Your Top 3 DE razors - 2023 version and my DE story

I went out of the DE razor game just about when the Wolfman craze started in 2015/2016.

I sold my entire collection of DE razors - I believe I at that point owned 50-60 DE razors.
They were all sold in 3-4 weeks time.

Of course I regret that now, since I started using DE razors again last year.

My only really high end DE razors were the Above The Tie, I owned their combo pack which included 3 plates, 2 caps and two handles. I sold that too.

I never got into the new high end DE razors like Timeless, Blackland, Karve nor Wolfman.

In fact I remember at that time I was really pissed over how difficult it was to get on a waiting list to buy a Wolfman ;-)

I got on really well with my heavy Fusion 5 handles and Fusion 5 carts in combination with Mach 3 and some heavy quality handles.
With my new found technique from DE razors I was able to get quality shaves using my Fusion 5 carts and after learning to thumb strop a blade, I went from 3-4 shaves up to 30-40 great shaves on one Fusion 5 cart.

But I got bored - and last year bought a Mühle Rocca DE razor. This Rocca head immediately gave me awesome shaves, it’s as though this head was designed for me and my pretty coarse stiff beard.

I then bought 3 more Mühle Rocca’s just to be on the safe side if Mühle decided to upgrade the head design or discontinue the Rocca.

The Mühle Rocca is by far the best DE head I have used.
It’s weird, that you sometimes just click with a head design.
I never really liked the Mühle R89/Edwin Jagger DE89 that much. It’s too mild.

Hated the Feather AS-D2 - bought it in 2 versions back in 2012/2013. I could load a new Feather blade in that head and still it could not cut more than 25% of my stubble.

It literally could not cut my stubble. I could scrape away on my skin at different angles and nothing would happen other than my skin turning red.

People told me to be patient to find the proper angle - bla bla bla……yada yada yada.
Case in point - the Feather AS-D2 is to date the most useless razor I’ve ever owned. I gladly sold it back in 2013.

At the same time I bought a Pils SS razor.
It was too mild too. But it could cut my stubble, but too clumsy a head design for my taste. But today I wish I didn’t sell it.

I also owned the Mühle R41 in the 2011 design.
Now that razor could cut my stubble.
No need to look for acute angles or doing magical rain dances to get the R41 to cut my stubble. It was a no nonsense razor.
The R41 2011 design is to date the most aggressive razor I have ever owned. It was brutal. And sometimes bloody.

Later on bought the R41 in the 2013 design and that had a more tamed down design with a smaller blade gap.

I owned pretty much the entire Merkur line of DE razors. Had 15-16 Merkur razors.
Never really liked them, except the Futur. They all seemed cheaply made in low grade low quality pot metal.
Mühle and Edwin Jagger DE razors are also made in cheap pot metal, but they look and feel like better designed razors to my eyes. They are flawless when you look at them.
Merkur razors often come with minor flaws and just feel sub par in quality when you hold them - except maybe the Futur.

I never owned a Merkur 34,38,37 that wasn’t flawed in some way or the other. The handles feel hollow and cheaply made to me. Also I’m not a fan of their handle design. The 34 is far too short for me and the 38 has this ungrippy cheap feeling handle.

I was never a Merkur fan and sold all my Merkur razors and haven’t regretted it by now.

I also went on the Ikon wagon. Think I owned 5-6 Ikon DE razors and even more handles. They were actually really good razors to be honest. Shouldn’t have sold them.

I bought an Edwin Jagger 316 DE razor last year.
Other than coming with a too thin SS handle I really like its head design. But it doesn’t shave like my favourite - the Rocca. It is quite efficient and does give me great shaves, but it lacks that magical touch the Rocca has - je ne sais quoi.

This week I bought a Rockwell 6S in the Matte Black version. Only one shave in, but it actually shaves very well and reminded me of how I felt when I shaved with the Rocca head for the first time. Instant love almost.
I’ll have to try the different plates more before I can give it my final judgement though. But it’s looking like a razor I’ll be quite fond of.

Now that my ramble is over - what’s your Top 3 DE razors of all time ?

Timeless bronze .38
Rockwell 6S (5 or 6 plate)

These are the only 2 DEs I currently use as they work great for me and I have lost the urge to try other DE razors. 

I own a Karve CB with a C plate but don't use it.

Timeless Ti 0.95 oc   -   closest to my sweet spot so far for results

Wolfman Ti 1.25 SB  - closest shave for me so far but prolonged use gives me lasting razor burn, a beautiful razor

Charcoal Goods brass lvl 3 - close shave with lots of razor burn......the best looking razor I own and a work of art.

