Just got my vintage Merkur Slant today and loaded it with a feather blade, I finished the shave with no cuts. However the shave isn't nearly as close a get with my Merkur HD Classic any vets out there have advice? I thought this thing would give me a BBS shave from what everybody says and so far I'm disappointed, how does the angle compare to the HD Classic?
First Merkur Slant Shave, Help!
- Thread starter MMag
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The angle is the same.
It might take a few shave to get used to it. Give it another go tomorrow
It might take a few shave to get used to it. Give it another go tomorrow
Having use both a slant an a HD i can say there is no big difference in the end result of the shave, the major difference is the "way" it shaves.
Sometimes whit a slant it's easier to get those spots usually you will still have stubbles even after the shave.
Sometimes whit a slant it's easier to get those spots usually you will still have stubbles even after the shave.
I can't say I do anything special when I use the slant. I do get a nice shave. I think it is like Luc said, give it another go so you can get used to it.
Put the slant down and slowly back away. Those things should only be used by professionals...or at least not by me.
I gotta say the slant is not for everyone, including me. I used it and didn't see the big deal and went back to the Futur.
How long you been DE shaving for? The tools don't do it all by themselves. 
I've been at it for quite a while and I have a few slants. I love 'em. That said I'd never recommend a Feather for a first shave with a Slant. Also, you shouldn't have to do anything any different to get a great shave. Angle is normal and the twist of the slant head will do the deed for you. All you need is practice.
I think that the fierce reputation of the slant is unfounded. Its the only DE razor I own, I gave my HD away. I can get a great shave with both razors, the slant just makes it easier to get BBS some places, and harder to get BBS other places. It takes practice to get the most from the razor.
This was part of my resoning for giving up my slant. I don't try for BBS at all really, my face just won't take it regardless the angle, blade, or pressure. For me who is just looking for a DFS the HD is the greatest...so far.
Was that one of Chessman's? I got one of those last week and have been trying it out. It seems a lot more sensitive to blade choice than others.
Tried it first with my Gillette Bleue, and I wasn't all that impressed with the result. Quite a lot of "pull," but the end result wasn't even near DFS and certain spots (particularly in in the corner upper lip areas) didn't get much of at all.
For the last two days I've been using it with a Super Irridium. For some reason, this blade make a total difference. Shaving was much smoother, and got near BBS. Today, for some reason, I got a lot of weepers, but the result is still very smooth. Wouldn't say it does any better than my trusty Fatboy using the same blade, however. I'm keeping the Slant as my weekend razor, since I have to spend more time with it to keep from hacking myself up.
Jeff in Boston
+1.
Slant and Feather can be a lethal combo IMHO. However, it extracts a better shave out of a derby, for example, than the HD does. I'd say the difference is quite subtle, and the slant is not always the beast that some say.
Simon.
Slant and Feather can be a lethal combo IMHO. However, it extracts a better shave out of a derby, for example, than the HD does. I'd say the difference is quite subtle, and the slant is not always the beast that some say.
Simon.
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- #13
Here is my post to answer some of your questions. I have been DE shaving for a little over 3 months now but seem to be catching on quick. I can get a near BBS with my classic in 3-4 passes so I was hoping for a solid 3 passes on this. Also, I didn't get it from Chessman, found it $13 cheaper from another user. I'll take the suggestion of loading it up with a Derby and report bake later.
I after a couple years of trying to settle on a shaving kit... finally settled on the razor, a Merkur Slant. Have been using it for over half a year and (at present) don't want to use anything else.
However, I again this week tried it with a Feather blade and gave up after two days.
It shouldn't be odd but the Merkur blade (despite cost) is my preferred blade for the Merkur Slant but a Derby is OK.
If you use the Slant with a Feather, just do two passes with the grain (and maybe that will work for you).
FYI.
However, I again this week tried it with a Feather blade and gave up after two days.
It shouldn't be odd but the Merkur blade (despite cost) is my preferred blade for the Merkur Slant but a Derby is OK.
If you use the Slant with a Feather, just do two passes with the grain (and maybe that will work for you).
FYI.
I was someone who had the merkur 38c barber pole and the slant barber pole and found very little difference so i traded the slant off. Now i am in love with an edwin jagger DE89L which i think has become my daily shaver...
I shaved with my Slant over 24 hours ago, and now I am getting some stubble. The Slant gives great shaves but I have not tried one of the vintage ones yet.
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