DE Razors

[sniper-sam]

So a colleague brought me one in about a month ago and I was sceptical about using it as shaving is a need for me rather than enjoyment.
Anyway I've found that I actually quite like using it so on that note I'd quite like to buy myself some decent stuff, everything from a new handle, blades, soap, brush etc.
Don't mind spending a bit of money either.

I know this has been talked to death on here over the years but what the heck, haven't saw a recent thread so thought I'd start the ball rolling again.

I should add I know nothing about this hobby, if I can call it that.

Many thanks folks.

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[Fraz01]

Prepare to fall down another rabbit hole..... it’s easy to spend a fortune on this stuff.

Soaps wise London Oatcake get a good name although I’ve never tried them. Stirling Soaps are good and last for ages. Proraso is the G-Shock of the shaving world - everyone has them and secretly loves them. I currently have 2 Stirling Soaps, a a Phoenix and Beau and a Scottish Fine Soaps open and in regular rotation.

Razors and blades are very subjective and everyone reacts differently to them. Edwin Jagger DE89 and the Mule R89 are very good starting points and quite mild - good for refining your technique. I recently managed to pick up a Gillette Slim Adjustable for next to nothing (which is rare) and it’s fantastic.

With regards blades, start with a sample pack and go from there, they are so cheap that you can afford to try lots of them. Some of the ones in my collection are Derby Usta, Feather, Voskhod, Gillette Nacet.

Not sure if it’s the done thing to plug other forums but I follow the UK Wet Shaving Society on Facebook and they’re a good bunch with lots of good product ideas.

I don’t know if that helps or hinders but it definitely is a hobby and quite a fun one at that. If shaving is a necessity then you might as well enjoy it I reckon.

[ernestrome]

I don't see a great benefit in reprising old threads. I think it is better just to add to the existing ones. I like to see that the old winter boot thread has just resurfaced.

I refer you to all those previous answers :)

[dkpw]

I do laugh (ironically) when I remember back to starting DE shaving, when the advice to newbies was; "make the switch and save money over cartridges." Bollox. This hobby has cost me hundreds! :) Although still less than watches.

If you're starting out I would recommend the following purchases:

Razor: The Edwin Jagger or Mulhe R89s are essentially the same mild razor. I prefer the other usual starting recommendation, the Merkur 34C. Either is good but I had better, easier shaves with the Merkur.

Blades: As mentioned above, get a sample pack. Connaught Shaving are excellent for these as is eBay seller de-razorblades-uk. Mild, smooth blades I recommend are Voskhod, Israeli Crystals and Gillette Blue.

Brush: Synthetic brushes are easier to care for and kinder to animals. I would recommend the Simpson's Trafalgar T3 which is about £20 and brilliant.

Pre-shave: a contentious subject. Some use it and others say you should prepare properly and it's therefore not needed. I like Proraso's Green pre shave which is mentholated.

Soaps: The world is your oyster. Creams are easier to apply and last ages. Taylors of Old Bond Street (TOBS) have a wide range of excellent scents, a personal favourite is Grapefruit, which smells like the fruit and is not artificial or too sweet, like some can be. Moving on to proper soaps, I would recommend Stirling Soaps which again have a massive range of scents. These require more work to lather but are in my view better for slickness.

Post shave: Stirling Soaps have plenty of balms and aftershaves which match their soaps, as do other producers. Nivea, LEA, or Humphreys tonics are all excellent. I'd suggest an alum block which can heal and disinfect small nicks and cuts. It may sting a little after a shave but that tells you if you have over shaved one area or another. You can also go straight to the aftershave if you like a burrrrnnnnn!

YouTube: There are some excellent YouTube channels from which to learn. They can verge towards uncritical advertising but that's the nature of YouTube. Some that spring to mind are; Kevy Shaves, KenSurfs, Friendship Shaving, GeoFatBoy and PaulHFilms.

My key bit of advice though, is map your face's hair growth. This will let you know how to plan your shaves and individual passes, first with the growth, then across, finally against.

Best of luck!

[Fraz01]

My key bit of advice though, is map your face's hair growth. This will let you know how to plan your shaves and individual passes, first with the growth, then across, finally against.

This!!

Probably the most important and useful piece anyone will give when talking about shaving!

[Onelasttime]

Doesn't it take considerably longer to shave with a DE? It looks like it does.

[Mr Curta]

I like old stuff and these all do a really good job of removing facial hair so I just grab whichever takes my fancy.

[burnside]

I like old stuff and these all do a really good job of removing facial hair so I just grab whichever takes my fancy.

