It’s clear from Google searches that lots of shavers are looking for reviews or advice on what is the best DE razor.
As you’ll read all around the Net, and I’ve posted before, there is no one true answer. The answer is ‘YMMV’ (Your Mileage May Vary), what’s best for me might not be best for you; some like more aggressive razors, some less, and so on ad nauseum.
Screw that.
Merkur Barber Pole Slant 39C schräg Vorschlaghammer.
You want to know what the best DE razor is? I’ll take a stand. Ready?
The best DE razor made is the Merkur 39C; also known as the Barber Pole Slant, also known as the “schräg Vorschlaghammer” aka “Slant Sledgehammer”.
I’ll get more into Slant lore and so on in another post. Keeping this one simple, there is your best DE razor. I like mine loaded with a Feather or Kai blade. German razor, Japanese blade… the Axis of shaving, baby.
Oh, by the way. Your mileage may vary.
4 responses so far ↓
1 Karolos // Nov 12, 2008 at 07:55
The slant bar is a very nice option. Unfortunately I inherited a sensitive neck skin and tough beard hair. So, I prefer to use an adjustable Merkur Progress. When I shave my face I use a close shave setting and when I shave my neck I use a “milder” setting
This works for me perfectly! The Feather blades are excellent. You can also try the fantastic Gillede “Sweedish” blades (better shave IMHO but last a bit less)
2 The Slant Bar Razor | Wet Shavers Blog // Nov 14, 2008 at 00:05
[...] went out on a limb in this post and called the Slant Bar the best DE razor [...]
3 How To Get A Smoother Shave From A Double Edge Razor Blade | Wet Shavers Blog // Dec 11, 2008 at 21:47
[...] you’re using a Slant Bar razor, which you are if you read the prior post about what is the best DE razor, you’re living on the wet shaving edge to start with. You’re shaving with a potential [...]
4 Zimmer // Oct 2, 2009 at 19:56
After a number of years using plastic razors, I’ve gone back to DE razors. I found a Gillette Fatboy (razor I had in the early 70s) and have worked up to #9 in a few weeks with great success. I just read about slant bars and ordered a Merkur Slant Bar this week. I don’t know if it will shave
any closer but it will be interesting to find out.
Over the years, I had forgotten what a close shave really felt like. What a difference between the “new” razors and old fashioned DEs.