Help me choose my second DE razor...

Messages
100
... or perhaps more accurately "help me to fall down the rabbit hole"!

I started DE shaving about six months ago and, thanks to some great advice from members here, have been using an Edwin Jagger DE89. It took a few shaves to get the technique down but I'm now used to it and couldn't be happier. I have a fairly modest collection of shaving soaps (at least by the standards of this site!), a single Yaqi brush and a couple of aftershave balms / splashes.

However, now I want to buy a second razor. The rational justification for this is that it would be handy to have two razors in case I lose one when travelling. You may or may not be able to see straight through that excuse but I'm sticking with it! Either way, my question is... What next?

On my shortlist are: Parker Variant (would be good to try an adjustable razor); Fatip Grande open comb (but my stubble isn't particularly long, so would I really benefit from the open comb?); Executive Shaving Outlaw (just based on the reviews which are, without exception, excellent). I think there will probably be some recommendations for vintage Gillette razors which is not out of the question, although I would struggle to find a restored one here in the UK and don't have the knowledge to restore it myself!

Would welcome and thoughts or suggestions from you guys, thanks in advance.
 
... or perhaps more accurately "help me to fall down the rabbit hole"!

I started DE shaving about six months ago and, thanks to some great advice from members here, have been using an Edwin Jagger DE89. It took a few shaves to get the technique down but I'm now used to it and couldn't be happier. I have a fairly modest collection of shaving soaps (at least by the standards of this site!), a single Yaqi brush and a couple of aftershave balms / splashes.

However, now I want to buy a second razor. The rational justification for this is that it would be handy to have two razors in case I lose one when travelling. You may or may not be able to see straight through that excuse but I'm sticking with it! Either way, my question is... What next?

On my shortlist are: Parker Variant (would be good to try an adjustable razor); Fatip Grande open comb (but my stubble isn't particularly long, so would I really benefit from the open comb?); Executive Shaving Outlaw (just based on the reviews which are, without exception, excellent). I think there will probably be some recommendations for vintage Gillette razors which is not out of the question, although I would struggle to find a restored one here in the UK and don't have the knowledge to restore it myself!

Would welcome and thoughts or suggestions from you guys, thanks in advance.
If you are worried about loosing you EJ 89 whilst on a trip I would say buy yourself another EJ89! :) but I suspect that is not what you are wanting to read.
I will leave the possible selection of your next razor to others who may or may not give you a huge list of the razors they like :) Good luck.
P.
 
Last edited:
How do you find the DE89? Do you want something more or less assertive? What's your budget?

Give us a steer on your preferences and we can probably help point you in the right direction.

Really enjoy using the DE89 but I'd like something a little more assertive next. Upto £50 would be ideal but I could above that for something special.
 
Really enjoy using the DE89 but I'd like something a little more assertive next. Upto £50 would be ideal but I could above that for something special.
your in a very similar situation to myself
i done a thread on here last week asking for recommendations for a £50 razor and the Mercur progress seemed to come up a few times as did the gamechanger.
i often wonder about adjustable razors and are they a bit of a gimmick ?. i'm not saying they are i just don't know. surely you eventually find a setting you like and just stick to it. look luck in your search and your right the outlaw gets great reviews mind you everything with executive shavings own logo gets great reviews. but (that's) just my cynical side :unsure:
 
Really enjoy using the DE89 but I'd like something a little more assertive next. Upto £50 would be ideal but I could above that for something special.
A Merkur Progress is within your budget and provides a range for you to experiment with. They're great razors. Never tried a Parker Variant but my understanding is the head is of the same design.
 
your in a very similar situation to myself
i done a thread on here last week asking for recommendations for a £50 razor and the Mercur progress seemed to come up a few times as did the gamechanger.
i often wonder about adjustable razors and are they a bit of a gimmick ?. i'm not saying they are i just don't know. surely you eventually find a setting you like and just stick to it. look luck in your search and your right the outlaw gets great reviews mind you everything with executive shavings own logo gets great reviews. but (that's) just my cynical side :unsure:
Most do indeed find a setting and stick with it. Many adjustables shave incredibly well even on the single setting though. The joy of an adjustable is knowing there's a high probability of finding a gap that really works for you from a single purchase.
 
your in a very similar situation to myself
i done a thread on here last week asking for recommendations for a £50 razor and the Mercur progress seemed to come up a few times as did the gamechanger.
i often wonder about adjustable razors and are they a bit of a gimmick ?. i'm not saying they are i just don't know. surely you eventually find a setting you like and just stick to it. look luck in your search and your right the outlaw gets great reviews mind you everything with executive shavings own logo gets great reviews. but (that's) just my cynical side :unsure:
Someone nearly as cynical as me, surely not! :) P.
 
Most do indeed find a setting and stick with it. Many adjustables shave incredibly well even on the single setting though. The joy of an adjustable is knowing there's a high probability of finding a gap that really works for you from a single purchase.
An adjustable razor.......six razors in one, good value for money! :) P.
 
your in a very similar situation to myself
i done a thread on here last week asking for recommendations for a £50 razor and the Mercur progress seemed to come up a few times as did the gamechanger.
i often wonder about adjustable razors and are they a bit of a gimmick ?. i'm not saying they are i just don't know. surely you eventually find a setting you like and just stick to it. look luck in your search and your right the outlaw gets great reviews mind you everything with executive shavings own logo gets great reviews. but (that's) just my cynical side :unsure:

Thanks, I saw your thread and there were some interesting replies. What did you go for in the end?

Merkur Progress gets a lot of mentions but I just can't get over the big blob of discoloured plastic on the end of the handle. Really spoils the look for me. I would definitely try the Gamechanger but there don't seem to be many stockists in the UK (Connaught don't have it!).
 
Having a spare for travel is a noble reason to get a second razor. I have a MÜHLE R89 which usually stays in my wash bag. I purchased a Merkur 34G which is very similar to the R89 as my main razor.

Thanks for that. How do you find the 34G compared to the R89 head? (I think the MÜHLE R89 is the same head as the Edwin Jagger DE89).
 
Thanks, I saw your thread and there were some interesting replies. What did you go for in the end?

Merkur Progress gets a lot of mentions but I just can't get over the big blob of discoloured plastic on the end of the handle. Really spoils the look for me. I would definitely try the Gamechanger but there don't seem to be many stockists in the UK (Connaught don't have it!).
I wouldn't let the plastic knob put you off the razor, it's a very good razor and it's not discoloured, it was made that colour! :) P.
 
The Rockwell 6c is a great razor for a relative newcomer (I'm one myself) and find the ability to change the plates and mix with different blades gives me a lot of variety. Fits in the price bracket as well and looks fantastic. Best of luck with whatever you go for.
 
Back
Top Bottom