Calling All Sledgehammer Slant Shavers

[Walt Whitman]

Received my Sledgehammer Slant yesterday from West Coast Shaving and this morning had my initial shave with the well-renowned 39C...

The end result was mostly great (except for a couple of tough spots) but, for all the hoopla for this fine shaving instrument, I was somewhat disappointed.

Did my usual WTG, XTG & ATG with buffing and touch up. First two swipes (WTG & XTG) left much to be desired; not alot of beard reduction. Had to do two ATG with spot touch up and buffing after. Used a Red Pack Israeli Personna blade (1st use) and Musgo Real SC.

What am I doing wrong? I mean, I purchased the 39C to get closer to a more perfect shaving nirvana, but those first two passes (WTG & XTG) really did not do the same job as my trusty Barberpole. I spent more time getting slightly better shave; I have to be missing something.

Is there a specific technique that should be used with the Slant, as opposed to other "regular" safety razors? (I use the 38C Barberpole mostly, shifting to my Fatboy, SS and Slim Adjustable to add variety)

Please describe what elements you use to get the best shave from the vaunted and honored Sledgehammer Slant, be they angle, blade, prep, pressure, technique, long strokes, short strokes, no WTG pass, etc.

Really, what do you do and what do you use to get the best shave from your Sledgehammer? I understand my mileage may vary, but I need your ideas to see the summit of Sledgehammer Shaving Supremacy.

Thanks in advance, gentlemen.

 

[Azza]

Very unusual, try a different blade. I use the same technique with the 39C and the 38C, nothing changes. I have experienced blades working great in one razor and then not so great in others. I used Merkur blades in my Futur and they were great, swapped to the 38C and the Merkur blades would not cut, just pulled. I have now swapped to Derby blades and they consistently work well in all my razors. Stick with the slant, it is a great shaver.

- Aaron

 

[Commander Quan]

I'd use is a couple times before you change anything. It is somewhat of a different beast. I was about ready to throw mine out the window until something clicked? I still don't know what it was but I'm getting good shaves with it, only doing 2 passes XTG and ATG I totally cut out the WTG pass.

 

[eclipse75]

heh i just got a 39c with a sampler pack of blades on ebay last night. should be in tomorrow or the following day. I will make sure to throw in my 2 cents.

 

[dpm802]

My Slanthammer gives me the closest shave of any razor ... but it does have its peculiarities. WTG, XTG, ATG is my standard technique.

The only time I got a bad shave from mine was when I forgot to tighten down the blade. Clearly, it was my fault, not the razor. And I've never made that mistake again.

I exclusively use Feather blades in mine. I've tried other brands, but they just don't work as well.

Also, the 39C is at its best when it has several days worth of stubble to work with. I can't use it as a daily shaver, I have to wait 3 days or more until I break it out and put it to work.

Finally, using a light touch is mandatory ... let the razor do the work. Look up the Balance Point Method in the ShaveWiki for an alternative way to hold the razor.

 

[koso]

I find I get better results with sharper blades. Feather, Kai, work much better for me than my more mild IP/Crystals.

 

[mretzloff]

What's the difference between the hammer and the normal slant? Or are both the same?

 

[bearbear]

My Slanthammer gives me the closest shave of any razor ... but it does have its peculiarities. WTG, XTG, ATG is my standard technique.

The only time I got a bad shave from mine was when I forgot to tighten down the blade. Clearly, it was my fault, not the razor. And I've never made that mistake again.

I exclusively use Feather blades in mine. I've tried other brands, but they just don't work as well.

Also, the 39C is at its best when it has several days worth of stubble to work with. I can't use it as a daily shaver, I have to wait 3 days or more until I break it out and put it to work.

Finally, using a light touch is mandatory ... let the razor do the work. Look up the Balance Point Method in the ShaveWiki for an alternative way to hold the razor.

+1. I'm using a bic in it right now, the first shave on 2 days growth deomlished the stubble, but this morning i got a little bit of irritaition and AS sting. I think it will benefit from a sharper/more flexible blade. I also think i'll use it once a week or on days where i've skipped the previous days shave for reasons unknown (waiting for godot reference)

I would also like to add, the sound it makes when its taking off whiskers is bad ***. A nice deep growl.

What's the difference between the hammer and the normal slant? Or are both the same?

i'd say the sledge hammer is a little more agressive, based soley on the extra heft and longer handle, but the heads are thesame.

 

[dmnall]

Well I would say get some Feather Blades, Gillette 7 O'clock SharpEdge *yellow pack* blade because the Slants just shave better with them.. Funny is that some people think the Sled Hammer is more aggressive, and in my case the 37c and 39c *both slants* are equal except I find the the hd slant a lot easier to shave with because of the lighter weight but I shave with both slants more then my gillette razors!

+1 on what bearbear said about the The extra Heft and the longer handle otherwise the heads are similar...

