I've had an Ikon Shavecraft Tech for a year now. Like advertised, it is plenty aggressive, but the shaves are rough and uncomfortable. I stopped using it for a while because it just didn't shave me as well as my Fatip Grande. Tonight I shaved with the Ikon Tech again. I prepped with a hot shower (as usual), I lathered up my Frankensoap (VDH Luxury + VDH Deluxe + Col. Conk Lime) and again noticed the razor wasn't mowing down the hair effortlessly. I had one day of beard growth, lathered with a synthetic (game changer knot), and added more water after the first pass to make sure my lather wasn't too dry (didn't help). Blade was a Personna (comfort coated, white wrapper). Has anyone else had this experience, or am I doing something wrong? I never have issues with my Fatip Grande, unless my blade isn't sharp enough. I plan to experiment further, but I'm at a loss as to what the issue could be. The tugging was unreal under my nose and on my chin when I shaved ATG. Perhaps I'll use a sharper blade, but a Feather seems like overkill.
Every time I shave with my Ikon Tech, I get major tugging
- Thread starter EternalBachelor
- Start date
Ikon Tech is maybe the most aggressive razor ever made. My own experience is that more aggressive razors requires sharper blade or they will tug.
For this reason I use only KAI and Feather in my own R41. Anything less sharp will tug for me.
For this reason I use only KAI and Feather in my own R41. Anything less sharp will tug for me.
Some blade, razor, beard combo's just don't work. Also how old was the blade? I used the same razor and blade(1st use) today as you and had a fine shave.
I have this same issue. I've decided that using a Feather actually helps, and that being very patient helps a lot. Very slow and short strokes, with much buffing. I have an old hide, so my skin rarely gets irritated. If I follow protocol, I get a great shave. My R41 2011 is more friendly to my face, however, and most of my Gem blade razors give me a shave that's as close, even if milder.
try a different blade. not all blades will work the same in all razors. or use a fresh blade, old blades can tug. just experiment, youll get it
The two things that cause tugging for me: blade not sharp, and too steep an angle.
First thing I would do is pop in another blade, if not Feather than one of the well regarded Russian's (GSB, 7OC Green). Bet that makes a huge difference.
First thing I would do is pop in another blade, if not Feather than one of the well regarded Russian's (GSB, 7OC Green). Bet that makes a huge difference.
- Thread starter
- #7
The blade was a fresh, unused blade. I guess I'll go balls to the wall and shave with a Feather next time.
Perhaps PIF or sell the razor. I hate to not be able yo use a razor, but sometimes that happens. I tried Schick injectors and just couldn't get them to wok for me. Vexed me somewhat, but I just moved on to something that worked. Life is too short to have bad shaves.
Agree with using a sharp blade, but also try a steep angle for the Shavecraft Tech (handle more parallel to the face). I personally prefer Gillette 7 O'Clock Black blades for a very sharp but smooth blade, but certainly Feathers are good as well. Use almost no pressure, as this razor can bite if not handled with care. Personally, I have stopped using my iKon Tech and Muhle R41 (both great razors I used to use regularly) in favor of the Merkur Futur, which gives me the same quality of shave even on a setting like #3 without the same risk of blood spillage and with much more comfort. Another razor that gives me the same quality of shaves is the Merkur Progress (mine is a Mergress) or the new Parker Variant, which is an improved version of the Progress. Good luck!
Israeli Personna Reds were my blade of choice. I thought that I wouldn't find something better.
I then got feathers and was scared it wouldn't be smooth. Well the feathers showed me where my technique was lacking.
Now, I can NOT go to any other blade because I will experience the tug. And I don't get razor burn or irritation, the limited variability here. Feather ftw. Try them. I use them in a merkur Futur at #4 no problem
I then got feathers and was scared it wouldn't be smooth. Well the feathers showed me where my technique was lacking.
Now, I can NOT go to any other blade because I will experience the tug. And I don't get razor burn or irritation, the limited variability here. Feather ftw. Try them. I use them in a merkur Futur at #4 no problem
- Thread starter
- #12
Update: I used a Feather, and while it was better than the Personna, there was still some amount of tugging, and the shave overall felt a little rough. Even WTG it's a bit uncomfortable, but ATG is far more uncomfortable. I don't understand why people say I'm using an improper angle, in my experience, if I'm not using a certain angle in certain areas of my face, then the blade isn't going to make contact. My other razors don't seem to have this problem.
- Thread starter
- #13
So, the Feather was certainly an improvement, but it didn't smooth out the razor. It was still a little uncomfortable. I did get a close shave, but comfort matters too. Plus, the razor just feels a little uncomfortable on my mustache area. I don't think I'll get rid of it, but I think this is a razor I'll reach for only when I want to get a close shave in one pass. Will not use this razor ATG again.
Keep at it, it took me a little time to figure it out. I know the sensation you are talking about..I found for me that Feathers work the best, and I played around with the angle (mainly steep), this was important. Once I hit the sweet spot, with NO pressure, it just started gliding along and I was blown away. I'ts my favorite modern razor , and I get zero irritation. Again, just use the weight of the razor. To me, this philosophy relates to this razor the most.
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