I am looking into a non Gillette razor. Not that I do not like my Gillette's because I really really do like them. I just do not have anything else besides my Gem SE type razors. It is just that Fathers day and my birthday is coming up soon and my Wife and Son have told me that they want to get me shaving stuff. So I was thinking now would be a good chance to get a good modern razor just to have one. I know that every body is different but I would love to hear some suggestions from fellow shavers. If it helps I will list my favorite razors of the ones I have... 1) Gillette Fatboy set to 6 1) GEM JR 1912 (is tied with the Fatboy) 2) 1948 SS 3) 1965 SS 4) 1951 Tech I use either Voshkod or Astra SP blades in all of the above (except the GEM) I like the Fatboy because of the heft that it has and I think that the Tech would go higher up the list if it had a heavier handle. I have not tried an OC yet but I would be open to trying one. Of course the thought of spending a lot of money on a razor that I might end up not liking bothers me. SO I may end up just placing a good sized order to TSD - since I have a good list of goodies I want from the store!
Well, without knowing their budget... here are my top suggestions for a modern DE after looking at what you like. A lord Smart or Premium Safety Razor Model LP.1822 aka L6 (about $15) - if you like a tech, you should like this as well. The handle isn't much. Pair it up with a tech handle or get a custom new handle. Speaking of which, how about a custom handle from Cooncatbob or another maker? And you said you might like your tech better with a heavier handle. (about $40 to $45) EJ89 (about $30) Merkur HD or Slant (about $40) Merkur Progress (about $55)
EJ89 (about $30) +1 Could also get a Schick injector. Maybe a Merkur (Futur). There are so many. Go on the ebays and check soonest ending and see if there are any ones that you recognize and are cheap. Might find a steal on a razor you havn't tried. There are so many out there.
I find that in d/e shaving that my top razors are adjustable. I find the Merkur Vision and Futur to be stellar shavers. But they are on the pricey side. I do notice in you excellent list (all good razors) that you are lacking a slant. IMHO everyone should at least try a slant. Especially if you like the closeness that a s/e can offer. A slant is not a razor I would use everyday (like the Vision or Futur) But when I want a super close shave with minimal effort a Slant or single edge is what I reach for. YMMV
I'd put a vote in for a nice Muhle (it's what I have and LOVE!!!). I do believe, however, that the EJ 89 uses the same head. In which case I would go with the cheaper one. Either way it would be a great razor!
Good Stuff so far! I am loving the look of that EJ! Been looking at one of those for a long time. I am a little afraid of a slant - not sure I can drive on of those.
Don't fear the slant Bill. As long as you have good technique ( no pressure etc), you shouldn't have any issue with it. I think they shave just like the Merkur HD, but work a bit better. Personally I would try an Open Comb razor. I would get yourself a nice inexpensive shaver grade one to try and if it turns out that you like it, then get a replated head on a custom handle that you like. Here's my Old Type on a Bull Mastiff handle, a fantastic shaver.
That is one nice razor your got yourself. Can i have it? Exactly what i am looking for except the price tag.
I really like the progress now, as well as the futur. I do have a slim and redtip but they've taken a back seat to the progress.
Thanks Dale - that is good advice. I just remembered I have this old razor that I got jipped on from ebay. (the pic sucks - bad) When I got it I just put it in on a shelf with some old clock parts and forgot about it. I took a look at it after reading your post and it is an OC so I will give it a try. It is a little gnarly but I think it will shave! That razor you have there is really nice!
I cleaned it up a bit - and one of the larger corner teeth (tooth) is bent just a tad - is it worth trying to fix it? Like bend it back? I will get my kid to take a pic with his camera and I will post it later.
If it is just bent a tad, don't worry about it. It is better to be bent just a tad than completely snap off if you try to straighten it. And yes, the corner ones tend to be bent some from being dropped. It won't affect the shave unless it is really gnarly.
Thank you. Nope this one is all mine. After a year of trying different razors, I have come to enjoy the Old Type the best. I have downsized and I only have two razors right now and a travel razor. The price really wasn't too bad. It was less then a Futur and not much more then the Merkur HD. Thanks. It's a great shaver and a looker. I just continually found myself drawn to it. Downsized and feeling good about it. Give it a go Bill. My first open combs were some surly old war horses. I decided that I wanted to master the OC so that is all I used last year for OCtoberfest. I just haven't gone back much since. I still have my Feather Portable, but have just used it for the first time in a few months. If the OC thing isn't for you, at least you found out before dumping lots of cash into them. Personally I like the old type more then the NEW, but I am in the minority there. Give it a good week or two, it will take a little time to get the technique down. And happy early birthday.
Thanks Dale - but I must admit I fibbed a bit. My Bday is not until July 22 - but my gift often gets combined with Fathers day. Here is a pic of that bent tooth... The only tooth that is bent is the big one the others just look that way in the photo. - Dang that looks like blood on the other teeth there - gross - I have cleaned it up since that pic.
It looks alright to me. As long as it isn't bent up lifting the blade more you should be fine. Even if it is, just use the other side of the razor. It took me two to three weeks of daily shaving with an OC to get hang of it. I am a bit slow though. Have fun.
Well - I did some quick cleaning and it started to look pretty good and so I cleaned some more and before I knew it - it started to look like this... I have to admit - I thought the razor was beyond use and was just going to sit on my shelf and be a conversation piece. What I thought to be major plate loss was just dark tarnish - man I can't believe it is the same razor. Going to shave with it right now!
