Observations re: "Aggressive"

[razorburn67]

After "upgrading" to the newest 5-blade razor, then getting sticker shock from the cost of refill cartridges, I did some research and ran across the AOS. I started with my current cartridges and obtained a VDH boar brush and soap. I have always had a hyper-sensitive face (neck and chin) and a very heavy beard, and this worked okay.

I then ordered a Parker 22R, Proraso and a Tweezerman badger brush. The Parker is a great looking and feeling razor, but it burned the mess out of my face. I figured I was "just a beginner" and watched a few videos and read more about the AOS. I was still burning and bleeding like crazy.

I then ordered an HD. Again, great feeling razor, but I was still having problems, though not as bad as with the Parker.

This past weekend, at an antique store, I ran across the black-handled 1964 Gillette SS, and a couple of ball-end Techs - $5 each. I read up on them, and learned they were anything but aggressive.

I gave them both a try and got the closest, most comfortable shave I have literally ever gotten. I can't say enough about how comfortable the shave was. I now understand the term "aggressive."

Here's my question for the more experienced: will the Parker and HD ever work for me? Or should I stick with the SS line?

 

[mmack66]

Welcome to B&B.

The Parker and the HD might work down the road when your technique gets better, though if the SS and the Tech do the job, you might not feel the need to use anything else.

 

[MajorBurnz]

I agree with mmack66!!

If you can get a quick, comfortable shave with the Tech or SS, then there's no reason to try and make the Parker or HD work.

If, on the other hand, you're into trying every razor/blade combo out there, then you may be able to use those razors somewhere down the line ---- after your technique has improved sufficiently.

Of course, you could catch all the possible AD's (like I did ) - then you'll be haunting the BST and Ebay trying to snap up every minor variant of every razor that's ever been made.

 

[Go West Young Man]

If the Tech makes you happy, stick with it! The irritation and cuts you were getting were probably due to too much pressure - after a few weeks with the Tech, try to recreate that light touch with your other razors, you'll likely get much better results.

 

[skipnord]

I had the same experience with Parkers - see my thread "Parker Revisited". The Parker head puts a lot of "bend" in the blade when it is tightened down, and the resulting angle of the blade makes it very sensitive to blade angle on your face, and is different than other razors I have used. When I tried it again, after practicing my technique for 6 months or so, I figured the angle and pressure out right away, and got a very good shave. For now, Techs and SS's are a great way to learn proper razor and brush technique. Good luck, and welcome back to the world of real shaving!

 

[noahpictures]

Welcome to B&B. I'd stick with SS until you want to learn another razor then I'd go with the HD. I have never used a Parker.

 

[Phoenix_one]

I first started with the Merkur HD, last year, then I moved to a ball-end Tech to learn technique. I stuck with the Tech for at least 10 months perfecting technique, learning my face, experimenting with different blades and perfecting lathering. (As with you I did not purchased anything else.)

I was patient until I felt I mastered my face with the Tech. When I moved back to the HD, it made a world of difference. Barely any irritation or cuts. Every shave a joy.

Then RAD set in. Bad. Last month I have been on a rampage. Trying everything I could get my hands on. Even going SE. I am in shaving Nirvana. I have filled two shelfs in my bathroom with razors.

I. Must. STOP. (acquiring not shaving).

 

[Bestarrkin]

I just want to ask I hope you will share your experiences. Which one of these razors(Tech or SS) did you have a smoother shave? IME I always get a smooth shave with SS(40s style) rather than Tech(Ball-end). Thanks for sparing your time.

And also welcome to B&B

 

[Medic82]

I know exactly what you mean, the Parker 22 was also my first DE and I didn’t get as good shave as I do with my Mühle R106 that is not aggressive.

 

[razorburn67]

Thanks to everyone for the welcome and the replies - very helpful. I'll hang on to the Parker and HD and see how it goes in a few months.

 

[xjrob85]

Good decision. I started with a 34C HD and had pretty good luck with it, but then I gave the Tech a try and it was like a bright light had suddenly been turned on. After feeling very comfortable with the Tech, my experience with the HD improved as well. To this day, even after acquiring over 20 razors, those first two are my favorites.

 

[razorburn67]

Bestarrkin - I started with the SS (which is the '69 +/- not '64 as I stated in my original post), then I tried the Tech. They seemed to be very similar shaves. Today I switched back to the SS and it was a better shave - only marginally, but it was noticeably better.

Mind you, I am new to this; so maybe the water was hotter today, if you know what I mean.