Using Slim for the first time - Wow!

[Nomad1600]

This week I received a 1965 Gillette Slim that I purchased through BST and today I used it for the first time with a new Wilkinson Sword. I set the razor at 4 (which I believe was suggested as near a DE89 for comfort). The first pass was WTG and my initial thought was I forgot to put a blade in the razor. Second pass was XTG and I was still wondering it it was cutting anything. The third pass, ATG and it was still way too comfortable. I have a really thick beard (if I shave with an electric I need to shave a second time in the late afternoon if I have a evening function), and I usually shave a fourth "mini" pass ATG to clean up around the chin and mustache area. I dialed it to a 6 and could tell it was cutting closer. Since I had nicked myself the day before... I didn't try to go too close, but the end result was an almost BBS shave (BBS in most places) and the most comfortable shave I have ever had. No nicks, no burn. at. all.

A huge improvement over the Weishi 2300-M I was using (same blade). I'd recommend the Slim to any new wet shaver. What an awesome razor, especially at a reasonable cost. I will stay with this pairing (Slim + Sword) for a week or so to really get a feel for it before trying a different blade or two.

So here are my questions (knowing YMMV)...

Would I be smarter to keep the razor set at 6 or repeat the two approaches at 4 and finish up with the 6?
If the Slim at 4 most closely resembles a DE89, will the only way to get a closer shave with the EJ is using a more aggressive blade?
I am also thinking of adding a birth year (1958) TV Special... which Slim setting is most like the non-adjustable SS razors?
Any suggestions on what blades I should try? I have a sampler that has such blades as Feathers (I am a rookie, so holding off on these), Lord SS, Lord SuperChromes, SuperMax Platinums, Sharks, and Navarros, plus a few Astra SPs and Personna Meds coming my way).

Thanks in advance!

 

[adamz712003]

I use a fatboy which is similar setting wise, I start with a five wtg, move to a 3 atg and finish my neck at a 1 with an Astra sp.

this might help you on comparing the super speeds to the slim settings
http://wiki.badgerandblade.com/Double-Edged_Safety_Razors_Ranked_by_Blade_Gap

 

[TerryF]

I've been shaving the last three days with a 1962 Slim Adjustable with a Shark. I set it at 7 initially, tried 9 and 8 briefly, and returned to 7 It is deceivingly quiet and I wondered if I was doing anything just as you write. I am very happy with my results. I am going to try an Astra next in the same razor for 3 or 4 shaves. 1962 is the year I began shaving. I really like most everything about the Slim.

I also have a 1948-1950 Aristocrat that I'm going to try with same blades after this. That's my birth year razor. I am also quite interested in how it will compare to the adjustable. I only have a Futur and a Feather Popular in double edge razors so a little excited to try this.

I think I'd compare the Slim at 7 about to my Futur at 3 with the Shark but that's pretty subjective.

I've pretty much settled on Astras, Sharks, Personnas, and Feathers now. My son gave me a bunch of Sharks so it's pretty natural for me to use them right now.

Didn't really answer your questions but enjoyed reading about your experience.

 

[bryan1980]

I'd have to say that the Slim might be the perfect DE razor. I say "might", because I've just started using a Fatboy for the first time this week. I've been using an Astra SP this week, and it's performing right up there with the Slim. Also, to me anyways, the settings seem to be the same between the two. I'm going to stick with the Fatboy, and use a different blade each week to see how it does.

 

[Leslie145]

I only started DE a few weeks ago & did so with a Feather Popular - very mild, great results. I then managed through TSR to obtain a birth year slim (1963 I3). Used it on 1 at first (very nervous - good shave), then 2 (still nervous - better shave) & last time dialed to 3...

...What a shave! Comfortable, smooth, no nicks, no cuts, no burn & a damned near BBS; may try 4 tomorrow.

Incidentally (and I know these are not the most popular of blades) have been using Derby Extras in the slim - not quite as good a shave as I can get with an M3, but I'm still learning & it's close enough to know I will get consistent BBS with the slim in time.

Great razor.

 

[Nomad1600]

I use a fatboy which is similar setting wise, I start with a five wtg, move to a 3 atg and finish my neck at a 1 with an Astra sp.

this might help you on comparing the super speeds to the slim settings
http://wiki.badgerandblade.com/Double-Edged_Safety_Razors_Ranked_by_Blade_Gap

Wow... really interesting and useful article, thanks for posting it. I reckon I have read that the Weishi is a good beginner's razor and this seems to support that (though Weishi makes numerous models, I guess the head design is similar enough though?). This also supports that the Slim on 4 is similar to the EJ DE89.

 

[Old Man Army]

Congratulations on discovering the Slim! IMHO it is the perfect combination of shaving technology and craftsmanship. To answer your question about settings, I generally put mine on 5 or 6 and that gives me a close, blood-free shave. If you want to try different settings start aggressive on your WTG and XTG pass then dial it back on your ATG pass. Just my two cents.

 

[Harry Snider]

Yes slims are the real deal! You could very well be happy with a slim and a fatboy. On blades; I'm not familiar with some you have but, Astras work well. I a Polsilver fanboy and recently used a Gillette Black for first time and love them. Feathers are sharp and work very well. I used my slims and fb's on 5 for the longest time until my tastes went more aggressive! It comes down to your own comfort.

 

[ackvil]

The beauty of the adjustable is the flexibility it gives you. Experiment and see what works best for you. There are days when I dial up the adjustment with each pass and there are days when I keep it at one setting.

 

[tfinch]

The adjustables really are near perfect. The odd thing I've found is that for me they shave just as close and a lot more comfortably on a low (mild) setting.

 

[dushea]

Newb question, is the Slim the same as the Super Adjustable?

 

[redrako]

Newb question, is the Slim the same as the Super Adjustable?

Good question, as they are often confused on Ebay. The answer is no. The Slim is an all nickel coated razor, whereas the super adjustable has a black handle. They are both fine razors which IMO, everyone should try at least once.

Regarding the posts about which setting on the slim to dial in to approximate another razor such as a DE89 or Superspeed? I would start on the lower end of the Slim range, 2-3 and adjust from there.

 

[Slash McCoy]

Any of the gillette adjustables will make a fine razor for life. A newbie can learn on 1 or 2, then customize for his blade and shave style. you neveroutgrow it. My preference is for the FB but nothing wrong with a slim or super, either. The long handle Super Adjustable is great for your SWMBOs legs, too.