I have a merkur #180 (i think this is also the 23C). I use it to shave my legs and my underarms, but sometimes I have a hard time getting the razor to shave properly. I used to think I just needed to perfect the angle, but now I think it's something else. I think this because if I unscrew the handle just a little, it changes the space that I have between the bottom bar of the razor and the blade itself. Then the razor shaves like a dream. The problem is that this is not very stable, as my leg isn't perfectly flat (it's curved like everyone else's, of course), so it will loosen or tighten at its own whim, whereas if it were tight that wouldn't happen. To be fair, it might still be an angle issue because when I loosen it the angle of the blade changes too, but if that's really the case I still think I need a different razor because I can't put the razor to the skin at that angle (because the handle would get in the way). So what is going on here and/or what am I doing wrong? And if I need to buy a new safety razor (as I believe I do), which one would work for me?
what am i doing wrong and/or do i need to buy a different razor (handle)
- Thread starter Dora_G
- Start date
It sounds to me like you prefer a more aggressive razor than the 23C that you have. However, I have a simple and free solution for you: take an old DE blade and (CAREFULLY!) cut off both shaving edges. Insert one (or more, depending on your preference) between your current blade and the base plate. This technique is known here as shimming your razor. Voila! You now have a more agressive 23C!!
Welcome to B&B, Dora_G.
I agree with Wingnut on your apparent preference for a more aggressive razor. The original Gillettes were actually sold as quasi-adjustables in exactly the way you are using yours. That is, loosen the handle to flatten the blade. It seems to me that a genuine adjustable should suit you nicely. Merkur makes the Progress and the Futur adjustables. Among vintage razors, the long-handled Super Adjustable would seem ideal for shaving one's legs.
I agree with Wingnut on your apparent preference for a more aggressive razor. The original Gillettes were actually sold as quasi-adjustables in exactly the way you are using yours. That is, loosen the handle to flatten the blade. It seems to me that a genuine adjustable should suit you nicely. Merkur makes the Progress and the Futur adjustables. Among vintage razors, the long-handled Super Adjustable would seem ideal for shaving one's legs.
Assuming that you are committed to a new (to you) razor, dcobranchi's suggestion of a long-handled Super Adjustable would be an excellent choice.
OOPS, I didn't notice that you were a newbie, so let me make it official, Dora_G: Welocme to B&B!!
There are qute a few female DE leg-shavers around here, and they even have their own informal social group: the League of Leg Shavers (LOLS). Perhaps you might like to say hi to them and ask for their suggestions as well.
When you get a chance, please head over to our Hall of Fame and tell us all a bit more about yourself. There are links in my signature to areas of B&B of special interest to beginning shavers (no matter WHERE they shave!)--perhaps you might like to have a look at them. If you ever have questions or run into problems, don't hesitate to post them up. We're a welcoming and friendly group here, and there's always someone around to offer advice or lend a hand.
Enjoy your time here, happy shaving, and once again, WELCOME!!
There are qute a few female DE leg-shavers around here, and they even have their own informal social group: the League of Leg Shavers (LOLS). Perhaps you might like to say hi to them and ask for their suggestions as well.
When you get a chance, please head over to our Hall of Fame and tell us all a bit more about yourself. There are links in my signature to areas of B&B of special interest to beginning shavers (no matter WHERE they shave!)--perhaps you might like to have a look at them. If you ever have questions or run into problems, don't hesitate to post them up. We're a welcoming and friendly group here, and there's always someone around to offer advice or lend a hand.
Enjoy your time here, happy shaving, and once again, WELCOME!!
I have a simple and free solution for you: take an old DE blade and (CAREFULLY!) cut off both shaving edges. Insert one (or more, depending on your preference) between your current blade and the base plate. This technique is known here as shimming your razor. Voila! You now have a more agressive 23C!!
+1 You could try this, but it sounds like an angle issue. The Gillette Old Types are great shavers also if you can get a longer handle for them for your legs. You may also want to consider the Lady Gillette as i find them to be more aggressive razor than the Merkurs. Good luck.
Did You Try A Different Blade?
I Never heard of a problem Like This For This Razor.
I Have one Myself.
Suggestions For A New Razor:
If You Want A Long Handled Razor, Look For a Vintage Gillette Knack Or Lady Gillette.
As For me personally, I Have Found Regular Size Handle Gillette Superspeeds To Be Really Good As Well.
Don't be Afraid to go Vintage, Some of the Razors Were Made Better Back Then.
If You have Any more Questions, Feel Free To Ask.
I Never heard of a problem Like This For This Razor.
I Have one Myself.
Suggestions For A New Razor:
If You Want A Long Handled Razor, Look For a Vintage Gillette Knack Or Lady Gillette.
As For me personally, I Have Found Regular Size Handle Gillette Superspeeds To Be Really Good As Well.
Don't be Afraid to go Vintage, Some of the Razors Were Made Better Back Then.
If You have Any more Questions, Feel Free To Ask.
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Welcome to B&B Dora, i will give u a few links from our great members that may have more insight into leg shaving. 1st here is a thread The League of leg shavers devoted to leg shavers started by female member (from my home state Pennsylvania) Michele:B&B/wrinkles http://badgerandblade.com/vb/showth...ue-Of-Leg-Shavers/page2?highlight=leg+shavers
Here is a top razor collector, our beloved sister B&B's own April Dawn
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That is very nice of you, great advise..
Welcome, Dora.
Are you sure you are using the right blade? Merkurs come with Merkur blades, which I find rather dull and very over priced.
Are you sure you are using the right blade? Merkurs come with Merkur blades, which I find rather dull and very over priced.
Welcome to B&B!
It sounds to me like the guard plate may be upside-down: see 3_Pieces_DE_assembly. It happens from time to time.
It sounds to me like the guard plate may be upside-down: see 3_Pieces_DE_assembly. It happens from time to time.
