I just got my DE89 about a week and a half ago just to test the waters. I've been doing 3 passes with it, and it's given me closer shaves than the Fusion Proglide. This made me wonder how is it possible that I can get a closer shave with a straight, or more aggressive de? My shave is so close I think it's impossible.
Does an aggressive razor actually give a closer shave?
- Thread starter alexanderkarelin16
- Start date
Could be: there is plenty of room for YMMV.
Finding the right razor is a balancing act between number of passes needed, desired closeness, and potential for irritation. Where you sit in that continuum depends on your beard, skin, and technique. The aesthetics of the razor can come into it, too.
Finding the right razor is a balancing act between number of passes needed, desired closeness, and potential for irritation. Where you sit in that continuum depends on your beard, skin, and technique. The aesthetics of the razor can come into it, too.
Definitely not impossible. I thought I got good close shaves until I tried a shavette and then my Ever-Ready 1912 SE. I doubt a slant could even match it.
Not necessarily. An experienced shaver can get a close shave regardless of whether his razor is "aggressive" or not. I have done one pass BBS with an R89
No.
I wouldn't say it would give you a closer shave...but more efficient, quite possibly. Maybe you'd need to do two passes. For me, I found "aggressive"/more efficient razors to work better simply because the fewer passes I do, the less possibility of irritation I expose myself to. I'm also a headshaver, so 3 passes on face + 3 on head = long time in the den. When I can get a near BBS with 2 passes on each, I cut time by probably 10 min. Significant when you shave daily.
I wouldn't worry about whether you have an aggressive razor or not, your EJ89 is great! I have one too. Master it! Find the right blade and you'll get incredible shaves. BTW, straights are really fun.
I wouldn't worry about whether you have an aggressive razor or not, your EJ89 is great! I have one too. Master it! Find the right blade and you'll get incredible shaves. BTW, straights are really fun.
No matter what razor you use, technique is key. It's not that one shaves "better" than the other. One thing that isn't YMMV is that the more blade exposure, the more beard reduction, less clogging, and most likely less total passes. Technique can be very different from razor to razor so it takes some time to learn the nuances of each razor & blade combination. A different handle, shims, and a sharper blade can totally increase the aggressiveness of even a mild shaver like the DE89
I would say you are correct. A mild razor like the DE89 (or my Muhle R89) is an engineering marvel that makes me wonder why anyone, other than a werewolf, would need another razor. I used mine today and am still constantly amazed by this thing.
Why? A Futur or Mergress XL gives me a much closer, smoother amd longer lasting shave, that's why. I can't get the DE89 to work for me.
Because not everyone has your beard, for one thing. There's more of a spectrum than what you have and "werewolf". And never assume that you can extrapolate trends from a single data point no matter what the topic.
tl;dr version: YMMV.
Slash McCoy
I freehand dog rockets
Ymmv
The razor doesn't give a closer shave, the person does. Both sides of the spectrum will put the blade on your face when used correctly. It is not as if one "really" puts in on your skin. An aggressive razor will have a wider range of cutting angles, but when used at the correct angle/pressure/stroke, an mild razor cuts all the same. Are aggressive razors more efficient? Perhaps, but I think a mild razor wielded with the correct angle for an entire pass will remove the same amount of whiskers. The problem is that it is difficult to keep the correct angle on every stroke.
The only razor designed to give you an advantage is the cartridge system and its lift-tug-cut design to cut below the skin. Do people consider cartridges "aggressive"?
The only razor designed to give you an advantage is the cartridge system and its lift-tug-cut design to cut below the skin. Do people consider cartridges "aggressive"?
Last edited:
Thank you Mister Science. However, the OP stated that his shave seemed "impossible." This set a somewhat informal tone that I joined in. However, generally speaking, I am not seeking statistically significant verities from B&B. I sometimes express myself in the mood of the moment. Thus, if my exaggerations offended you, tough.
Last edited:
An aggressive razor used properly will give a closer shave than a mild razor used badly.
And vice versa.
And vice versa.
garyg
B&B membership has its percs
This is the Good answer - if you just add a pinch of YMMV - I can get a good shave on a wiry beard with the EJ, but it does take more passes than a more aggressive DE - the EJ takes me 4 & 1/2, plus touch up to BBS, where I can get the same with a Bull Mastiff in 2 to 3 ..
It might not be your exaggerations that are found to be offensive.
I can get:
A good shave in three or four passes with a mild razor and a mild blade.
A good shave with a mild razor and a sharper blade in two passes.
Razor burn with a mild razor and a sharper blade in four passes.
A good shave with an aggressive razor and a mild blade in two passes.
A good shave with an aggressive razor and a sharper blade in one pass.
Razor burn with an aggressive razor and a sharper blade in three passes.
It's all about technique and time really. I got no razor burn from a mild razor, and I've got my technique down for an aggressive one. I prefer the aggressive one, because one pass with a sharper blade is great for me. I can make that BBS in two passes if I want, but I don't need that most of the time.
A good shave in three or four passes with a mild razor and a mild blade.
A good shave with a mild razor and a sharper blade in two passes.
Razor burn with a mild razor and a sharper blade in four passes.
A good shave with an aggressive razor and a mild blade in two passes.
A good shave with an aggressive razor and a sharper blade in one pass.
Razor burn with an aggressive razor and a sharper blade in three passes.
It's all about technique and time really. I got no razor burn from a mild razor, and I've got my technique down for an aggressive one. I prefer the aggressive one, because one pass with a sharper blade is great for me. I can make that BBS in two passes if I want, but I don't need that most of the time.
Then what, pray tell?
Then I'd say you have a beard like a girl and I like the R89.
To the OP's question - If you are as happy as you sound with the EJ then you may not benefit from a more aggressive razor.
I think the above posts should of answered your question. It's all about beard reduction. With a mild razor you will get less hair trimmed from the first few passes, where an aggressive razor will give you better reduction from only your first pass.
I feel it is possible to get a bettter closer shave with an aggressive razor. You will also get less irritation because you can do the same thing with less passes. Of course technique is always going to play a factor.
I feel it is possible to get a bettter closer shave with an aggressive razor. You will also get less irritation because you can do the same thing with less passes. Of course technique is always going to play a factor.
Similar threads
