I got a Shick injector adjustable razor off Ebay, and Stainless Teflon coated blades from somewhere recommended on this forum (can't remember now). The little disc that shows the numbers is missing, so I just set the razor in the middle (although I have tried both extremes). I am constantly cutting myself mainly on the lower lip or chin (in the front). I am 80 years old, so my skin is not that tight but the chin is. Also, the shave does not feel that close.
First, welcome to the Den. I'm no expert on injectors, so I won't offer any advice, especially with the adjustable models. We do have quite a few folks out here big into injectors and I'm sure they'll be along to offer some help. In the mean time, sit back and have a read here ---> click on this
i hope you can get it all figured out...i cant offer much advice on the injectors but im sure someone will be able to help
Hey Ted, welcome to The Shave Den....I hope you make yourself at home and stay a while....I love injectors, but I haven't had an adjustable since the '70's. There are some guys here who do though...You might want to make a post on the Injector and SE Razor Party Thread. That way you are sure to reach someone who knows the Adjustables better than I... Is just the disc with the numbers gone, or has the razor taken a fall? Is there any possible damage? Maybe some pictures could rule that out.... Also, what kind of blades are you using ? And are you keeping the head flat on your face? With an injector you don't need to use an angle like with a DE razor... If we have a little more info...I'm sure some of the Den-mates will help you get to the bottom of this....Thanks.. And once again...welcome...
The blades came from TedPella "Injector Style, Stainless Steel, PTFE-Coated Blades". The seller of the razor said that the numbers were worn off, but it appears as if there was a small disc with the numbers in the adjusting wheel that has come off. I don't think the razor is damaged. I can see the "safety bar" move in and out as I turn the adjusting wheel. BTW, which is the less aggressive position? I've been assuming it was with the bar further away from the blade, but further inspection makes me think it might be the other way as the bar actually moves slightly down as it moves away. I am not sure if I have been holding the head flat. After my poor lower lip heals, I'll try again. PS, How do you post pictures on this forum.
Ted Pella Coated blades are great....Here is a link for the instruction booklets that come with new razors...on the first page you will find the Schick Adjustable...You will see what the dial looks like...But all those questions will be answered on the video at the bottom...The most important thing here will be there is a drawing showing how the razor head should be placed on you skin. This is one of the beauties of the Injector...It's easy to do....Then just keep that angle, lock your wrist and don't use any pressure...The razor feels too light, but those blades are sharp enough, so don't press down like you have to with a Mach 3....It's also cool to see the instruction booklet that came with your razor... http://theshaveden.com/forums/threads/razor-instructions.8232/ Also check this out, it will answer your questions about how your razor works... Good Luck....let us know what you are thinking.... Oh yeah...if you want to post a picture....at the lower right side of the window where you type your post....click "more options".....
Thank you. The picture on you link was very hard to see, but I believe the numbers are going around counterclockwise to get higher. This fits with what I think the razor is doing. I wish that I could figure out some sort of waterproof label or disc or whatever to replace the dial. I also noticed in the video, that you lather up between each change of directions. Now I see why you like to use a shaving brush instead of a can.
Ted, welcome to TSD. I never did like the adjustable Schick razors though some do. I use a 1946 G1 fixed head Schick Injector. They are great razors but they can bite you and when they do, it is generally a pretty good cut. As for as posting pictures, here is what I do. I place the picture I want to post on my desktop. Give it a photo title like Photo1334, no long names. When you get ready to insert the picture, click on the upload a file button, select the picture, and click okay. Next on the bottom of the page you will see a box that says, full image, click on that and it should put your picture in your post. Now, I have a Mac so don't know if this works with a PC.
Ted, here we go. Here is a picture of the Schick Dial with the indicators. #1 is the mildest setting and #8 is the most aggressive. Now holding the razor with the handle toward you turn the dial clockwise all the way. That is the #8 setting. When it is in the complete clockwise position the razor guard bar should be as far out as possible (most aggressive - largest gap). Now holding the razor with the handle toward you turn the dial counter clockwise all the way. That is the #1 setting. When it is in the complete clockwise position the razor guard bar should be as far in as possible (least aggressive - smallest gap). That will provide the settings for the razor. If the guard bar is not moving in and out, then your razor has a mechanical issue. That would have nothing to do with the dial indicator being on the razor or not. Good fortune in your shaves.
I don't have the gaps for Schick heads to compare. I also think there was a little play in each of the dials so I don't know if they would perfectly align (every snowflake is slightly different concept). I would get around the same or close to the same shave with the dial in the center as my Type J. In fact I hate to say it, but I always got better shaves from the Type J than with the dial. I think the Schick razors were by design less affected by a moving bar and gap changes than Double Edged razors from my usage standpoint.
I have a Schick "G" Injector and, while it's a fabulous shave, the least bit of carelessness or inattenion will be painful. The worst cut I have gotten since I went back to wet shaving over a year ago was just a week ago from my Schick. It upset me so much I just bought another 55 Personna 74 blades. Really, the cut on my upper lip was my fault because I let my attention stray just a little. Take a bit of time and learn to use that injector. I know mine, which I have only had since Tuesday after Christmas, has quickly become my favorite. Watch that video and set the dial where "1" would be and then slowly ease it up until you find YOUR setting.
Thanks to all for the help. I tried it again this morning with the adjustment set on one, and carefully watched the angle of the razor. (I had been using the wrong angle) Of course I had to shave around the scab on my lower lip, but I got a pretty good shave. Next time, I will try #2, and see how that works.