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A LITTLE DE ADVICE, PLEASE

DJKELLY

DJKELLY

Well-Known Member
Robin, specially, but anyone else knowledgeable on the subject, please help me out. I have been back using a straight razor for several months but cannot take one on my trips. I am gone 60% of the time and want to find a great double edged razor. I thought I would take the "buy the best" approach and got an expensive Merkur (dots anywhere?) and was disappointed in the size of the monster. It was a real sledge and the blades, though adjustable, ripped me a new one. I just can't abide a cartridge anymore and have a nice travel brush and cream and would like a recommendation for a great razor. I want one I can cherish for quality and performance and also wonder if there is a big difference in blades. I am a complete tyro here, guys, so please no unnecessary grief (cept you Inky). I really want one with the clam shell operation or someone to convince me otherwise. I would even consider injector if it really makes sense. I really do like the quality and heft of the German products (Robin) but I am open to honest advice. Thanks in advance.

Your furry pal while not at home, Denny
 
I got the fancy travel razor and case for over $100, by far, and it is the one that ripped me to shreds. I am sure I could get much better with it, but so far it is like shaving with a '55 chevy. Additional help, please.
 
Denny,

I spent quite a bit of time in the DE world, and I seriously never found a better DE shave than I got from a simple Gillette Fat Handled Tech and a Feather combination. I've tried many permutations of razor and blade, but I never beat that. The Feather blade made up for the slightly "mild" Tech head. The fat handle made up a bit for the unsubstantial feeling of a normal Tech, and the 3 piece design is easily my favorite because it isn't as bulky on the face.

There's nothing at all flashy about it, and you aren't going to wow anyone. But, if a very good shaving experience is what you're after, that's not a bad move at all. The best part about it is value. This is a cheap razor.

Good luck, but I'm curious, how can you get a DE blade through?
 
I've never shaved with a Merkur razor so I can't comment.

I have, however, used Merkur blades and they were horrible to me. While there are people that like them, they seem to get consistently bad reviews.

Personally, I like the red pack Israeli Personnas. Not the absolute sharpest but nice and smooth.
 
I don't know about Gillette DE. But I had shaved with some Merkur (HD, slant, progress, futur) for some years and tried some blades. The one I prefer is the Futur: nice heft and balance. The blade I prefer are the Gillette bleue which can be found easily in Europe. Feather blades are quite good too but sometimes you get bad blades.
I have also used a Dovo shavette, the shave it delivers is good too but unforgiving.

Regards

Laurent
 
This forum has come a long way, from specialised honing forum to legshaving bazaar. My, my...

Any road: The Merkur DEs I have used all worked particularly well with red Personna blades. I have been using a Futur for the last few days out of boredom. Not as smooth or gentle as a well honed razor, but perfectly adequate.

I recently tried a Pils, and would say that is worth every cent. Bit pricey, but you get what you pay for. In this case high precision craftsmanship, and valuable materials. This DE is in a class of its own.

Then there is Ikon. I have yet to see one in person, but knowing Pils, they look eerily familiar, but apparently without coming anywhere near the level of precision the Pils offers. Besides, I have never liked open comb DEs.

But realistically, I think it does not matter much which one you use. My wife likes them all, and her legs get BBS shaves from each and every one. Which is what they were mainly made for, right?

Regards,
Robin
 
I've got a Gillette Slim adjustable here in near mint condition. Since Dennis is a member of this forum, that has done so much to help me in my coti :)scared: ) adventure, and because I feel the need to reduce my collection of DE's, and because the spirit of Christmas is still upon me, and because he seems like a nice guy, I'll offer this to Dennis, (PM for details), and I'll ship it on my dime! It's been sanitized, polished and ready to shave..

Dennis, if you want it, just give me shipping info and it will be in tomorrow's mail... Unless you're flying into Islip/ MacArthur, in which case I'll put it in your hand. We've gotten rid of enuff snow to make the trip feasible.

I'll also throw in a pack of Merkur blades..
 
Dennis,
you are asking if there is any difference in blades. I do not use DE razors myself very often but I do follow the occasional thread in some forums. And consensus is that the different blades out there seem to perform very differently.
Maybe you should go and try some different blades with your DE razor. There are shave shops that sell sampler packs and you even find them on ebay - like this one. Brands to look for are: Personna, Feather, Derby, Astra, Lord. And do not underestimate the adjustable razor you purchased ( I suppose it's a futur/vision or a progress). Those adjustable ones are know to be notoriously aggressive.
Now, as that will not solve your problem with the big size of your razor it may well be worth a try in order to get a good shave. But Merkur is well trusted brand and emmanuel's tip is certainly a no-brainer.

Cheers
BlueDun
 
richmondesi said:
Denny,

I spent quite a bit of time in the DE world, and I seriously never found a better DE shave than I got from a simple Gillette Fat Handled Tech and a Feather combination. I've tried many permutations of razor and blade, but I never beat that. The Feather blade made up for the slightly "mild" Tech head. The fat handle made up a bit for the unsubstantial feeling of a normal Tech, and the 3 piece design is easily my favorite because it isn't as bulky on the face.

There's nothing at all flashy about it, and you aren't going to wow anyone. But, if a very good shaving experience is what you're after, that's not a bad move at all. The best part about it is value. This is a cheap razor.

