Do I need a more aggressive DE razor?

[striker6]

I started DE shaving a few months back with a Merkur 33C. I'd say I've got my technique down pretty good. I frequently get DFS to BBS and shave every day. Most shaves end with very little irritation or blood but it still takes me at least 4 passes (WTG, XTG, maybe (2) ATG) plus touch ups to the smoothness I want. I've used many different blades (favs are Feather, Kai, 7 O'Clock Greens, Personna Red). Sometimes I feel that I'm pushing it with the number of passes though... I will get some redness on occasion.

Would a more aggressive razor help reduce the number of passes? I've been considering a Merkur 37C HD Slant or maybe an adjustable Merkur Progress.

Looking forward to your thoughts Gents... Thanks!

 

[m139]

I'm in the same boat as you but I started with a Parker TTO then moved to an EJ89 with Feathers. I only do two passes (WTG & XTG) with some final touch up around the chin and that's all I need to get a DFS every time. I have a very coarse beard and the hair on my neck grows in two different directions so I would categorize my beard in the greater difficulty level. Still I have never done three or four passes... then again, I don't do ATG. I don't think you need a more aggressive razor at all... I think you may want to take a look at your prep and your shaving cream/soap, etc before you buy a more aggressive razor. That's just my 2 cents. Good luck.

 

[fsturnz]

I find that I actually get a closer shave, with less irritation if I use a more aggressive razor. I would classify my beard as average...not too thick or wiry. With a mild razor, I find lyself going over the same spot several times, where with the aggressive razor...just one or two. Of course, technique may have something to do with it. I think the blade gap, being smaller on a mild razor, requires you to hold the razor at the proper angle throughout the whole stoke, or risk gliding over the stubble. With the aggressive razor, you have to be careful for obvious reasons, but if your angle is off, you may still clip the hair? Just thinking outloud. I'm sure more experienced shavers will chime in and correct me if I'm wrong!

 

[Zagnut]

A more aggressive razor may reduce the number of passes you need to get DFS. However, I don't think you need a more aggressive DE razor.

Try an SE. They have a steeper learning curve than a DE, but once you get the knack, they are very much like shaving with straights.

Using a common 1912 I can get in two passes what I would need four passes to achieve with a Fatip, which is a very aggressive razor.

 

[striker6]

A more aggressive razor may reduce the number of passes you need to get DFS. However, I don't think you need a more aggressive DE razor.

Try an SE. They have a steeper learning curve than a DE, but once you get the knack, they are very much like shaving with straights.

Using a common 1912 I can get in two passes what I would need four passes to achieve with a Fatip, which is a very aggressive razor.

So an SE is different from a straight???

 

[Zagnut]

By SE, I refer to single-edge. The so-called 'cocaine blades'. They are much thicker and stiffer than DE blades, and are thus closer in feel and effectiveness to a straight razor, which is, of course, a single piece of steel.

 

[striker6]

By SE, I refer to single-edge. The so-called 'cocaine blades'. They are much thicker and stiffer than DE blades, and are thus closer in feel and effectiveness to a straight razor, which is, of course, a single piece of steel.

Are SE still made? Where can I find some examples?

 

[Zagnut]

SEs are no longer made, with one notable exception, the 200 dollar 'Cobra Classic'.

However, they can be readily found on eBay and here (on B/S/T) for much less money than DEs of a similar vintage.

Brands like Gem, Star, and Ever-Ready made razors for years. My recommendation would be a '1912'. Very close cutters.

 

[Mick]

Would a more aggressive razor help reduce the number of passes? I've been considering a Merkur 37C HD Slant or maybe an adjustable Merkur Progress.

Looking forward to your thoughts Gents... Thanks!

Either one of those would be a step in the right direction from your current 33c. I would suggest the slant first as this may be your ending point so might as well start there to begin with

I doubt that you will be able to lower the number of passes but you will get a closer shave.

 

[Coler]

I've shaved with a DE89 (v mild) and an R41 (v aggressive) and some in between (39C Slant, Fatboy at various settings).

What that experience tells me is that I can definitely get a closer shave with the more aggressive razors when compared to the DE89.

