- Thread starter
- #21
I have some of those from a sampler pack, but haven't had a chance to try them yet. Thanks!Merkur 34 HD user here, my go to blade for it is the Voshkod, not the sharpest but smooth up to 7 shave for me
I have some of those from a sampler pack, but haven't had a chance to try them yet. Thanks!Merkur 34 HD user here, my go to blade for it is the Voshkod, not the sharpest but smooth up to 7 shave for me
I keep seeing Persona and Nacet recommended. I'll have to give them a shot.It appears that our blade choices overlap. Astra SP and GSB are favorites here. I also rank the following in my ’top tier’ (in no particular order):
Personna red
Personna lab
Nacet
Polsilver SI (or Wizamet)
I know that's what I should do, but, you know...! When the stars align just right, and I'm paying good attention, especially ATG, I get a really good shave with the 34C. I'm not sure where it ranks in efficiency, but after thinking about it more, I think I'm just looking for better efficiency. I just don't know what's really efficient while still comfortable. And I probably just need an open comb for heavier days.Before climbing into the ‘new razor’ rabbit hole, I suggest trying a few more blades, including those above, and working a bit on your technique. Just my $0.02!
I've gone through 2 jars of Proraso. Although I definitely like the smell and feel of it, it doesn't seem to do much for the overall shave for me.Welcome to the forum, I agree with Invicta try using pre-shave (my go to is Proraso) and technique (light glide) no pressure while the Razor glide on your face
I'm gonna mirror what @Timor1322 says about the Merkur 15C the Game Changers, but for you're sometimes shaves you might consider a Fatip OC or a GC84OC.You may consider to but a Merkur 15C (an open comb). It is a timeless classic and very user friendly. It is not an expensive razor.
View attachment 1412076
As a slant lover I may say Merkur 37C is another one slant that I can suggest. It is a very mild slant and user friendly. But I advice to not ATG pass with any slant. Slant geometry allows you to remove hairs even on your first WTG pass due to its slanted geometry. If you need you can make a XTG second pass which will be sufficient.
View attachment 1412077
GC .84's balde exposure is not scary at all but you may consider to buy GC .68 which is a bit milder.
But I will repeate my suggestion of Merkur 15C which is a very good razor. And the existance reason of open combs is their ability to deal with long growth hairs thanks to their comb structure.
As a last a suggestion please make sure that your lather is well and enough hydrated. A dry lather (not well hydrated) may cause burns. Bright lather is sign of a well/enogh hydrated lather.
I've used Stirling, Proraso and Henry Cavendish soaps, all of which work well for me, and a handful of tube creams I've forgotten the names of and don't plan to use again.I'm gonna mirror what @Timor1322 says about the Merkur 15C the Game Changers, but for you're sometimes shaves you might consider a Fatip OC or a GC84OC.
What kind of soap and brush are you using?
I like my 15C because it is so nimble and mild I can use it everyday, but if I skip a few days the open combs keep it in the groove. But if I had to choose between my 15C and one of my Game Changers, my GC84OC wins every time.I almost bought a 15C this past weekend, but I didn't realize just how small and light it would be. I'm holding off on that for now. I've still got my sights set on a GC OC.
Welcome to B&B! I agree with you and on the handful of razors I've accumulated since the first of this year the SLOC is my favorite due to the efficiency and comfort for me. I'm trying to figure out what to try next for a more upscale razor. I have the PAA DOC and Henson AL-13 mild but I prefer the SLOC. I see there is a SLOC 2.0 that's currently out of stock. The Razorock SLOC falls dead center on their mild-to-aggressive chart so that helps. I don't seem to find overwhelming love on B&B for the SLOC. Maybe too low-end of a razor or maybe there are WAY more comfortable/efficient razors out there?I’m going to recommend the razorock SLOC. Wish I had found it years ago
Might just be the best kept secret!Welcome to B&B! I agree with you and on the handful of razors I've accumulated since the first of this year the SLOC is my favorite due to the efficiency and comfort for me. I'm trying to figure out what to try next for a more upscale razor. I have the PAA DOC and Henson AL-13 mild but I prefer the SLOC. I see there is a SLOC 2.0 that's currently out of stock. The Razorock SLOC falls dead center on their mild-to-aggressive chart so that helps. I don't seem to find overwhelming love on B&B for the SLOC. Maybe too low-end of a razor or maybe there are WAY more comfortable/efficient razors out there?
