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Merkur Slant Bar
Merkur Slant Bar
If lovin' it is wrong, I don't want to be right.
Published by Kyle
05-13-2006
Author review
Price
80%80%80%
8.0
Quality
70%70%70%
7.0
User Friendly
70%70%70%
7.0
Grip
80%80%80%
8.0
Ease of Blade Replacement
80%80%80%
8.0
Aggressiveness
90%90%90%
9.0
AdjustabilityN/A
Balance
80%80%80%
8.0
Average 79%
Default Merkur Slant Bar



Side by side comparison to the HD.


Side by side with HD - side view.


Close-Up of the Slant's head.


Price - These razors sell for the same price as the HD with the gold model costing an extra $6-10. This puts the Slant Bar in the low to middle price range, however, like the HD, when you consider the quality of the item, you are getting it for a bargain.

Grip - The handle of the Slant Bar is identical to that of the HD. It is gnarled and has a textured pommel which allow for excellent handling and control (zero slippage).

Ease of Blade Replacement - In a word, Simplicity. Like the HD, the Slant Bar is a 3-piece razor, but is constructed so that there is no need to hold the head of the razor (the danger zone) while tightening it down. Blade replacement with the Slant Bar is not as easy as with a "Butterfly" razor, but it is certainly not a chore that requires more than very average hand-eye coordination.

Aggressiveness - If you view aggressiveness as the ability to get one of the closest shaves of your life, then this is a very aggressive razor. On the other hand, if you view aggressiveness as a razor's tendency to irritate or cut one's face, then it depends on the hand that wields it. Certainly, this razor demands respect and refined technique. It will allow very little patience for a careless shaver. When used properly, however, it is a superbly smooth and easy shaver.

Balance - Like the HD, this tool is of near perfect design. The balance and heft are right on the money. It feels very natural in the hand, the way a great razor should.

User Friendly - This razor is a lot like a good woman. If you respect her and handle her gently, tending to her needs, she will pamper you like a king and spoil you with a shave that is unmatched by any other razor. Also note, respect does not equal fear.

There are several gents, including myself, who have struggled during the first several shaves with the Slant Bar. Holding the handle of the razor higher (more parallel to the floor) than when using the HD combined with the execution of longer stroke length have proved to be two great adjustments for taming this razor (thank you, Joel, for pointing this out to me). Other than these two points, follow the same rules you would for any DE: no pressure, use reduction techniques, only shave lathered areas, etc. Not surprisingly, after using this razor for a while, I've found that it has improved my overall technique such that even shaves with my HD and Fatboy have been noticeably better.

Having said all of this, like with any shaving product, the Slant Bar is not for everyone. I highly recommend it but am sure that there are some who will never enjoy it's use.

How it does what it does - The head of this razor is twisted which causes the blade to meet your whiskers in a slanted, scything, or angled manner (hence the name, Slant Bar). This allows you to slice through your whiskers as opposed to chopping through them. If held at an inappropriate angle, it will perform the same duty on skin tissue (slicing off thin layers & causing BURN). This, I believe, is why so many struggle through the first several shaves with it. The razor demands that you maintain an excellent discipline with the angle that you use.

Overall Quality - Like the HD, upon first glimpse/grasp, there will be no doubt that you hold in your hand an instrument that is finely crafted, which will last for generations. While this razor will not push my HD into retirement, it has taken over the role of favorite shaver.

To the gentleman who suggested that I wait on purchasing this razor until I had established good technique, I say THANK YOU.

To the guy who told me that this was a "gimmick" razor, I say nothing because I don't talk to him anymore.