Good luck, but I'm curious, how can you get a DE blade through?
Click to expand...
Great advice, Paul, exactly what I was looking for. They don't really have a restriction on DE razors, at least for crew. We can carry more than the three ounces of liquid and full size spray cans. Shouldn't put it in print, but I have been getting a small knife through for many years on a key chain. Guess how sharp it is.

I know I can search around the net, but are feather blades available in normal drug stores? Maybe just trying them with this monster Merkur will help, as long as I am going to try them anyway. I was really, really disappointed.

Thanks again, Paul, Denny

p.s. Thanks to you too, Robin. I have never even heard of your recommended razor and will look into it. Can you post pictures of wife's legs so I can get an idea how well they work? YT, Peeping Den
 
BlacknTan said:
I've got a Gillette Slim adjustable here in near mint condition. Since Dennis is a member of this forum, that has done so much to help me in my coti :)scared: ) adventure, and because I feel the need to reduce my collection of DE's, and because the spirit of Christmas is still upon me, and because he seems like a nice guy, I'll offer this to Dennis, (PM for details), and I'll ship it on my dime! It's been sanitized, polished and ready to shave..

Dennis, if you want it, just give me shipping info and it will be in tomorrow's mail... Unless you're flying into Islip/ MacArthur, in which case I'll put it in your hand. We've gotten rid of enuff snow to make the trip feasible.

I'll also throw in a pack of Merkur blades..
Click to expand...
Holy Crap, B&Tman. I just saw this post because I did just get home from a very trying three days. I would love to try/have your razor and will pm address soon. I really love the spirit of the gents on this site. Thank you very much.
Denny
 
If that "monster Merkur" is a Futur or Vision, try red Personna blades. Merkur Platin, Lord, Feather and Astra didn't cut it for me, although they work alright or even well elsewhere. The high end Merkur DEs are something special, but once you've mastered them, they're very nice. I like mine, in any event.
 
That's a very nice offer.

No, you can't find Feathers at a drug store. They are easily found online though.

Another good option is Westcoastshaving's sample pack. That way, you can have a little better frame of reference.

I'd still look for a Fat Handled Tech because I never cared for any toggle top razors that I tried... Some guys love them, but I hated them... Yes, I'm using the word hate.

Ebay is a good place to start: Fat Handle Tech

I will admit to having a Merkur HD that lives in Shreveport with me... I virtually never use it, but it's there. In fact, I'm not sure I have used it there. It's ok, but also 3 piece and hefty.
 
Denny, I've got a bunch of the Red Personna blades Robin is talking about. I'd be happy to send you a couple of packs, send me a PM.
 
jkh said:
Denny, I've got a bunch of the Red Personna blades Robin is talking about. I'd be happy to send you a couple of packs, send me a PM.
Click to expand...
Jeez, gents, I am getting overwhelmed. Sure, send them along. I will pm you the address.

Yes, Robin, it is a Futur. It feel very heavy but solid and really beautiful in it's own way. I will certainly put all the suggestions into practice.

To all of you who have been so generous, I hardly know what to say. It always amazes me to see the comradery evolve at Coticule.be. I am smart-assed out. Thank you very much. Humbly Yours, Denny
 
DJKELLY said:
Jeez, gents, I am getting overwhelmed. Sure, send them along. I will pm you the address.

Yes, Robin, it is a Futur. It feel very heavy but solid and really beautiful in it's own way. I will certainly put all the suggestions into practice.

To all of you who have been so generous, I hardly know what to say. It always amazes me to see the comradery evolve at Coticule.be. I am smart-assed out. Thank you very much. Humbly Yours, Denny
Click to expand...

I have a Fat Handle Tech that I would give you... but, I'm not that generous B)

Seriously...
 
Thanks, Paul. You and others have done plenty. I will go to the bay and see what the Fat Handle Tech looks like. I am sure it is within my price range. I value your opinion and will give it to Good Will if it doesn't work for me.
Your pal, D.
 
DJKELLY said:
Thanks, Paul. You and others have done plenty. I will go to the bay and see what the Fat Handle Tech looks like. I am sure it is within my price range. I value your opinion and will give it to Good Will if it doesn't work for me.
Your pal, D.
Click to expand...

No... give it to me. :lol:


Seriously...
 
richmondesi said:
DJKELLY said:
Thanks, Paul. You and others have done plenty. I will go to the bay and see what the Fat Handle Tech looks like. I am sure it is within my price range. I value your opinion and will give it to Good Will if it doesn't work for me.
Your pal, D.
Click to expand...

No... give it to me. :lol:


Seriously...
Click to expand...
To be honest, I never know when you mean "seriously". I've been up for twenty hours and that is about my limit. I quit thinking straight quite a while ago.
 
DJKELLY said:
richmondesi said:
DJKELLY said:
Thanks, Paul. You and others have done plenty. I will go to the bay and see what the Fat Handle Tech looks like. I am sure it is within my price range. I value your opinion and will give it to Good Will if it doesn't work for me.
Your pal, D.
Click to expand...

No... give it to me. :lol:


Seriously...
Click to expand...
To be honest, I never know when you mean "seriously". I've been up for twenty hours and that is about my limit. I quit thinking straight quite a while ago.
Click to expand...

I mean give me the blankity blank Fat Handle Tech if you don't like it :lol:
 
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