This explains why my Old Type requires a different approach. Thanks!
Egad, I spend time away and to my amazement, still comments!
Thanks guys.
I have taken photos of additional razor types, promised to update this and been busy with other things.
Oh, and then there's the shaving brush drying data I collected over weeks.
And have been sitting on for nigh unto a year.
All I'd need to do is find time to tidy it up into a post.
Way behind.
However, glad to know this was helpful to someone.
- Bill
Anyone else out there able to continue this? Sadly, I don't have any of the required equipment other than light and a razor.
Yes, I'm working on more pictures right now. The post I did a few days ago of the animated Fatboy was a testing bed .
I'm not sure what will show up first, but the following are on my list: Merkur 34C, Senator, 2011 R41, Fatboy, Slim and SA's at all settings, Merkur 1904, all of the Superspeeds, Wizamet Adjustable on all settings, Knack, G1000, 40's Aristocrat, Feather AS. I've got others to add to the pile as well, but that'll be enough for now . Edit: Also the 39C (Slant). That should be interesting.
The Fatboy animation I mentioned is now in the wiki on the Fatboy page under the Safety Razor Database area.
http://wiki.badgerandblade.com/Gillette_195_Adjustable_Fat_Boy
Fantastic. Just watched that animation and it looks to me that adjusting that past about halfway makes no difference, assuming you're using the lowest angle possible. I can't stop it and put a straight edge across, but it looks like the guard would clear the face entirely about halfway down. This would allow for a steeper angle (more aggressive and probably irritating), but if held at the lowest angle would not matter at all. Am I correct? Maybe I just need to wait for the analysis.
Hopefully someone can pick up the 2-3 razors you don't have planned. That's a fantastic list you have going and we all appreciate it. maybe someone can send you a DE89/R89 so you'll have covered about everything.
Thanks!
Wouldn't it be great if there was a truly adjustable razor. I.e. you could vary the gap between the cap and the guard, and in addition adjust the angle and protrusion of the blade peeking out of that gap.
It would have to be an SE design, I think, but it would definitely be a one-design-fits-all approach.
Hi James -
Your animation looks great!
I agree that, if you maintain a specific angle of attack, there will be an adjustment point beyond which there won't be any perceptible change in performance or shaving experience. Where that setting is depends on how steeply you shave. I noticed long ago, with my Slim Adjustable, that 9 didn't really seem to be any different than 5. The way I shave now, I'd probably be hard pressed to see any difference between 1 and 9, but I'll have to give this a try and actually find out.
Wanted to point out one thing as you do your close-ups, which you may know already. As I recall, it was important to align the razor head and camera lens so that you're looking right down the edge. I other words, line of sight exactly parallel to the edge in question. If it was angled inward or outward a bit, the apparent blade exposure varied and would be misleading.
I adjusted that alignment with the camera slightly higher in elevation so I could see the out-of-focus extension of the edge receding in line with the closest part of the edge that's in focus, then lowered the camera so that it would be looking straight on at the end. Or tried to!
I'm looking forward to seeing your photos and analysis - had been hoping others would take this up.
The only adjustable I have is my dad's slim adjustable, twin to the one I began shaving with. So that's a field for others to explore.
- Bill