Some beauties there Mr Curta!

[P3T3R]

I use a Merkur 34C daily, with feather blades. I find shaving-shack a good website. I find it much cheaper than cartridge razors (this isn’t a hobby for me just a preference) and much softer on my skin, although it did take a week of cutting my face to make the swap too much pressure was my main error.

I also like the Body Shop Maca root and aloe shaving cream and post shave balm. As suggested earlier there are some great YouTube channels dedicated to this shaving process. I’d happily grow a beard but I’m not allowed.

[oldoakknives]

Well thanks for all the advice guys. And sorry for hijacking the thread but they always say to use the threads rather than starting another!

Finally decided to give a Merkur Progress a try, as it might be a bit more forgiving than the Bluebeards Revenge I bought to dip my toe into this particular rabbit hole. Will probably try it with the 7 o'clock and Shark blades first as I have a few left, then will try some others to see the difference they make.
Watched this guy on You Tube and he's quite informative. (I'm sure he should be cooking spaghetti sauce with Paulie!) Anyway he does some good reviews.

[gerrudd]

Finally decided to give a Merkur Progress a try,

I shaved with a Progress for 12 years. It's a great razor. Very comfortable in hand, and once you get used to the blade angle easy to shave with. However after the first few months of use I stopped adjusting it. When I finally decided to replace it I went back to a simpler razor.

[oldoakknives]

Well thanks for all the advice guys. And sorry for hijacking the thread but they always say to use the threads rather than starting another!

Finally decided to give a Merkur Progress a try, as it might be a bit more forgiving than the Bluebeards Revenge I bought to dip my toe into this particular rabbit hole. Will probably try it with the 7 o'clock and Shark blades first as I have a few left, then will try some others to see the difference they make.
Watched this guy on You Tube and he's quite informative. (I'm sure he should be cooking spaghetti sauce with Paulie!) Anyway he does some good reviews.

So just a quick update. The Merkur Progress arrived and so far so good. I'm using it on No.1 setting with 7 0'Clock blades, it feels safe and gives a close enough shave for me at the moment. I may try moving up the settings but for now it's fine. Feels a lot less risky than the Bluebeards Revenge but that was an economical way to get started, and I will probably still use it from time to time. Pleased with it so far.

[Mj2k]

Drop me your address in a PM can send you a variety of blades to try. I love the whole clean shaven feel from a DE but look like a man child without stubble so have given up!

Matt

[sniper-sam]

Drop me your address in a PM can send you a variety of blades to try. I love the whole clean shaven feel from a DE but look like a man child without stubble so have given up!

Matt

Very kind of you matt.

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[sniper-sam]

Definitely some things to look into there.

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[monogroover]

I have a few DE razors, but while I do enjoy using them - I find that they don't actually work as well as typical twin-blade cartridge razors, even disposables.

[gerrudd]

I changed over to DE about 13 years ago. I'd dabbled with it before, but bought my first proper razor, a Merkur Progress, at that point. I've found it to be very cost effective. But I've only had three razors and maybe 5 brushes in that time. My shaving bowl is even older, about 16 years I think. I vary between high end and low end soaps. I don't use a pre shave. I've mainly used witch hazel after shaving, but have dabbled with a few other things. My current set up is.

Replitech Razor (bought from dkpw. thank you).
A Harry's of London synthetic brush. It was a gift, works well, but I refer bristle.
My old shaving bowl.
Derby Blades.
Cella Almond Shaving cream. Lovely stuff.
Extro Bergamotto di Calabria aftershave.

My suggestion is start simple and cheap and see if you enjoy the experience and that it gives you a good shave. Technique (see youtube), and lots of time help.

[Steve27752]

Like watches, it can be very addictive. The best place to go is here.
https://www.theshavingroom.co.uk/community/index.php

[zippy]

I've been DE shaving for nearly 10 year now. I usually get my supplies from https://www.executive-shaving.co.uk/ who have a good range of everything you need. My favourite shaving cream right now is Extro Cosemi and Musgo Real but if your only starting off you won't go far wrong with Proraso. Oh and get a alum block !

[jukeboxs]

Just grow a beard and trim with scissors, and allocate the savings towards watches. Similarly with haircuts. You know it makes sense. [That said, it will still take me decades to offset the imminent PP price rise... ]

[xellos99]

Tried loads of gear.

Best i found were :

Polsilver iridium blades or Super iridium ( Neither are made anymore but i still have a huge stash of them luckily to last the rest of my days )
very low number of cuts with these and quite sharp and long lasting.

Simpsons Chubby best badger brush.