To discuss this review, go to this thread.
Member rating
Price
90.8%90.8%90.8%
9.08
Quality
93.4%93.4%93.4%
9.34
User Friendly
80.7%80.7%80.7%
8.07
Grip
91.5%91.5%91.5%
9.15
Ease of Blade Replacement
84%84%84%
8.40
Aggressiveness
87.5%87.5%87.5%
8.75
Adjustability
33.3%33.3%33.3%
3.33
Balance
93.3%93.3%93.3%
9.33
87 users rated 82% average
  #1  
By Austin on 05-13-2006, 06:51 PM
Member reviews
Price
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10
Quality
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9
User Friendly
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7
Grip
80%80%80%
8
Ease of Blade Replacement
80%80%80%
8
Aggressiveness
100%100%100%
10
AdjustabilityN/A
Balance
90%90%90%
9
Average 87%
Thumbs up

Excellent razor for the experienced user.
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  #2  
By Rik on 05-13-2006, 06:53 PM
Member reviews
Price
90%90%90%
9
Quality
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10
User Friendly
60%60%60%
6
Grip
90%90%90%
9
Ease of Blade Replacement
100%100%100%
10
Aggressiveness
90%90%90%
9
AdjustabilityN/A
Balance
90%90%90%
9
Average 89%
Thumbs up Exceptional Razor

Excellent review.

The Slant Bar has replaced the Vision as my goto DE razor. This is the only DE razor I've used that provides a shave on par with a straight razor. As Kyle states razor must be respected or it will bite you.

That being said it is very rare for me to have irritation what so ever with this razor. The combination of incredibly close irritation free shaves capable in a DE form factor makes for a very enjoyable start to the day!
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  #3  
By rtaylor61 on 05-13-2006, 07:04 PM
Member reviews
Price
80%80%80%
8
Quality
100%100%100%
10
User Friendly
80%80%80%
8
Grip
100%100%100%
10
Ease of Blade Replacement
100%100%100%
10
Aggressiveness
90%90%90%
9
AdjustabilityN/A
Balance
100%100%100%
10
Average 93%
Default

Some call it "Satan's Razor", and with good reason. Loose focus, loose blood! But if you are on your game...it's a razor the mows down everything in it's path.

Randy
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  #4  
By Scotto on 05-14-2006, 06:27 AM
Member reviews
Price
90%90%90%
9
Quality
90%90%90%
9
User Friendly
90%90%90%
9
Grip
90%90%90%
9
Ease of Blade Replacement
100%100%100%
10
Aggressiveness
100%100%100%
10
AdjustabilityN/A
Balance
100%100%100%
10
Average 94%
Default

Not much to add after Kyle's review. I get buttery-smooth shaves from this baby. My #2 favorite razor, after the Futur.
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  #5  
By joel on 05-15-2006, 04:42 PM
Member reviews
Price
90%90%90%
9
Quality
90%90%90%
9
User Friendly
50%50%50%
5
Grip
100%100%100%
10
Ease of Blade Replacement
90%90%90%
9
Aggressiveness
80%80%80%
8
AdjustabilityN/A
Balance
70%70%70%
7
Average 81%
Default Superb Razor...

This razor leaves little to be desired.... wonderfully close, comfortable shaves, albeit a bit of practice is required.
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  #6  
By madmedic on 06-15-2006, 07:52 AM
Member reviews
Price
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9
Quality
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10
User Friendly
90%90%90%
9
Grip
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10
Ease of Blade Replacement
90%90%90%
9
Aggressiveness
90%90%90%
9
AdjustabilityN/A
Balance
100%100%100%
10
Average 94%
Default

I enjoy using this razor and have never had any problems with aggressiveness. (Perhaps because I started with a Futur). I have used many razors and have now settled on three Murkers in my rotation. This one is my favourite.

