I've used an electric razor all my life except for a couple efforts at trying a razor. I'm looking to get my first Double Edge Safety Razor and giving a better effort at learning how to shave with it. It looks as though the three most recommended for beginners are the Muhle R89, Edwin Jagger DE89, and Merkur 34C. Which of the three do you feel would be the best choice for a DE Safety Razor newbie? Is there a better (less slippery) handle in each model? Thanks also for any helpful advice you can give me as I start my journey. Thanks for your help. BCubed
Honestly, it doesn’t matter. They’re all good razors. Choose one and use it exclusively for a few months. Buy a blade sampler and have fun experimenting with different blades. Map your beard, use very little pressure, don’t shave against the grain under your nose, and use a good quality soap. Welcome to the forum.
Expect to get several replies, and you'll get more opinions and suggestions than you do replies. But I'll restrict my advice to the three razors you listed. Really, you won't go wrong with any of the three. So roll some dice to choose, or go with whatever is cheapest or looks the best to you. The R89 and DE89 are pretty much the same razor head design. The 34C has a Merkur head, so slightly different geometry. All three razors are in the mild-to-moderate aggressiveness category, so they're good for beginners. All three razors are made from chrome plated zinc alloy (zamak), which may shorten their lifespan if you drop them. On that score, the 34C might have a potential advantage as a 2-piece razor. The idea here is that the weak spot in a 3-piece is where the post attaches to the cap. When you drop a razor, it'll probably hit corner (of the baseplate) first and all of the pressure from the impact is concentrated at that attachment point. On a 2-piece razor, with the baseplate welded to the handle, that pressure is diffused around the circumference of the weld, reducing the likelyhood of failure. Of course, either design can fail, and the devil is in the details, and it's all academic if you don't drop the razor in the first place. All three companies have good aftermarket customer service. P.S. @chazt gave you a lot of good advice, especially about the blade samplers.
Welcome to TSD @BCubed The Mühle and the EJ are the same razor---both'll get the job done and are very good razors. I, however, would recommend starting with the Merkur 34C. I like the shorter handle and you'll have more control. No matter which razor you choose, be prepared to learn the geometry; how to keep the angle; develop a light touch and NOT to press. Electrics only work if you push the blades into your skin. You will need to unlearn that ASAP. Blades don't matter. A sampler is fine, but, they all are sharp. Enjoy your journey and keep us informed as to your progress.
Thanks to everyone for your replies...they are a tremendous help! I also considered the Henson AL13 and the Rockwell 6c but I wasn't sure if they were worth the extra money compared to the three I listed. Again, I appreciate your help! BCubed
Get a reputable razor, that you like the look of, that isn't too expensive. The shaving techniques will improve with time. My suggestion would be a nice looking vintage Gillette Super Speed, the ones that the doors open up(butterfly). They are inexpensive, well made, a mild razor to learn on. They are all over eBay.
Welcome to the Den! Back in 2009 when I joined, the 34C was all the rage. I got one, and to this day I get my best shaves from this razor.
In the 1960's Gillette started shifting from brass to zamak as a material for the heads on their Tech razors, so I would concentrate on the earlier ones. For pictures, go to Mr. Razor http://mr-razor.com/Rasierer/Gillette Rasierer.htm For explanations of the date codes, check the following: https://www.razoremporium.com/gillette-date-codes-serial-numbers/ https://www.badgerandblade.com/forum/wiki/US_Gillette_Dating_Information
Gillette Super Speed FlareTip, any/all years and most all DE razor blades. I'm fond of the English Mades but they're more difficult to find. Welcome BCubed.
If you can buy them in person (as opposed to online) one may just feel better to you. It’s subjective so take all of our opinions with that in mind.
My first DE razor was the DE89. It is a good razor and still one of my favorites. That being said, Merkur razors have always impressed me. I don't think you can go wrong with the 34c. Sent from my SM-G991U using Tapatalk
For that kind of money, just buy a Merkur Progress, then you will have an adjustable razor that will grow with you on your shaving journey. This. ^^^ ...and this. ^^^ My first DE razor was a Gillette super speed, made in 1967. I used it exclusively for about five years before I branched out and caught the collecting bug. If I hadn't, I'd probably still be using it. I bought my buddy a Gillette Fat Boy adjustable, and he's been using it for about 15 years now. If you just want a 'one and done' razor, buy a Merkur Progress or a vintage Gillette Fat Boy or Slim adjustable razor.
