To Atlas or no? From DE89

[MidAg_BlackGold]

I am very seriously considering trying out the Above the Tie Atlas M1. I am currently using a DE89, and I think I would like something somewhat more "aggressive." I have a Futur, and I am thinking my inability to fall in love with it is more of a "YMMV" thing than it purely being too aggressive for me. I just haven't been able to get a real comfortable shave from it. I like the idea behind the atlas series (options for more aggressiveness) and really like what I've heard about the quality. I feel that my technique has vastly improved since getting the DE89, but still would like to try a more moderate/aggressive razor. I would love any insight or advice for my decision! Any recommendations are appreciated, though I am kind of in love with the atlas right now.

Thanks!
Travis

 

[MidAg_BlackGold]

Quick addition; I'm also considering trying a Slim, but I definitely want something more aggressive than the de89, and am almost certain I want to get a nice stainless DE at some point.

 

[Harry Snider]

How about next shave, trying a shim in the DE89? Won't cost you thing except a used blade. Won't hurt to try. Also, slims are fantastic shavers. Try the slim next.

 

[MidAg_BlackGold]

Thanks, Harry! I'm searching around the forum for some insight on shims, but now that I've stopped to think some more, the slim seems like a good place to start. I do plan on sitting on this decision for a day or two still, and welcome any more insight. The 30 day guarantee offered by ATT does ease some of the price once runs of the atlas. Too many decisions! You do your best to narrow down, then it starts all over again! Not sure if I should thank God for this site or curse it!

 

[Moondoggie]

I too have the EJ89 and wanted to upgrade and/or expand my choices. I can't give you any advice on the Atlas because I went with the Tradere SB for my stainless (pure art and shaving excellence by the way!). I can tell you that I have 2 slims and have to force myself to put them down and give fair playtime to my other razors! Why 2 slim razors? Because I didn't want to take the chance of ever being without one!

As I said, I don't have experience with the Atlas but they get a lot of love from members here. That said, I can say that you are looking at 2 very nice razors and you will most likely love either one that you choose. Worst case, either of them would sell quickly on BST.

My final answer: Slim
I'm a sucker for vintage, and this truly is an excellent shaving razor. Good luck agonizing...

p.s. you could always buy 1 of each whilst simultaneously cursing this site!!! Always works for me...

 

[targa88]

DE 89 to Futur...almost at opposite ends of the spectrum...
Futur is one of the heaviest razors out there. Adjustable has it's merits.

I have a Titan M1. More aggressive than the DE89. Heavier also (longer handle than the Atlas). ATT warranty is also a bonus.
Slim is a beautiful vintage piece, somewhere between the Atlas and the Futur. Definitely lighter than the Atlas & Futur. Lower profile than the Futur too. Works like a charm.

I have one of each (Titan, Slim, Fatboy, Futur) and enjoy using each of them... YMMV.

 

[ATL Jack]

Gig'em!

The problem for me with the Futur is that it is too bulky and is therefore not very maneuverable and I dont get good feedback from it so I have a hard time finding the right angle. If you want an adjustable, the Progress is better IMHO. The Weber might be something worth trying. It is a bit more aggressive than the DE89, but not much and it is a fraction of the cost of an ATT. I had my first Weber shave this morning, its a great razor. I will need some more practice with it but I might be forced to try an Atlas R1 to get something more aggressive.

 

[tm3]

sounds like you want a SS DE, but are not quite sure which one as far as level of aggressiveness.

one option would be to go ahead and get the slim and play around with the levels to try and fine tune exactly where you taste lies as far as aggo before investing in the SS.

another would be to buy a cheap aggressive DE like a cadet, or maybe an SE, to see if you really like the more aggressive cut.

 

[MidAg_BlackGold]

Thanks for the help, I am going to try the slim out for now. Will give the futur one last chance before I try and get rid of it to fund a stainless someday.

 

[tm3]

might be a silly question on my part, but have you experimented with different blades in the Futur? mine shaves great with anything but YMMV.

also, have you tried starting out on say 3 for pass #1 and then dialing down for subsequent passes? or vice versa (start on 1 and go up to 3 or so)?

 

[MidAg_BlackGold]

Yes I have tried a significant number of blades in it. I don't get terrible shaves and chew my face up with it, but it's not exactly comfortable or enjoyable while shaving. I find i get a lot of tugging and pulling from all the blades I've tried. I find I still have these problems even set on "1." I'm not quite ready to give up on it, but I believe it's just not for me.

 

[Mick]

Get the ATT razor. It is well made and you will be happy with it.

I had a Titan (long/heavy handle) H1 and was very pleased with the build quality and shave. I no longer have it as I had way too many high end razors and it was one I let go to keep some others but I would not hesitate to purchase one again if I already did not have so many high end razors.

You can get different base plates for that razor to change the way it shaves should you not like the M plate.

 

[ERVARGASNY]

If your interested in an Atlas go for it, But not the M1 i found the M1 Less aggressive then the EJ89. Go for the R1 its a tad above the EJ89. At this point i only use the H-1 with either the Titan Handle or Weber Bulldog handle. I love my H-1 so much that if i see an H-1 bottom plate and top cap for sale i may snatch it up )

 

[Shortknock27]

Shows that the YMMV thing always applies, but I have the Muhle R89 (essentially the same as an EJ89) as well as an ATT Titan M1. I find the M1 to be slightly more aggressive, but not to the point that it is uncomfortable. Just have to go a hair slower than with my Weber or Superspeed. Very efficient shave.

 

[Beerhunter]

Great just great I have to go and check out the h-1. Now I feel there's a hole in my collection. I gotta stop checking into B&B.

 

[VolpeVerde]

, But not the M1 i found the M1 Less aggressive then the EJ89. Go for the R1 its a tad above the EJ89.)

Truly a YMMV. My Titan with the M1 is mild ,feeling less aggressive than my DE89, but with the R1 plate, it feels much, much more aggressive. I also have a Weber handle and have tried that with both plates but got the same results. I liked it (or tried to like it) at first, but as time went on, it became more disagreeable with me. Ashame, because it's a well made razor. I no longer use my Titan and may put it on B/S/T.

 

[celestino]

How about next shave, trying a shim in the DE89? Won't cost you thing except a used blade. Won't hurt to try. Also, slims are fantastic shavers. Try the slim next.

+1 This is where i would start. However, your Progress is a great shaver. Why not start at 2 for a few weeks and see what happens. If you really don't like the aesthetics of it, the i would suggest a Weber as they are a bit more aggressive than the EJ89 and much cheaper than the Atlas. However, if you are set on the Atlas and you have the money, then go for it.

 

[ricardo9505]

i second the shim. two shims has my de89 shining a bit more these days.