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Note on Gillette Guard Angle

When I first got the Gillette Guard I thought it was too mild and didn't cut well at all. Then I realized my mistake. I was making skin contact with the open comb, instead of the blade. I raised the handle a little and made sure that the plastic area above the blade and the blade were pressed directly against the skin and hair and then I got a very decent shave. So, if your impression is that it's too mild, try changing the angle to make the blade and above-blade area flush with the skin, which slightly lifts the open comb part.
 
It's not what I call a mild razor. Blade is pretty sharp. I don't pay much attention when using it, but I've never had a bad shave so far. I like it.
 
Yes, it needs a little pressure as do all cartridge/disposables and that is where you can quickly get into trouble by cutting the hair too short = ingrown hairs. Be careful.
 
From the moment I put the Guard to my face, I fell in love with it. I`ve been wet shaving over 60 years (I`m 83), IMO there is no way you can get the angle wrong, it swings freely on pivots so all you need to do is put to your face with just a little pressure, it goes flat to your skin at 25 degrees. At least it does for me, Bill.
 
From the moment I put the Guard to my face, I fell in love with it. I`ve been wet shaving over 60 years (I`m 83), IMO there is no way you can get the angle wrong, it swings freely on pivots so all you need to do is put to your face with just a little pressure, it goes flat to your skin at 25 degrees. At least it does for me, Bill.

That's a pretty strong statement. Is this in comparison to a DE or just compared to other cartridge razors/disposables?

While I like the Guard better than any other cartridge/disposable that I have used, it can't hold a candle to my DE.
 
That's a pretty strong statement. Is this in comparison to a DE or just compared to other cartridge razors/disposables?

While I like the Guard better than any other cartridge/disposable that I have used, it can't hold a candle to my DE.
I have essential tremors, I take meds that give me about 20 mins. free shakes. Sometimes I will use a DE, or an injector, but really carefully, but always cut myself anyways. So to everything from a straight to a sharp rock. Bill
 
I have essential tremors, I take meds that give me about 20 mins. free shakes. Sometimes I will use a DE, or an injector, but really carefully, but always cut myself anyways. So to everything from a straight to a sharp rock. Bill

Ok, that makes sense. Sorry to hear about the tremors.
 
A while back I bought some Sensor Excel blades for my old handle to use a couple back and forth to compare with my guard. Now, as far as using a cartridge goes, I might do a shave a month at most, BUT for the times I do I have learned that somehow, for it's cost and build, the Guard gives me a better shave and actually lasts for 6 shaves vs the Excel at 4, for me.
 

Chandu

I Waxed The Badger.
From the moment I put the Guard to my face, I fell in love with it. I`ve been wet shaving over 60 years (I`m 83), IMO there is no way you can get the angle wrong, it swings freely on pivots so all you need to do is put to your face with just a little pressure, it goes flat to your skin at 25 degrees. At least it does for me, Bill.

I've only been at it about 35 years, but would agree with you 100% on the Guard. Great razor. I'll take it over DE anyday. Over my SE? No.
 

Chandu

I Waxed The Badger.
I have a Gem Junior which is my favorite. I have a Razorock Hawk V2 and two Injectors. I would consider the Razorock and Injectors equals and the Gem is a little bit better than those.
 
Used this razor for the first time today. All I can say is, Wow!

I do enjoy shaving with my DE razors, And I don't think I could ever go back to cartridges. Still, this is the perfect travel razor. Cheap, efficient, single bladed ... So glad I finally tried it. Have two razors now with another two, and 15 extra blades on order.

At the rate I travel, this will last me a decade. Lol.
 
When I first got the Gillette Guard I thought it was too mild and didn't cut well at all. Then I realized my mistake. I was making skin contact with the open comb, instead of the blade. I raised the handle a little and made sure that the plastic area above the blade and the blade were pressed directly against the skin and hair and then I got a very decent shave. So, if your impression is that it's too mild, try changing the angle to make the blade and above-blade area flush with the skin, which slightly lifts the open comb part.

Turns out I was making the same mistake and your "ride the cap" advice works a treat. Thanks for the tip!
 
When I first got the Gillette Guard I thought it was too mild and didn't cut well at all. Then I realized my mistake. I was making skin contact with the open comb, instead of the blade. I raised the handle a little and made sure that the plastic area above the blade and the blade were pressed directly against the skin and hair and then I got a very decent shave. So, if your impression is that it's too mild, try changing the angle to make the blade and above-blade area flush with the skin, which slightly lifts the open comb part.

#1. When using this technique the Gillette Guard is an excellent razor and has become my go-to travel shaver.
 
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