These days the only DE I'm using is the Slant for Method Shaving. When I shave with creams or soaps, usually go back and forth between the HD and the Long Handle. When I travel I don't care for carrying all the Hydrolast gear with me so I usually use the HD or the fold up travel Merkur I just obtained the other day. I had a few old Gillette SS and Adjustables but traded them off as I enjoyed the Merkur razors more. Current line up: Merkur HD Slant Merkur HD Open Comb Merkur HD Standard Merkur Long Handle Classic Merkur Travel Razor
Sorry, I'm DE challenged at the moment. I'm still new at this so have been concentrating on everything else but the razor. I use a Merkur Futur at 1 - 1.5 for now. I'll be adding a new razor every 3-4 months from now. I've seen a lot of ones on here and other places I'm interested in. Out of curiosity, has anyone ever used one of these Feathers? http://www.classicshaving.com/catalog/item/522941/906442.htm
I've been exclusively using a Slant for awhile now... although I recently bought a gold plated one, so I guess technically I alternate, but they're both still Slant's... I might try switching again in the future, but they've been the best for me
Rich, I have both the Feather razors: the one in the link above (which has a plastic/polymer handle) and the Feather "Portable" which is a metal three-piece. -> The plastic-handled model is often scoffed at as feeling cheap, but I find the length of the handle and overall weight & size of it to give the razor an interesting feel and it handles quite well. Its not a constant in my rotation, but I usually enjoy it when I do use it. -> The "portable" is an excellent shaver, very similar to the gillette techs, but a little heavier. It also has a more aggressive blade exposure than the techs. Shaves well with a Feather DE. Both of these razors will shave VERY differently and fell VERY differently than your Futur, and of course don't offer adjustability. Here's a pic of the portable:
You know what's amazing about that shot? You can actually imagine the razor is some hot gal (or guy) with water/sweat dripping seductively off their bo-- I mean...uh, nice shot. :ashamed001
I just scored both of them for $17 shipping fees included. If you’re interested, contact Pauldog on ShaveMyFace. As Joe said, the Portable is similar to a Tech. I didn’t try it yet but it is very solidly built. I shaved with the plastic “Crap” one yesterday. Again, I concur with Joe. It actually is a gentle shaver with an interesting balance. The materials used are underwhelming but in no way do they impede your technique. (Manuel, you’re crazy)
Just goes to show that razors (and blades) each have their own personality. We just have to find the right combination to match our own. Then comes along a day that we are really happy or really sad....things change. I bought a 58 Gillette TV, didn't care for it, sold it......then got one in a group of razors, tried it again and loved it. It's in my regular rotation now. I guess i really need to try a Merkur but just haven't gotten around to it.
I used to have favorites(VISION,FatBoy,Slant) in that order. However, my 'favorite' is not on the market as of yet(but I know it's coming!) That would be a slant on the order of the new Merkur 38C. Larger, heftier, and slantier(I hope!) Since they have finally come around to combining the HD with Long handle, its only a matter of time before they add the Slant head to a heftier, longer chassis. Vroom,vroom! Marty