Thanks for the info! I have seen comparisons with the EJ, but didn't know about being able to change handles, that makes a huge difference! I am currently watching an open comb Gillette on eBay, it looks like a great place to get a DE! I've already worked my way through a sampler pack, and for now I'm happy with Bic Chrome Platinum blades. That may change with a new razor though.
Since you are new to the Double Edge world, here is the advice I received when I started with a DE and so I freely give it to new users. The most important things in shaving are, your skin and technique. All other things fall in line behind those two things and to support them. Since the skin is a given fixed item, the next major item is technique. It is called THE 30 DAY RULE. THE 30 DAY RULE is as follows: Find a razor, then a blade that will not cause issues with your skin (that may take a few different blades in a sampler pack to find a suitable choice or it maybe the first out of the gate) and select a soap or cream that is easy to generate good lather. Once you find those, and it may take a couple of weeks to find this combination, order a quantity of that blade enough for 30 days, and then spend 30 days using nothing else until you build up your technique. (Note that only one brand blade is used for 30 days after each blade in the sampler pack is tested to make the decision on the blade brand to use for 30 days.) The 30 day clock starts when you have the right blade for you. After 30 days, change one and only one variable and work for another week then change another after another week. At that point you should be able to make better decisions because your technique is now in place. This will help you to avoid buying too much gear and stuff too soon without having the technique down to enjoy it all. This really does work. Oh and one more thing ... Welcome to the Den. We know you'll fit right in. So grab yourself a comfy chair, and give our threads a spin! Burma Shave
I love that people have revived this thread. Since joining, I've acquired a Gillette Fat Handle Tech and been using Bic Chrome Platinum blades and an Arko stick. I've stuck to those, and have technique down. I must say, the mildness of the blades and razor have made it almost too easy to shave on cruise control. I would like to try a longer handled razor eventually, but more aggressive blades will be my next step. I have been making strides in making my own shaving space. I installed a shelf in our front bathroom just for my manly things while still looking classy. Tonight, in fact, I was working out ways to hang my razor/brush from or near the shelf. I should have more on that soon. I know I haven't been around for a while, but not much has changed in my shaving life. I do intend to move over to shampoo bars soon, and my Arko stick is wearing down, so new things are in the works. Thanks so much for the encouragement everyone here has provided.
