Upgrade to 37C and/or R41 from DE89L?

[mwhals]

I am finding that I do not get as close a shave as I like with my DE89L as it seems really mild. I am thinking of getting a Slant 37C or a R41 open comb. Any advice?

I find I can get both delivered for around $80 from shaving.ie, so I am thinking that is the best approach.

 

[Mick]

Get a 37c. It is as mild as your DE89 but cuts as close as the R41.

Take a look at connaught. They will ship one to you for around $40

http://connaughtshaving.com/merkur37c.html

 

[Harry Snider]

You could also try using a shim in your 89, cheapest way to "upgrade" your razor. Also those 2 razors are popular and are forever popping up on the BST, check in often!

 

[AZImmortal]

I hadn't heard of this shim idea before. I'm guessing that you just put something under one side of the blade before tightening it? Is there any good reading material regarding how to go about doing that? I've been considering getting a slant but I'd like to read more about shims.

 

[Kevan]

I hadn't heard of this shim idea before. I'm guessing that you just put something under one side of the blade before tightening it? Is there any good reading material regarding how to go about doing that? I've been considering getting a slant but I'd like to read more about shims.

A shim is a used blade with the edges cut off. Put it under the blade that cuts to change the blade's angle.

 

[merkur59]

Alternatives:
fatip and sabi are aggressive and efficient (not as aggressive as the R41)
Read somewhere in the forum that cadets are too.

Sabi and cadet can be purchased from shaveabuck
fatip- connaught.

*Sabi has an awesome looking handle too

L-R:weber (bulldog), R41 (tradere), Sabi T1 and Fatip (with weber DLC handle)

 

[AZImmortal]

A shim is a used blade with the edges cut off. Put it under the blade that cuts to change the blade's angle.

Ah, I see. What do you use to cut the edges off?

 

[Snuff-Belgium]

I am finding that I do not get as close a shave as I like with my DE89L as it seems really mild. I am thinking of getting a Slant 37C or a R41 open comb.

Coming from a DE89L I would go for the 37C first as it's a easy razor, the R41 might prove to be a bit to much coming from such a mild razor.

 

[Coler]

^ plus 2

I started with a DE89L and moved to the 39C when looking for a closer cutting razor (which is the 37C head on a longer handle).

I do expect that the R41 is in my future as my next razor, if only to try it out.

I think a slant bar is a really good progression from a standard closed comb.

I'd be interested in comparing the 37C with the 39C out of curiousity. I just liked the idea of the longer handle and felt it would lend itself better to shaving with just the weight of the razor on the face.

 

[cfender]

I never had a EJ but I use the R41 exlusively and before that I used the 37c exclusively for several months.

My understanding is that the EJ's are made by Muhle with the same level of craftmanship. If that's true I would tend to recommend the R41 over the 37c.

The (3) Merkur razors I have owned, including the 37c, had noticably inferior craftmanship than the Muhle R41. This might be frustrating after your having used the EJ razor.

For me the 37c was the most efficient razor I used until I tried the R41. After learning the R41 I went back to the 37c for a shave and found the lower level of efficiency unsatisfying.

I have purchased (2) R41's from shaving.ie for under $40 each with shipping. This is the lowest cost I have found. Ships very quickly from Ireland.

 

[keithmax]

Get them both. I have both of them and they are amongst my favorite favorite razors. The R41 is aggressive as it gets and after shedding blood learning how to use it I get the closest shaves but can't use it every day. The slant gives a close shave yet feels mild. It also does not have the bloody learning curve like the R41. I'm glad I have both and use the R41 when I want that extra close shave.

 

[Den]

Ah, I see. What do you use to cut the edges off?

A pair of scissors works well. It's what I use.

 

[Hen]

Get a 37c. It is as mild as your DE89 but cuts as close as the R41.

Take a look at connaught. They will ship one to you for around $40

http://connaughtshaving.com/merkur37c.html

+1, I think every de shaver should get a slant as an upgrade at some point.

 

[mwhals]

Thanks for the replies. I will make my decision then make the purchase.

 

[celestino]

Have you tried shimming your EJ89?
Barring that, the Webers are very nice and smooth shavers. Good luck with the Beast R41 if you do get it.

 

[Agravic]

My vote would be for the 37C over the R41 ... the 37C offers a very efficient shave with relative ease of use.

 

[dieselfuel79]

Slant. That's all. The R41 is very effective, but the slant feels so much nicer.

 

[BlackBear]

I find the R41 to be just awesome! I started with EJ DE89 (and still use it) I bought the R41 after only about 3 months into DE shaving, so was a little apprehensive first time, but if I don't rush and am careful, it provides me with shaving nirvana every time.

 

[MightyPir]

What blade are you using with the DE89? Feathers give a closer shave but are unforgiving. How many passes are you doing? WTG, XTG and ATG + buffing? I would suggest you look at these issues before you shift to another razor.

BTW, the 37C is not that different from the EJ in terms of blade exposure, but does require a different angle to correctly use. Same goes for the Slant. And you would have to sort out the ideal blade for both of these razors too.

I have all three but I can truly say that with the EJ (+ Yellows) I get consistantly comfortable BBS shaves in three passes. Once in a while I play about with the Slant, but I always come back to the old faithful!!! I have not used the R41 since I got it...just too much for me.

YMMV...

 

[Guido]

You could also try using a shim in your 89, cheapest way to "upgrade" your razor. Also those 2 razors are popular and are forever popping up on the BST, check in often!

+1
Give this a try. I was about to get rid of an open comb I bought - couldn't even complete a single pass it was so mild it was useless. I shimmed it and it works wonderful now - tied for my favorite razor (DE89 is my other favorite). Costs nothing to give it a shot.