Gillette Slim: Just Arrived, Tips?

[kwsher]

All, just received my first adjustable from Judge Kemp. The Slim, in my birth year/quarter, arrived today. Great looking razor- thanks Judge for making it happen in a flawless transaction via WTB.

Any tips or tricks from the B&B community?

I was planning on starting with a setting of 4 and seeing how that goes. Good call? I also know there are two camps as far as adjusting-
how many fall in the "open" vs. "closed" category?

Any other general tips re: maintenance and use?

Thanks for any guidance!

 

[BigFoot]

I was planning on starting with a setting of 4 and seeing how that goes.

If you are experienced with DE shaving it may be a bit mild. Then again it may work perfect. I shave with a New most of the time. If I use my slim it is usually on 6 for all passes.

I also know there are two camps as far as adjustibles
how many fall in the "open" vs. "closed" category?

I close the doors on mine when shaving.

Scott

 

[Sledgehammer39]

You may know this but don't forget when you tighten the razor to your selected setting that you also turn an additional 1/4 turn until the barrel locks out. It's a great razor.

 

[HoosierTrooper]

Also remember to "unlock" the tto knob before making adjustments.

 

[Charles Darwin]

You may know this but don't forget when you tighten the razor to your selected setting that you also turn an additional 1/4 turn until the barrel locks out. It's a great razor.

I just ordered one myself off of E-bay.

What does that mean - 1/4 turn until the barrel locks out?

I have a 1951 Gillette Super Speed - so I know how the TTO mechanism works, but I am confused by your comment. Care to explain?

 

[klm099]

I just ordered one myself off of E-bay.

What does that mean - 1/4 turn until the barrel locks out?

I have a 1951 Gillette Super Speed - so I know how the TTO mechanism works, but I am confused by your comment. Care to explain?

The doors close tight, but continue to tighten for 1/4 turn to keep the doors securely "down" and in place during your shave, if this isn't it is possible (but unlikely) the doors could open slightly thus freeing the blade to cut at wrong angles, increase the gap and otherwise play hell with your face.

those of us who grew up with this type razor do this automatically (making sure the doors are always closed tight) I check several times each shave. you only have to peel off 1/16 inch of skin once

ken

 

[klm099]

to unlock means to loosen the doors (open them) before dailing in a new setting. when doors are lock down the risers have no travel room, open the doors and keep the tension off the risers and door

ken

 

[rolisrgti06]

I started off with a setting of 3 because it was close to my Tech. Then 4 was close to my Super Speed. I'm now up to 5 and it works pretty good there. What I'm saying is starting at 4 is a good start. However, when you get comfortable with the razor don't be afraid to open it up some more.

 

[Fletch]

Depends on what you're used to as far as a shaver. 4 I think is a great starting place, the nice thing about it is you can always adjust at any point . I use mine on 3 settings which increases on each pass. I go 5, 7, 9 on my passes.

 

[Obi Wan]

Congratulations for getting one of the best razors ever made. I find adjustables can tame the majority of blades so I won't recommend a specific blade.

I like to do my first pass on 3 then a second pass and touch ups on 5 ,both passes WTG.

When you clean the razor send some water down the centre shaft as you don't want soap scum to build up on the adjuster mechanism or even better give the whole razor a dunk in surgical spirit.

 

[Sledgehammer39]

I just ordered one myself off of E-bay.

What does that mean - 1/4 turn until the barrel locks out?

I have a 1951 Gillette Super Speed - so I know how the TTO mechanism works, but I am confused by your comment. Care to explain?

The doors close tight, but continue to tighten for 1/4 turn to keep the doors securely "down" and in place during your shave, if this isn't it is possible (but unlikely) the doors could open slightly thus freeing the blade to cut at wrong angles, increase the gap and otherwise play hell with your face.

those of us who grew up with this type razor do this automatically (making sure the doors are always closed tight) I check several times each shave. you only have to peel off 1/16 inch of skin once

ken

+1 exactly what ken said. The adjustables from Gillette need an additional 1/4 turn. Simply tie down the tto knob until it stops like you would do with any non-adjustable TTO razor.. than give it that 1/4 turn. Hope this helps

 

[bananaman]

I started at 6 too. I think I read that on here somewhere that it was a nice "safe" starting point. I found that after a couple shaves that I was keeping it at 6 consistently.
I would say just try the different settings and enjoy!

 

[Mike'sWorld]

I started off mild on my Slim. Big mistake. I got a really bad shave on a setting of 2 or 3. Lots of stubble left and it felt harsh. I was ready to give up on it until I turned it up to 7 or 8, figuring I had nothing to lose. For me, this razor shaves much smoother on higher settings.

 

[mandoman]

got one my self about two weeks ago your going to love it

 

[Hank21]

Clean and sterilize it before you shave.

Prep well.

Start out on a low setting. I use it on 4.
I don't worry about the number of passes.
The only thing I'm interested in is getting
a smooth shave without irritation.

Take short light strokes with no pressure.
Rinse the razor often as you shave.

 

[PlayerPiano]

As someone with a very sensitive face, I found that dialing it up to around 8 is much easier on my face than a 3 or 4. I have to do three smooth passes instead of three "passes" which really ended up being much more with all the times i had to go over my stubble again and again.

 

[Sydney Guy]

The doors close tight, but continue to tighten for 1/4 turn to keep the doors securely "down" and in place during your shave, if this isn't it is possible (but unlikely) the doors could open slightly thus freeing the blade to cut at wrong angles, increase the gap and otherwise play hell with your face.ken

Actually, not so unlikely. This has happened to me a couple of times. You think that the doors are closed down tightly and you're shaving away quite happily then ... OUCH! blood spurting ... you look at the razor and the gap has increased dramatically and the TTO knob is loose ... you forgot to tighten it that last 1/4 turn. As Ken says, you only need to do it once ... or in my case twice, but I'm a slow learner.

 

[kwsher]

Thanks for the solid tips - great info.

Any other maintenance pointers? I have read references to mineral oil etc. but have never used it for maintenance of TTO razors in the past. Thoughts from the experienced Slim users?

 

[tpoof]

Thanks for the solid tips - great info.

Any other maintenance pointers? I have read references to mineral oil etc. but have never used it for maintenance of TTO razors in the past. Thoughts from the experienced Slim users?

I've had mine for almost a year.. have it set on 7... nice and smooth and does a fine BBS job in three easy passes.
have not had a problem whatsoever.. remember to do the "lock" "unlock" thingy when adjusting the setting..
I had an episode with my Super Adj. and will not forget again...lol
I keep mine rinsed off well with Hot water after I'm done..maybe a quick scrub with a nail brush if I see soap scum buildup..
it looks like brand new.. a fine razor...

 

[Judge Kemp]

First, I'm glad to hear you like the razor!

My one piece of advice is you can always dial-up in a shave! Start low and work your way to your comfort level.