"aggressive" v "mild"

[Shantytownbrown]

So, thinking as a new DE shaver that I should stick with "mild" shavers, I have since discovered 4 months later that I get a better shave with less weepers with the more aggressive side of my collection...Red tip, 37c, R41 and see below...my adjustables dialed "up"

Is this because I am more attentive to not putting any pressure, or because I tend to put too much pressure with the mild ones in order to get thru my wiry beard...?
I also tried "dialing up" my Super Adjustable to "7" and wow what a great non irritating shave I got...compared with my previous shaves at "3 or 4"

Now, on the other hand, my New Open comb is still too much for me, and my R41 is only for when I have time (no morning rush shaves with that one)

My only mild "friends" are my tech and my EJ89

Is this a common experience?

 

[smalltank]

Try a slant 37c...redtip Gillette or r41 new model razor

 

[Shantytownbrown]

Try a slant 37c...redtip Gillette or r41 new model razor

ummm...that's what I am using and enjoying...see above...

 

[PFP_Dad]

Sounds like a pressure issue, meaning you get better technique with the more aggressive razors. You may also be unconsciously paying more attention when using the aggressive razors.

 

[crfcom]

So, thinking as a new DE shaver that I should stick with "mild" shavers, I have since discovered 4 months later that I get a better shave with less weepers with the more aggressive side of my collection...Red tip, 37c, R41 and see below...my adjustables dialed "up"

Is this because I am more attentive to not putting any pressure, or because I tend to put too much pressure with the mild ones in order to get thru my wiry beard...?
I also tried "dialing up" my Super Adjustable to "7" and wow what a great non irritating shave I got...compared with my previous shaves at "3 or 4"

Now, on the other hand, my New Open comb is still too much for me, and my R41 is only for when I have time (no morning rush shaves with that one)

My only mild "friends" are my tech and my EJ89

Is this a common experience?

Could be any, or all of the above factors. Could also be inconsistent prep work. "Mild" is a subjective and highly relative evaluation, but I wouldn't call an EJ89 "mild". I thinks its somewhere in the middle of the two extremes. On the other hand, most people here would agree that a Tech is a "mild" razor. Yet, you can get a close shave with it, or an EJ89, or an R41. But you don't do well with "mild" razors and settings. Your comments are making me think your prep work may be more a factor than the razors. Just a thought. All great Razors BTW.

 

[crfcom]

Sounds like a pressure issue, meaning you get better technique with the more aggressive razors. You may also be unconsciously paying more attention when using the aggressive razors.

Good thought.

 

[Shantytownbrown]

Sounds like a pressure issue, meaning you get better technique with the more aggressive razors. You may also be unconsciously paying more attention when using the aggressive razors.

that's what I was thinking...all I can say is glad I discovered this!

 

[Mick]

Razor jumping is something I do on a daily basis and have no issues using an R41 one day and a Feather stainless the next. I enjoy using a different razor each time I shave.

BUT

I have been shaving for over 45 years so sort of got the hang of how it works now

Getting comfortable with how you need to shave is something that takes time. Once you have it down, you should be able to get the same high quality shave day after day regardless of what you use.

 

[mdevine]

I find both mild and aggressive razors give me the same end results. The difference, for me, is the ultimate outcome of poor technique. With the smaller blade gap of a mild razor, there is less of a window where the razor's angle is optimal. When my technique is off, the shave isn't as close, but I am unlikely to cut myself. With an aggressive razor, the increased blade exposure allows a larger range of effective razor angles. This comes at the expense of less tolerance for pressure on the blade. Poor technique leads to razor burn and weepers. If your major difficulty is too much pressure, a mild razor is the way to go. Trouble keeping a suitable blade angle is a good reason to go with a more aggressive razor.

Mike

 

[celestino]

I find both mild and aggressive razors give me the same end results. The difference, for me, is the ultimate outcome of poor technique. With the smaller blade gap of a mild razor, there is less of a window where the razor's angle is optimal. When my technique is off, the shave isn't as close, but I am unlikely to cut myself. With an aggressive razor, the increased blade exposure allows a larger range of effective razor angles. This comes at the expense of less tolerance for pressure on the blade. Poor technique leads to razor burn and weepers. If your major difficulty is too much pressure, a mild razor is the way to go. Trouble keeping a suitable blade angle is a good reason to go with a more aggressive razor.
Mike

+1 i used to think open-combs where for me, but the "milder" razors have been what work best for me since my technique and prep have improved. My Weber DLC is my smoothest shaver, to date.

 

[taco8slo]

The added respect and caution helps, it keeps you on your game. I enjoy the shaves from mild and aggressive, it depends on my mood, glad you are finding what works for you and that you are enjoying your shaves

 

[hold-fast]

I'm with crfcom; I wouldn't call an EJ DE89 mild. More like middle of the road. The Feather AS is mild. In my opinion weepers and cuts are the result of too much pressure and not so much the mildness or aggressiveness of a razor.

 

[Shantytownbrown]

The added respect and caution helps, it keeps you on your game. I enjoy the shaves from mild and aggressive, it depends on my mood, glad you are finding what works for you and that you are enjoying your shaves

Thanks to you for introducing me to the 37 and41!

 

[lt114]

I'm a two pass shaver, so aggressive razors tend to work better for me. If I shave with something like an EJ or Superspeed, I need three or four pass to achieve the same result. The increased number of passes is more likely to lead to some irritation for me.

 

[vocalistbob]

I enjoy the variety of using different types of razors from very mild to very aggressive and can get a BBS shave with them all. The only real difference, as far as I can tell, is how long the shave lasts.

 

[TallyShave]

Look to very very end of your razor...just past the end of the handle. There is a five pronged instrument there which dictates how good of a shave you get.

 

[Shantytownbrown]

Look to very very end of your razor...just past the end of the handle. There is a five pronged instrument there which dictates how good of a shave you get.

true, all tools we use are just extensions of our hands...