I picked up a 96r from amazon about a month ago, before I joined up here and before I had any idea about I was doing!
The first time I tried it, it was probably the worst shaving experience I have ever had. I nicked myself about 5 times and had weepers everywhere! I was really frustrated with it, but being optimistic, I chalked it up to inexperience.
I was lucky enough to pick up a couple superspeeds before shaving again, and have used those since. They've been very forgiving, and have really helped me work out the technique. I feel pretty comfortable with a DE now, the cartridge technique has just about been forgotten!
I decided tonight that I would try the 96r one more time. If all went as poorly as I expected, I was going to maybe PIF it or even toss it, just to prevent some other noob from hacking themselves up.
I approached it with extreme caution, keeping in mind that it is quite a bit more aggressive than the SS's. I went slow, kept a good angle, and let the weight of the razor do the job, especially since it is heavier than others.
After 2 WTG passes and 1 ATG with a little touch up, it went exceedingly better than last time! The shave is just about a DFS, and I'm pretty happy with it. I think for now I'm going to hold on to it, and throw it in when I'm feeling like a change.
I don't know that I'd recommend it as a starting point for someone, maybe if they are cautious and have skin less sensitive than mine! All in all, not bad, but its not for everyone. Plus, you can get a great vintage Gillette for the same if not cheaper!
Of course, if I find something good at the antique stores this weekend, it may never come back in the rotation, forcing me to PIF it out!
The first time I tried it, it was probably the worst shaving experience I have ever had. I nicked myself about 5 times and had weepers everywhere! I was really frustrated with it, but being optimistic, I chalked it up to inexperience.
I was lucky enough to pick up a couple superspeeds before shaving again, and have used those since. They've been very forgiving, and have really helped me work out the technique. I feel pretty comfortable with a DE now, the cartridge technique has just about been forgotten!
I decided tonight that I would try the 96r one more time. If all went as poorly as I expected, I was going to maybe PIF it or even toss it, just to prevent some other noob from hacking themselves up.
I approached it with extreme caution, keeping in mind that it is quite a bit more aggressive than the SS's. I went slow, kept a good angle, and let the weight of the razor do the job, especially since it is heavier than others.
After 2 WTG passes and 1 ATG with a little touch up, it went exceedingly better than last time! The shave is just about a DFS, and I'm pretty happy with it. I think for now I'm going to hold on to it, and throw it in when I'm feeling like a change.
I don't know that I'd recommend it as a starting point for someone, maybe if they are cautious and have skin less sensitive than mine! All in all, not bad, but its not for everyone. Plus, you can get a great vintage Gillette for the same if not cheaper!
Of course, if I find something good at the antique stores this weekend, it may never come back in the rotation, forcing me to PIF it out!
