Derby Extra Super Stainless vs King C. Gillette Safety Razor

“> Facial hair is not coarse or fine, I’d say somewhere in the middle. > So is it worth upgrading to a Merkur 34c, Muhle R89 Closed Comb? Depends on how well the KCG is working for you. Personally, I found it too mild, so I gave it away. Both the 34c and Mühle R89 are a bit more efficient in my experience. Like most mid-priced razors (except the FaTip, which is full brass), they use a zamak/zinc-alloy head. That’s not the most durable material, but with proper care, it can easily last a decade—or even a lifetime. You can also check out my cleaning and maintenance tips [here](https://www.reddit.com/r/wicked_edge/comments/1hivo1g/comment/m326aah/?utm_source=share&utm_medium=web3x&utm_name=web3xcss&utm_term=1&utm_content=share_button). > Any other brands to look at or options? I’m open to suggestions. Plenty. [Vintage Gillette](https://mr-razor.com/) razors are great—most are made of brass, though some later Tech models have a zamak top cap or are aluminum. [FaTip](https://www.fatip.it/), as mentioned earlier, are solid brass and very affordable. Modern CNC-machined stainless steel razors will also last a lifetime. Some good options to explore: RazoRock’s Game Changer line (and others), Edwin Jagger 3One6, Mühle Rocca, Rockwell 6S, or even some excellent Chinese-made stainless models on AliExpress like DSCosmetic’s D and S lines, or Yintal’s LiveBen V7 and 3/5-side-cap designs. For blade and brush suggestions, see the link above.”

“Blades are entirely subjective and YMMV and everyone should find out for themselves. But ... I do hate Derbies.”