Well, I will have to take back everything I said or thought about the slant razor. I know there have been more than a few topics about the slant and how it works, but I have successfully avoided using one. My normal technique involves somewhat of an angle on most strokes anyway, and I was afraid adding even more of an angle would create more of a slice than a stroke. Besides, I was getting very good shaves consistently using the normal razors in my stable; I don't rotate razors very much, mainly I use an EJ fixed head, a HD Gillette adjustable, and a NEW.
I probably would never have bought a slant, but I did get one as a gift, so felt obligated to use it and at least report to the giver that I had used and did appreciate the thought. I was a little tentative for the first shave, having heard that the slants can have a mean temper if not handled carefully, and was very conscious of the built-in angle. I shouldn't have worried. Turns out the angle in my technique was much less than that of the slant and made no difference in the use of the razor. The "slicing" effect (God, I hate that word when discussing shaving) was profound and provides an extremely smooth shave, much like a straight. The first pass was about as clean as any razor I have ever used, and a two-pass shave is plenty good enought for a daily shave. One WTG and one XTG and some minor touch-ups is damn near BBS. I got the same results from creams and soaps. For the first several shaves I used a Derby blade, then changed to my normal Feather, and the shaves moved up a notch. I will have to admit that the design of a slant is a major improvement in the function of a DE.
Having said that, it is defiinitely not something for the new DE user. It is an agressive razor, and I kind of think that the increased blade exposure on one end of the blade may have about as much to do with giving a close shave as does the built-in angle. Your technique really has to be down pat, and it does take a very light touch. I will be interested to see how guys like the new Merkur HD slant; it may be a challenge to keep the light pressure needed. I have been using the slant for about two weeks now, and it will be my primary DE; it just gives too good a shave. It will bite you if you are not paying attention, particularly in the awkward spots under the chin and on the neck, so it does require some changes in technique.
If someone is going to use one of these, he should really be comfortable with his current technique and angles and pressure used. It will take some changes, and the first couple of shaves probably won't be representative of the ultimate results. For the guys who have been saying all along how good a shave these can give, well you were right.
_________________
BobS
Quality products might cost a little more,
turning a chore into a pleasurable experience, priceless
I probably would never have bought a slant, but I did get one as a gift, so felt obligated to use it and at least report to the giver that I had used and did appreciate the thought. I was a little tentative for the first shave, having heard that the slants can have a mean temper if not handled carefully, and was very conscious of the built-in angle. I shouldn't have worried. Turns out the angle in my technique was much less than that of the slant and made no difference in the use of the razor. The "slicing" effect (God, I hate that word when discussing shaving) was profound and provides an extremely smooth shave, much like a straight. The first pass was about as clean as any razor I have ever used, and a two-pass shave is plenty good enought for a daily shave. One WTG and one XTG and some minor touch-ups is damn near BBS. I got the same results from creams and soaps. For the first several shaves I used a Derby blade, then changed to my normal Feather, and the shaves moved up a notch. I will have to admit that the design of a slant is a major improvement in the function of a DE.
Having said that, it is defiinitely not something for the new DE user. It is an agressive razor, and I kind of think that the increased blade exposure on one end of the blade may have about as much to do with giving a close shave as does the built-in angle. Your technique really has to be down pat, and it does take a very light touch. I will be interested to see how guys like the new Merkur HD slant; it may be a challenge to keep the light pressure needed. I have been using the slant for about two weeks now, and it will be my primary DE; it just gives too good a shave. It will bite you if you are not paying attention, particularly in the awkward spots under the chin and on the neck, so it does require some changes in technique.
If someone is going to use one of these, he should really be comfortable with his current technique and angles and pressure used. It will take some changes, and the first couple of shaves probably won't be representative of the ultimate results. For the guys who have been saying all along how good a shave these can give, well you were right.
_________________
BobS
Quality products might cost a little more,
turning a chore into a pleasurable experience, priceless
Good technique is even more important with the 39C IMO. The added weight and leverage of the longer handle give me a better shave but make it easier to get razor burn or nicks if I am not careful. YMMV.
