Thinking about a Stainless Steel DE Razor

[wacomme]

I have to admit that I'm new to DE shaving. I have a Merkur Progress (long handle) that I've now used for about 3-4 weeks. I've moved the setting from 1 to 2. I like the razor (have nothing else for comparison), but the top of the razor seems to be losing its plating - it's becoming dull in comparison to the rest of the razor. I'll attach a photo tonight. Anyway, this got me thinking about a second razor. Vintage is a possibility, but I like the idea of the newer stainless steel (SS) razors. After a little research, here's what I'm thinking:

1. Ikon OC or OSS. Right now my top choice, mostly because it's machine compared to the Weber. Not sure about OC vs OSS (I believe this is the OC on one side and closed comb on the other side).
2. Weber. Not sure which handle. Most economical of the SS razors.
3. Feather AS-D1(2). I believe this model is now discontinued. Other than people liking them, I don't know much about this razor.
4. ATT. Seems nice, but perhaps more than I want to spend.

Anyway, thoughts and/or suggestions?

 

[UW_Badger]

Lots of good choices to consider. I own a Feather AS-D2 and love it. I have not used one of my vintage Gillette razors since I purchased the Feather. A mild shaver, but coupled with a good quality blade, yields a close, comfortable shave. With some hunting you should be able to get one for under $200. If I would buy another modern razor it would probably be the Ikon OSS. The dual head is something that I would like to try.

 

[Capslock]

Buy a Tech or a Super Speed on Ebay for $10, and use the other $190 for brushes and soaps!

 

[wacomme]

This is a possibility. I'll look into it. Are the Tech and Superspeed top choices? Is there anything to watch out for when buying used?

Neverthess, I'm still interested in the SS's.

Buy a Tech or a Super Speed on Ebay for $10, and use the other $190 for brushes and soaps!

 

[Neffarious]

Weber. I have had iKon (OC,SB and slant), tradere, and Weber and the Weber is the only one i kept. In fact i sold it, regretted the sale and bought another. It's also the least expensive of the lot.

 

[wacomme]

Why did you keep (or re-buy) the Weber and not the Ikon's?

Weber. I have had iKon (OC,SB and slant), tradere, and Weber and the Weber is the only one i kept. In fact i sold it, regretted the sale and bought another. It's also the least expensive of the lot.

 

[Neffarious]

I didn't like the iKons as much. I kept the slant head but sold the rest. The iKon SB is more aggressive than i like and a whole helluva lot more aggressive than the OC. The OC was very similar to the weber but i always reached for the weber over it as the weber was a tad smoother.

 

[Jarick]

Is the Weber a SS head or just the handle? It looks like a Merkur head.

 

[KCee]

The AS-D2 is gorgeous but very, very mild. I find it takes 4 passes to get a decent shave and it still won't be as close as a Progress on say 2 lol. That being said it shaves incredibly evenly and it's nearly impossible to nick yourself or cause irritation as far as I can tell. I really love mine as it's mild enough to prevent ingrowns, but not sure it's worth the full price.

The Weber is the plainest, but I love how it shaves. Pretty darn efficient without being dangerous and seems to work well with most blades. It really is a bargain considering they come with nice handles.

I only have an Ikon OC, but it's beautiful and fairly mild for an OC. I've heard it's patterned after the Gillette NEW LC which I can see as I have one of those. The Ikon is cooler, but the old Gillette actually shaves a bit better for me.

If you like adjustables I'd look for a decent Fatboy or Slim. They are rock solid and shave great. I have a Merkur Progress LH and I like the Fatboy better even though I do like the Merkur's long handle.

 

[JaxJim]

If you're set on a stainless steel razor, I recommend you take a look at the Pils 101NE. In my view it's one of the best looking razors available, and it delivers great shaves. Probably not as mild as a Feather AS-D2, but it's mild nonetheless. Good luck on your quest!

 

[wagstaff]

The 2013 iKon OC is not fully machined. It's a sintered razor. About on par with Weber for aggressiveness. The SB is, as has been said, much more aggressive.

 

[Coffeesnob]

+1 for the feather.

I have using the asd2 for a few months now prior to that a futur, asd1, hd and slim. All providing great shaves, but none matching ease and smoothness. With a sharp blade like a feather, gillette yellow or pol si I can easily get a dfs in 2 passes and bbs in 3 with a touch up in my problem areas that have irregular growth patterns.

 

[Capslock]

wacomme,
If you buy vintage on ebay, just look for something in good shape - you will clean it anyway so don't worry if it's dirty; just look for straight metal, and the less wear the better. Don't get caught up and bid more than you should - it's ebay! Also, you can get good deals here and not worry about ebay sketchiness: http://www.vintagerazorsandmore.com/default.asp

 

[Jarick]

Well those Webers look great.

 

[watchiekong]

I'll throw another in there for you to look at:

How about considering a Pils razor. I love mine (Pils 113NN). It's not an aggressive razor but it shaves VERY well.

Enjoy the journey of coming to a decision!

 

[wacomme]

Due to cost, I'm trying to keep it reasonable. I think it's between the Weber and Ikon OC. However, I may want to buy a vintage razor or two first before the expense of a SS razor. Top suggestions for used seem to be: New, Tech, Superspeed, Slim adjustable, Fatboy. Only 3-4 weeks into DE shaving, I should have some restraint. It's just that I'm a little disappointed in the quality of my Progress - plating, not performance. So, for a second razor I'm probably looking for a "relatively" mild razor (no slants), but one that might be a little different than the Progress (not sure what I mean by this as I currently have the Progress as my first and only DE razor).

 

[JaxJim]

For vintage DE, I'd recommend a Super Speed or Tech, as was suggested above. Good luck!

 

[skleice]

I'm in the same boat as you. I recently took the plunge on an ATT Atlas R1. It is fully machined and is a beautiful razor (though from what I've read, machined is no stronger than sintered). The 30 day money back deal is REALLY amazing too. However, I don't think I've found the perfect fit for me. I'll probably try a different base plate and see how it goes. I also have a ikon slant head on order that will be here in a couple of days. I'm hoping between that and ATT I can find my groove.

The look and the price of the PILS rule it out for me. Feather seems to be too mild also. Whatever you buy, you can recoup most of your purchase on BST (or just return the ATT).

Good luck!

 

[wacomme]

So many to choose from on EBay. Tech or Super Speed? Version?

For vintage DE, I'd recommend a Super Speed or Tech, as was suggested above. Good luck!

 

[wacomme]

Which base plate are you using on the ATT?

I'm in the same boat as you. I recently took the plunge on an ATT Atlas R1. It is fully machined and is a beautiful razor (though from what I've read, machined is no stronger than sintered). The 30 day money back deal is REALLY amazing too. However, I don't think I've found the perfect fit for me. I'll probably try a different base plate and see how it goes. I also have a ikon slant head on order that will be here in a couple of days. I'm hoping between that and ATT I can find my groove.

The look and the price of the PILS rule it out for me. Feather seems to be too mild also. Whatever you buy, you can recoup most of your purchase on BST (or just return the ATT).

Good luck!