I'm getting really frustrated with this safety razor thing. I'm 54 and have used disposables without issue; my beard is of medium thickness. I've read all the info blogs and tried multiple techniques to get a shave. No luck whatsoever. I bought a Merkur 180 (23C) and have tried the following blades: Wilkenson (Cheap, got better results with a kitchen spatula); Dreadnaught, (like using a putty knife); Merkur, (a little better). Today, after finishing my fourth pass with no results, I grabbed the ratty old disposable and had no problems. I've tried the hot towel, massaging the soap, different angles, different pressure, taking my time, etc. It's been 2 weeks now with no luck. I have some Feather bladed on order as blogs seem to report these as the sharpest. Could it be the razor? Before I drop more cash into this money pit, does anyone have a recommendation? Should I purchase one of the razors that you can adjust the blade? If so, which one? It really shouldn't be this difficult, but I'm really frustrated right now. Thanks in advance for any help.
Just Won't Work
- Thread starter Rawskin
- Start date
What do you mean by "no luck"?
- Thread starter
- #3
My stubble remains...it's as if I barely shaved at all. And this after 4 passes.
Could it possibly be that you don't have the right angle on the razor? Can you hear whiskers being cut on your passes? I found that this is the major factor. The cartridge systems usually have pivoting heads allowing for greater tolerances in angles. The wiki page has an explanation to finding the correct angle.
- Thread starter
- #5
I do hear the blade "scrapping", but when I run my hand over the area stubble remains.
Be patient. You have likely been cartridge shaving for 35 years but only two weeks using a brand new shaving method that involves the art of beard reduction and not beard mowing. For newbies, DE shaving is a bit like using a weedwacker to cut a lawn. Cut too close in some areas, not enough in others.
Have you reviewed any youtube geofatboy and mantic shaving videos? Have you mapped the direction of beard growth? I couldn't believe all the different directions my beard grows when I first mapped it and I have been clean shaving for over 25 years using cartridges. How many shaves are you using new DE blades for? Try tossing them after 2 shaves. Merkur and wilkinsons are not sharp blades but I would be careful using Feathers so early in the game since they like to bite. Good luck and keep working on perfecting your technique. It usually takes at least a few months to perfect your blade angle and all the other variables.
Have you reviewed any youtube geofatboy and mantic shaving videos? Have you mapped the direction of beard growth? I couldn't believe all the different directions my beard grows when I first mapped it and I have been clean shaving for over 25 years using cartridges. How many shaves are you using new DE blades for? Try tossing them after 2 shaves. Merkur and wilkinsons are not sharp blades but I would be careful using Feathers so early in the game since they like to bite. Good luck and keep working on perfecting your technique. It usually takes at least a few months to perfect your blade angle and all the other variables.
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angle and blade type seem to be the major problem
Welcome to B&B.
Is it assemble like this?
Is it assemble like this?
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The Merkur 180 is a 3 piece. This might be obvious, but: make sure the flat part of the 2nd piece is towards the handle. So the bumpy part is between the top piece and the razor blade. If that is ok, then it is an angle problem.
- Thread starter
- #10
Yes that is the razor I bought and is assembled like that
- Thread starter
- #12
I'm an idiot! I just went to check the assembly and yes, I had the second piece backwards all along. I just shaved clean with two passes. Clearly I'm a newb at this and will stick the aseptic pencil up my a.. for punishment. Thank you all for your fast replies and help. Problem solved!
First, welcome to B&B!
In which way did you orient your passes? With the grain? Across it? Against? I find passes with the grain leave too much stubble, and I go across the grain on the second pass to reduce the beard more. If you are adventurous, you can do your third pass against the grain, but be careful as you can easily irritate the skin if technique and blade angle are not spot on.
Also, as said above, it seems to most likely be an angle or assembly problem.
EDIT - Whoops, seems like I posted this at about the same time as you replied! Glad to see you found out what was causing the issue!
Keep us updated on how the shaves go from now on!
In which way did you orient your passes? With the grain? Across it? Against? I find passes with the grain leave too much stubble, and I go across the grain on the second pass to reduce the beard more. If you are adventurous, you can do your third pass against the grain, but be careful as you can easily irritate the skin if technique and blade angle are not spot on.
Also, as said above, it seems to most likely be an angle or assembly problem.
EDIT - Whoops, seems like I posted this at about the same time as you replied! Glad to see you found out what was causing the issue!
Keep us updated on how the shaves go from now on!
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Welcome to B&B, you'll fit in here famously!
Welcome to B&B and you're not the first or last. Enjoy!!
Welcome. It all gets better from here!
Aloha, Welcome to the forum. Another options is to get a Muhle R41 razor, a serious razor, as it's a straight razor in DE clothing. Happy shaving!
Winner winner chicken dinner!
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