Geezer Metamorphesis - Looking for advice on a slant razor handle

[Nickie]

I have returned to wet shaving again for about a year after a 60 some year absence. In my teens I used the Gillette DE razors (wish I still had them). I then went top electric shavers for
several years up until my early 60's. Then after I retired I got into the Gillette Fusion type razors
for a few years. As I got older I found I had to budget more and so I ended up using Harry's razors. These suited my purpose as I am 84 now and don't go out much (mobility problems). I am retired so don't have to shave every day. About a year ago, I thought I would try wet shaving again. To my surprise I got to thinking of shaving and an enjoyment instead of a chore.

Like you, I came back to wet shaving using cheap razors in the 10 to 20 dollar class like Weishi.
Bali, Feather pllastic etc. Then I moved up a little to A Parker R99. At about 30 dollars. I decided to try the Merkur 34C and 24C. I wanted to buy a Merkur 38C supposed big brother to the 34C except that the Gap is different. The Gap on the 38C is actually the same head as the 23C.
About that time I discovered Maggard Razor heads and handles. I thought I might be able to use my 23C head and a Maggard Handle and replicate the Merkur 38C and save a few bucks.
I ordered a V3 closed comb and a V2 open comb and a V2 open comb razor head along with an MR6 and an MR5 handle.

Today I had my closest shave ever. Using Gillette Blues made in Russia with the Merkur 23C head and the Maggard MR5 handle I got the closest shave yet since I have returned to wet shaving. However, I did get a little razor burn for this combo. I know I haven't been getting good shaves because I haven't perfected my Technique yet. Both in the Angle of the blade and the Technique used to develop a good lather. Too many Bubbles means too much water. I am getting better. I used Bond Streets Old Taylor Grapefruit cream on this shave. I first did a preshave with Porazo pre shave. I am looking forward to further adventures with the different blades, handles and heads on my next shaves.

To complete my razor Den , I also bought a Merkur Futur chines clone Ming Shi which I have not had enough courage to try yet until my technique gets better. I also bought a Razorock Slant to try Slant shaving. All kinds of new adventures await me. Here is where I need your help and advice. Would you suggest a light head or a heavier head for a beginner to Slang shaving. I could use the long handle off of my Merkur 23C which is fairly light and long or I could use a heavier Maggard Head like the MR6. Which would give me more control and less bloodshed. If I find that shave Nirvanas in my adventures, I will let you know. I have come close with the Merkur34C but I need to improve my Technique first to get there.
I could get a decent shave with many of those razors , even the Bali butterfly , but I could never really get a CLOSE shave. Always patches of stubble on the chin and neck. I got the same result with my Parker 99R which is a fine razor but might require a different technique than the 34C. What a delicious dilemna.

I am through buying razors until I improve my Technique (except for the one I saw yesterday on Amazon that included Derby Blades and a case for $11.00. The blades and handle alone
make that a wiin-win deal.

 

[ackvil]

Glad to see you return to traditional shaving.

To help you out answer a few questions. 1. How many passes do you take and in what direction? 2. Have you mapped your beard pattern to see in what direction it grows?

 

[Nickie]

Glad to see you return to traditional shaving.

To help you out answer a few questions. 1. How many passes do you take and in what direction? 2. Have you mapped your beard pattern to see in what direction it grows?

I use 3 passes. If I am in a hurry for a DR. Appointment , I may use 2. Yes, I mapped my face
and try to follow a pattern. I should have mentioned that even though my last close shave
with the Gillette blades caused some razor burn, it was quickly and effectively eliminated with a little
Col. Trumper's skin renewal lotion. Great stuff that provides a smooth , refreshing finish. Thanks for the reply.
My mother said those same things.

 

[ackvil]

Take a look at this post for some good hints on neck shaving.

