I'm curious, what is usually considered to be the next more aggressive razor after starting with some like the Merkur 34c?
Plus one on an adjustable if you don't want to spend the money but get a feel for adjustables the Qshave is pretty sweet and only $15-$20 Sent from my XT1710-02 using Tapatalk
It all depends just how much more aggressive you want to go. Back when I had my Merkur, I bought a 1940s No Code Gillette Super Speed. That was a nice step up. Still mild if compared to an Open Comb razor, but quite a bit more effective than the Merkur, especially with a Bevel or Feather blade. However, the Merkur can do a fine job if paired with a good blade. I liked Bevels, Voshkods and the Dorco Primes in mine.
People are so different. Some enjoy a mild shave, while other get a thrill out of using an aggressive razor. For each year I have been wet shaving with DE, I have slowly gained more and more appreciation for extra mild shavers. They take a bit more skills, as you only get a close shave if you keep the exact right angle. What I mean, there is no default next step. It is all about what you prefer in your shaves. Some have jumped all the way up to R41 after their first razor, other make a smaller jump by getting something like a Gillette NEW.
'52 Super Speed Black Tip. Mild shaver+Voskhod=Close, smooth shave. If I found this one first rather than my NEW, I may have stopped right here.
There ya go. Learn how to use what ya got and you don't need a more aggressive razor. I impressed myself last week with a darn near BBS, zero irritation shave from my Ball End Tech loaded up with an Astra SP. And for those who may not know, the Ball End Tech is a very mild razor, often suggested for newbies.
I've started getting darn near bbs with my Merkur. It does take a few passes and touch ups though. I'm just curious of how a more aggressive razor would perform.
I'll put it this way ... I've given my boys a Gillette Slim and a Gillette Fat Boy. They're both happy with them. I have both and my 1958 Fat Boy is my favorite.
I don't know if a lot of the razors mentioned are really more aggressive than the 34C. The 34 has blade exposure and adjustable razors increase blade Gap which is not really the same thing. If you really want more aggression. Simply remove the safety bar from any three piece razor and shave with just the cap, blade and handle. Some folks add a small washer to help support the blade. This is basically an inline shavette. They are wickedly aggressive and won't cost you a penny because you already have the 34C.
