if you had to choose one DE/SE/SR for the rest of your life, which one would it be?

I posted this more fuller response next door, to the same question...

The Muhle R89 would be the razor I choose. The Merkur's, Feather, Tech, Superspeeds etc. or other daily drivers are all good in their own way, but for me the Muhle R89 strikes the best balance. It shaves at 30 degrees, an intuitive, ergonomic, shaving angle, unlike the Feather or Tech. It is chromed, which is still superior to polished stainless steel, aluminium, brass or titanium for glide and smoothness. And with the right handle choice, it is beautifully balanced. The male and female threads are now brass and the chrome plating is flawless. But more than this, it is how well judged and easy to access, the shaving performance is; for sure, there are smoother razors (the Feather and Karve being examples), razors that use better quality materials, or provide greater blade rigidity, but the R89's overall balance in terms of smoothness, feedback, efficiency, ergonomics, finishing, aesthetics, weight and cost — hits the Goldilocks zone me thinks. The razors efficiency, comfort and quality of shave also increases with a shavers experience and technique. I would also classify the R89 as a mid-efficient razor, rather than a mild razor, for those that have good technique.

I suspect some of the above attributes, figured in Gillette reasoning, when they chose to re-enter the DE market with Muhle's head, rather than one of the excellent far-east clones of their back catalouge, such as a Tech or Suspeed.

I do not consider it an inexpensive razor, especially compared to the many excellent value for money razors coming out of China, I think it is, we just become blasé to the price being charged by boutique razor manufacturers. I think the many members of shaving forums from yesteryear did new wet shavers a great service by identifying and reccommending the Muhle R89 even though many a new shaver inexplicably drop it for something else, believing it to be, incorrectly in my view, a "starter razor", or too mild, rather than just a great razor period.

1632056545215.png
 
I posted this more fuller response next door, to the same question...

The Muhle R89 would be the razor I choose. The Merkur's, Feather, Tech, Superspeeds etc. or other daily drivers are all good in their own way, but for me the Muhle R89 strikes the best balance. It shaves at 30 degrees, an intuitive, ergonomic, shaving angle, unlike the Feather or Tech. It is chromed, which is still superior to polished stainless steel, aluminium, brass or titanium for glide and smoothness. And with the right handle choice, it is beautifully balanced. The male and female threads are now brass and the chrome plating is flawless. But more than this, it is how well judged and easy to access, the shaving performance is; for sure, there are smoother razors (the Feather and Karve being examples), razors that use better quality materials, or provide greater blade rigidity, but the R89's overall balance in terms of smoothness, feedback, efficiency, ergonomics, finishing, aesthetics, weight and cost — hits the Goldilocks zone me thinks. The razors efficiency, comfort and quality of shave also increases with a shavers experience and technique. I would also classify the R89 as a mid-efficient razor, rather than a mild razor, for those that have good technique.

I suspect some of the above attributes, figured in Gillette reasoning, when they chose to re-enter the DE market with Muhle's head, rather than one of the excellent far-east clones of their back catalouge, such as a Tech or Suspeed.

I do not consider it an inexpensive razor, especially compared to the many excellent value for money razors coming out of China, I think it is, we just become blasé to the price being charged by boutique razor manufacturers. I think the many members of shaving forums from yesteryear did new wet shavers a great service by identifying and reccommending the Muhle R89 even though many a new shaver inexplicably drop it for something else, believing it to be, incorrectly in my view, a "starter razor", or too mild, rather than just a great razor period.

1632056545215.png
May I ask why Muehle over the Edwin Jagger, good sir?

Thanks.
 
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May I ask why Muehle over the Edwin Jagger, good sir?

Thanks.

...mainly because Muhle switched to using a brass centre post on their top caps and I think on my latest R89 the female thread on the handle is also brass. I also find Muhle's handle choices for weight and length more logical and well judged. The acrylic, chrome and rosegold handles for the three piece R89 are all different weights. Their acrylic handles are super light and give a very head heavy feel to the razor akin to a Gillette New with a common bar handle. From memory I did not discern any difference in the quality of the chrome plating between an EJ89 and a R89, but others have commented that their is a difference.
 
I will freely admit my DE89L is an excellent shaver but I ultimately preferred the Merkur 34c. Not nearly as well finished though and those Muehle improvements seem very sensible. I just wish all three companies would use a high quality brass as the base metal.
 
I will freely admit my DE89L is an excellent shaver but I ultimately preferred the Merkur 34c. Not nearly as well finished though and those Muehle improvements seem very sensible. I just wish all three companies would use a high quality brass as the base metal.
In that case, you should try a previously gold plated Micromatic. Only lovely brass left.
:ROFLMAO:
(Cross-forum inside joke)
 
It is a hard pick. It might change depending on the day but I think I’d go for ikon el jefe … just would like it to be a SS head rather than aluminium . Great razor - 2 pass bbs shaver! I do lean more towards aggressive razors so that also influenced the choice! ( I’d be more than happy with flat bottom tech too! )
 
We’ve done this a few times but here goes:

My vintage, re-plated, English, slotted base plate, fat handle Tech with said handle weighted using tungsten putty. A simple thing of classic beauty which always offers a no drama DFS. Sturdy, easy to look after and that about says it all.

My answer will be different tomorrow though… ;)
Not wanting to sound anything but razor love, you gotta love a Fat Handle
 
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