Thinking about a slant. Suggestions, warnings, etc...

[Fletch]

Title pretty much says it all. The idea of a slant intrigues me yet also scares me a bit since I'm aware of the reputation of them as well. I've only been wet shaving a couple of months and I like the idea of looking for one now since I won't really have to jump at the first one I see.

So far I've shaved with a Merkur 33C, a Red Tip, Gillette slim with a 5,7,9 settings on each pass, Fatboy (same settings as the slim), Gillettte New, and a Gem Micromatic. So I feel as though I've gotten some mild and aggressive shavers under my belt but have yet to attempt a slant.

So my question(s):
What is a good slant to get?
What should I avoid either in a razor or during the shave?

As well as any other nuggets of info you gents can impart on a slant noob are appreciated.

 

[superbleu]

I like the skinny handles vintage merkur slants. Chessman might still have some for sale. Between the two modern versions I like the 37c over the 39, I find the grip on the 39 isn't great, and can get slippery.
Not too much to worry about using it, the dangers are blown way out of proportion IMO, just watch what you are doing around the jaw line and around the lips, that's where it tends to bite if I'm not paying attentions. Also the sharper the blade the better, so feathers or 7 oclock yellows work best for me.

 

[PhatMan]

Fletch,

I have the 37C & Hoffritz slants, and they both shave very well.

As has been said, the fearsome reputation of the slants is really not deserved.

Used with light pressure and the correct angle, they shave as well and comfortably as any other safety razor.

I must admit, for me, the slants do not give a closer shave, nor do they give it in less passes. They are interesting razors to have in my rotation !

Get one and give it a go !

Have fun !

Best regards

Russ

 

[Patrik]

I must admit, for me, the slants do not give a closer shave, nor do they give it in less passes. They are interesting razors to have in my rotation !

Ditto. I've got a 37c. Out of the blades I've used in it so far, NOS Gillette Bleue Extras have given me the best shaves. I didn't have a good experience with the Feather-Slant combo that many here are fond of. While Feathers don't get along with my face no matter which of my razors I use them in, this seems to be a particularly bad pairing for me. As usual, YMMV.

Anyway, I agree with everyone else - don't fret about it, just get one and enjoy!

 

[bob.e]

I have the sledgehammer slant I believe it's the 39c I feel it gives an excellent shave. I experienced a few weepers during my learning curve but nothing scary, the only thing scary about a slant is it's reputation, it shaves as close as my Gems and had about the same learning curve.

Like any new razor you try, just use a bit of caution when first using to get the feelings for it's quirks.

 

[Monkeydad]

I have a Slant. You DO have to be careful with it. The technique is a little different with a slant. Instead of holding at an angle with other DEs, it works best (and safest) with a perpendicular position, 90 degrees to your face.

(this is my experience and how it works with my face, no guarantees about yours)


AWESOME shaver.

First few times were great shaves with some blood loss, but now it's easy.

 

[dirtdog]

I shaved with a Parker 91 and was getting good shaves.

I heard so much about the slants decided to give it a try.
Yesterday was my first shave with one and I have to say I am happy I tried one.

The shave is close and smooth and I am glad I tried a slant.

It will be my main razor I think with the Parker 91 stowed away for emergency use only if the slant breaks .

I had heard it was a gimmick / did not work / that you could hold your regular razor at an angle and accomplish the same thing / a whole slew of derogatory things about the slant -- I did not find any of them valid .

I like my slant.

 

[mmack66]

I have a Slant. You DO have to be careful with it. The technique is a little different with a slant. Instead of holding at an angle with other DEs, it works best (and safest) with a perpendicular position, 90 degrees to your face.

Whether you are talking about the head or the handle being 90 degrees to your face, I can't envision how either position would afford a good shave. With the handle at 90 degrees, the blade wouldn't contact the face, and with the head at 90 degrees, I would think there would be too much scraping of the blade against the face.

 

[GatorShaver]

I wouldn't be too worried about it. I have one of the vintage Merkurs and like it a lot, and one of the old German bakelite open comb slants which I like even more.

They are aggressive (particularly that light plastic open comb one), but as long as you're careful like you would be with any other razor the "terror" people have about them is completely baseless.

I do find that the blades I like in them varies a little though. Oddly I get the best results from a Feather or a Kai in the more aggressive open comb and something a little more toned down like an IP in the Merkur.

 

[rutts]

I owned a slant for a few monthes and ended up selling it. It didnt shave any closer or faster then any other razor nor was it any harder to use. It does look cool however, but i couldnt justify keeping it when i got better shaves from my other merkurs. But as always YMMV.

 

[Luc]

Blade alignment. It can be tricky as your blade is twisted...

http://badgerandblade.com/vb/showthread.php?t=87841

Other than that, you would use the slant like any other DE razor.