When to try a new razor?

[dushea]

How long after using a specific razor do you feel like you really get the gist of it? How many different blades?

I'm about 6 months into wet shaving, was getting great shaves from my 23c, then found a birth year Gillette SA. I've been at the SA for a month (probably about 15 shaves in), have tried four different blades, and am just not getting anything more than a CCS, set at a 7. Should I give it another month, or put it down for awhile, pick up a slant or progress and then go back to it?

 

[taco8slo]

I would put it aside and use what works best. I think it is time to invest in a Weber, but there is really no need if you already get great shaves, though it is fun to have variety. As far as Gillettes go, I really like the Short Comb News and the New Improved razors.

 

[Copierguy]

Some razors I have set aside thinking that one will never work for me only to have wonderful results later down the road. Others still have not found a way on to my must have list. So I guess I would suggest you set it aside for awhile but if it still does not light up your life a few months from now, then you may be move on knowing you gave it a fair chance.

So many razors........so little time...

 

[bemiller]

Definitely same for me, some razors I won't touch for 5 or 6 months, almost forgetting about them because of some subpar shave I had with them long ago, and then I will bring it out again and it is totally revitalized possibly providing a phenomenal shave. Wish I hadn't traded away my R41 I would have liked to see if I improved with that one.

 

[celestino]

i would have to agree and put the Gillette aside and keep using your Merkur or try another razor. i would also highly recommend a Weber as they are fantastic stainless steel razors for a great price.
i use the DLC, exclusively. Good luck and have fun.

 

[santamariasteve]

Fifteen shaves and using 4 brands of blade is enough for you to accurately evaluate a razor. If you're not satisfied, I would move on to something else. However, sometimes coming back to a razor after several months will give a new experience and a new perspective.

BTW if SA stands for Slim Adjustable, that is an outstanding razor. I presume you have experiemented with different adjustment settings and angles?

 

[dushea]

Well, I did end up pulling the trigger on a 37c, which I'm pretty geeked about. This morning, however, I changed things up a little. I've been using some Barrister and Mann and for the hell of it, I decided to add more water than I normally do. Previously, it seemed as if the razor was dragging a bit and not allowing me to get as close as I'd like.

Lo and behold, this changed everything. WTG @ 5, XTG @ 5, ATG @ 3 and a more moist lather, I finally achieved a DFS with my Super Adjustable and had a very enjoyable shave in general.

Now to go for two in a row while I wait for my slant...

 

[santamariasteve]

I knew you could do it!

 

[GlennConti]

Well, I did end up pulling the trigger on a 37c, which I'm pretty geeked about. This morning, however, I changed things up a little. I've been using some Barrister and Mann and for the hell of it, I decided to add more water than I normally do. Previously, it seemed as if the razor was dragging a bit and not allowing me to get as close as I'd like.

Lo and behold, this changed everything. WTG @ 5, XTG @ 5, ATG @ 3 and a more moist lather, I finally achieved a DFS with my Super Adjustable and had a very enjoyable shave in general.

Now to go for two in a row while I wait for my slant...

That's almost how I shave with my Super Adjustable. I go "5-5-2". As far as wetter lather, that's a good trick. What I also do is use a home made pre-shave oil on my face prior to the lathering and after thoroughly wetting my face.

 

[gus1942]

How long after using a specific razor do you feel like you really get the gist of it? How many different blades?

I'm about 6 months into wet shaving, was getting great shaves from my 23c, then found a birth year Gillette SA. I've been at the SA for a month (probably about 15 shaves in), have tried four different blades, and am just not getting anything more than a CCS, set at a 7. Should I give it another month, or put it down for awhile, pick up a slant or progress and then go back to it?

I think everyone should try a slant.

 

[Strekoza]

I wouldn't switch razors unless I felt that it wasn't working for me or if it broke.

 

[chongo gordo]

Still learning after 18 months. Which is a good thing.

 

[nehpets4627]

I've used a Lord L6 (Merkur style head) exclusively for the last 2.5 years. It was a near instant success after 3 months of cutting my teeth on a Super Adjustable at 3-4. To a great degree, the L6 equalized all but the worst blades (Derby, Dorco, etc) meaning I can shave using a Feather or a Crystal with very similar results and minimal adjustment.

I've just recently picked up a Merkur 20C which has a nearly identical head to the Lord. I'm 2 shaves in with the Merkur and, despite my best logic, it still feels extremely different and notably more aggressive than the Lord. It's not causing any problems and I'm getting very good shaves from the Merkur, but I can feel a very notable difference in the two razors that I completely did not expect. Upon inspection, beyond the Merkur's superior casting and plating quality, the heads and blade gaps appear 100% geometrically identical. If I can feel ANY difference between these two razors, it makes me wonder how much it would rock my world to switch to something like an OC or Slant. I may need another couple of weeks before I'm as comfortable with the Merkur as I am with the Lord... I might need months or more to switch to something vastly different.

 

[takeshi]

How long after using a specific razor do you feel like you really get the gist of it? How many different blades?

It's not generally how long or how many blades for me but the quality of the shave itself for me.

I've been at the SA for a month (probably about 15 shaves in), have tried four different blades, and am just not getting anything more than a CCS, set at a 7. Should I give it another month, or put it down for awhile, pick up a slant or progress and then go back to it?

A month is probably about what I'd give a DE at the most but you should do whatever works for you. You have a better idea if you're seeing any slight changes or if you have pretty much plateaued with the DE.

 

[Red_Oak]

Whatever you have, use it for several months....RAD is bad.

 

[DrAwkward]

I think everyone should try a slant.

Could not agree more, which is somewhat funny because I am not a slant guy. I tried a 37C, screwed up the blade alignment, hated it. Tried it again a few months later with proper blade positioning and liked it. Even so, my British Gillette NEWs give me a better shave. Will I ever give up my slant? No. The whole concept is too cool. The slant will still get the occasional spot in the rotation, but not in the top 10 ...

 

[Gary H]

Buy as many as you can afford and try them all. The ones that do not work out re-sell.

 

[coolbus18]

Buy as many as you can afford and try them all. The ones that do not work out re-sell.

yup, and that 37c slant, yeah!
And glad you got a good shave with the Slim.

 

[n2hql]

The lord has a very light handle, if I remember correctly. I've used mine with several handles & it seems a lot better with a heavier handle. It was s-so with an Indian Omex handle, but the gold inlay lohs nice. The Omex heads don't seem t align correctly & I'm afraid to use it, prefer to keep the skin on my face!

 

[Marsman]

I like to try new (Vintage) ones when i find them on the cheap. if i like them I keep them and if not down the road they go.