The RR SLOC is an excellent mild razor, if you are looking for a step up in an inexpensive OC razor like the SLOC, go with a Fatip, they can be had for under $20. The GC 68-P is also a very smooth razor, and a step above the SLOC.Welcome to B&B! I agree with you and on the handful of razors I've accumulated since the first of this year the SLOC is my favorite due to the efficiency and comfort for me. I'm trying to figure out what to try next for a more upscale razor. I have the PAA DOC and Henson AL-13 mild but I prefer the SLOC. I see there is a SLOC 2.0 that's currently out of stock. The Razorock SLOC falls dead center on their mild-to-aggressive chart so that helps. I don't seem to find overwhelming love on B&B for the SLOC. Maybe too low-end of a razor or maybe there are WAY more comfortable/efficient razors out there?
If you’re not sure what works best for you try an adjustable. I can heartily recommend a Slim which, IMHO, is the best adjustable ever madeHi all! I'm new here, though I've browsed the forums in the past. I'm in my 50s, but only started DE shaving 4 or 5 years ago, and sometimes still feel like a newbie. I have coarse stubble and sensitive skin (especially the neck). I usually do WTGx2, XTG, ATG, then lots of buffing in problem areas just under my jawline and chin.
I have:
Parker 71R
Merkur 34C
Parker Semi Slant
I've tried these blades:
Astra (green package)
Treet
Gillette 7 O'clock
Gillette Silver Blue
Shark
Feather
Derby Premium
Derby Extra
Parker
I use the Merkur 34C most often. Unfortunately I'm terribly inconsistent with blade testing, not really keeping up with them well, but I think the ones that work best for me are Astra, Treet and Silver Blue. I didn't like Parker blades at all. I liked Feather, but could only really use them well with specific days' growth.
I just got the Semi Slant this past Christmas. At first, I was blown away at how it plowed through about 5 days' growth (the reason I wanted it), but the more I've used it, the harder I've found it has been on my sensitive skin, especially ATG. I recently noticed the blade doesn't seem consistent on each side. There's about the same amount of exposure, but one side usually lays almost flat against the guard, and the other sticks up a little higher, especially at one end. I don't know if that's a defect, but it makes me wonder if that's why I'm having trouble with it. I'm also now wondering if I should have bought an open comb for long growth instead of a slant. Thoughts?
My last shave was after a lazy 5 or 6 days, and I used the Semi Slant WTGx1, then everything else with the 34C. This worked pretty well, but was a bit annoying to have to switch.
Although I also suspect I still just need to improve my technique, and do more consistent blade testing, I'd still kinda like to buy a new razor (blame RAD). I'd like to be able to shave every other day comfortably, but also want to be able to plow through up to 5 days of growth occasionally. With the Merkur I can get a DFS pretty often with 4 days growth, but less than that will often burn my neck, and more growth is usually very uncomfortable with all the tugging.
I've been reading and watching reviews of the Razorock Game Changer and it looks promising, but I'm a little intimidated by the positive blade exposure due to my experience with the slant, and it's hard to tell which plate would suit me better. I'd love to find something that can help with my sensitive neck, and to reduce the amount of buffing needed in my problem areas.
I'd love to hear your recommendations!
Lee - Shaving under the nose doesn't have to be down, or even up. Try sideways: middle to left, middle to right. Or the other way - towards the middle. This suggestion works as long as your razor covers the blade ends.I read that the extreme curve of the RR BBS makes it a challenge to get under the nose when hair grows really close there - an issue I also have, so I kind of ruled that one out.
I guess it's a possibility, but seems unlikely to be an allergy for me. The razor burn is pretty consistent in the same areas no matter what soap I use. It's almost always the neck, where it's not only sensitive, but also has several different grain directions, and under my nose and between my bottom lip and chin when I go against the grain. If I skip ATG in those areas, I can usually get by with no burn... which I guess says more about my ATG technique! I usually shave after a shower, and use hot water before first lather, then warm water during, and cold rinse after.
I've pretty much never been able to shave daily without neck burn, especially during my cartridge days. I used to shave every 2-3 days before starting to work from home (I'm high risk for Covid), and usually had some neck burn when only 2 days.
Thanks for your reply!