Brian
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  #7  
By Jonnybc on 07-26-2006, 11:20 AM
Member reviews
Price
80%80%80%
8
Quality
80%80%80%
8
User Friendly
80%80%80%
8
Grip
90%90%90%
9
Ease of Blade Replacement
90%90%90%
9
Aggressiveness
90%90%90%
9
AdjustabilityN/A
Balance
90%90%90%
9
Average 86%
Default

A fine razor. Took me a while to track one down in the UK. There's a lot of concern about whether shavers are ready for this razor, I think that is an undue concern, if you can shave with an HD you''ll be able to shave with a Slant.
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  #8  
By Joedy on 08-15-2006, 01:16 PM
Member reviews
Price
100%100%100%
10
Quality
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9
User Friendly
90%90%90%
9
Grip
80%80%80%
8
Ease of Blade Replacement
70%70%70%
7
Aggressiveness
40%40%40%
4
AdjustabilityN/A
Balance
100%100%100%
10
Average 81%
Default

I've used a Futur, a Super Speed and a Gillette Adjustable and now the Slant.


While it looks intimidating, the Slant is easy to use and offers great shaves.

As noted on the forum, the Slant allows you to reduce the number of passes and thus, the overall irritation if your face is prone to razor burns and cuts.

It is not adjustable, but the design allows for very smooth shaves.

Compared to the Futur, the Slant is very lightweight.

I have not cut myself with this razor (nor any other razor, for that matter), but like all sharp things held up against your face, use diligent care and you will suffer no ill effects.

For the price of three packs of replacement cartridges, you can shave a lifetime with this razor, making it an excellent value and also making it an excellent excuse to try it out.

Your mileage may vary, but most Slant users seem to be very happy with their results - me included.

-joedy
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  #9  
By tommydon on 08-31-2006, 06:50 PM
Member reviews
Price
100%100%100%
10
Quality
90%90%90%
9
User Friendly
90%90%90%
9
Grip
80%80%80%
8
Ease of Blade Replacement
80%80%80%
8
Aggressiveness
90%90%90%
9
AdjustabilityN/A
Balance
100%100%100%
10
Average 90%
Thumbs up Slant Bar razor review.

I find this as the best razor I have used. I have a Futur, which I find awkward to shave with. I have always used a brush but was caught into the more blades the better the shave. That is a a myth by "Mad Ave. With the slant bar I was concerned about the aggresiveness of this razor. which was unfounded. It gives smooth, confortable shave, if you respect it. I also need fewer passes,which is a real plus. It is my #1 razor now. I am using a Feather blade. One small cut because I got slopy near the end of my shave. Thank you for all the help. Tommydon
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  #10  
By JMT on 08-31-2006, 07:09 PM
Member reviews
Price
70%70%70%
7
Quality
80%80%80%
8
User Friendly
60%60%60%
6
Grip
90%90%90%
9
Ease of Blade Replacement
70%70%70%
7
Aggressiveness
90%90%90%
9
AdjustabilityN/A
Balance
70%70%70%
7
Average 76%
Default

Good razor, not the monster that everyone tries to make it out to be. I just never found it to be anything special. I can get just as good of a shave with any other regular DE. The annoying thing about this razor is that the slanted head makes it nearly impossible to get your sideburns straight.
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  #11  
By giraffejumper on 09-15-2006, 05:21 AM
Member reviews
Price
100%100%100%
10
Quality
100%100%100%
10
User Friendly
80%80%80%
8
Grip
100%100%100%
10
Ease of Blade Replacement
90%90%90%
9
Aggressiveness
90%90%90%
9
AdjustabilityN/A
Balance
100%100%100%
10
Average 94%
Default

