What a difference a razor makes

[Slowhand]

Over the course of the last month or so, I found myself not getting particularly comfortable shaves, especially everything under the jaw line. I tried changing one thing a day to see what the problem could be. I went through all my soaps, all my creams (and different latherings/slicknesses/etc. for each), four different DE blades, my technique (slow, fast, angles, stroke length, etc.) All, to no avail.

Then, it dawned on me ---> maybe the razor itself is the culprit. Surely you jest! No way a dad gummed razor could make a difference! I honestly couldn't see how a razor could make any difference, however small. Boy, was I wrong. It made the *biggest* difference of all. I went from a Merkur Barber Pole (look for it on B/S/T soon) to an English Flair Tip. The first shave was the best I've had in a month. The second shave, even after slightly altering technique AND with a subpar lather, still produced a lovely near-BBS shave, with almost zero irritation.

I must say, I'm surprised and impressed (a little bewildered, too?) that a razor could make such a difference.

And all this time, I see the term "good shaver" thinking it gets that moniker more for the feel in the hand than the result on the face.

<----Glad to be "in the know" now.

Just thought I'd share

 

[ackvil]

Glad to hear you found your razor. I agree that a razor can make a big difference. Right now the razor that gives me the BEST shaves is a Mergress. Before it became a Mergress and was a Progress, it gave me a good shave but I preferred my FB and Slim. Now, the Mergress leaves the other two razors behind.

When I first started shaving I used a Tech. However, I never could get a good shave out of it and then went to a Slim - which worked much better.

 

[Texas Don]

I'm finding the same thing after finally agreeing with myself to be a little more open minded. I absolutely cannot get a decent shave with a 1969 Gillette Fat Boy. This razor is a family heirloom and was practically unused before I cleaned and disinfected it for use. Every time I look at it I think, "Get a rope and hang this thing from the nearest tree".
Followed closely by my Parker 91R. It's a beautiful, heavy razor that just won't shave closely on my face. I finally used a 1971 black handled superspeed and that did the trick. It is comfortable, light and easy to use. The shave is incredible even on or just under the jaw line and chin. The net of this conversation is that I totally agree with you. The razor can be a huge factor in the quality of your shave.

 

[Norm501]

I'm finding the same thing after finally agreeing with myself to be a little more open minded. I absolutely cannot get a decent shave with a 1969 Gillette Fat Boy. This razor is a family heirloom and was practically unused before I cleaned and disinfected it for use. Every time I look at it I think, "Get a rope and hang this thing from the nearest tree".
Followed closely by my Parker 91R. It's a beautiful, heavy razor that just won't shave closely on my face. I finally used a 1971 black handled superspeed and that did the trick. It is comfortable, light and easy to use. The shave is incredible even on or just under the jaw line and chin. The net of this conversation is that I totally agree with you. The razor can be a huge factor in the quality of your shave.

As a newbie ... I researched the crap out of razors on this board. Decided on the Merkur HD and then picked up a 1956 Gillette Super Speed. Both of them give me nearly identicle shaves. Both are pretty neutral as far as aggressiveness goes. I only say that because I am getting pretty good shaves - little to no irritation - and no real nicks to date.

Probably more aggressive razors out there - but these are giving me good shaves with no pain! What can be better

 

[Dave Deluxe]

This morning I dusted off the Gillette SS red tip and it was a step backward from my normal DE razor. Makes me wonder why I should keep it, although I may give it another try tomorrow just to confirm how less effective than it is than my regular EJ 89DL.

Probably should just sell it off and put he money towards one of Bob's restored "New Open Combs".

DD

 

[Slowhand]

This morning I dusted off the Gillette SS red tip and it was a step backward from my normal DE razor. Makes me wonder why I should keep it, although I may give it another try tomorrow just to confirm how less effective than it is than my regular EJ 89DL.

Probably should just sell it off and put he money towards one of Bob's restored "New Open Combs".

DD

I think it's what I'm going to do with my Barber Pole and my Futur. Futur deserves another chance, as it's been awhile, but I can't imagine it shaving better than my Flair Tip.

 

[SailBob]

EJ89L's the ticket for me . I'd like to try an open comb but fell some yellow down my back .
Bob

 

[ackvil]

It's funny, but I don't have that many razors: only six. But I currently only use three and wonder why I am keeping the others.

 

[wimbouman]

The Flair Tip saved my RAD.

I started with a Muhle, and soon afterwards bought a Tech.
Didn't like it at all. The Flair Tip I then bought brought back my interest in older Gillettes.

It is such a nice shaver!

 

[mdevine]

It's funny, but I don't have that many razors: only six. But I currently only use three and wonder why I am keeping the others.

I know exactly what you mean. I have ten razors but there are four that I clearly prefer to the other six I really like my SS, Diplomat, New and Tuckaway). I could get this down to one TTO and one OC and be satisfied. I'll probably give my Slim and HD Rocket another go but neither worked as well as the others have. I have a Tech that I've used for travel but I think the Tuckaway will fill that role from here on out.

 

[bbarton713]

I've been weeding out my razors and the numbers are slowly going down. I have four that sit in a stand on my sink (Feather AS, open comb NEW, 1907 Single Ring, Fatboy) with a Schick E2 hiding out behind the stand. All the others in my razor drawer are for some day because I haven't tried them yet and might like them.