Rocnel Sailor 2022L
Wolfman WR2 1.15
Wolfman WR3 0.50

I’ve only owned 4 expensive DE razors - the Feather AS-D2, The Pils, 2 Tradere and a complete closer comb set from Above The Tie.

Neither were among my favourite razors other than they looked beautiful.

Honestly none gave me better shaves than what my current cheapest DE razor gives me, which is the Mühle Twist R89.

I took a break from DE razors back in 2015 because I became obsessed and at the same time annoyed over how difficult it was to get a razor I really would like to test - a Wolfman.

Notice my words - I really would like to test, not so much own, unless it turned out to be worthy of its high price tag.

I’m a fan of expensive things as long as I feel they are worth it to me.

When I blind buy a $400 niche fragrance and end up underwhelmed, I ABSOLUTELY HATE HATE HATE HATE HATE to admit it.
I will look for every single excuse possible to find a reason to love that fragrance.

At least this is how I was in the past.
Now I’m more honest. Better able to attach my BS filter.

Same with DE razors.

I’ll have to live without ever knowing how great or not so freakin’ great a Wolfman razor might have been for me since I don’t buy used and I’m not willing to ever be on a waiting list to buy a DE razor.

I love beautiful Japanese kitchen knives and own a bunch of them. I sharpen them myself on my 8 Naniwa Chosera whetstones. Do they perform better than my other more basic kitchen knives ? Yes & no.
They’re more brittle, they need more attention.
They ARE sharper, but at the end of the day my favourite kitchen knife is a pretty basic Kramer Meiji 20 cm chefs knife.

I do want to buy a Blackland, a Timeless and a couple of other high end razors, but I still hesitate since I have to blind buy a very expensive razor and when you pay that much money on a blind buy, you subconsciously will automatically persuade yourself into having to think this razor definitely was worth the price tag, just like when I bought a $600 Roja Dove fragrance but honestly hated how it smelled.

Both Above the Tie and Timeless offer a very liberal return policy.  You don't like it, you can return it for a full refund.

At least they were offering that option a few months ago.

I'm kind of surprised more Members haven't jumped on this.  Okay, here are mine so don't laugh.  

Pearl K2 - Lots of blade feel but still mild for me, most efficient razor I own.
Muhle R89 - You know this one already and wish I had started with it instead of a Merkur 34c.  Still mild but very efficient for me.
PAA Meta-4 - Mild and efficient, all stainless steel.

Honarable Mention
1960 Gillette Fatboy - Still love each time I take it for a spin.  Nostalgic!

Yes, some refer to me as cheap, I think of it as thrifty.  

Polished Blackland Blackbird.  That razor just works for me.

Titanium Blackbird.

2011 R41.  This was my daily driver for probably a year and it caused me to start searching for a replacement.  The later version 2013 is nice, but as you noted Claus it's not nearly as aggressive as the 2011 version.  

I've never shaved with the Mulhe Rocca but they do look nice.

The following are the opinions of the poster, and are not representative of the opinions of the Shave Nook or the moderation team thereof.


My 2023 top three DE razors are those with which I can achieve an effortless, comfortable, drama free, two pass, wife approved, 9.75 shave (or better) every time out. Will add some photos tomorrow.

Gillette Tech. Take your pick. I have a half dozen or so but am partial to two in particular; a gold triangle ports contract Tech that I enjoy using with a rotating lineup of handles. The other is a replated NDC head that is pure magic paired with a Razor Emporium ball end replica [https://www.razoremporium.com/gillette-b...ry-nickel/ (I have another of the same handle in use with a NEW long comb, but that’s not in my top three)]. Frankly, imo Techs all shave pretty much the same. Seriously. The differences between your flat bottom, triangle holes, prewar, fifties, oval holes, USA, Canadian, England, fat handle, etc., etc., etc., are minimal at best. Paired with a sharp blade Techs are my comfort food razor. A Gillette Tech is like a perfect brunette

Asylum Evolution black oxide. This razor has no negatives in my opinion. It’s unlike any other razor in my den. It’s stylish and sexy and purrs like a kitten, but treat it kindly or it will flex it’s claws! When the Evolution was introduced there was a lot of buzz all over the various interwebs… now, crickets. Shame really. I do hope that most of those sold are being enjoyed regularly by appreciative owners. It’s truly a gem of a razor. I had two other Evolutions at one time, a Brass XL and a polished stainless steel. Due to the quirky individuality of these fabulous razors (reminds me of the reputation of the FaTip line), the black oxide version and I bonded, but the other two have found new homes. They were cool, but mine’s special. The Asylum Evolution is like a perky little blonde

Ok, here’s where it gets difficult. Top 3, says the OP. Three. I could continue the hair color theme and do the obvious Red Tip, redhead thing. Red Tips would make my top 5, but the OP said three…

3… I do love my Star 100 (4a), and my Gillette Ambassador(4b) just knocks me out… but currently I’d say the three spot goes to

the DLC Lupo. It’s grown on me immeasurably over time. Initially I felt the dlc coating was a drag. Literally. Even said it publicly. More than once. Then one day a few months ago, BOOM! Something just clicked between us, and the razor revealed itself to me. The Lupo DLC is stylistically pure and clean. It’s merely a vessel for the blade. This razor simply does what it is supposed to do. Blade alignment and clamping are spot on perfect. Chatter does not exist. All I get are clean shaves with zero irritation

It’ll be interesting to revisit this down the. Will my opinions change?