I didn't think I would like this razor after consistently getting bad shaves with the Merkur HD. (yes I think I'm the only one in the world who can only get one good shave out of the HD before it starts tearing my face apart)
And after reading the "blogger's" bad opinion of it, I regreted ordering it.
It came and I used it a couple of times with no problems but went on to other razors, specifically gillettes. (SS's, adjustables,etc.)
That was a few months ago.
So this week I decided to pull it out and give it another go.
This is day four and I keep getting great shave after great shave.
Maybe I have improved my skills with other DE's to the point where I can use this one very nicely.
But it really does cut the shave time in half.
And the shave is long lasting - especially with stretching techniques and holding the razor down towards the end of the handle.
I've tried it now with both JM Frazers and Palmolive and they have made it nice and slick for the slant.
When I first got it, I was using Mr. Taylor Scent and felt like I was peeling my face off.
Now it feels like a SuperSpeed shave. OK, not THAT smooth! But much better.
I almost gave this razor away and I am now considering making it my GOTO.
And I don't even use feather razors with it to "tone it down." My Walmart blades are doing just fine!
-phil
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  #12  
By vespergo on 10-25-2006, 01:40 PM
Member reviews
Price
100%100%100%
10
Quality
100%100%100%
10
User Friendly
50%50%50%
5
Grip
100%100%100%
10
Ease of Blade Replacement
70%70%70%
7
Aggressiveness
100%100%100%
10
AdjustabilityN/A
Balance
100%100%100%
10
Average 89%
Default

If used with a feather razor then this combination is deadly to your whiskers, it'll take care of whatever you put in front of it. If you get a little too anxious on one of the passes and hit a patch a few to many times without relathering then you'll pay with razor burn though. still i like to get these beast out every once in a while.

It won't take the spot of my workhorse razor as of yet though.
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  #13  
By htownmmm on 10-31-2006, 08:56 PM
Member reviews
Price
100%100%100%
10
Quality
100%100%100%
10
User Friendly
70%70%70%
7
Grip
90%90%90%
9
Ease of Blade Replacement
100%100%100%
10
Aggressiveness
90%90%90%
9
AdjustabilityN/A
Balance
100%100%100%
10
Average 93%
Default What took me so long?

Having only paid $27.50 for this razor, the price was excellent. What really surprises me is that when using it, my hand never feels like its cramping up. I know it's the same size as the HD, and yet, it doesn't 'feel' that way.

I have been using it since its arrival on Friday afternoon and can see why many have raved about it. To me, it has not been the "Devils Razor" as claimed- and yes, I do load it with Feather blades. I must agree that for those with sensitive skin and tough beards,this is the combo to use. I do also agree that my ease of use is a result of the time I spent perfecting my technique with other razors first. If you are brand new to shaving or your technique is shaky, this might not be the razor for you. However, if you have the time and a slow hand, you can master it.

It cuts through my hairs with the greatest of ease leaving my face smooth as a baby's bottom. Actually, it will cut through anything that is on your face- or that sticks out above skin level. I can do 3 passes with it and not give myself any burn or irritation.

This has quickly become my 2nd favorite razor- it hasn't moved the Merkur VISION out of first place, but the slant is breathing down it's neck!

I only gave it a score of 7 under user friendly because I don't believe you can just pick this razor up, load it with a Feather and just start 'slicing'. Some time will be needed to learn what to do before you do it with this one. Otherwise, an excellent razor overall. I only wish Edwin Jagger sold one with their handles-in that case it would be the 'ultimate' razor.

Marty
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  #14  
By rnpollard on 12-25-2006, 10:09 AM
Member reviews
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10
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10
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10
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AdjustabilityN/A
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10
Average 100%
Default An awesome razor.

Of all the razors I've tried I like this one the best. Maybe it is because it's reputation caused me to slow down and pay attention to what I am doing, I'm not sure.

My first experience was excellent. Smooth and almost irritation free. When I hit my face with the alum block there was less stinging than usual.

Price: Compared to the $9.00 you'd spend on a Fusion this razor is the bargain of the century. It is destined to be passed on to future generations.

Quality: Like I said above this razor will last forever. It has a simple design that is that is the best of both worlds. More simple than a three piece and sturdier than a TTO.

User Friendly: Not a beginer's razor.

(I started with a Weishi razor and a Feather and it was not a pretty sight. I thought for a while I would have to go back to cartridges. My next attempt was a Gillette Slim Adjustable with a Derby and that was tame enough for me to continue in the quest for the Holy Grail of shaving. Recently when I shaved with the Weishi and the Feather again it was significantly better. I do believe that technique is as critical an aspect of shaving and any other aspect.)

