A question about shaving techniques when using a slant razor

[realdog4]

I just received a Merkur 39C slant. I have looked around but have not found any tutorials or suggestions on specific techniques for using a slant razor.

Other than extra caution, do I use a slant razor in the same fashion as I would a 34C or of EJ 89?

Should I start using a slant with blades that are more forgiving?

Currently, I use feathers in a 36C barber pole without too many problems. I really don't like my EJ 89 even with an Ikon Bulldog handle so it does not get much use.

Any help or thoughts would be appreciated?

- Jason

 

[TSTemplar]

Outstanding question. I'm interested in hearing some instruction on this as well. I don't own one hut I'm curious about it.

 

[The Accountant]

Load up a new Feather and go for it! Seriously, shave with a slant just like you would any other razor. Given that it is new (to you anyway) take it easy until you are used to the "newness" of it but don't change anything else in your shaving routine. Once you are comfortable with it I think you will be delighted in the close comfortable shave the slant design provides. At least in my case I was; YMMV and all that applies here. After using it a while post your thoughts on it. Good luck.

 

[sterno]

I've been using a DE for about a year, and recently purchased a 37C (Merkur Slant). It really doesn't shave that differently from other razors. I mostly use a Merkur 34C and a Gillette Slim, and the Slant just feels a bit sharper and "aggressive" (like the Slim on 7?). I use even less pressure with the slant than I do on other razors, and get a close, comfortable shave. You may need to try different blades in the Slant then you usually use with your other razors - they all seem to shave differently depending on the combination.

 

[Dngolden]

Honestly you could treat it like any other razor. These are not highly aggressive razors, just efficient. I don't usually use a feather for any razor until I'm comfortable with it, but that's my normal prudence. I've used a feather in the slant without incident. The merkur slant is the only razor I've ever owened where I got an amazing shave the first time out of the box.

A few tips I've picked over the years
Angle. I use a slightly deeper angle, the handle being less parallel to the floor. You'll note the wider side of the blade provides a nice guide to your angle.

Using both sides. A slant has two different sides, one with greater exposure and one with lesser. I usually favor the wider side for my initial pass or particularly thick areas and the narrower side for delicate areas such as under the noise or Adam's apple.

I hope these help, but don't worry too much. It's a great razor and will offer a super smooth shave without much fuss.

 

[BroJohn]

Jason --

A slant isn't necessarily more aggressive, but it can be somewhat less forgiving. As stated above, use it as you would a standard straight bar razor. Most guys tend to use a sharper, smoother, premium blade in slants. Cheap blades, or blades that are not in their prime should be avoided. Blades past their prime can cause a case of razor burn like you've never experienced with a straight bar, so don't offend the shave Gods or you'll be punished.

In general, prep well, shave normally with good practices, good angle, and short, unhurried strokes with a light touch and you'll receive a comfortable, close, and enjoyable shave.

-- John Gehman

 

[TSTemplar]

Jason --

A slant isn't necessarily more aggressive, but it can be somewhat less forgiving. As stated above, use it as you would a standard straight bar razor. Most guys tend to use a sharper, smoother, premium blade in slants. Cheap blades, or blades that are not in their prime should be avoided. Blades past their prime can cause a case of razor burn like you've never experienced with a straight bar, so don't offend the shave Gods or you'll be punished.

In general, prep well, shave normally with good practices, good angle, and short, unhurried strokes with a light touch and you'll receive a comfortable, close, and enjoyable shave.

-- John Gehman

Good to know.

 

[realdog4]

Thanks for all the replies. Now that I am armed with some knowledge and reassurance, I am ready to go.

I will; however, have my nick stick ready to go just in case.

- Jason

 

[dfoulk]

I have a 39c as well and it is an absolutely excellent razor. I went from an EJ DE89 to the 39c and couldn't believe how much better the 39c was.

Find a very sharp blade to use with it. I like Personna Med Prep, Polsilver Super Iridium, Gillette 7 O'Clock Black, and Gillette Silver Blue. With a sharp blade it will mow through the toughest stubble absolutely effortlessly. I was surprised how easily this thing cut down the wire like stubble that I have.

The angle you hold the razor is much different that what I was used to. The handle is almost parallel to my face when shaving with it.
The only thing I don't like about this razor is that tt's very hard to do a good job under your nose with this one. I try to use the side with the smaller gap to get closer in this area, or I'll just grab another razor for this difficult spot.

In looking at it I expected it to be very aggressive, but after using it I wouldn't really call it aggressive at all. It's about as smooth and gentle as any razor I've used. I mean so smooth you have to double check to make sure you put a blade in it. I could even do 4 or 5 passes with mine without any irritation. You won't need to though as it clears the stubble really well in two or three.

Also, one more thing. When loading the blade use care to center it with the cap (not with the razor) and give it a good inspection to make sure that you have it in there evenly and centered. It is easy to have the blade more to one side or the other or to have it in on a slight angle. It won't shave well if the blade is in incorrectly. There are other threads here on how to get it right. Personally, I just hold the dull sides of the blade and the sides of the cap as I tighten it down then give it a good visual inspection.

 

[NCJack]

Another vote for "just shave". I've found the slant to be more forgiving of blade angle, type of blade, pressure than other razors I've tried. I almost never get a nick. My totally unscientific theory is that it clamps the blade in tighter while still giving it good exposure, thereby reducing any blade vibration. Mine seem to like Astra SPs the best.

 

[Badger Bill]

I use my 39c pretty much the same as any other razor. I love it with a feather. I'd suggest a bit of caution when you start, but nothing extreme - just respect it so it doesn't bite you. But other than that, have at it!!!

- Badger Bill

 

[global_dev]

Dont fear the slant.. just like feathers... awesome tools!!

 

[OneBadBadger]

I would say don't change a damn thing in your shaving routine. IF you change too many things at once and something isn't right you won't know what the problem is. So use the feather and whatever you normally use and go from there.

 

[TSTemplar]

This is helpful information. I don't own a slant but if I ever get one I'll keep all of this in mind.

 

[Cgy-Jim]

Good stuff guys, I'm a little nervous with my Merkur slant - it attacked me once and I am respectful and slightly twitchy with it. I'll give it a try again this coming weekend.

 

[skleice]

Only adjustment is for your sideburns unless you like that angled look

 

[Useless shaver]

This is helpful information. I don't own a slant but if I ever get one I'll keep all of this in mind.

Same here.