(03-08-2023, 03:17 PM)Barry Wrote: Both Above the Tie and Timeless offer a very liberal return policy.  You don't like it, you can return it for a full refund.

At least they were offering that option a few months ago.

Thank you for that information - that’s valuable.

Still since I’m in Denmark in Europe, I’ll have to pay 27% import tax plus a $30 fee on top of the price, but still that information is nice yet it also makes my inner OCD wake up.

I really dislike the thought of getting a razor used by others before me. How can I know the brand new razor I’m buying from Timeless & ATT isn’t a return razor they just cleaned and re-sold as new ?
Unfortunately I can’t.

But for people without such OCD issues, being able to return a razor seems like a very nice idea.

(03-04-2023, 05:58 AM)DannyZ Wrote: Timeless bronze .38
Rockwell 6S (5 or 6 plate)

These are the only 2 DEs I currently use as they work great for me and I have lost the urge to try other DE razors. 

I own a Karve CB with a C plate but don't use it.

I just bought the Rockwell 6S in matte black as mentioned.
I paid around $150 for it, so it’s closing in on what I would call a luxury razor.

I’ve now shaved with it 4 times since getting it and I’m quite impressed over how well it shaves with that bulky rounded head design.

I do expect/fear that black coating might come off in a few years time, so even though it’s a stainless steel razor I’m not so sure it’s a lifetime investment. Only time will tell.
But it shaves very nicely and efficient.

I start with the 6 plate on 2-3 day stubble, then move to the 4 plate for the 2.nd pass and use the 2 plate for my final pass and the touch up pass where I shim my beard by ‘almost riding on the top of the top plate of the DE razor’ - inspired by how the YouTube shaver Geo Fat Boy does it with his final touch up pass. This gives me an almost 100% smooth and close shave.

I still think my Mühle Rocca gives me an overall better and closer shave, but the Rockwell is closing in on it.
It has already surpassed my Edwin Jagger 3One6.

I'm good with about any vintage Gillette TTO.  The old SuperSpeed and the later Flare Tips do fine for me.  I like the adjustable Fat Boy because of its weight.  My Wolfman Guerilla is a very aggressive razor, so I only use it when I want a BBS for a special occasion, but it is very nice and does an awesome job (but I need to be really careful with it, or it bites me).  The Rockwell 6S is ok, but not exciting.  I generally like TTOs better than 3-pc razors, just for the convenience.
Here's my list:
1)  Wolfman Guerrilla
2)  1940s SuperSpeed TTO (like a '57 Chevy, it's a general performer for Everyman that just works)
3)  Focus R-28.  Yeah, it's a shavette not a DE, but it's also probably the most FUN razor I've got right now.  Adding it to the list probably violates the rules/parameters here, but I'm a wild, edgy bad boy sometimes.
  :-)
- Bax

Nice to see your thread, Claus.

I can pick three of mine that I could call my favorites.

1) Gillette #44 RFB
2) Mühle R41 (2011) w/a Weber Bulldog handle.
3) Cooper MonoBilt

There are many others, but these DE's never disappoint.

1. Merkur 34C
2. LASSCO BBS-1
3. Blackbird Ti

(03-09-2023, 02:32 PM)primotenore Wrote: Nice to see your thread, Claus.

I can pick three of mine that I could call my favorites.

1) Gillette #44 RFB
2) Mühle R41 (2011) w/a Weber Bulldog handle.
3) Cooper MonoBilt

There are many others, but these DE's never disappoint.

Hey Primo,

We need some activity here on the forum.
It’s dying unless some of us step it up a bit.

I’m back into the DE razor game, and with that the DE blade game.

I just made a few posts on a Reddit sub for wet shaving and would you believe it - my post there got a long reply from one of the guys that inspired me to start DE razor shaving back in 2010, Mantic. I replied back to him with one of my usual lengthy posts and once again Mantic found time to continue our discussion regarding luxury razors - he’s a fan of mild razors and expensive adjustables to say the least and not all of them were given to him for testing purposes.

Why is Mantic posting there on Reddit and not here on this great forum ?

