must have a BBS every day, it comes down to patience and technique, I remember being nervous and even drank a couple of shots before first DE shave with a '59 Gillette, I was so relieved and happy at how smooth it was, not a big deal at all, just have to take your time and do what works for you, I will NEVER go back to carts, I am saving a ton of money and look forward to my shave every morning, I get to pamper myself, any nicks I get, which is not often, are done by the time I take my shower after, hardly ever have to use styptic. And BTW, my '59 Gillette was $7.50 at an antique mall and shaves like a dream, have Merkur 38c as well, just my 2 cents

 

[Invicta]

I used to shave with a Gillette Sensor Excel 3. I had 2 of
them -- one for home and one for travel (and that is still
my travel razor).

I have read some of the reviews of razors on here and it
seems like the Merkur Progress would be a good one to start
with.

- Is it possible to learn how to use a DE without cutting myself?

Thanks!

The Progress would be a good DE razor to start. It has the added dimension of being able to adjust the blade exposure. Start with mild exposure and increase it when your confidence and technique improve. I would suggest a sample blade pack but Astra SP is a good starting blade.
In the long run, the savings on replacement blades is going to be very pleasing as as multi-blade prices are ever increasing.
You do not mention anything about the soaps / creams and brushes you use. However that is something else you may want to consider as preparation and proper lubrication are all important.
I would say nicks and cuts are usually a result of careless technique and rushing.
I hope this helps.

 

[anoop]

Thought I should report back since I had my first ever DE shave today!

I bought this razor:
http://www.zamberg.com/zb/traditional-safety-razor-by-erbe-solingen-germany-11520i.ashx
(I had a coupon for 7.5% off since I have bought scissors
from them before.)

It looks pretty well made, but after I got it, I kept going back
and forth in my head about returning it and getting the Edwin
Jagger instead. Finally I just decided to stick with it and give
it a go. Since I have never shaved with a DE before, I can't
really provide a review on whether or not it's aggressive.

These are the blades I got:
http://www.classicshaving.com/catalog/item/522941/9500474.htm

It was pretty easy. No nicks or cuts, but I was especially careful.
The shave was quite easy. I just used the same technique and strokes
as I was using with this razor:
http://www.classicshaving.com/catalog/item/6887218/194585.htm
which I have been using for at least a couple of years now.

I did 3 passes, all of them shaving downward. By the 3rd pass
there was very little sound...almost felt like the blade wasn't cutting,
but I guess that's because I had gotten most of the hair.

No razor burn/rash on the left side of the neck that I used to get
all the time.

I guess I'll keep my twin blade around a bit for when
I'm on the road or when I'm in a hurry.

How do you guys dispose off the blades? Do you
just put them back in the box and toss them? I don't
want it to become a safety hazard for someone handling
my trash...or even birds going through the trash.

Overall, I'm quite pleased and I want to thanks folks on
here for prodding me to take the leap.

 

[StillShaving]

Good to hear your shave went well. I am not familiar with the exact razor you have, but it looks like a quality item which should serve you well. Some razor blades are packaged in a plastic box that can also serve as blade disposal. I believe the Astras come packaged in a cardboard box, so you do need to find another option. Most people make a blade disposal bank out of an Altoids candy tin or similar small container.