However, I now have five brushes on my sink and a 6th will be joining them when I go downstairs from my office and visit my den.

I also got some more blades and another shipment from Mama Bear's Soap (Rose Ice soap, Rose ASB, Lilac Ice ASB) so while the razors are going other things are taking their place.

I would imagine that I'll have some brushes for sale but right now I like something about each of them and don't think I could part with any of them so I may have a 6 brush rotation.

 

[ccnutman]

I've been weeding out my razors and the numbers are slowly going down. I have four that sit in a stand on my sink (Feather AS, open comb NEW, 1907 Single Ring, Fatboy) with a Schick E2 hiding out behind the stand. All the others in my razor drawer are for some day because I haven't tried them yet and might like them.

However, I now have five brushes on my sink and a 6th will be joining them when I go downstairs from my office and visit my den.

I also got some more blades and another shipment from Mama Bear's Soap (Rose Ice soap, Rose ASB, Lilac Ice ASB) so while the razors are going other things are taking their place.

I would imagine that I'll have some brushes for sale but right now I like something about each of them and don't think I could part with any of them so I may have a 6 brush rotation.

I have many (45 or so) vintage Gillettes, and they do shave differently. Of course the blue, silver, and red tips were designed for mild, medium and aggressive, respectively. Easily my favorite of all of them is the short black handled adjustable. The long handled adjustable shaves just as well but the longer handle is just too long for me (commonly known as black beauties). SWMBO now shaves her legs with it and loves it. I have four fatboys that I paid decent money for and have never really liked them. The slims shave better than the fatboys IMHO. I consider the fatboys an investment that my grandchildren can reap, as the price on them just keeps going up. The superspeeds also perform well. This is all part of the fun guys.

 

[mdevine]

I mentioned last week that I would give my HD Rocket another go. Up until now, I had good but not great shaves with it. This week, I popped an Iridium in it and this made all the difference in the world. The shaves have been outstanding. I guess it's unlikely that this razor will end up on B/S/T any time soon. Just another example of how a razor sometimes needs to be paired with the right blade.

 

[instpasr]

I switched to a straight about a month ago but if I go back to one of my dozen or so DEs it will most likely be my bullmastiff modified progress from cooncatbob.

 

[Topgumby]

I guess YMMV.

I get great shaves from all the razors I have, with the only ones that I would classify as less than fun to use would be the dinky travel Techs and a Flying Eagle, also on the small side.

When I started I was sure open combs were made by sadists, but now I love 'em. Barbasol? Great lively shave. Techs? Relaxing and smooth. Super Speeds of all types, Fat Boy, Slim, NEW, Old, Bostonian, Super Adjustable, Parker, ABC Pocket, all nice shaves and all enjoyable to use.

I'll have to revisit that Chinese Tech copy and see if it behaves better now then it did a few months ago.

 

[goby]

I mentioned last week that I would give my HD Rocket another go. Up until now, I had good but not great shaves with it. This week, I popped an Iridium in it and this made all the difference in the world. The shaves have been outstanding. I guess it's unlikely that this razor will end up on B/S/T any time soon. Just another example of how a razor sometimes needs to be paired with the right blade.

I was going to suggest a Feather. My Rocket HD loves sharp blades. It's an amazing razor.

BTW, my Super Speeds HATED Green 7'Oclocks, while my Slim and Rocket HD love them.

 

[TxPhoto09]

I bought one of the black plastic Gillettes the other day from the 'bay just out of curiosity. It almost tore the skin off my face, so that one gets trashed (because I unfortunately also screwed it up by over-exposing it to Scrubbing Bubbles). The other is my Parker 87R, which I tried again last week. When I get all the ingredients together, the Parker and probably my remaining Tabac and maybe an extra SheaMoisture brush will to into a PifPackage.

I have two techs, however, and like them both. I have a slim adjustable and like it nearly as much. My Krona is an old friend. The New Big Boy is saved for when I haven't shaved for a couple days, on account of its open comb. Who knew?

 

[howardshort]

I never write off any razor without trying a variety of blades in it. I seem to prefer fairly aggressive razors but if I load them with a Feather or Super Iridium some can be unpleasant. At the same time a very mild razor loaded with a scary sharp Feather can be a great shave. I have RAD bad so the options are endless but a good bet would be to start with a mild shaver and a mild blade and change the blade increasingly sharper. Or for a more cost effective long-term solution, pick an aggressive shaver and a milder blade as they are usually cheaper and easier to obtain. JMTC (just my two cents)

 

[OkieStubble]

I was going to suggest a Feather. My Rocket HD loves sharp blades. It's an amazing razor.

BTW, my Super Speeds HATED Green 7'Oclocks, while my Slim and Rocket HD love them.

It amazes me how the statement, YMMV really is. I am using a green 7' Oclock in my 57' standard flair tip super speed and am getting awesome shaves.

 

[mdex]

Now I have very limited experience, and have only used 2 razors so far (lots more are on the way come on postman...) but I find that whenever I change razors I get a better shave. Maybe its mixing things up making me pay more attention but each time I put a razor to my face that I haven't used in a few weeks I get a great shave out of it!


Marc