I would like to pre-qualify my question with a little background. I used to use a DE razor for years when I was younger. Back then I thought nothing of it. I just saw one at the store and thought that it looked cool and purchased it. I just started using it without instruction or knowing any better. I used it for a couple of years until it broke and then just switched back to the disposables. Recently, I was out shopping with my wife when I realized how much money we were spending on the disposables. I told my wife to forget the disposables, I would buy the metal things that use a single razor blade like I used to have. Well, I was surprised that they didn't have any at the store ... just some blades. Looked at all the local stores like Meijer, CVS, Walmart, etc and could not find one. So I decided to take a look online and stumbled across countless of websites, videos, jargon, connoiseurs, etc. I am amazed and overwhelmed at all the information I have been combing through. So now, I am a little excited about going back to the DE safety razor and need a little advice on choosing a good starter model. I would like a TTO because thats what I had years ago and liked it. I'm not sure how difficult the others are to change the blade or maintain. I also want one that is not too aggressive. I have sensative skin and a large adams apple to shave around. Finally, an adjustable one would also be nice I think to adjust the aggressivness. I have choosen a few on eBay simply because I have some eBay coupons to spend I would prefer to purchase from there and avoid charging up my card. I would like some advice on the following models to help me choose. I have listed them below in my order of preference so far. I don't want to spend too much right now. (forum would not let me post the full link but you just need to paste into the browser address after http: ) Edwin Jagger DE89 //cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=120520834007&ssPageName=STRK:MEWAX:IT Merker 33C //cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=280454012825&ssPageName=STRK:MEWAX:IT Vincent //cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=110458925143&ssPageName=STRK:MEWAX:IT Weishi //cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=180419156533&ssPageName=STRK:MEWAX:IT Lastly, are decent blades readily available at local stores or do you typically order online? Thanks in advance!
First, welcome to TSD! Now about those razors: EJ DE89 - Not a TTO, but has a great reputation. Merkur 33C - A very common razor but not TTO and known to be somewhat agressive Vinvent - They have big QC problems, but if you get lucky you might get a good one. Weishi - Too mild for some, but acceptable to most. I love mine for head shaving, but they've had some recent QC problems so make sure you buy it from somewhere with a good return policy. Vintage Gillette Adjustable - I know you didn't ask about this, but based on your post I think it's what would serve you best. I would recommend buying from a member here in the classified section over ebay as ebay razor sellers are rather hit and miss with razors being as advertised. You might also check out some of the links here.
First off, Welcome to The Shave Den! A great community of guys and gals that enjoy wet shaving, I hope you enjoy your stay! Be sure to sign up for the January Newbie Give-Away for a chance to win some great shave gear! While its not required, how about you hop over to the Newbies Section and give yourself a proper introduction thread, I'm sure you'll receive many warm welcomes from the friendly folks of this community. Your list looks pretty good, bear in mind that the first two are 3 piece razors, and not TTO like you said you wanted. That said, it really isn't that hard to change the blade on a 3 piece, you just need to pay a little closer attention when doing it. Your first choice, the EJ DE89 has been getting stellar reviews, and would probably fit the bill perfectly for you. The Weishi I would choose before the Vincent, I've never read much good about the Vincent, but the Weishi Q/C has been suspect as of late. Typically we order blades online, and recommend a sampler pack to help you choose the right blade for you. Usually the store bought blades are all made by ASR here in the States, and are pretty much the same blade, just be sure they say American made. They are decent blades, and some members use them exclusively. There are reports of some Korean blades being marketed in the stores, and they haven't gotten good reviews.
Wow, thanks for the super fast and friendly replies. I definately picked the right place to ask. The EJ is really tempting. The reviews are excellent and even from the pictures you can see the quality and elegance. However, I think for the price I just can't pass on the Wieshi. I think am going to take my chances on it. It has some mixed reviews but is often reccommended for beginners. Plus its a TTO as I prefer. Thanks again for the warm welcome and advice. I will be back later to introduce myself and read some more.