Castle Forbes cream ( but i use all sorts of soaps and creams because i bought them to try and they last forever lol )

Razor : Merkur Progress Adjustable ( used on number 3 / 3.5 )

[dkpw]

I changed over to DE about 13 years ago. I'd dabbled with it before, but bought my first proper razor, a Merkur Progress, at that point. I've found it to be very cost effective. But I've only had three razors and maybe 5 brushes in that time. My shaving bowl is even older, about 16 years I think. I vary between high end and low end soaps. I don't use a pre shave. I've mainly used witch hazel after shaving, but have dabbled with a few other things. My current set up is.

Replitech Razor (bought from dkpw. thank you).
A Harry's of London synthetic brush. It was a gift, works well, but I refer bristle.
My old shaving bowl.
Derby Blades.
Cella Almond Shaving cream. Lovely stuff.
Extro Bergamotto di Calabria aftershave.

My suggestion is start simple and cheap and see if you enjoy the experience and that it gives you a good shave. Technique (see youtube), and lots of time help.

TYVM glad you're still enjoying the JFK. :)

Since we last spoke, I splashed out on a 1955 gold Gillette Tech. It's so nice I've still not had the heart to use it yet.

All the best.

EDIT: Some shots of the 1955 Tech.

[Rod]

My current razors are a Murker 34C and Murker Vision 2000 used with Astra Platinum blades. Brush is a Proraso pure bristle brush, which is superb for lathering. Soap is the Arko shave sticks which I lather direct on face without a bowl.

https://www.amazon.co.uk/PRORASO-Pur...1142144&sr=8-1

https://www.amazon.co.uk/Arko-Shavin...s%2C191&sr=8-5

I've gone through a lot of fancy soaps and creams and realize they are no better than the Arko soaps for a good shave.(my opinion)

[dkpw]

My current razors are a Murker 34C and Murker Vision 2000 used with Astra Platinum blades. Brush is a Proraso pure bristle brush, which is superb for lathering. Soap is the Arko shave sticks which I lather direct on face without a bowl.

I've gone through a lot of fancy soaps and creams and realize they are no better than the Arko soaps for a good shave.(my opinion)

You can't beat a 34C in my opinion, they provide a great shave and it does raise the question why I've bought loads of other razors when this was my second!

Arko sticks, well... they are a bit marmite. Sometimes I like the smell, at other times they smell a little lavatorial. However they are excellent at producing a great lather. If you like shave sticks, and they are handy in the shower, I can recommend the LEA shave stick which has a nice clean scent and also lathers well.

[oldoakknives]

Well I decided to give DE shaving a go. So rather than trawling through all the great advice that has no doubt been posted in previous threads (far too easy) I just went for it. 3 weeks later and the Bluebeards Revenge, Shark and 7 O'clock have failed to dampen my spirit. First couple of times were a bit scary and cutty, but I can shave without any blood now!

So I think it would be nice to have an adjustable razor as a bit of an upgrade perhaps. So do I leap in at the £200 level or are there decent ones to be had lower down the price range. I'm guessing the next one probably won't be the last one!

[Mr Curta]

...I splashed out on a 1955 gold Gillette Tech. It's so nice I've still not had the heart to use it yet.

Ooh, that's marvellous. I feel another 'investment' coming on.

[gerrudd]

TYVM glad you're still enjoying the JFK. :)

Since we last spoke, I splashed out on a 1955 gold Gillette Tech. It's so nice I've still not had the heart to use it yet.

Oh wow that is very nice, enjoy.

[sniper-sam]

Thanks everyone for all the advice and tips.

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[CriticalMass]

I rediscovered DE shaving after a gap of 40 years - and suddenly shaving became a pleasure rather than a pain.

I find the English Shaving Company covers most bases.

[smalleyboy1]

DE user for 15 years. Started with a Merkur Futur, the bought some Vintage Gillette fatboys (rarely used them) then a Feather ASD2. On my second badger brush from Simpson. Tend to use Geo F Trumper rose shave cream and their Coral Skin Food for post shave (it’s alright but I’m sure there is better). Blades have been Feather for last few years, before that I used Israeli’s.

Moved to straights for a few years and that is a real rabbit hole. Razors, strops, hones etc. Shaving with a straight is a real experience but you need to have the time to maintain and use them.

A DE will last you a lifetime

[Idontgram]

Funnily enough I started using a DE razor, around the time I started getting into watches.

I’ve bought one razor (Edwin Jagger Chatsworth Barley), I was gifted a matching badger hair brush, found blades I like (feather) and after trying a few soaps, decided I prefer cream. While I like the ceremony of it, I don’t really invest the time to do anything beyond a single pass without pre- or post- shave before I go to work, and I don’t shave on weekends!

