Happy Monday, all. Looking for suggestions on new, not vintage, please. This is to be a gift for someone who is absolutely convinced a DE is going to shred his face.
What is the least aggressive DE I can buy for under $100?
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A feather Popular is pretty mild and around $20
I think an EJ 89 would fit the bill nicely. It is readily available far under your budget price. Pair it up with some Derby blades and your friend should be good to go.
Keep in mind that in the hands of a novice, even the mildest razor can do some damage. Let him know that there is a learning curve involved, and its not unusual to experience some nicks the first few days. Let him practice without a blade for a few times while he learns about technique.
Keep in mind that in the hands of a novice, even the mildest razor can do some damage. Let him know that there is a learning curve involved, and its not unusual to experience some nicks the first few days. Let him practice without a blade for a few times while he learns about technique.
EJ 89 or R89 by Muhle would also be my choice.
Hasslefree, no-danger razors.
I'd prefer some Med preps instead of the Derby's though, as they can be nasty sometimes.
Hasslefree, no-danger razors.
I'd prefer some Med preps instead of the Derby's though, as they can be nasty sometimes.
Rimei razor, 3.50 €
My first DE was a Edwin Jagger DE 89 and it's fantastic. I like Astra SP blades in mine, since they seem to be a pretty forgiving blade.
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Yes, I will have to be especially careful with the blade choice. I've only ever used Merkur and Feather. I just assumed the Merkurs were good, until I tried the Feathers on a whim after reading about them here. What a difference! Nonetheless, I'm not sure I'd give Feathers to a newbie.
My face felt worse after a Feather Popular (with a Feather blade) than my Muhle R89 (same as an EJ de89) with an Astra. The plastic construction did NOT lend itself to pressure free shaves.
For someone new I would add my vote for the EJ de89/Muhle R89. Get the Muhle - they'll be too busy admiring it to stop using it for a few shaves, and after the first 2 days I was MUCH less afraid of it. I now feel more afraid the the nicks and scrapes from my old Mach 3's since those are less predictable than with my DE where based on my technique I can tell in advance sometimes.
My very first shave, and to an extend my second shave, had me convinced that putting a DE razor to my face was going to lacerate my face to the point that I was going to bleed all over the bathroom. What happened - I think I had a few scrapes and a speck of visible blood over a bump on my chin which was a small fraction of 1 drop.
Also have them watch Mantic's videos and read the stickies here. Good perp et cetera makes a huge difference.
For someone new I would add my vote for the EJ de89/Muhle R89. Get the Muhle - they'll be too busy admiring it to stop using it for a few shaves, and after the first 2 days I was MUCH less afraid of it. I now feel more afraid the the nicks and scrapes from my old Mach 3's since those are less predictable than with my DE where based on my technique I can tell in advance sometimes.
My very first shave, and to an extend my second shave, had me convinced that putting a DE razor to my face was going to lacerate my face to the point that I was going to bleed all over the bathroom. What happened - I think I had a few scrapes and a speck of visible blood over a bump on my chin which was a small fraction of 1 drop.
Also have them watch Mantic's videos and read the stickies here. Good perp et cetera makes a huge difference.
I have a Merkur 1904 I'll sell you for $99.99!
Seriously, there are LOTS of choices under $40. For $100 you can net a darn great starter kit. My recommendation would be the Merkur 33c or 1904.
Seriously, there are LOTS of choices under $40. For $100 you can net a darn great starter kit. My recommendation would be the Merkur 33c or 1904.
From what I have read, Parker makes several mild razors. Particularly the TTOs remind me of Gillette.
Gillette Super Speed or a Schick Krona....either one milder than a San Diego evening breeze
Have a look at a 3 piece gillette tech as well...mild as mild gets and are always knocking around the bst here for under 20 bucks or so.
A Tech would be very mild so maybe you could get a replated/restored one. While the razor might be gentle any blade is tougher than your face. If it has to be new then Edwin Jagger DE89 and Astra SP blades ... don't forget the soap and brush, it's the most important bit.
+1 on the 1904. I have the open comb, and its a very mild, yet shockingly effective razor for me. Unfortunately, if you gave me a super mild razor and a nasty little Derby blade for my first shot, I'd probably drop that DE and never pick it up again
. ATG, the razor would just stop.Seriously though, a sampler pack might be a better idea, or maybe a universally accepted sharp/forgiving blade, like Astra SP, or the 7oclock blacks. A blade that is too dull to cut the hair can be much more painful than a good, sharp (enough) blade.
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I started with a Merkur 180. From what I hear it is similar to the EJ89 and has a slightly longer handle.
When it has to be new I would say the Lord LP1822 for $10-$15. Milder than the Mühle/EJ razors and at about the same level as the merkur 23/33 models but with less issues regarding blade alignment.
+1 (Muhle R89 is the same head with, IMHO, a nicer handle)
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