I felt like I was ready and went for it. Given the proper respect this is a dream razor.

Grip: It felt natural in the hand.

Ease of Blade Replacement: Simple. Maybe not as simple as a TTO but not difficult enough to dock it any points.

Aggressiveness: This may have a little something do with the blade selection. The Derby was a close and irritation free shave. I think we all know that certain razors like certain blades. I look forward to finding the perfect mate for this awesome razor.

Adjustibility: When I rated it I gave it a 10 for adjustability even though it can't be adjusted because I couldn't bear to give it a zero. It is that good.

Balance: Perfect. A natural extension of the hand.











The balance
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  #15  
By doctorsimon on 04-22-2007, 07:43 AM
Member reviews
Price
80%80%80%
8
Quality
100%100%100%
10
User Friendly
50%50%50%
5
Grip
80%80%80%
8
Ease of Blade Replacement
50%50%50%
5
Aggressiveness
80%80%80%
8
AdjustabilityN/A
Balance
80%80%80%
8
Average 74%
Default

I've been using this for a fortnight now, other razors are the B&B 2006 and a vision. I threw the cheap wilkinson sword in the bin a month ago. I've been shaving with a DE razor for about a year now.

Moving to the slant bar was easy, no change in technique or complications.

At first I was not aware of any great improvement in shaves -- they were as good as I thought previous.

However, moving back to the B&B razor today (I have gone off the vision recently, probably just bored of six months solitary use of the beauty) showed me how much better the slant really is.

Quite simply, with safe technique, the slant gives a close and comfortable shave.

I am not yet used to the very short handle and I find changing blades a fiddle. Though the vision has a smooth handle and the B&B an even slippier and stranger handle. The vision needs to be tapped upside down to free a used blade and the B&B is a fiddly three piece design.

All things considered I suspect I'll grow to love the slant most of my razors.


P.S. I'm a tight reviewer:
10 -- very good (reserved for exceptional circumstances)
8 -- good
5 -- neither good nor bad
2 -- bad
0 -- very bad (reserved for exceptional circumstances)
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  #16  
By Limey on 05-23-2007, 01:51 PM
Member reviews
Price
90%90%90%
9
Quality
80%80%80%
8
User Friendly
80%80%80%
8
Grip
100%100%100%
10
Ease of Blade Replacement
80%80%80%
8
Aggressiveness
80%80%80%
8
AdjustabilityN/A
Balance
80%80%80%
8
Average 84%
Default

The slant is a very nice shaving razor. I have seen alot of comments about how aggressive and dangerous a razor it is. I have found it to be a very easy to use mildly aggressive razor. I have operated it keeping in mind two principles; 1- angle of the razor while shaving. With this razor I try to keep the handle almost parallel to my face. 2- pressure. I use very light pressure with the Slant. I load it up with a Derby blade and get 3-4 excellent shaves before changing to a new blade. I give the Slant a double .

My only gripe with the Slant is Merkur Gold finishing. I think the finished is very light and fragile.
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  #17  
By berzerkeleyan on 07-04-2007, 08:37 PM
Member reviews
Price
90%90%90%
9
Quality
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10
User Friendly
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8
Grip
100%100%100%
10
Ease of Blade Replacement
100%100%100%
10
Aggressiveness
100%100%100%
10
AdjustabilityN/A
Balance
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10
Average 96%
Thumbs up Wow. Simply...wow.

I am astounded at how well this razor shaves. BBS using any other razor was never achievable for me without ruining my skin for days afterwards. The Slant not only gives me the closest shave out of all the implements I own (and I own many (don't we all )), but b/c fewer passes are required, my skin feels great afterwards.

It's a more forgiving razor than what I was expecting, given its reputation. But proper technique is still key. With the amount of blade exposure on the Slant, I think newbies should start with something a little friendlier. An old Gillette Superspeed, perhaps?

