Gillette Slim Adjustable
- Thread starter kriskoeh
- Start date
Closer or milder, depending upon one's preference. The idea is that every shaver can dial it up or down to his or her desires, rather than a one-size-fits-all non-adjustable razor.
We shave geeks have gone considerably further with the whole business, and have raging debates about whether or not it's morally correct to adjust the setting for different blades or different phases of the shave. There's no need for your husband to lose his mind like us, though, if he just wants an adjustable razor.
We shave geeks have gone considerably further with the whole business, and have raging debates about whether or not it's morally correct to adjust the setting for different blades or different phases of the shave. There's no need for your husband to lose his mind like us, though, if he just wants an adjustable razor.
Not necessarily for a "closer" shave. A person could use a mild, non-adjustable razor and get a close shave after many passes. I have three Gillette adjustables and the design is to accomodate different beard types. Such as, someone with very coarse stubble may need a more aggressive blade angle to get a good shave, while someone with peach fuzz would need the minimum blade angle for a good shave. The dial is numbered 1 thru 9, 1 being the least aggressive which positions the blade closest to the safety bar and 9 being the most aggressive positioning the blade furthest from the safety bar. My stubble is kind of "middle of the road" and I like settings 3 and 4.
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- Thread starter
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Feathers = 2-3
Perma-sharps=4
Vintage Gillette Blues= 5-6
Usually run mine on a 4 setting for most blades but as you can see gives plenty of options for your husband
Perma-sharps=4
Vintage Gillette Blues= 5-6
Usually run mine on a 4 setting for most blades but as you can see gives plenty of options for your husband
I got the Gillette Slim, but also the earlier Fatboy and the later Super Adjustable, I rate the Super Adjustable higher than the Slim, I am not sure why, it could be the handle... the head seems to be rather similar? But the Slim is more aggressive as I use the Slim on 3 and the Super Adjustable on 5, the Fatboy I also use on 3.
I get good shaves from the Fatboy, but since the head is higher it is more tricky under the nose.
I also got other Gillette razors, like the 1938 British Aristocrate which is like a piece of art which also performs great.
Anyway they all shave great, in addition to that I really enjoy tools that are really really really well made.
I get good shaves from the Fatboy, but since the head is higher it is more tricky under the nose.
I also got other Gillette razors, like the 1938 British Aristocrate which is like a piece of art which also performs great.
Anyway they all shave great, in addition to that I really enjoy tools that are really really really well made.
Oh, kriskoeh. Never ask for "the best route" around here. That way madness lies! Ultimately, it's all about what your husband enjoys and finds effective. The Gillette adjustables – the Fat Boy, the Slim, and the Super Adjustable – are all good quality. I'm fond of both the Fat Boy and the Slim; I find the Super Adjustable unwieldy, but guys with beefy hands seem to love it.
There are also contemporary adjustables. Merkur makes a range of them, in fact. Look up any of the better vendors' websites, and you can browse the offerings. I've never tried any of them, so others will have to testify to quality.
These are great razors. Gillette says start with 1 and see how it feels. I use mine on 4 as I have somewhat sensitive skin. Of course, your choice of blade is going to effect your results. I would say to a newbie this may be the only razor you will ever need...but addiction usually follows so I don't.
Merkur and I think Parker still make good quality adjustables... though the quality of any modern razor has been called to question.
It's so nice to be able to set it up nice and aggressive if I haven't shaved in a few days, or dial it back slowly with each pass. It's like having the perfect razor for every occasion. Enjoy your shave!
I love my slim. Started with it on 1 as recommended and I find with the Astra SP blades I've bee using, it works best for me at 3-4. My beard is thick/course so a higher setting actually cuts better/closer for me in fewer passes, but the skin under my chin and on my neck doesn't appreciate that too much. So I'll just keep using it at a mild setting and having to make an extra pass.
The adjustable razor are definitely quality. Made in the USA at one time meant that. The Fatboy and slim are built like tanks.
+1 The vintage Gillette adjustables are very nice and well built. The Slim should be a good one for your husband to start off with.
For modern ones, the Merkur Progress might be the easiest and most practical one for your husband to try. The Merkur Futur and Vision might be a tad too large for him.
if you want a close effortless smooth shave I recommend a slant (I have a Hoffritz). I find my futur gives a better shave than my slim and the slim is better than the fattie.
