Gotta be STEEP. And remember, I'm a lifelong member of the SASA (Steep Angle Shavers Alliance).
The reason there's a guard on a safety razor... is because it's a safety razor. Therefore, the guard (safety bar or open comb) should be placed on the skin first to smooth/stretch it in front of the blade. At this point the handle will probably be touching the face. The operator then gently raises the handle till the blade makes contact – BINGO, shave (no [or minimal] pressure).
King Gillette knew a bit about shaving. Here's his instructions (see the 2nd way):
View attachment 1294214
So many (relatively recent) instructions say place the cap on the face and lower the handle till the blade makes contact. THIS IS WRONG (IMO). Doing this bunches the skin up in front of the blade. It's an ideal system for lopping off any skin irregularities (like old scars, moles, spots, etc). Do you wonder why so many people complain of skin irritation? I don't.
Also, bear in mind that in most razors (including the Lupo) the difference between steep and shallow is only a few measly degrees (with notable exceptions, e.g. the iKon Tek).
NOTE:
I'm one of those "unlucky" people with whiskers that grow out nearly parallel to my skin. Due to that "problem" some steep anglers go "shallow" when they shave ATG. IMO going shallow is never the answer; I simply go a-little-less steep.
Yes, but bear in mind that my handle may be a little closer or further from my face due to the particular razor's head geometry.
Another Lupo shave-off in the books. 95 on the left, 72 on the right for today. Both sides felt equally smooth the me during the shave. Couldn't tell any difference on either side when I splashed with Florida Water. Both sides feel rubbery smooth to me. Let's see what I find after 11 hours.
Why not just put the razor down on its long axis? Meaning, place it down on the safety bar? The blade won't touch anything. It should lay perfectly flat. Problem solved.Did some testing the last month or so with my 3 Lupos: Original Aluminium, SS DLC and SS 95.
In my book the SS DLC is by far the superior of the three. Very smooth and as efficient as the .95 - but much better looking. Only negative is the rounded edges which makes putting the razor down a bit of a hassle. However they did such a bad job with the end tabs of the polished SS Lupo from an aesthetic POV, that I still prefer the old design.
All of the three ultimately fall short to the Gamechanger .84 however. YMMV as always.
Couldn't disagree more.Gotta be STEEP. And remember, I'm a lifelong member of the SASA (Steep Angle Shavers Alliance).
The reason there's a guard on a safety razor... is because it's a safety razor. Therefore, the guard (safety bar or open comb) should be placed on the skin first to smooth/stretch it in front of the blade. At this point the handle will probably be touching the face. The operator then gently raises the handle till the blade makes contact – BINGO, shave (no [or minimal] pressure).
King Gillette knew a bit about shaving. Here's his instructions (see the 2nd way):
View attachment 1294214
So many (relatively recent) instructions say place the cap on the face and lower the handle till the blade makes contact. THIS IS WRONG (IMO). Doing this bunches the skin up in front of the blade. It's an ideal system for lopping off any skin irregularities (like old scars, moles, spots, etc). Do you wonder why so many people complain of skin irritation? I don't.
Also, bear in mind that in most razors (including the Lupo) the difference between steep and shallow is only a few measly degrees (with notable exceptions, e.g. the iKon Tek).
NOTE:
I'm one of those "unlucky" people with whiskers that grow out nearly parallel to my skin. Due to that "problem" some steep anglers go "shallow" when they shave ATG. IMO going shallow is never the answer; I simply go a-little-less steep.
Yes, but bear in mind that my handle may be a little closer or further from my face due to the particular razor's head geometry.
Viva YMMV.Couldn't disagree more.
View attachment 1295213
Took the Lupo DC for a test ride today.
I'd really like to see some unbiased head to head comparisons between the SS Lupo and whatever Wolfman razor inspired it.
I say inspired because RazoRock says they improved upon the Wolfman. They also admit to copying it.
View attachment 1295218
I don't have a Wolfman (although I have a WR2 in transit). I believe this is copy of the WR1 (correct me if I'm wrong). How close a copy is beyond me, but it sounds like it's probably much the same in most ways (correct me if I'm wrong).
Happy shaves to you,
Jim
My face, beard, skin, etc.: My preference is for the Wolfman WR2 1.25 SB over the Lupo .95 in all parameters except one - the Lupo .95 SB is much less expensive.
As always, YMMV.
That explains so much. "Riding the cap" is what I have read and honestly it works ok with a mild razor like my Timeless .68 SB but every time that I have tried vintage Gillette razors it ended badly. I struggled even with my Gillette post war Tech which everyone claims is mild but it gave me major irritation. I did try going steep one time with that razor and it was better. I think this post needs to be made a sticky in the Newbie FAQ section.Gotta be STEEP. And remember, I'm a lifelong member of the SASA (Steep Angle Shavers Alliance).
The reason there's a guard on a safety razor... is because it's a safety razor. Therefore, the guard (safety bar or open comb) should be placed on the skin first to smooth/stretch it in front of the blade. At this point the handle will probably be touching the face. The operator then gently raises the handle till the blade makes contact – BINGO, shave (no [or minimal] pressure).
King Gillette knew a bit about shaving. Here's his instructions (see the 2nd way):
View attachment 1294214
So many (relatively recent) instructions say place the cap on the face and lower the handle till the blade makes contact. THIS IS WRONG (IMO). Doing this bunches the skin up in front of the blade. It's an ideal system for lopping off any skin irregularities (like old scars, moles, spots, etc). Do you wonder why so many people complain of skin irritation? I don't.
Also, bear in mind that in most razors (including the Lupo) the difference between steep and shallow is only a few measly degrees (with notable exceptions, e.g. the iKon Tek).
NOTE:
I'm one of those "unlucky" people with whiskers that grow out nearly parallel to my skin. Due to that "problem" some steep anglers go "shallow" when they shave ATG. IMO going shallow is never the answer; I simply go a-little-less steep.
Yes, but bear in mind that my handle may be a little closer or further from my face due to the particular razor's head geometry.
That explains so much. "Riding the cap" is what I have read and honestly it works ok with a mild razor like my Timeless .68 SB but every time that I have tried vintage Gillette razors it ended badly. I struggled even with my Gillette post war Tech which everyone claims is mild but it gave me major irritation. I did try going steep one time with that razor and it was better. I think this post needs to be made a sticky in the Newbie FAQ section.
Already on itCheck out the Steep Angle Shaving Alliance (SASA) thread in the Clubs and Brotherhoods room.