Who new a razor with a twist could be so good?
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  #18  
By OldSchoolYoungin on 10-15-2007, 11:27 PM
Member reviews
Price
100%100%100%
10
Quality
100%100%100%
10
User Friendly
80%80%80%
8
Grip
80%80%80%
8
Ease of Blade Replacement
80%80%80%
8
Aggressiveness
80%80%80%
8
AdjustabilityN/A
Balance
100%100%100%
10
Average 89%
Default

I originally just owned an HD, that I love with all my heart, but my heart began to wander in want of a more aggressive razor. I didn't really want to go the adjustable route, and after hearing the reviews about the Slant I decided to look for one.

Boy, am I glad I did. I was lucky enough to purchase a basically new Slant for $20. She burned me a little at first though, but I think that's due more in part to trying a new blue (Gillette Silver Blue) and not getting the angle right. However, some quick adjustments and using a Slant/Feather and the results are magnificent. I haven't been this closely-shaven in a while, even with the HD. I can tell it's actually getting closer too because it takes stubble a lot longer to grow back. I look even more forward to shaving every day because of this awesome piece of engineering. The shaves are super comfortable with no burn, and I can be nearly BBS with 2 passes and touch-ups. The Slant/Feather is the "BBS-made-easy" combo for me. I haven't even gone to a 4-pass with this razor, as three passes leaves me ridiculously smooth.

However, it IS easy to get burned by her. Maintaining proper angle and NO pressure are the rules. I got to the point where I could shave with my HD very quickly and nearly haphazardly and still get a good shave, I have to pay attention to the Slant. I have a feeling she'll bite too, I treat her with much respect. But even spots on my neck that would remain somewhat rough after an HD shave are effortlessly mowed down with this instrument.

I can't say anything else about it that hasn't already been said. I have a tough, stiff beard and sensitive skin and a Slant seems to be recommended for those conditions. Works exceptionally well, for me. I can see how lighter whiskered gentlemen may find it a bit too much. This is yet another high quality piece of work from Merkur. I believe a 38C may be next.

-Allen
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  #19  
By Barbelus maximus on 11-07-2007, 03:22 AM
Member reviews
Price
100%100%100%
10
Quality
90%90%90%
9
User Friendly
100%100%100%
10
Grip
90%90%90%
9
Ease of Blade Replacement
100%100%100%
10
Aggressiveness
100%100%100%
10
AdjustabilityN/A
Balance
100%100%100%
10
Average 97%
Default Four months today.

Having converted to a DE a little over a year ago and having used a slant exclusively for the last four months I feel it time to comment. The price is very fair as is the quality, very solid. User friendliness very much depends on the user, if you have just picked up a DE I could forsee problems, however if you are already proficient I would be very surprised if any difficulties were to be experienced. The grip is fine although for anybody with spade like hands it could be a little too short. Blade replacement could not be easier. As for aggressiveness, that is subjective to ones proficiency. It is a fixed head design so providing the angle and pressure are fine it will do what it is suposed to do more efficiently than a standard DE. Excellent balance. At the end of the day, we are all searching for shaving perfection, although peoples own levels of expectation may differ. I have a coarse beard growing in several different directions. Having tried many razor and blade combinations I have decided on one that works EVERY time for me, Slant & Feather (sounds like a pub!) A slant for the odd directions of hair growth and a feather for the coarseness of my beard, this was only found out through trial and error and I would advise any newcomer to start with a basic kit of a fixed head DE (HD or Superspeed) a midway blade (Derby perhaps) and a reasonable brush/cream, learn the basics and you will quickly find a blade for the hair type and a razor that enables an effective pass with that blade. It is not a 'difficult' razor to use effectively as some people think, indeed I found the Vision more difficult and I can get just as close a shave with the Vision, HD and Progress, but with more effort and passes. The Slant/Feather combination have just simplified my shaves. There is the odd time I think about playing with a different combo, but then I remember the quality and feel of the shave from Slant/Feather and leave the others gathering dust! On the whole, a simple and very effective piece of kit.
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