Month or so in: Adjustable DE Razor Time?

[bmilcs]

Good evening gents,

I've been wetshaving for over a month now and have a nice technique and ritual going. I primarily shave my head and have been finding that I have trouble with certain areas regardless of how many passes I do and end up bearing down on the razor and getting razor burn. I know exactly which way my hair grows and adjust the angle accordingly as I go.

Using my Merkur 180, I find that the blade just can't cut certain areas well enough due to the contours of my head. However, I loosened the head a bit and was able to get a closer shave. This is most likely a no no and wasn't as "clean" of a feel as I want it to be.

I want to switch to an adjustable and before making the plunge and buying a trusty "Merkur Futur", I want to check in and get your opinion on purchase options. Should I go with a Merkur or look into old school Gillette adjustables? I've read reviews and people claim they prefer the Futur over the Fatboys, etc.

Thanks again,
Bryan

 

[Maxime D.]

I'd take a FB over a Futur anytime, the Futur's handle is too slipery for my tastes.

 

[ohthatguy]

Slims are nice and also affordable. Picked up one for $18

 

[John Von Wuggz]

I started with the 180 and upgraded to the Futur. Never had to buy another razor. I have heard complaints about it being hard to grip but I've never had an issue.

 

[PDman]

Futur. Prefer it over my Gillette Slim. But this will be a YMMV matter for sure.

 

[Dusty1]

Slim!

 

[M.Kalashnikov]

Keep a fifty dollar bill in the back pocket and see what's out there in the wild. It took some time looking but I found an almost NOS Fatboy without a case for song. Also, buy a can of scrubbing bubbles and a tooth brush so you can uncover the gold.

 

[Maxime D.]

So far my favorite razor is my auld Red Tip, YKMV (Canadians use Kilometers llol)

 

[Nester]

I'd try a vintage Gillette slim or Fat Boy. I have not tried a new adjustable though.

 

[Wingnut]

If you're still not able to get irritation-free shaves with the setup that you have, I would respectfully suggest that the answer does not lie in a new razor, but in perfecting your technique.

Your goal should not be a close shave at this stage, but a COMFORTABLE one. If you can't achieve that yet with what you have, no new razor will make it better for you.

 

[bmilcs]

If you're still not able to get irritation-free shaves with the setup that you have, I would respectfully suggest that the answer does not lie in a new razor, but in perfecting your technique.

Your goal should not be a close shave at this stage, but a COMFORTABLE one. If you can't achieve that yet with what you have, no new razor will make it better for you.

I explained that I can get a comfortable, razor burn free shave but it isn't as close as I want it to be. I repeatedly go over the same spot (reapplying cream accordingly) and regardless of the stroke, angle, etc., I cannot get it as close as I want. I'm an experienced shaver nonetheless. I've been shaving my head for a long time now.

I just know it's that the angle of the blade isn't as aggressive as I want it to be. I'm meticulous about the closeness of my shaves .

I think I'm going to pick up the Futur. It's too tempting!

I also purchased a Wahl Peanut and that's coming in today for trimming my beard. Anyone else own one?

 

[bmilcs]

If you're still not able to get irritation-free shaves with the setup that you have, I would respectfully suggest that the answer does not lie in a new razor, but in perfecting your technique.

Your goal should not be a close shave at this stage, but a COMFORTABLE one. If you can't achieve that yet with what you have, no new razor will make it better for you.

What exactly do you shave? Your face? Shaving your face is such a breeze. It's split into easily accessible and visible portions and allows for a clean, easy shave. Your typical fixed blade is fine for this. Your entire head, on the other hand, is not. I really think an adjustable is the way to go.

 

[Wingnut]

What exactly do you shave? Your face? Shaving your face is such a breeze. It's split into easily accessible and visible portions and allows for a clean, easy shave. Your typical fixed blade is fine for this. Your entire head, on the other hand, is not. I really think an adjustable is the way to go.

Hey, it's your call...

However, there's no need to get argumentative or aggressive about it. We like to keep things polite and gentlemanly here at B&B. If anything that I have said offended you, rest assured that it was unintentional and that I apologize for it. YMMV is a way of life around here.

 

[adamz712003]

It's always time for an adjustable, I use a fatboy daily ( with a few OC razors thrown in the rotation) and wouldn't trade it for the world!

 

[bmilcs]

Hey, it's your call...

However, there's no need to get argumentative or aggressive about it. We like to keep things polite and gentlemanly here at B&B. If anything that I have said offended you, rest assured that it was unintentional and that I apologize for it. YMMV is a way of life around here.

Sorry! I was at work and annoyed. I know that technique can always be improved upon but I really firmly believe it's a matter of the shape of my head. You're forced to go around curves. I spend a lot of time on prep with plenty of product and if I could dial the razor a little further, I think I could get the best shave everrrr.

 

[Wingnut]

No worries! Give it a try and post up what you think about it. Good luck!!

 

[Nomad1600]

I went to an adjustable (Slim) within the first week or two. btw, seems liked used Futur's go for $50-60 but they don't seem to come up too often. A Slim goes for $15-30 depending on condition and they are easily found.

 

[Mick]

I have a lot of adjustable razors and have owned every one ever made.

I never change the adjustment on adjustable razors once I find out where I enjoy the shave.

Just leave them set and they are fine.

You would be better served to get a more efficient razor such as one of the slant head Merkur razors. I think you will find that it is milder than your 180 yet will shave you closer.

If you are looking for an adjustable to solve your problem you are looking in the wrong place.

 

[watchiekong]

I've both a Fatboy and a Mergress XL (Progress) to shave my head. I prefer the Mergress(Progress) - usually on setting 2 or lower. I think the Futur may be a bit too harsh/ aggressive for the head. However, I've not used the Futur, but based on comments from others in this forum, the Futur is more aggressive even on it lower settings. if you prefer a longer handle then I recommend the Progress long handle.

 

[bmilcs]

I have a lot of adjustable razors and have owned every one ever made.

I never change the adjustment on adjustable razors once I find out where I enjoy the shave.

Just leave them set and they are fine.

You would be better served to get a more efficient razor such as one of the slant head Merkur razors. I think you will find that it is milder than your 180 yet will shave you closer.

If you are looking for an adjustable to solve your problem you are looking in the wrong place.

To be honest, I think you're right. I'm really really stoked about getting my Futur regardless. BUT I think that a slant sounds perfect considering the awkward angles you have to shave at.

Today, I did my 3 pass shave on my head and did some trouble spots over. However, I still couldn't get it BBS. THEN I loosed my Merkur maybe 360 degrees to expose the blade and carefully went over the trouble spots. Best shave of my life. I can't wait to have the option for adjustment!