(03-09-2023, 05:24 AM)Bax Wrote: I'm good with about any vintage Gillette TTO.  The old SuperSpeed and the later Flare Tips do fine for me.  I like the adjustable Fat Boy because of its weight.  My Wolfman Guerilla is a very aggressive razor, so I only use it when I want a BBS for a special occasion, but it is very nice and does an awesome job (but I need to be really careful with it, or it bites me).  The Rockwell 6S is ok, but not exciting.  I generally like TTOs better than 3-pc razors, just for the convenience.
Here's my list:
1)  Wolfman Guerrilla
2)  1940s SuperSpeed TTO (like a '57 Chevy, it's a general performer for Everyman that just works)
3)  Focus R-28.  Yeah, it's a shavette not a DE, but it's also probably the most FUN razor I've got right now.  Adding it to the list probably violates the rules/parameters here, but I'm a wild, edgy bad boy sometimes.
  :-)
- Bax

Never underestimate fun. R-28 is the only 'true' shavette I've kept - for that very reason.  It's fun.  
Fun is also why I still have Proraso Green, Arko, Vintage Williams and Aqua Velva.  

1) Razorock Aluminum Lupo - surprised me too.
2) Merkur Progress - adjust more aggressively with each pass.  One of the most often-copied base plate designs.
3) Weber DLC - the beginning of the stainless era.  

Honorable DE mentions - Schick Kronas with the metal knob, Gillette Red Tips and an EJ 89 Barley I got from Obie.

Top 3 is a tough ask for me but here's a go:

1. Rex Ambassador

Super smooth and efficient. I use it on setting 6 for all 3 passes. Rarely any nicks and they're almost always bumps. By far the best shaver I've used, and I've used most from a Gillette tech to a Rocnel Sailor/Wolfman. My Gold Rex Ambassador is gorgeous

2. Rex Konsul

Also super smooth and efficient. Not as efficient as the Ambassador but an easy BBS shaver. Also very pretty, especially in my polished version.

3. Carbon Copper Original

I'm always impressed by how smooth and efficient this shaver is. Very easy to use as it has a wide angle of use. Copper is a very cool and pretty metal.

Honorable mentions:
Blackland Dart, Yates 921-H/EH, Blackland Brassbird



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(03-08-2023, 11:04 PM)CHSeifert Wrote:

(03-08-2023, 03:17 PM)Barry Wrote: Both Above the Tie and Timeless offer a very liberal return policy.  You don't like it, you can return it for a full refund.

At least they were offering that option a few months ago.

Thank you for that information - that’s valuable.

Still since I’m in Denmark in Europe, I’ll have to pay 27% import tax plus a $30 fee on top of the price, but still that information is nice yet it also makes my inner OCD wake up.

I really dislike the thought of getting a razor used by others before me. How can I know the brand new razor I’m buying from Timeless & ATT isn’t a return razor they just cleaned and re-sold as new ?
Unfortunately I can’t.

But for people without such OCD issues, being able to return a razor seems like a very nice idea.

They sell their returns in the returns section so you shouldn’t have to worry about getting a used razor sold as new.

For my top 3:
Blackbird Titanium
Wolfman WR1. The WR2 is good as well, but I prefer the slimmer more blade forward design of the wr1.
Carbon CX with ++ plate. I like the standard plate as well.

(03-12-2023, 05:44 PM)FayizD Wrote: Top 3 is a tough ask for me but here's a go:

1. Rex Ambassador

Super smooth and efficient. I use it on setting 6 for all 3 passes. Rarely any nicks and they're almost always bumps. By far the best shaver I've used, and I've used most from a Gillette tech to a Rocnel Sailor/Wolfman. My Gold Rex Ambassador is gorgeous

2. Rex Konsul

Also super smooth and efficient. Not as efficient as the Ambassador but an easy BBS shaver. Also very pretty, especially in my polished version.

3. Carbon Copper Original

I'm always impressed by how smooth and efficient this shaver is. Very easy to use as it has a wide angle of use. Copper is a very cool and pretty metal.

Honorable mentions:
Blackland Dart, Yates 921-H/EH, Blackland Brassbird



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That’s 3 really beautiful razors you got there !

Wolfman WR1 standard gap open comb for me is as good as it gets , smooth as if you were shaving with a laser.

Charcoal Goods first and second versions level 2 both shaved smooth and efficient just like the Wolfman , laser like. Even level 1 provided an insanely smooth yet efficient shave.

Carbon CX Ti + , though I suspect I would like the original plate more I have just not tried it to date. I like the design , the shave characteristics, and the weight of the Ti all came together for me as an outstanding razor to own. For razors you can simply go to the webpage and buy without any hassle, offer outstanding quality , craftsmanship , and performance, these are hard to beat.