Next Razor: Recommend my RAD!

[dbconlin]

So for the last 3-4 months (since I started DE shaving), I have been using Gillette adjustables (slim, fatboy). I also acquired a tech and have shaved with it a few times, too. I have settled at position 4 for the adjustables and find the tech too shave comparably to this setting. I wouldn't be interested in anything that has less blade gap then position 3 as I find my hairs start to clog the razor when it is narrower.

For the record, my beard is average as far as thickness/coarseness.

So, what do you think? I am pondering the following:

Open comb: long-tooth NEW or Merkur 1904
An adjustable Merkur: Progress
Straight Bar Merkur: 1904 or 34c/HD

(As an aside, other than the difference in assembly - 2-piece vs 3-piece - is the head geometry of the 34c and 1904 straight bar the same? If not, what differences would I notice?)

TIA!

 

[Fnord5]

Why no slant?
They REALLY are not as scary as everyone says.

 

[Koss]

Try out a Knack with the silver ring at the bottom. Its really a great razor. Won't win any beauty contests... but wow does it shave well.

Out of the ones you listed... try out the new! Or the HD... the barberpole has a longer more attractive handle in my opinion.

If you really enjoy your adjustables... the progress would be nice. I love my futur... and people seem to love their progress too!

Okay... I've been no help at all. Your welcome.

PSsstt... don't ask for advice from people who are suffering from the same RAD as you. We'll buy it all if we could and have trouble deciding on our own.

 

[dbconlin]

Why no slant?
They REALLY are not as scary as everyone says.

Yes, I really am interested in trying this but I think I am going to try and wait for the travelling/world's most PIF's one to make my judgment, although that could be a while. I guess I just don't see much the point - the blade is drawn at an obtuse angle instead of perpendicular, right, much how one might slice vegetables. But I am not having trouble cutting through the hairs - my blades are sharp enough.

 

[Fnord5]

But the shave is indeed better.
They are about the same cost as the other 2/3 piece merkurs, and you can easily make up your money on the BST if you decide to sell.

 

[pcb01]

Yeah, I would stay away from the Slant. I can go a little more aggressive than you are doing with my Slim or Fatboy (5 or 6), and my Tech does a surprisingly good job as well, but the Slant is way too much (for me). Tried one shave, don't want to do another. Nice conversation piece, though.

Acrually, my STRONG recommendation would be a 48-50 Superspeed. Cheap and, in my experience, pure magic.

 

[Fnord5]

The slant takes some getting used to. It isn't the same technique as anything else. I wouldn't give up on it after just one shave.

 

[pcb01]

The slant takes some getting used to. It isn't the same technique as anything else. I wouldn't give up on it after just one shave.

I'm sure I'll give it another go at some point. There are very few things I completely give up on, and when I revisit them I'm often surprised. Couldn't get MWF right, left it a few months, went back -- now it's my favorite soap.

The one thing I will NEVER try again (never say never) are the BIC blades. Sheeesh!

 

[D.Irving79]

 

[Luc]

I would go with a NEW or Slant.

 

[DunEdinRanger]

That's a beautiful Gem! Damaskeene?

 

[David in Boston]

Go for either of the Straight Bar Merkur: 1904 or 34c/HD.

Both shave great.

Pictures don't do either of them justice.

 

[Conscientious Dennis]

You must have at least one Gillette Red Tip, they are exquisite.

 

[D.Irving79]

That's a beautiful Gem! Damaskeene?

it is indeed.