My beard is really coarse and and my current razor, the Merkur 34c just doesn't seem to cut or get very close. My neck area is particularly bad because it grows sides ways, and near my Adams apple is grows in kind of a hurricane pattern. So like the title says should I get a more aggressive razor and, if so which one?
Do I need a more aggressive razor?
- Thread starter civii
- Start date
Yes '11 Muehle R41 your whiskers will stand at attention
Lather quality and face prep have a lot to do with how good of a shave you have. I have some funny growing areas as well and face mapping helped.
If all else fails, Muhle R41!
If all else fails, Muhle R41!
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- #4
Astra SP, Feathers, and Red Personnas. I'm going to try Gillette 7 O'clock yellows next.
+1 on the muhle r41. Get one if you don't like it I'll buy it from you. I need a back up anyway
I swear by Astra SPs. Blade angle is next!
I think I'd go for a Gillette OC or a Fatip as an intermediate step before the R41. You really need good technique to use the R41, IMO.
Don't jump too soon. First, how long have you been shaving with a DE? What is your prep? How many passes do you do? What blades do you use? I could go on ----but before you put down some money for a VERY aggressive razor, think about what you are currently doing and what you need to do to perfect your technique.
Unfortunately, the tendency is blame the equipment rather than the technique and I can guarantee you that in most cases it is the technique that is off.
Unfortunately, the tendency is blame the equipment rather than the technique and I can guarantee you that in most cases it is the technique that is off.
+1 +1 +1 +1 +1
Technique is what is going to give you a great shave, not a different tool.
Here are some advanced shaving techniques that you can try that will get those areas where your beard grows every which way
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- #10
I can agree with this. I've been shaving with a D/E for about 6months, right now I'm using Feathers. I start my prep in the shower, and let the water run over my face and I also use a conditioner on my beard. After I'm out of the shower, I use a warm wash cloth on my face for around a minute, then use proraso pre-shave cream then I lather. I do 3 passes wtg,xtg,xtg again I can't do atg on my neck but I can on my cheeks. I use Tabac as my shave soap is that matters.
You could try using a pre-shave scrub or face lathering to help lift those stubborn hairs, too.
You mentioned a coarse beard. I know this is a DE thread, but have you considered a SE or injector razor? I find that the thicker blades used in SE or injector razors makes cutting thick facial hair very easy. Plus, they tend to be cheap.
If you want to stay with a DE razor, the 2011 R41 is a good choice but theres a decent learning curve.
If you want to stay with a DE razor, the 2011 R41 is a good choice but theres a decent learning curve.
+1 with the single edge suggestion. Before jumping to an R41 you may want to try one of the Merkur slants (37c or 39c)
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- #14
If you want something heavy and substantial get the 39c (long handle). I used my 37c today but had them both in my hands trying to decide which one to use before picking the shorter handled one for today's shave.
They are both Merkur so the quality will be the same as the 34c you are now using.
During my first year after switching to DE razors, I moved to progressively more aggressive razors. I was surprised when I pulled out a Tech for a week long vacation. A year earlier, it seemed that even multiple passes left quite a bit of stubble. But this time, I got an effortless BBS shave with no irritation at all. For me, technique definitely was more important than which razor I used. That said, like most here, I suspect you will end up buying a plethora of razors to try; after all, that's half the fun. Just be sure to pull out the "mild" razor after you've gained some experience. You might be surprised at how well they shave after all.
Mike
Mike
Totally agree with this. It's fine to experiment with more-aggressive razors; it may actually help improve your technique. But, in the end, the technique counts for more than the aggressiveness of the razor.
I've recently dared to shave with my slim turned all the way up to 9. The shave, while good, is a little unreliable. Somedays I'll be able to go ATG with it turned up to 9 and other days it shreds my face and I have to turn it down. But I do 3 shaves with my slim varying the settings and then I go back to visit my 33C and I get just stellar shaves. I think having an actual rotation is a very good thing because different razors teach you different things.
I've considered an R41 already since I want to see what all the hype is about and I think I'm to the point where I won't destroy my face, BUT...Right now if I had the money to buy another new razor, I would drop cash on a Futur. It seems that there are few razors that are as agressive as one of those dialed all the way up to max, and if it's too much for you you can always turn it down until you're comfortable with it.
I've considered an R41 already since I want to see what all the hype is about and I think I'm to the point where I won't destroy my face, BUT...Right now if I had the money to buy another new razor, I would drop cash on a Futur. It seems that there are few razors that are as agressive as one of those dialed all the way up to max, and if it's too much for you you can always turn it down until you're comfortable with it.
The merkur progress may be just what you need. The handle has good heft and is adjustable so you can find a setting to suit your beard and skin sensitivity.
The r41 wwill help you to improve you're technique. I got my r41 a month into de shaving. It has helped me more than any other piece Of equipment.
