Difference Between Razors

[wrslr]

Hey guys,
I am a newbie...in fact I am still waiting to receive my first DE razor. I have been using an electric razor since I started shaving and never enjoyed it. Man I can hardly wait - but the package should arrive Monday.

Anyway, I have a question. I bought a Merkur 34C HD, which as I understand is a fixed head razor - and many recommend for a newbie. I also understand there are adjustable heads. How do these heads adjust? Is it the angle or how much blade is showing?

Lastly, depending on what adjustable means, I don't understand how one razor gives a better shave over another. Obviously one may prefer a heavier razor, a longer handle, or the amount of parts, but assuming the quality of the materials used is equal what makes one razor give a superior shave over another? Is it just personal preference or am I missing something?

Thanks all in advance, I tried a forum search but couldn't find anything - sorry if this is a common thread and I missed it.

 

[demaro]

Adlustables will expose more or less of the blade in them ,As far as some razors being better than others some to prefer longer handles and heavier razors , I personally believe with the right prep before shave andgetting a decent lather as long as you are comfortable with whatever razor you have and know how it works . you will get a great shave..

 

[Mick]

there is a lot in play with razor design. Now much blade is exposed. Now much rise the blade is above the safety bar. the angle/bend of the blade, as well as the length and weight of the handle.

Razors are a personal thing. What works for someone may not work for you.

Luckily they are not very expensive (if you stay away from the custom ones) so you can try out a lot of different ones without having to take out a loan.

With adjustable razors most will raise the blade higher or lower off of the safety bar. I find where I enjoy shaving and rarely change the setting on all of my adjustable razors

 

[Loganpass]

You're going to get a lot of responses, and I'll bet each one is fundamentally different! There are as many variables as there are guys who shave. Answer to many of your questions... Yes! Adjustable razors will change the angle of the blade and in most cases change the exposure a bit in the process. The razor may have straight guide bars or "teeth" and the design of those will affect the way the razor handles. Speaking of handles, heavy handles drive a little different than light ones and the length of the handle will affect the weight and so on... Your beard, your technique, even the softness of the water you use will have an affect on your shave. Best advice, try everything you can, don't take internet advice to heart and let it effect your experience and most of all, relax, have fun and enjoy the luxury!

 

[Omaha-BeenGlockin]

Big fan of adjustables here----all my fixed razors have pretty much been retired. Still use a long handled Merkur for neck shaving when I cut my hair though.

 

[redrako]

Matthew, very good question and welcome to B&B.

Mick (Turtle) does an excellent job of describing the variables.

I'll add one more piece:

No matter what moderate razor (not too aggressive, not to mild - think Goldilocks) that you choose, I would recommend sticking with it for a number of weeks before playing with other razors. The simple reason is that although wet shaving is not difficult, there is a slight learning curve where you'll be developing a lot of skills simultaneously such as learning to make an effective lather, preparing your face well before you shave as well as learning how to hold the razor so that it goes across your face in a way that cuts whiskers and not skin.

In other words there are a number of variables that come into effect that all affect the quality of your shave. Regularly switching razors before you've really learned the basics of the components might actually make learning to shave more difficult rather than easy.

The Merkur 34 is a fine razor that many of us learned to shave with and many of us still years later regularly reach for knowing that we're going to get a fine shave. If there's one thing to focus on aside from razor technique, Paul (demaro) 's excellent advice about focusing on good prep and lathering is spot on. Good prep trumps everything else.

Good Luck and again, welcome to B&B.

 

[wrslr]

Thanks guys, that makes sense. I guess I will have to try a few different razors out after I get good with my Merkur.

 

[takeshi]

Is it just personal preference or am I missing something?

A bit of both. You also need to consider that beards vary as well which is why the same DE can provide differing effectiveness from one person to the next. It's not just the hardware. It's the person and technique that matter as well.

I guess I will have to try a few different razors out after I get good with my Merkur.

That's what it always boils down to. No matter how much you read you have to try the options to find out what suits you and what does not. Once you have some experience with the Merkur 34C you can give some feedback that we can use to help guide you to your next DE.