Razor Aggression

[mbrossar]

What makes a razor more or less aggressive?

I'm new to wet shaving, but getting a pretty good handle on my HD. Not really looking to try different razors yet, but all this talk about aggressive razors versus not aggressive razors versus adjustables makes me wonder, what is it about a razor that makes it more agressive? I understand that more agressive razors deliver closer shaves and that they are easier to cut and/or agrivate your skin. I'm curious more on the engineering side of the question. Is it a steeper (i.e. more bend) blade angle, a wider opening between the razor and the blade, something else?

I had no idea there was so much to learn/know about shaving. Now my curiosity is piqued. Can someone shed some light?

 

[highball]

Here is a link that might help you. http://wiki.badgerandblade.com/index.php/Double-Edged_Safety_Razors_Ranked_by_Aggressiveness

 

[mbrossar]

Very informative. Thanks!

 

[jpkunst]

Is it a steeper (i.e. more bend) blade angle, a wider opening between the razor and the blade, something else?

The way I understand it is that more aggressive means a wider opening ("blade gap") between razor and blade, which makes it possible to use a steeper angle.