I usually shave with an Edwin Jagger DE89L, but if I had to pick an all-around, do-it-all safety razor it would be my Gillette Slim. Both the DE89 and the Slim meet these criteria and then some: Provides comfortable daily shaves Could efficiently take off a few week's worth of beard if it has to Is within your preferred range of aggressiveness Is reliable/low maintenance (however you may define that) Appeals to your personal aesthetic Since the Slim is adjustable, it wins the prize for this category: Matches up well to your choice of blade(s) The DE89 works well with a variety of blades, and I somewhat prefer the heavier weight of its head. The Slim works at least passably well with just about any blade, and very well with many others. It is the razor + blade combination that counts, not the razor or blade by itself. The Slim can adapt to more blades than a non-adjustable razor, however good. Will the Slim always give the very best shaves? No, but for me it is the best all-around razor.
My goto shaver in any situation would be my EJ DE89 with a weber bulldog handle. If I could only pick one then this would be it.
Well, for me the part about handling a few weeks growth eliminates everything except scissors and clippers.
Same ol' question, same ol' answer...my 1908 Single Ring. It's an absolute model of utility, efficacy & aesthetics. I haven't actually shaved with it for a while as I've been diggin' the straights, but it's the best DE for me. Close, comfortable, smooth, durable, simple. Classic.
Currently, it would be my Parker 91r. It can mow down significant amounts of facial hair and provides a comfortable shave (so long as you pay attention). However, I do have an ATT system on the way with M2, R1 and S1 plates. I think my answer is likely to change soon!!! I hope !!!
I'm with Jim on this one. My New SC is my "go-to" razor for any situation - face or scalp, day 1 or day 7.
Capable of removing a couple of weeks worth of growth, and in my comfort range of aggression is incompatible to me. If I have a couple of weeks growth, I reach for my straight. I shave every day, and do not ever foresee an occasion where I would have even a week's growth, let alone two. If I must shave daily, and could only have one razor, it would be the one I started with in the 70s. My black handled Super Speed.
I've been down this path a number of times. For me it usually lasts between 8 months and 1.5 years. My first love was a Feather Portable on a Bull Mastiff handle. From there it was an Old Type on a BRW Improved handle. From there it was the LC New on a Weber Bulldog. There was some time spent with a Barbasol Floating Head, a R41, or an OCMM. Now I am back to either a PH Weber or the Feather Portable on a Bulldog handle as my daily driver but still pull these others out when the mood strikes.