Less aggressive razor for final pass?

[cacibi]

I've been using my new Merkur HD and really like it. I don't think it's that aggressive necessarily, but - I do have a couple of good adjustable razors and I'm wondering if it makes sense to use one of those on a very low (least aggressive) setting for final/finishing passes.

 

[OldSaw]

I've been using my new Merkur HD and really like it. I don't think it's that aggressive necessarily, but - I do have a couple of good adjustable razors and I'm wondering if it makes sense to use one of those on a very low (least aggressive) setting for final/finishing passes.

Makes sense to me. Let us know how it works for you.

 

[DFrancis]

I say go for it, you have nothing to loose except a minute or two of your time.

 

[mhuelskamp]

I like to use my slim for that very reason. Everyone here agrees that multi-pass shaving is about progressive beard reduction. Having said that; it only makes sense (IMHO) to use a less agressive blade angle/exposure on each pass. I find that a using (6/5)-4-2-1 or 3-2-1 progression gives me the best results with no irritation.

 

[gobeavs]

Interested in hearing your results!

 

[tsmba]

With shaving, my philosophy is whatever works. I don't care much for adjustables while others love them. Clearing the last stubble was (for me) more a matter of technique adjustment that any need for a different razor.

 

[cacibi]

Cool - next shave scheduled for Sunday (my neck needs a couple days off due to irritation) so I'll give it a go.

 

[tsmba]

I could never miss days shaving. I've been doing it for over 30yrs and probably could count my missed days on my fingers. You shouldn't be getting much irritation....work on your technique (no pressure!). One thing that helped me recover from razor burn or any irritation is my evening face routine. I wash, use witch-hazel (usually Thayer's which has aloe), followed by some sort of balm or moisturizing product (Hydrolast, Proraso Pre/Post Cream, QED Toner are favorites). This allows the products to work overnight and seems to speed healing of any irritation. I also do a weekly clay mask.

A year ago, if anyone had suggested I'd be doing any of my shaving-related hobbies, I'd have thought them a bit crazy. But, for me, the proof is in the results...my complexion stays clear and, other than the occasional nick, I have no real trouble.

 

[Iakona]

This is why I use a slim as well. Lately I just go for one WTG and one XTG pass on 5. When I feel like going for BBS, I'll dial it back to 3 for ATG. If I really want to be super smooth, I'll go back up to 4 or 5 and go ATG again - but only on cheeks and chin.

 

[Be-Bop]

I think our technique, should allow us to lower the settings rather than the opposite. Lately, I've been doing, WTG 5;XTG 2;ATG2. And sometimes I do all three using #3 or #2.

If you think about it, probably more BBS's have been achieved using Gillette SS's or Tech's (Slim settings, SS: 2-3; Blue Tip: 1; Red Tip: 3-4; British Red-Tip 4-5; Tech: 1-2 . So using a vintage Gillette Adjustable with proper technique (and with the added weight benefit), we should be able to achieve BBS dom, never going any higher than #3. Or for those that prefer Red-Tips, certainly no higher than #4. Then why are we, including myself, always drawn to going higher and higher. I've gotten so many BBS or closer shaves, but with razor burn or a red bump or two. Or just that, guess I should probably not shave tomorrow, and give my face a rest, feeling.
I've found with the proper technique, I can get BBS on settings #'s 1 thru #7 on my slim, but from #6 up the Weepers make the scene...Now I'm doing either #'s 3,4,or 5 on my WTG pass and #2 for all others, and I'm getting effortless consistant BBS shaves with No irritation...
I realize this is all very subjective...And to each his own...So please excuse my middle-age ramblings ) So...What do you guys think ??? Inquireing minds want to know...