I forgot to ask about the blades. The Wieshi comes with 5 Dorco blades. I plan to order a sampler pack of blades also. But the Dorcos should be fine to get started with correct?
Yep, just about any blade to get you started. I don't remember which Dorco blades were included, but I do know I have had no luck with the blue box ST-300's, they really pull and tug for me. I find the red ST-301's to be a much better blade. Of course like many other aspects of our hobby, your results may be different from mine, or as you will see alot around here: YMMV.
One of my two razors is an EJ DE87. It's a wonderful razor. My other is a Gillette 1940's SS ('48ish). I don't mean to confuse you, but there's one for sale in TSD store. It's a TTO, like the Weishi, and many consider it one of Gillette's finest razors. Just a thought.
This guy is also a decent source for vintage razors. Some days, the selection is a little better than others but he always kinda has a good, something for everyone sort of quality. http://countryjoescollectiblestuff.com/raz-01.html
Hi, I have a weishi, but its too expensive for the poor quality, the metallic finish will come off within 2 weeks of use, then Merkur I have returned one because it was defective blade gap was misaligned and all dinged up, finally I got an Edwin Jagger 89L, its awesome and cheap. that's what I recommend, as far as the blades, get Iridium super those are smooth. feathers are sharp but not as smooth a good blade though. hope that helps.
The Weishi comes with 5 Dorco ST300 blades. I agree with Bill, they're not for me. You'll want a blade sample pack.
I have a preference for the Weishi, but as stated by others, make sure about a return policy as they have had some QC problems as of late. I find that Weishi's do the job well and gently, but many do prefer a bit more of an agressive razor. I don't like the Dorco blades, but they may be right for you...who knows. That's the joy of DE shaving-it's customized just to you.
if you're looking for a TTO razor to use while you figure out what to buy next, you might consider the Feather "popular" razor. See: http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00157UECG/?tag=thshde-20 Quality control's better with this razor and it's a good, mild razor for relearning technique.
Thanks for the suggestion and link. I went with the weishi to start mainly because it cost next to nothing. It has been some years since I used a DE razor so I am just a little concerned that I may have a difficult time with it. I didn't want to spend the money on a nice one until I am sure I will stick with it. While I am waiting for my razor to arrive however, I have been looking at all options for my next upgrade. After watching some videos and further reading, the TTO is not as important to me anymore. I was concerned about difficulties changing blades and possible cuts during the process but it looks extremely easy actually with a 3 piece. I do think I am going to want an adjustable however.
Can someone tell me specifically what to check for when I receive my Weishi? Are there specific QC issues or just in general? I fear I would not know the difference if I receive a dud or not.
The biggest issue is to make sure the razor opens and closes smoothly. You also want to make sure the gap between the safety bar and the blade, when loaded, is even all the way across. If you have anything you're not sure about, post a picture and we'll let you know.
Eureka, you just jogged my memory. Thats exactly what happened to my DE razor years ago and the reason I ended up going back to the disposables. The gap between the safety bar was not consistent. Maybe just because it had so much use and was a cheap razor. I don't recall if it was bent or if it was because the TTO mechanism would not stay closed tight. Anyway, somehow it was not right and gave me a shockingly deep cut. I clearly remember the cut and throwing my razor away immediately. I wish however, that I could remember exactly what the issue with the razor was. Either way, I hope that anyone reading this does not get discouraged at all in any way from using DE safety razors. I did not know the appropriate technics or anything at all about safety razors back then. Also, it was likely that I abused my razor, dropped it or had a bent blade or something silly like that. exactly what the issue was though.
Welcome, I went around 38 years from the disposables back to the DE, and it wasn't that hard of a transition. Just go lightly & take your time. I am not sure if there is a 3 piece adjustable (someone help me here?) but my mainstays are all three adjustables, a Fat Boy , a Schick, a straight, which is of course the ultimate adjustable ..
