Noob with a Slant=Danger

[Dantheman]

I had ordered a 39c with the intent of waiting to use it till I had perfected my technique. I have not perfected my technique at this time, but I had waited to even open it, but did so last night. I then started to check the razor out- seemed pretty harmless. So I put a blade in- a Feather as I've often read to use sharp blades in the slant.

So this morning The Noob grabs the slant and concentrates on technique, whips up a nice lather, and goes ahead with the shave. It turned out pretty good. I had a nice 3 pass shave. I didn't do any touch ups, as I did have some burn going on my neck. I had overdone it a bit on my neck. But, no weepers and no bloodshed. A pretty DFS. I think though, I'll keep the 39c in the drawer for a little bit longer and continue to use the milder razors I've been using for a little bit longer. I did get a fairly close shave, but need some more work before using that daily. I don't want to sacrifice good/great shaves just to use this product. I'll get around to using it.

Back to the Fatboys, Parkers, and 34c. For now they're getting it done.

 

[Zeppelinkarte]

Noob with the slant....go ahead and use it. Drop back the blade to something like an Astra SP. The slants shave the same way technique wise as the 34 HD. The slant does the work, you just shave normally. They are not that fearsome. Feathers can be problematic in anything. Just pay attention and use normal technique.

 

[smalltank]

blue n white IP blades are chrome and platinum coated and very mild n smooth...

 

[Charlie NJ]

I second the Astra blade. No pressure on the razor, great choice for a razor by the way good luck

 

[Hen]

I actually pretty much learned with a slant razor. I did have a few other DE's before I got a slant, but I grew impatient with the results and irritation I was getting. So, I started with a 39C and found it to be by far the most forgiving. Sure I had some problems at first, but they quickly eased as I perfected my technique. Now I use a slant daily and usually just do a 2 pass for a DFS.

Also, I started with astra and later switched to feather.

 

[chilliman64]

my first razor was a Futur, second razor (about 3wks later) was a Hoffritz slant - no problems. no DE razor should cause anyone any problems regardless of experience - that is of course if your prep is good and you take your time and focus on getting the angle correct. I get great shaves from Derbys and Gillettes of any colour. I now also have a 39c (and 38c + Progress long) - I love the Merkurs, particularly the heavier ones in the range.

good job on your first use of the 39c. all razors can cut you if you don't take your time, the tales on B&B about slants being dangerous are the stuff of urban myth - probably done to keep people from buying vintages slants off ebay so the prices don't get driven up.

 

[bemiller]

I say just use it if you like it. It may take you a few days to get used to it as it is a bit different, but otherwise it isnt particularly difficult to use. I'd avoid feathers for now.

 

[Dantheman]

Thanks for the tips and encouragement.

 

[edgerunner]

I don't think my 37C gives me closer shaves than 34C. As mentioned already, the technique is the same, and results are the same. What I like about the slant is that it puts less stress on the skin, glides with less resistance. I don't feel the blade cutting. The only condition is to have a steady hand and maintain minimal pressure.

 

[dpm802]

I second the Feather blade in the Slant. That's what works best for me. No other blade even comes close in that razor.

And keep in mind that Slants work best when they have several days worth of whiskers to harvest. I save mine for those 3+ days of stubble. Last night it mowed down a 5 day beard and it performed like a champ.

 

[thunder54]

I try and use my 39c at least once a week. I also second that it works best on several days growth. I love using a Personna Med Prep blade, but have had good luck with Feathers, Yellow Gillettes, and Shark SC.

 

[tiernan22]

One of my greatest joys in wet shaving is trying a razor, not being satisfied with it, putting it away for a couple months, then coming back to it and loving it! That's exactly what happened with my 37c....

 

[Bright (Satin) Futur]

I use my 37C daily with Treet Stainless which, after years of searching, seems to be THE blade for me. The key to getting the Slant just right is to take your time. Allow your beard to soften under warm / hot water then go slowly, using a sharp blade - I change blades every 3 days - with so little pressure you almost feel the blade rather that the razor's bar on your skin. I regularly get BBS results using the Method technique (not a fan of grain shaving - I'm the man, right?) and have been doing it this way since I started DE shaving years ago! Cheers to all!

 

[menghai]

I have a 39c. I've used many blades in them, including Feathers. Feathers were probably my favorite. I think I might sell mine, though, because it's just not getting any use due to my injectors and 1912.

 

[TheBlake]

I have best luck using Polsilver SI's, Gillette 7 o'clock Blues, and Astra SP's in all of my slants

 

[PDman]

Noob with the slant....go ahead and use it. Drop back the blade to something like an Astra SP. The slants shave the same way technique wise as the 34 HD. The slant does the work, you just shave normally. They are not that fearsome. Feathers can be problematic in anything. Just pay attention and use normal technique.

That's good to hear. I've always had that thought in the back of my mind when I read reviews about the danger. The slant is a revered razor and I get the impression that some like to portray it as a devilish contraption. I just ordered one and will either be chiming in with bragging rights or eating crow.

 

[dparish1952]

I tried using it 2 months in, found it efficient but rough and put it away. I pulled it back out at 5 months and fell in love.

 

[NCJack]

That's good to hear. I've always had that thought in the back of my mind when I read reviews about the danger. The slant is a revered razor and I get the impression that some like to portray it as a devilish contraption. I just ordered one and will either be chiming in with bragging rights or eating crow.

My first two shaves, I treated it like it would bite me, and got poor results. Third one, I just shaved, didn't pay particular attention at that, and now I use it 50% of the time, alternating with a Progress. It's not so much aggressive as efficient.

 

[Col Wilburforce Buckshot]

I can get as close a shave with a Tech as I do with the Hoffritz, I'm just less likely to need a styptic pencil using the Tech.