Going from Merkur HD to Slant

[chriss]

I'm going to ask for a new safety razor for Christmas, and the Slant bar is currently at the top of my list. I started wetshaving last March and have used an HD, Tweezerman brush, and Prorasco since then. Time to step it up, I'd say.

Is the slant bar a good step to take after one has more or less mastered the HD? I get regular, irritation-free shaves with no nicks unless I'm not paying attention. I'm looking forward to something a little more aggressive.

I've read the reviews, and everyone seems to really like the slant. Anything additional that I should know about before making the switch?

Thanks

 

[MoJoe]

I have been using a slant for a year after starting on an HD and then splitting time between that an a SuperSpeed. Using a slant is really no different than using the HD. However, I found that there were two things that had to change. First, I found that I needed to use sharper blades in the slant. For some reason (it may be only in my case) duller blades just didn't work as well and pulled way too much. The same blades gave me close to a BBS in the HD but were terrible in the Slant. So, I started using Feathers more and also found that Kai & Iridiums worked well too.

The other change was with technique. I found that I could not rush any more or else I'd be all cut up. It took me a bit of time to slow down, use less pressure than before and use the proper blade angle. Once I understood that I refused to use anything other than my slant. I get closer than I ever had before and more BBS shaves than with either the HD or SuperSpeed.

I hope you enjoy it as much as I enjoy mine. Good shaving!

 

[dpm802]

You say you've mastered the HD ... this is good. If you weren't already getting consistently good shaves with your present razor, then I'd say your technique is not ready yet.

The Slant is a good way to step up. You might want to try a few dry runs without a blade to learn how the Slant maneuvers.

I use mine with Feather blades, and the two make an unbeatable combo.

Keep in mind that the Slant does its best work when it has plenty of beard to harvest. I save it for those shaves when I have 3 or more days of stubble, and it gives me BBS in 2.5 easy, comfortable passes every time.

And don't put away your HD just yet ... you'll want to keep it in rotation for those days when you need a mild, easy shave.

 

[Montecristo #2]

Gotta get a gold one!

 

[dirtdog]

You say you've mastered the HD ... this is good. If you weren't already getting consistently good shaves with your present razor, then I'd say your technique is not ready yet.

The Slant is a good way to step up. You might want to try a few dry runs without a blade to learn how the Slant maneuvers.

I use mine with Feather blades, and the two make an unbeatable combo.

Keep in mind that the Slant does its best work when it has plenty of beard to harvest. I save it for those shaves when I have 3 or more days of stubble, and it gives me BBS in 2.5 easy, comfortable passes every time.

And don't put away your HD just yet ... you'll want to keep it in rotation for those days when you need a mild, easy shave.

I agree. I use my slant most the time but it is nice to pull out my 23 open comb every once in awhile .

I use Derby blades in the slant with good results.

 

[Sledgehammer39]

I think that you can safely proceed to getting a Slant razor. I would suggest the 37C which is the same height as the 34C HD. Just makesure that you do not apply pressure, it is an aggressive razor.

 

[Storm]

Go for the slant, given you're good with the HD. I alternate between the two daily. I don't feel the need for 2-3 days' growth before grabbing my slant.

And experiment with different blades. Many here SWEAR by a Slant/Feather combination. While I enjoy a Feather in my HD, in my slant, it's just too rough. So I instead use the red IPs in the slant and get very enjoyable shaves. Go figure!

 

[tsmba]

I think every shaver should try a slant-bar! Be careful with the corners of the blades....when I get a nick, that is usually the point of contact!