I presently shave with a straight. However, I'm thinking that I want to also get into DE shaving, but I'm not sure where to start. I've read that the old Gillette Tech razors are great for a beginner, but I'd like to know what a few of you experienced DE shavers would recommend for a guy going from straights to DE. Any and all advice will be more than welcome and appreciated. Thanks in advance for your help.
I'm not a hardcore DE guy but coming from a straight razor background, I'd almost guarantee that you'll find many, if not most DE razors just not aggressive enough for your taste. I'd recommend a SE. A 1912 Gem Jr. would probably be amongst the closest simulation to a straight razor. Very aggressive but, like a straight very comfortable at the same time. This may be a blatant bit of heresy but IMHO, the 1912 Gem Jr. is every bit as effective as a straight.
If you'd like a second opinion from one who has never shaved with a straight, and is not likely to, well yes, an SE or injector would be a great way to go. But assuming that it is a DE that you want to try, perhaps you might want to consider an adjustable. From experience I can recommend a Gillette Fatboy, and many people think highly of the Merkur Progress. The idea is that, while you work on the different blade angle, you can set it for one of the low settings, and increase it later. And of course, although they may seem tame compared to a straight, safety razors can bite if you get the angle wrong. But I think you already guessed that.
So long as you avoid the really cheap junk and damaged razors, you'll be fine. The main reason certain DE razors are recommended for beginners is that some don't bite as hard when mistakes are made. The key being pushing too hard which is typical for those coming from cartridge systems or electrics. You'll get many different opinions and suggestions. Most or all will be good, so just pick one that's recommended more than once and go for it.
SE gem handles shavers are rated very close to a str8 razor as those who use them...Gillette Techs are pretty mild and good for beginners also if you getta blade sample pack from www.westcoastshaving.com..great. Prices and shipping is wonderful with great customer servce!
sffone I've got a couple of Techs and use them from time to time, but the DEs I like best are the Gillette open combs. Coming from the Old School as you do, I'd recommend a ball handled Gillette Old Type. You'll find that with a decent blade they shave close enough to satisfy the straight shaver in you. Best Regards goshawk
I agree about open combs. My go-to open comb is a Gillette New, short comb, vs. long comb, although I own both and several of each. PM me if you'd like to try one. BTW, I rotate Gem SE's with these, and the Micromatic is the most aggressive. The Gem Jr. is one notch down from that. Got multiples of these to try too, if you want
:thanksThank you for the offer -- it's very kind and generous of you. But I'm now the proud owner of a Gillette open comb, a Gem Jr., and a Micromatic, as well as a Merkur open comb. Hopefully, among these I will find DE happiness!
Never used a straight razor except when I had a barbershop shave. But would recommend the 1912 GEM first. Then I would go with a Gillette open comb DE. I prefer the Gillette NEW DE or even a Gillette Old Type. Do not like the adjustable Gillettes or the TTO style either.
I want to change from using a multi-blade razor. I looking into a safety razor, any thoughts on good choice for novice?
I would recommend the EJ DE89L, available from The English Shaving Company among others for roughly $35 plus shipping. Better balanced than the Aristocrat, Super Speed or Tech; stunning chrome finish; classic style; excellent shave with a sharp blade. An instant classic! In my opinion! Bought one and put the rest of my razors up, including my Sensor.
