My First Slant

[Oscroft]

I've tried lots of razors of various kinds, but I never got round to trying a slant before - though I kept telling myself I should. Part of the reason was that I never really understood why a slant should be any different to just holding a normal razor at an angle - I know a slant puts a twist on the blade too, but I couldn't see how that should really change things.

But there's only one way to find out, so as it's payday a portion of this month's fun cash went on a Merkur 37C from The Traditional Shaving Company - as cheap as anywhere else, and with free UK delivery (and free sweets - I like free sweets). I've just loaded it with an Iridium Super and had my first shave with it - with MdC Fougère applied with a Vie-long natural white horse.

Are the slant-lovers justified in their enthusiasm for this razor?

Yes.

Yes, they are.

It gave me an excellent shave, with possibly the closest first-pass I've ever had (and if it wasn't *the* closest, it was one of them). It took two and a half passes to get me pretty much BBS - only my chin and jawline needed an ATG pass. There was no blood, and no irritation.

It's hard to describe how it felt. The blade gap is pretty huge, but on my face it didn't feel anything like as aggressive as, say, an R41 - it didn't feel like there was a lot of blade on my face. But after the shave, I have that very clean "shaved with an aggressive razor" feeling - does that make any sense?

I still don't really understand how the geometry makes such a difference and can produce an aggressive shave without it feeling too aggressive. But it does. And that's enough for me. I like slants!

 

[Copierguy]

Sounds like the slant just picked up another fan!!!
Congrats on you acquisition and your success!!

 

[JaxJim]

Yep, before trying one I had pretty much convinced myself that the slant design was just a gimmick. Then, a couple of years ago, I stumbled upon on a cased Hoffritz slant on eBay was able to pick it up at a good price. I figured that even if it didn't shave well for me, I could easily sell it. After the first pass of my first shave with the razor, I converted from a doubter to a believer. The Hoffritz slant delivers consistently close, comfortable shaves.

Enjoy your slant shaves, Alan!

 

[gus1942]

That's great. I rotate 3 slants 37c, 39c, and Hoffritz, usually with a Polsilver SI.

 

[dieselfuel79]

I need a 3rd slant.

 

[bemiller]

I love my slant, my favorite razor.

 

[MondoJ]

I think the bend in the blade of a slant stiffens the blade and makes it behave more like a SE blade i.e. stiffer.

 

[rivieraranch]

There is a magic to a good slant head razor.

 

[Lucidor]

I believe the stiffness is the factor that determines the great shave. I hardly see the 5-8 degrees of slanting as doing anything for it.

 

[RaiserLiebe]

Love my 39c. Looks like a tiger, behaves like a kitten. Forgiving of most blades, but consistently produces my closest and most comfortable shaves.

 

[PDman]

Here is a great read.

http://shavenook.com/thread-the-slant-concept

 

[Miesterio]

Having never tried a slant, what's so great about them?

 

[Oscroft]

Interesting thoughts, folks.

Yes, I'm sure the twist of the blade rather than the usual bend in just one direction must add rigidity to it - and I don't think it's a coincidence that I'm a big fan of SE and injector razors.

Looking closely at it, I see the geometry also has an interesting effect on the blade gap and angle - although the gap is large, the blade is held fairly flat so its angle is not too aggressive. So what you get is a big blade gap to let in lots of hair and lather, but the blade doesn't "stick out" as much as in more traditional aggressive razors.

I keep thinking I really should have tried a slant ages ago - but on the other hand, even an old dog can enjoy a new trick from time to time

 

[coolbus18]

Good to read this.I have a vintage ,KRECT Spiral Kut and like you ,I was amazed at how mild it felt(like did I put a blade in?) . So tomorrow I'll order a 37c( wish the G was available) and get my 2nd slant. Enjoy your shaves!

Also c'mon over and join the fun!! http://badgerandblade.com/vb/showthread.php/317346-B-O-S-S-Brotherhood-of-Slant-Shavers

 

[Chadao]

Anyone interested in the Ikon that is about to come out? I'm just trying OC so not ready for a Slant, but photos of the Ikon have me thinking...

 

[chilliman64]

hoffritz slant is one of my all time favourite razors - but don't tell everybody as they'll get more expensive!

 

[KQY61]

Hi,

The helix put into the blade allows for a slicing motion through the hair in two directions instead of only one. Think of it as a scythe for your face!

Stan

 

[Oscroft]

The helix put into the blade allows for a slicing motion through the hair in two directions instead of only one. Think of it as a scythe for your face!

Interesting, thanks.

Over the last couple of weeks I've had my Granddad's old straight razors out again and I'm learning to hone them - but in between them the only DE I've been using is the Slant, and it really is living up to my first impressions.

It's as close a shaver as I've got. I have a few open combs that shave similarly close, but what amazes me is how smooth the Slant feels while it's doing it - it is not at all aggressive in feel, at least not on my face.

 

[Rothman]

I too recently purchased a 37C. From my experience, the slant angle makes the shave a little smoother but VERY minimally. I think if the slant was more exaggerated and extreme angled, it would be better. At the same time however, it would be much more dangerous. Honestly, I think the 37C needs to be more aggressive all around. Just my $.02.

 

[MACRI]

I have the 39C and I love it! Its a regular in my rotation!