The only razor I have ever owned and used is an Edwin Jagger DE86. My Dad let me use his Merkur HD 34C yesterday to try out. I've been using a Feather blade for the last 2 months so to keep everything the same I used one in the HD. When I started shaving the first thing I noticed was the sound of the shave. It sounded like I was rubbing sand paper together. There was no tugging or dragging and I had a great shave with no cuts, burn etc. Why is it when I shave with my EJ I don't hear anything but with the HD I do? Is my technique off or bad?
The Sound of Your Shave
- Thread starter IronMike
- Start date
I have a Jagger too but I hear the sound when I shave with any of my DE razors.
I hear the sound of the shave with all of my razors, as well. It's part of what I love about using a DE.001_wub: It confirms I'm in that "sweet spot" angle-wise.
The sound developes corresponding to the angle in which the razor head moves on you skin
Almost all razors make that sound......decible may vary.
Vijay
Almost all razors make that sound......decible may vary.
Vijay
simon1
Self Ignored by Vista
Yup, I get that scritch scritch sound. That's why I only turn the water on when I rinse the razor. My str8s do it, DEs do it, and my SEs do it...the lather catcher is pretty loud, but the Gem 1912 seems to be the loudest.
The sound lets you know you're cutting hair.
Don't have a clue why you don't hear anything with the EJ. Do you have the water running when you use that one? Or maybe the HD is just louder.
The sound lets you know you're cutting hair.
Don't have a clue why you don't hear anything with the EJ. Do you have the water running when you use that one? Or maybe the HD is just louder.
Last edited:
Yeah, I hear the sound with any razor I use, DE or straight. But I gotta say that my Merkur Classic 1904 really has a sweet sound when I use it. As they say, it almost sings. 
If a man shaves in his bathroom and no one is around to hear it, does it make a sound? Well certainly, but it's a fine philosophical question.....
simon1
Self Ignored by Vista
Yeah, I hear the sound with any razor I use, DE or straight. But I gotta say that my Merkur Classic 1904 really has a sweet sound when I use it. As they say, it almost sings.
I have a str8 that does that...a McPherson Bros. silver steel "singing" blade.
Your Jagger should make a similar sound. Your angle may be off with the Jagger. Every razor I use makes a different sound. I really like the sound my Gem Junior makes when it is mowing down whiskers.
Burt
Burt
The sound from the 1912's is amazing, but I think my 1924 Ever-Ready may even be louder.
All of my razors make noise, but the one that really sings is the Futur.
My shave typically sounds something like, "Keeeeeekeeereeeegeeeerrrpp!!". I hope this information helps you.
With the single edge razors the blade is stiffer and the razor head is often lighter weight (often of a metal stamping). This probably makes for a better "sounding board".
Among DE razors there are significant differences in blade exposure or cantilever. If the cap extends out very close to the cutting edge the blade will tend to resonate less as it cuts. I know my Merkur 38C had much more blade flapping in the breeze than my 50's Gillettes do.
- Chris
Among DE razors there are significant differences in blade exposure or cantilever. If the cap extends out very close to the cutting edge the blade will tend to resonate less as it cuts. I know my Merkur 38C had much more blade flapping in the breeze than my 50's Gillettes do.
- Chris
I am using straight razors. Some dude on the interweb said the sound is similar to buttering toast. The sound the razor makes is an important part of the feedback you get from it.
I don't have a lot of razors (by B&B standards), but I have a range from full hollow (very thin behind the cutting edge) to full wedge (about as flexible as a camp axe). They each have a different voice. I thought the wedge was not cutting at all because I couldn't hear it. It doesn't make much noise, but it was getting the job done. The full hollow makes enough noise to wake the neighbours - like shaving with an aluminum pie plate.
Differences in DE blades should be less extreme, but they will vary according to the gauge of the blade, its sharpness and the grinding angle (friction coatings too.) I think each blade has an optimum angle (sweet spot) and remembering what that sounds like will help you to find it again.
Feedback ... it's something I'm starting to tune into after a month or so, and it helps me to be more consistent in my shaves. (It's a lot more useful than seeing how red and raw my neck is
)
Cheers,
Ian
I don't have a lot of razors (by B&B standards), but I have a range from full hollow (very thin behind the cutting edge) to full wedge (about as flexible as a camp axe). They each have a different voice. I thought the wedge was not cutting at all because I couldn't hear it. It doesn't make much noise, but it was getting the job done. The full hollow makes enough noise to wake the neighbours - like shaving with an aluminum pie plate.
Differences in DE blades should be less extreme, but they will vary according to the gauge of the blade, its sharpness and the grinding angle (friction coatings too.) I think each blade has an optimum angle (sweet spot) and remembering what that sounds like will help you to find it again.
Feedback ... it's something I'm starting to tune into after a month or so, and it helps me to be more consistent in my shaves. (It's a lot more useful than seeing how red and raw my neck is
)Cheers,
Ian
I find I get more sound out of my Merkur than my SuperSpeeds.
What you're hearing, (if i may quote one of our Merit award winners) is "The sound of angles singing" 
Similar threads