Cheers,

 

[bearbear]

Well I would say get some Feather Blades, Gillette 7 O'clock SharpEdge *yellow pack* blade because the Slants just shave better with them.. Funny is that some people think the Sled Hammer is more aggressive, and in my case the 37c and 39c *both slants* are equal except I find the the hd slant a lot easier to shave with because of the lighter weight but I shave with both slants more then my gillette razors!

+1 on what bearbear said about the The extra Heft and the longer handle otherwise the heads are similar...

Cheers,

as always ymmv, i should have said i find that the heft provides a little more pressure than the standard weight rather than more agressive.

 

[tsmba]

I started out with a long-handled HD, then switched to a regular slant-bar. I didn't have any crossover problems, but I'd been at it long enough to have my technique down pat. I think using those razors is all about angles and pressure. How are you holding your razor? I started out holding mine at the end, then switched to the "balance point method". Perhaps you just need a bit of time and practice.

 

[grouse79]

Virtually all my attempts with the slanthammer have resulted in claret so I'd say it's a good thing you were spared that. I use Derby's mostly so perhaps a sharper blade would be worth a try?

 

[gone down south]

My number 1 tip: Make sure the blade is properly aligned.
If you didn't consciously adjust the blade, it's probably in crooked.

 

[Walt Whitman]

I have taken points from each of your posts and have been helped tremendously in getting the Slanthammer's Shaving Supremacy...

• Changed the blade to Derby and only use for two shaves. Right now, I don't think loading a Feather would be productive, but I will down the road,
• Have completely given up the WTG pass with no ill effect. I do 2 XTG and then ATG with buffing, and touch up jawline, under jaw and around mouth,
• Definitely use Balance Point and light touch for much less irritation (though, still having problems around lower corners of mouth),
• Most importantly, verified correct blade alignment. When loading the 39C, the blade does not line up correctly as the 38C does; takes a much keener eye and a little bit time to get just right,
• And lastly, I am going to relegate the Slanthammer to a twice a week shave, as my face just is not used to it yet (or my method of learning).

The shaves I have gotten after these changes are really close to spectacular. When I purchased the 39C, my mindset was, "If this razor is as good as everyone says, maybe I can cut some time from the sahves before work." Obviously, the wrong mind set. I have taken my time concentrated on technique and implemented your suggestions, and have seen just how good this razor truly is.

Thanks again to all of you who responded and helped me out!!

 

[dmnall]

The shaves I have gotten after these changes are really close to spectacular. When I purchased the 39C, my mindset was, "If this razor is as good as everyone says, maybe I can cut some time from the sahves before work." Obviously, the wrong mind set. I have taken my time concentrated on technique and implemented your suggestions, and have seen just how good this razor truly is.

Thanks again to all of you who responded and helped me out!!

Hey Walt,
The Slant does not cut time off the shave time because I thought it did at first also take note I switched to feathers at this time as well.. So when I finally tried a feather in my super speed and slim adjustable, same as with my slants 2 pass shaves! So in my opinion, switching to a sharper blade will make the biggest difference! Also look into the hd slant *37c*, especially easier to get used to the slant in general, plus a little easier to control compared to the sledgehammer! I have both and use both, this is my opinion though!

Cheers,

 

[withoutink]

I noticed it took a bit for me to get used to loading the slant correctly. Once I did get it lined up and tightened the Feathers really gave me a nice shave. The Slant I am currently using is a temporary PIF razor so I have to give it up soon. But once I feel the need to buy another razor, I will definitely be getting a 37c.

I haven't really nicked myself, it shaves quicker and closer than my other de's... I have to say, im pretty much in love.

 

[DunEdinRanger]

You've gotten some excellent advice here. I would ask you check out the thread below if you haven't yet on loading the blade in the razor.


http://badgerandblade.com/vb/showthread.php?t=87841

Also, I do find Astras and Feathers work best for me in the Slant.

 

[Jabo]

My number 1 tip: Make sure the blade is properly aligned.
If you didn't consciously adjust the blade, it's probably in crooked.

That's my main complaint with this razor. Merkur needs to address this issue, IMO.

For the OP: Perhaps the sledgehammer is a little overhyped. I like mine, but it definitely didn't make me want to rush out and sell all of my other DE's.

 

[koso]

Buffing ATG! That's pretty hard core use for a Slant imo. I applaud you if it's working but suspect you don't need to do that.

Try sharper blades.


An excuse to post a link to one of my favorite Slant threads:

http://badgerandblade.com/vb/showthread.php?t=17662

 

[barman]

I've had a slant for almost two years and hated it. That is until lately. I recently tried it again paying careful attention to blade angle and love it. After using the slant for two weeks I tried using a super speed. Boy was I dissapointed. I'll stick with the slant. If your slant isn't working for you, put it down and try it again at a later date. You may find its better then you remember.