Never got sucked into the rabbit hole but I’ve enjoyed trying different soaps and creams as each run out and suspect I will continue to experiment with that but can’t see myself buying multiple razors, brushes, scents etc.


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[dkpw]

OOK if you're after an adjustable razor, there are two options I would like to suggest.

First is a base plate swapper, namely the Rockwell 6S. This provides different levels of aggression by giving you three plates, each with two options, which you swap out to get your desired level of efficiency. For example base plate 2 is mild, whereas baseplate 5 is aggressive. Expect to pay about £80 for this one.

If you'd rather have an integral adjustable, where you turn a dial to adjust the razor's aggression, I'd strongly recommend going for a vintage Gillette Fatboy or Slim Adjustable. You can find these on Etsy or eBay for about £80 to £100 pounds. It's been my experience that these provide the best value for money and ease of shaving. Modern integral adjustables can be overly aggressive.

[oldoakknives]

OOK if you're after an adjustable razor, there are two options I would like to suggest.

First is a base plate swapper, namely the Rockwell 6S. This provides different levels of aggression by giving you three plates, each with two options, which you swap out to get your desired level of efficiency. For example base plate 2 is mild, whereas baseplate 5 is aggressive. Expect to pay about £80 for this one.

If you'd rather have an integral adjustable, where you turn a dial to adjust the razor's aggression, I'd strongly recommend going for a vintage Gillette Fatboy or Slim Adjustable. You can find these on Etsy or eBay for about £80 to £100 pounds. It's been my experience that these provide the best value for money and ease of shaving. Modern integral adjustables can be overly aggressive.

Thanks that sounds like some good advice. I'll have a look at those. I did see one where you changed the plates but it seemed like something I'd get fed up with doing.

[Yorkshiremadmick]

I have a Wilkinson Sword which was Dads, a Gillette Slim Adjustable, a Merkur Futur and a Merkur Slant
The slant gets the most use with Feather blades


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[mijyou]

I favour the Merkur Slant with the short handle over the Future, always found the head a bit to bulky under the nose. I would also say to try and get one of TTO (twist to open) Gillettes as mentioned above, great razors. I used to collect them about 20 years ago and have or have had most of the models from the 50s and 60s.

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[subzeer0]

have a look for Tabac soap and mitchells woolfat soap ...both top performers of hard soap

merkur progress is a nice small adjustable ....although mine is put to one side in favour of the rockwell 6s and of course the supply single edge razor another great razor

[Lelykins]

Two options for me. First is a Merkur futur clone which i find a little clumsy but is adjustable or secondly a vintage Gillette which gives a really comfortable shave. Always used Polsilver but they are becoming a bit rare now. Recently decided to search for an alternative and settled on Nacet which are very good.
Brush wise I've also recently changed to one of the Simpsons synthetic brushes which is a revelation. Used with Truefitt and hill no10 it produces a prodigious amount of foam and hasn't lost a single hair yet that I've noticed.

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[sniper-sam]

Might as well comment on my own thread
So roughly 7 months now of using the Rex Ambassador and have no plans for buying another razor. Yes it's expensive but my view on it is buy once and buy right, unless of course you're wanting a collection (which I don't).
The Rex is adjustable too which is handy for me as I need to go mild on the bottom part of my neck, a second changes the setting rather than having to faff about with plates.
The Rex is over 200 quid new but I expect it to out live me, and I'm 43 coming.
That's my advice for a razor, good luck with whatever you choose. Oh and I've a discount code for Executive Shaving which will save you 10% on it

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[Yorkshiremadmick]

Might as well comment on my own thread
So roughly 7 months now of using the Rex Ambassador and have no plans for buying another razor. Yes it's expensive but my view on it is buy once and buy right, unless of course you're wanting a collection (which I don't).
The Rex is adjustable too which is handy for me as I need to go mild on the bottom part of my neck, a second changes the setting rather than having to faff about with plates.
The Rex is over 200 quid new but I expect it to out live me, and I'm 43 coming.
That's my advice for a razor, good luck with whatever you choose. Oh and I've a discount code for Executive Shaving which will save you 10% on it

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I think you’ve had all the comments and recommendations because of the wording of the original post. EnJoY The Rex
Some of the comments on blades, brushes and soaps, croaps and oils are still valid as a novice.


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[smalleyboy1]

I used a Futur for several years before moving to a fixed blade razor, Feather ASD2. Futur was good but a little bulky and I rarely adjusted it. Can’t fault the ASD2 and haven’t considered another razor in the 4 years I’ve been using it. It truly is a razor for life.

