Secrets of the OC? "Tradere"

[Ski-Patroller]

I've been using my new Tradere quite a bit. I went over 2 weeks straight with it when I first got it, to get a good feel for it.

My experience is that it gives about as close a shave as I get with my Futur or Progress razors, (Set on 3/4) using the same blades, either Feather SI or Personna Meds. I always do a 3 pass shave. While the shave with the Tradere is about as close, I seem to get a weeper about 1/2 the time, where as I almost never get a cut or weeper with the Merkurs. Prep is the same, bowl lather with Cella or P.160 mostly. I also notice that the Tradere gives me more irritation. I can't tell it just from shaving, but I often use an Alum bar and that seems to magnify any irritation. I definitely seem to get more with the Tradere.

I'm looking for suggestions on any technique changes when using an Open Comb razor. Or should I just give up and wait for the solid bar Tradere?

 

[Cochese2323]

I just got this razor a couple of days ago and have only shaved with it twice so far, so I am in the same boat as you looking for advice on how to master the razor. My first shave was very successful. No really irritation and one little weeper. It was also after 4 days growth. I shaved again yesterday on 2 days growth and totally tore my face up. I used the same soap/brush/blade as my first shave. Blade was only second shave too. So had to be poor technique.

I usually shave every other day and never really and any trouble with my previous razor, a Muhle R89. It is a much more mild razor though. I will have to use the Tradere a couple more times to see if I can get a little better result shaving every other day. I will definitely not give up on it though. I know I can get a great shave from it and it is such a pretty razor.

 

[kingfisher]

I've never tried the Tradere, but I don't think there are any secrets to shaving with an open comb razor. I regularly do so and have great success. I think proper angle and very little pressure are key for shaving with any razor; maybe they're even more important when shaving with an open comb?

 

[ackvil]

I have not shaved with Tradere OC razor but have used both the Muhle R.41 and Fat Tip. Both require that you pay special attention to the no pressure rule. Also, I have found that for me OC razors require a different angle than other DE razors. I have to use them with the handle closer to my face or more parallel than other razors. If I don't, I get weepers or nicks.

 

[itsmedave]

I have discovered that with most any razor that I get a better shave if I hold it at a SE Razor angle (more shallow). The same holds true for the Tradere as well. I hold it at about a 30 degree angle.

 

[Vickers]

I haven't noticed anything particularly aggressive about it. I also use Personnas in mine.

I hope you are able to figure it out, since it's a pretty sizeable investment.

 

[Ski-Patroller]

I haven't noticed anything particularly aggressive about it. I also use Personnas in mine.

I hope you are able to figure it out, since it's a pretty sizeable investment.

Actually I don't think it is as aggressive as the Futur. At least is takes a little more work to get a BBS with it than the Futur. However it does seem more likely to give me a small weeper. It is a lot easier for me to get a good shave with the Tradere OC than the Feather AS-D1, but still not as easy as the Futur or Progress.

 

[celestino]

Unfortunately, i found it to leave too much irritation, but you should give it more time and try different angles and blades.

 

[Gam]

I have discovered that with most any razor that I get a better shave if I hold it at a SE Razor angle (more shallow). The same holds true for the Tradere as well. I hold it at about a 30 degree angle.

Yeah 30 degree angle is about right,no pressure rule,it's a heavy head let the blade do the work.If you're getting irritation try a few WTG only shaves to get the hang of it.This next tip is very much YMMV,with medium to very aggressive razors I find that I can get away with 2 passes for my face and still get BBS or very close to BBS,WTG,ATG.

 

[crfcom]

Yeah 30 degree angle is about right,no pressure rule,it's a heavy head let the blade do the work.If you're getting irritation try a few WTG only shaves to get the hang of it.This next tip is very much YMMV,with medium to very aggressive razors I find that I can get away with 2 passes for my face and still get BBS or very close to BBS,WTG,ATG.

This.
I have several OC's, including a Tradere, and I've found that the angle is critical and some head designs are easier to find that perfect angle with than others. The long-tooth Gillette New Model is an example of an OC that everyone seems to have success with, and I believe as others do that it has to do with the long tooth making it easier to find and maintain the correct angle. This may mean that it will take a little longer to get the "feel" of the right angle with the Tradere, as with other short-tooth OC's, in my opinion. You'll find it, it'll just take some practice. Meanwhile, use milder blades, Personna Reds for example. Just some things that seem to work for me.