Gents, lately I’ve been through some bad shaving days and I need your help.
I’ve always intuitively shaved with a more steep angle, I find it more efficient and comfortable, less tugging and better results.
I’ve been doing this for some years, technique is solid (with modern razors), always getting wonderful shaves with mild and aggressive tools.
I’ve recently acquired some vintage Gillettes, some techs, a 40s super speed and a Red tip.
The thing is, vintage Gillettes seem to require a more shallow angle. This is not a problem when going WTG.
The issue starts when going ATG, if I try to go steeper it feels the blade is not in contact and not cutting clean.
The safety bar on these vintages are so pronounced that it makes almost impossible to go steep.
I’d have to push it in hard for the blade to touch the skin at a steeper angle, not a good practice of course.
So when tilting the razor for a shallower angle, it gives more feedback but also tugs, seems it’s pulling hair instead of cutting.
The results? No weepers, but irritation, red spots as result of pulling hairs, and the skin under jaw and chin hurts, literally.
I’ve tried different blades, soaps… no bueno.
I can not figure this thing out, these vintages seem so mild but at the same time seem so aggressive when you’re fighting the angle.
Considering I’m definitely not a shallow angle shaver, will I ever have a comfortable ATG shave with these vintage pieces?
Neglecting them to only WTG shaves should be the ultimate solution? I’d be sad if it ends up this way.
I’d really appreciate your input.
Alex
I’ve always intuitively shaved with a more steep angle, I find it more efficient and comfortable, less tugging and better results.
I’ve been doing this for some years, technique is solid (with modern razors), always getting wonderful shaves with mild and aggressive tools.
I’ve recently acquired some vintage Gillettes, some techs, a 40s super speed and a Red tip.
The thing is, vintage Gillettes seem to require a more shallow angle. This is not a problem when going WTG.
The issue starts when going ATG, if I try to go steeper it feels the blade is not in contact and not cutting clean.
The safety bar on these vintages are so pronounced that it makes almost impossible to go steep.
I’d have to push it in hard for the blade to touch the skin at a steeper angle, not a good practice of course.
So when tilting the razor for a shallower angle, it gives more feedback but also tugs, seems it’s pulling hair instead of cutting.
The results? No weepers, but irritation, red spots as result of pulling hairs, and the skin under jaw and chin hurts, literally.
I’ve tried different blades, soaps… no bueno.
I can not figure this thing out, these vintages seem so mild but at the same time seem so aggressive when you’re fighting the angle.
Considering I’m definitely not a shallow angle shaver, will I ever have a comfortable ATG shave with these vintage pieces?
Neglecting them to only WTG shaves should be the ultimate solution? I’d be sad if it ends up this way.
I’d really appreciate your input.
Alex
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