Would also echo the comments on trying an old twist to open Gillette or Fat Boy. Great razors and nice to shave with something that is 50-60 years old.

[greenandblack]

I used a Futur for several years before moving to a fixed blade razor, Feather ASD2. Futur was good but a little bulky and I rarely adjusted it. Can’t fault the ASD2 and haven’t considered another razor in the 4 years I’ve been using it. It truly is a razor for life.

Had a couple of starter razors and I’m the type to go down the rabbit hole with hobbies like this but the Feather ASD2 put a stop to that - it’s perfect. So efficient, the second pass is a token gesture, but you do have to hold it at a slightly different angle from normal so don’t assume it’s a dud if it doesn’t work first time.

Not tried any adjustables and not sure I understand the point - why would you adjust once you’ve found the setting that works for you? I’m sure there’s a reason so pls do enlighten me!

Got a bit carried away and bought a straight razor. Keeping it sharp is tough, and anything but super sharp is painful - have since got a feather artist club which takes the blades and that’s much better, cheaper and easier.

I like trumpers creams the best, used a Muehle synthetic brush for years which is excellent (this one https://www.muehle-shaving.co.uk/pur...g-birch-handle).

Favourite addition would be a shaving scuttle, though seems some variety of what’s covered by that. I mean the ones like a giant cup where you fill the hollow wall of the cup with hot water which keeps the lather you’ve mixed up warm. Too breakable to travel with and I really miss it when shaving away from home!

[smalleyboy1]

Got a bit carried away and bought a straight razor. Keeping it sharp is tough, and anything but super sharp is painful - have since got a feather artist club which takes the blades and that’s much better, cheaper and easier.

Been down that rabbit hole. Bought second hand straights off eBay and then new Dovo straights, selection of hones and strops. Really enjoyed shaving with a straight and did it for a few years.

[sniper-sam]

Not tried any adjustables and not sure I understand the point - why would you adjust once you’ve found the setting that works for you? I’m sure there’s a reason so pls do enlighten me!

I gave my reason above mate, the lower part of my neck is bumpy so have to go as mild as possible otherwise I end up with a rash. Tried various pre shave etc and nothing else works to date other than dialling down the razor. I'm happy with this comprise though as it takes 2 seconds to do

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[Brian]

Not tried any adjustables and not sure I understand the point - why would you adjust once you’ve found the setting that works for you? I’m sure there’s a reason so pls do enlighten me!

!

My dad used to do multiple settings per shave 7 with 4 across and against and a 2 for a final.

A few folks in youface videos recommend different settings for different passes.

I use two settings on my gillette slim but a single setting on my fat boy unless I have'et shaved for a while then I may use two.

B

[oldoakknives]

Another quick update. Was looking for a smallish leather case for taking stuff to the range in and saw this on fleabay.


Bought it thinking I could chuck the contents and cut out the holding straps inside. Well that's still on the cards, but when it turned up it was in it's original cardboard outer box and appears to be unused. Even the original styptic pencil had never been used.

Anyway I decided to try the small Gillette razor and so gave it a thorough wash just in case, and loaded a 7 o'clock blade. Surprisingly it gives a really safe feeling close shave! Bit of a result for £8.99 inc postage, leather case for bits 'n' bobs and a razor!

[burnside]

I wish I'd discovered DE shaving a lot earlier in life. Always feel a lot better / fresher after one.

[dizz]

I tend to save my DE shaves for a Sunday morning when I can take my time and enjoy the ritual of it all, to be honest I get a quicker and closer shave with a modern three blade cartridge razor....but that’s not really the point is it :-)
This is my small collection, all imported from USA eBay before the prices went up.







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[Fraz01]

I tend to save my DE shaves for a Sunday morning when I can take my time and enjoy the ritual of it all, to be honest I get a quicker and closer shave with a modern three blade cartridge razor....but that’s not really the point is it :-)
This is my small collection, all imported from USA eBay before the prices went up.







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Great wee collection.

I’ve got battered Slim Aristocrat as my regular shaver which I love so fancy getting a Fatboy but the prices are just crazy just now.

[greenandblack]

Apologies, so you did.

I did struggle with neck rash, but it was from the classic not looking how your stubble grows, as many have said above.


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[sniper-sam]

Apologies, so you did.

I did struggle with neck rash, but it was from the classic not looking how your stubble grows, as many have said above.


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I've tried up, down, across basically going on the mildest setting seems to work so I'm happy to just do that.

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