Any recommendations for a newbie

I think the heads are probably the same. There are lots of DE89 clones now.

Welcome! I’m kind of surprised by the responses this far, as I always thought the Merkur 34C was the de facto recommended razor for new DE shavers. It was my first and, while I’ve moved on from my 34C, I think it continues to be a great option for new and experienced DE shavers alike.

It may surprise you further then that I've been doing this since 2008 and NEVER used the Merkur 34C

Yes, the Muhle R89 and Edwin Jagger DE89 have the same head, and the EJ is cheaper at around $40. The question would be if there is a EJ DE89 clone that is less expensive. the Maggard MR14 is great deal, but i'm not sure which of the various head types would be the recommendation.  https://www.maggardrazors.com/product/ma...ety-razor/

Alternatively, the Rockwell 6C for $50 comes with 3 different plates which allow (6) different settings, so it can be more mild than the DE89 razor in the 1-2 setting and more aggressive in the 4-6 setting.  (the stainless steel Rockwell 6S is $100)

For lathering, this is a nice Reddit post:
https://www.reddit.com/r/wicked_edge/com...l/c57wqt2/

For DE blade options, http://www.tryablade.com/  has good prices on individual blades with $4 flat shipping and a huge selection of choices--maybe too many!

When this thread was started, my newbie recommendation did not exist.  I used to recommend the Merkur 34C, Vintage Gillette Blue Tip, Vintage Gillette Tech, Rockwell 6C, or one of the R89 razors (Muhle, EJ, Maggards, Yaqi, etc.).  Today IMHO there is only one razor that is perfect for either a new young shaver or someone converting from disposable or cartridge razors. Drumroll......

                                                                                                                          Henson Shaving AL13

There is no other razor which can use the same shaving technique as a fixed blade disposable or cartridge (applying pressure).  With the Henson, there is no learning curve.  The Henson shaves mildly with no weepers or irritation.  It looks like no other razor, because it is like no other razor.  IMHO, Henson engineers had a little luck, plus the ability to machine to tolerances that no other razor company in history has been able to do (.005 in).  I still say...."you have lost the right to recommend a razor to a newbie unless you have tried the Henson".

... There is no other razor which can use the same shaving technique as a fixed blade disposable or cartridge (applying pressure).  ...

I dunno. Some of the Schick injectors feel similar to disposables to me, especially the weight and balance.

John Rose has brought up an excellent point.  The Schick single edge razors are quite "similar" to disposables and pivoting head cartridge razors (1 to 6 blades)...when comparing the required shaving technique.  I agree that it is a little easier to find the proper shaving angle (IMHO) with the Schick or other (such as Supply SE) than the typical DE head architecture.  My point should have been written..." Other than the Henson, I know of no other Double Edge razors which can use the same shaving technique as a fixed blade disposable or cartridge razor (applying pressure)".  The Henson is a Double Edge razor, and I was comparing it to DE razors available (vintage, modern and artisan).

It was my purchase of the Supply SE (Kickstarter) that got me started in traditional wet shaving, which has become my hobby.  As a newbie, I did cut myself with the Supply SE ("mild", one dot head).  It did require a learning curve and was not "intuitive".  You cannot apply pressure in the same way as you would with a pivoting head Gillette Fusion.  I went through what every new wet shaver has to experience. I was a shaver who was converting from mainstream cartridge razors to a fixed head with a sharp blade.   Shaving is a learned skill, and requires practice.

My point about the Henson: The design of the Henson head naturally positions the razor angle on the face, which minimizes (to nearly zero) the risks of cuts. The Henson blade exposure is only .002 inch (medium head), which also minimizes the risk of cuts.  Unless a "side swipe" motion is made with the Henson, I contend that skin cuts are nearly impossible.

The bottom line with the Henson:  Even a newbie's poor technique will not interfere with getting a decent shave with little risk of blood.  Having success is what will likely keep a newbie in the wet shaving game.

Captainjonny,

A followup question, from the Henson thread you ordered you mild/women and men razors, so would the recommendation be the Henson in medium or would the mild version be a preferred option for 1st time DE shaver?

Have you shaved w/the mild? I was thinking about also buying both, but since the price is now $50 each or 2 for $99 plus free blades, it is not as good a deal as when you could buy (2) for $80 and get free shipping.

Captainjonny,

A followup question, from the Henson thread you ordered you mild/women and men razors, so would the recommendation be the Henson in medium or would the mild version be a preferred option for 1st time DE shaver?

Have you shaved w/the mild? I was thinking about also buying both, but since the price is now $50 each or 2 for $99 plus free blades, it is not as good a deal as when you could buy (2) for $80 and get free shipping.

I would likely order the Medium for face shaving. You could get a close shave in 2-3 passes, depending on your situation. And there’s likely zero chance of cuts or irritation.

My wife has since confiscated mine (A medium) because of its ease of use compared to a rebranded zamak and corroding “ladies DE”. The old razor was essentially a $10 razor sold for $60... but I don’t want to get into that...

i wonder if i could persuade my g/f to try a DE like this one in say "purple" instead of the crappy "Venus" cartridge setup.