Next DE upgrade

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I could use some advice please. I started out using a Wilkinson Sword Classic which was horrendous and sent me back to cartridges for a while. Then I decided to try again and bought an EJ DE89 a couple of months ago. I really like the quality of the finish but am finding it a bit too mild and I'm having to do three passes to get a really smooth shave which then irritates my neck.

I've read about shimming and will try that later today but Is there another razor I should be looking at?

I like the idea of the adjustability of the Parker Variant/Rockwell 6c but have also looked at Chinese copies of the Merkur Futur (QShave), etc etc.

The choice is bewildering.
What would you guys recommend?
 
I could use some advice please. I started out using a Wilkinson Sword Classic which was horrendous and sent me back to cartridges for a while. Then I decided to try again and bought an EJ DE89 a couple of months ago. I really like the quality of the finish but am finding it a bit too mild and I'm having to do three passes to get a really smooth shave which then irritates my neck.

I've read about shimming and will try that later today but Is there another razor I should be looking at?

I like the idea of the adjustability of the Parker Variant/Rockwell 6c but have also looked at Chinese copies of the Merkur Futur (QShave), etc etc.

The choice is bewildering.
I am not suggesting what to buy next but I will tell you what I bought after my MÜHLE R89, (which is basically the same as the EJ 89).... ..a MÜHLE R41 and I loved it and still do, BBS in two passes . :) Good luck choosing a razor . P.
 
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To reduce neck irritation try, at most, luke warm water and don't shave against the grain there.

I've been using a 6S for about a year and do another across the grain pass (opposite direction to the first) on my neck rather than the against pass on the rest of my face.

I now get virtually no neck irritation or in grown hairs.
 
Shimming can definitely work however personally I feel if you have to shim a razor for it to work it's not for you.
Never used a 89 so hard to comment but the Rockwell is highly regarded and obviously gives you options
I'd stay away from the Futur clones, the QC was patchy
 
I could use some advice please. I started out using a Wilkinson Sword Classic which was horrendous and sent me back to cartridges for a while. Then I decided to try again and bought an EJ DE89 a couple of months ago. I really like the quality of the finish but am finding it a bit too mild and I'm having to do three passes to get a really smooth shave which then irritates my neck.

I've read about shimming and will try that later today but Is there another razor I should be looking at?

I like the idea of the adjustability of the Parker Variant/Rockwell 6c but have also looked at Chinese copies of the Merkur Futur (QShave), etc etc.

The choice is bewildering.
What would you guys recommend?

What blade are you using with the DE89?
 
I'd have both a Gillette Rocket HD500 and a Gillette New Long Comb. Both can be aquired from ebay in reasonable condition for around £20-30. Maybe less, but id want a nice one.

I'm in your camp - I can get a good shave with a Gillette Tech but it takes more effort, keeping angle perfect etc

I find both the razors I mentioned above give an easier shave. No better, but less passes/effort.
 
I was in exactly the same boat as you. Found the 89 too mild and got recommend an adjustable - I went for a Parker Variant, because adjusting is just a case of turning the bottom of the handle.
I also bought a Futur clone but only used it once - I always reach for the Parker.
Hope you end up getting something you're happy with.
 
I've tried a sample pack which included 2 x different kinds of Gillette 7 O'Clock, Shark, Astra, Perma Sharp & Feather.
Think I prefer the Astras the most.

All sharp blades, with the Feather being the sharpest so there's not much scope for choosing a sharper blade!

I'd like to reflect what @chris.hale said and presuming you are a beginner IMO it could be your technique is what might be the issue of either applying too much pressure, angle of the blade, lather, prep, grain mapping and so on, but as ever YMMV.
 
I bought a Journeyman from Shave lounge, it's one of their own brands though I'm not sure who makes it for them. It's a bit more aggressive than the ej and I've never had a bad shave from it. A factory second is under a tenner and I've not regretted taking a punt on it.
 
Another cheap option is the Braveheart head from Executive Shaving. Very similar to an 89 head but with a more aggressive edge to it. Looks incredibly like an R89 but I certainly know when I've used it in error.
 
I bought a Journeyman from Shave lounge, it's one of their own brands though I'm not sure who makes it for them. It's a bit more aggressive than the ej and I've never had a bad shave from it. A factory second is under a tenner and I've not regretted taking a punt on it.
Reprint!! Shave Shack, not Shave Lounge.
 
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