However, I can never get BBS in less than 3 passes.

What I generally aim for now however is the smoothest possible shave in the shortest possible time available to me, which is still minimum DFS.

(smooth for me means comfortable during and after with no irritation, and cut close and evenly)

Basically, if I am short on time I do one pass with the R41 - that's closer than one pass with any other of the above and hits DFS.

If I have more time I will do the full 3 passes (WTG, XTG, ATG) with the R39 or the Fatboy on level 9 - those are my preferred options - basically BBS after this. I prefer not to go ATG with the R41 because while it generates a very close shave, it is not always as smooth as I would like in that it can shave too close.

If I have even more time/am shaving for a special occasion, I'll do 2 passes with the the R41 (WTG & XTG) then a pass ATG with the Fatboy on a 7 setting, then touchup with that razor. This will give me BBS 'sticky/shiny smooth'.

So, for me, the quest is for the smoothest, most comfortable close shave. I would really recommend to you the 37C or 39C (personally the 39C is better because it's heavier and so requires less input from you). I think you will experience a very significant difference in how it scythes the stubble away, and how close it can get in 3 passes, versus a standard closed comb razor. I don't think you will get BBS in less passes, but you will probably have less touching up to do - which is generally where an awful lot of beginners pick up their razor burn/irritation, as they carelessly/thoughtlessly shave over and over again, sometimes with no lather.

Part of the trick is to know when enough is enough, and that you should back off for the day of course.

Enjoy your shaves !

 

[aaaargh]

I started DE shaving a few months back with a Merkur 33C. I'd say I've got my technique down pretty good. I frequently get DFS to BBS and shave every day. Most shaves end with very little irritation or blood but it still takes me at least 4 passes (WTG, XTG, maybe (2) ATG) plus touch ups to the smoothness I want. I've used many different blades (favs are Feather, Kai, 7 O'Clock Greens, Personna Red). Sometimes I feel that I'm pushing it with the number of passes though... I will get some redness on occasion.

Would a more aggressive razor help reduce the number of passes? I've been considering a Merkur 37C HD Slant or maybe an adjustable Merkur Progress.

Looking forward to your thoughts Gents... Thanks!

+1. I have been wondering the same thing. I do 4 passes, and then a couple of problem areas wind up getting... well... if I'm being honest, something like 4 or 5 more passes to complete all points of the compass. My face seems to tolerate it just fine, though.

 

[striker6]

Either one of those would be a step in the right direction from your current 33c. I would suggest the slant first as this may be your ending point so might as well start there to begin with

I doubt that you will be able to lower the number of passes but you will get a closer shave.

I put a slant on order... My gut is telling me that's the way to go!

 

[TallyShave]

Do you need a more aggressive razor? No. But you may want one or prefer one (which, of course, is important). It is also nice to have some variety in terms of razor personality. Aggressive is all the rage right now, but whether you get a great shave or not is up to you, not your equipment.

 

[Gwhunter]

The 37C with a Feather is a great combo for me and a favorite.

 

[jsj_297]

u made the right choice with the slant. if you love feathers, your gonna love the slant with feathers loaded in her. it feels like it was designed for that blade. I looooove mine

 

[kingknight]

I use a 34C and 37C. My experience tells me I get a closer shave with the slant in the same number of passes. Different blades are a factor too, especially with a feather versus other blades. And I believe MWF is more conducive for BBS than creams. IMHO

 

[Viseguy]

When I was a few months in, I found that shaving with different razors, some aggressive, some mild, helped build a solid technique that improved my shave with any razor. So I would recommend acquiring another 2-3 razors along the way, including at least one SE, and do some experimenting. If you eventually settle on one or two, you can always sell off the others on the B/S/T forum here.

Good luck with the slant, and let us know how it works out.

 

[striker6]

I really appreciate all the good info... I've read a lot about the slant, R41, adjustables, SE's and such since opening this thread. It really does come down to experience/preference. I decided to order a slant for my next step but I've stowed away everyone's comments for future reference!

 

[celestino]

Good luck to you!

 

[John Von Wuggz]

6 weeks after I started I got my Futur. It is now my only razor and the best shaving purchase I've made to date.