Is a Merkur Vision comparable to a Gillette Superspeed?

[stringer]

Hi, I made a post in the newbies corner ( http://badgerandblade.com/vb/showthread.php?t=172563 ) regarding a problem with in-grown hairs which I have. One piece of advice in particular seems to be that the razor I'm currently using (Merkur HD) is too aggressive. A gillette superspeed was suggested as a milder razor to try out, but I'd rather get a razor which is in production at the moment as I don't really have the time to find a seller, ensure they're legit and so on for the superspeed.

So.. my question, as the title suggests, is whether a merkur vision is a good alternative to a gillette superspeed? If not, is there another razor also currently in production which might work out just as well? If the gillette superspeed is widely considered to offer as mild a shave as any, then I'll take that path, but I'd rather go with something I can order easily online! (although, if anyone's got one they'll sell through the trade part of the forums and can ship in the UK then I'll definitely consider that as well!)

 

[Loric]

The Vision is an adjustable razor so you could set it low to get a very mild shave out of it. I have not used one, but they get much love here. I think it has a large shave head though, so that could make shaving in small areas (under the nose) tricky.

I would still suggest a Super Speed as you can pick one up for $10 stateside, and they are very smooth shavers. If you still wanted to get something "new" CoonCatBob from Bobs Razor Works on the forum makes some fantastic handles that he is currently pairing with NOS Gillette Slim Twist heads (same geometry as a Super Speed). I have one of these and it in deed does shave almost exactly like a SS, but the handle is better balanced and has more grip for my big hands.

 

[Drubbing]

I don't have a Vision, but given the size weight and wide adjustability over the SS, I think you're comparing apples with pumpkins.

I wouldn't say the vision is in any way as mild as a SS. It's lowest setting may be gentle, but it has a lot more heft behind it, and you're trying to remove pressure, not add it.

But listen to the advice - even a milder razor will not fix the problem of applying too much pressure. IT would be there to help your technique, not replace a need for it.

I would suggest a Muhle R41. It's an open comb, they look fierce, but I found the bark is worse than the bite, and thought it was very mild, and it's a light razor too. The comb teeth also give you an indication of good angle. If you see rail lines in the lather, it's off.

 

[stringer]

I don't have a Vision, but given the size weight and wide adjustability over the SS, I think you're comparing apples with pumpkins.

I wouldn't say the vision is in any way as mild as a SS. It's lowest setting may be gentle, but it has a lot more heft behind it, and you're trying to remove pressure, not add it.

But listen to the advice - even a milder razor will not fix the problem of applying too much pressure. IT would be there to help your technique, not replace a need for it.

I would suggest a Muhle R41. It's an open comb, they look fierce, but I found the bark is worse than the bite, and thought it was very mild, and it's a light razor too. The comb teeth also give you an indication of good angle. If you see rail lines in the lather, it's off.

Ahh that's a really good point about the size - what I do like about the HD is that it is really manouverable under my nose and around my chin.

You're right, I know that technique lies at the heart of the problem I have, but I felt that maybe pairing it with a milder razor may be the way to go as well. I've never felt the pressure I apply is waay over the top, and as my shave is generally fine apart from around my Adam's apple, that perhaps all that was needed was a razor which was just a shade gentler.

The Muhle R41 looks pretty ok, is the R41 the least aggressive of those razors? Thanks for your help so far!

 

[rsaltonstall]

Check out this page on the B&B Wiki that lists razor aggressiveness from mild to aggressive.

http://wiki.badgerandblade.com/index.php/Double-Edged_Safety_Razors_Ranked_by_Aggressiveness

The list is not comprehensive, but does list quite a number of razors. If you are looking for a razor currently in production, you can try a Merkur 33C, aka the Classic. Others you may want to take a look at are the Merkur 1904/06, EJ R89, and Goodfella. The EJ, also produced for Muhle (sp?), is considred the best production razor today, but I'm not sure about its aggressiveness. The Goodfella and 1904/06, I have heard, are considered mild razors.

 

[glassmtn99]

I would not recommend the Vision for a new user. If you would like a milder shaving razor currently in production, you may want to look at the Feather Popular, the Ming Shi or the Weishi. All have reviews in the reviews section. If you want an adjustable razor, the Merkur Progress can be dialed down.

eric.