 

[Graydog]

I have returned to wet shaving again for about a year after a 60 some year absence. In my teens I used the Gillette DE razors (wish I still had them). I then went top electric shavers for
several years up until my early 60's. Then after I retired I got into the Gillette Fusion type razors
for a few years. As I got older I found I had to budget more and so I ended up using Harry's razors. These suited my purpose as I am 84 now and don't go out much (mobility problems). I am retired so don't have to shave every day. About a year ago, I thought I would try wet shaving again. To my surprise I got to thinking of shaving and an enjoyment instead of a chore.

Like you, I came back to wet shaving using cheap razors in the 10 to 20 dollar class like Weishi.
Bali, Feather pllastic etc. Then I moved up a little to A Parker R99. At about 30 dollars. I decided to try the Merkur 34C and 24C. I wanted to buy a Merkur 38C supposed big brother to the 34C except that the Gap is different. The Gap on the 38C is actually the same head as the 23C.
About that time I discovered Maggard Razor heads and handles. I thought I might be able to use my 23C head and a Maggard Handle and replicate the Merkur 38C and save a few bucks.
I ordered a V3 closed comb and a V2 open comb and a V2 open comb razor head along with an MR6 and an MR5 handle.

Today I had my closest shave ever. Using Gillette Blues made in Russia with the Merkur 23C head and the Maggard MR5 handle I got the closest shave yet since I have returned to wet shaving. However, I did get a little razor burn for this combo. I know I haven't been getting good shaves because I haven't perfected my Technique yet. Both in the Angle of the blade and the Technique used to develop a good lather. Too many Bubbles means too much water. I am getting better. I used Bond Streets Old Taylor Grapefruit cream on this shave. I first did a preshave with Porazo pre shave. I am looking forward to further adventures with the different blades, handles and heads on my next shaves.

To complete my razor Den , I also bought a Merkur Futur chines clone Ming Shi which I have not had enough courage to try yet until my technique gets better. I also bought a Razorock Slant to try Slant shaving. All kinds of new adventures await me. Here is where I need your help and advice. Would you suggest a light head or a heavier head for a beginner to Slang shaving. I could use the long handle off of my Merkur 23C which is fairly light and long or I could use a heavier Maggard Head like the MR6. Which would give me more control and less bloodshed. If I find that shave Nirvanas in my adventures, I will let you know. I have come close with the Merkur34C but I need to improve my Technique first to get there.
I could get a decent shave with many of those razors , even the Bali butterfly , but I could never really get a CLOSE shave. Always patches of stubble on the chin and neck. I got the same result with my Parker 99R which is a fine razor but might require a different technique than the 34C. What a delicious dilemna.

I am through buying razors until I improve my Technique (except for the one I saw yesterday on Amazon that included Derby Blades and a case for $11.00. The blades and handle alone
make that a wiin-win deal.

Welcome @Nickie , I'm retired also a bit younger 59 ,60 in September .
I came back 2 years ago to traditional wet shaving and started with same Parker r99 it was ok but I wanted to shave with the razors that my dad had left me , Buttttttttttt to my surprise my wife of 39 years had cleaned out the bath room closet and pitched them all. So what I did was I went on a hunt on E bay and tried to replace some of them.
I Love Shaving with Vintage Gillette's They are almost the only Razors I use. I have only 2 Modern Razors in My shaving cabinet that I use a Timeless Open Comb and a Razorock 38 Slant. I use the slant with the handle that it came with and it gives Me a wonderful close shave .But I still like the Vintage Gillette's better . Shaving with History is really a great Joy for Me . If you can some day you should try a Vintage Gillette , one of My Favorite Razors was made in1936 , 3 years after your birth year, it is a 1936 Gillette Aristocrat open comb TTO and I'm sure you remember Old Spice

one of the best Razors Gillette ever made.

 

[ccpastork]

@Nickie Welcome to Badger and Blade. Do you recall what old Gillette razors you used when you first started shaving?

I am tad bit younger, but have found my sweet spot in the old Gillettes. Though when I returned to wet shaving I started with the Merkur 34C HD, a fine razor that I still occasionally use.