Many folks talk about aggressive (straights, Joris, Muhle 41) razors as being for those with proficiency. Although I am relatively new to DE shaving my personal observation is that while mild razors are safer in less experienced hands, the more aggressive razors provide a closer shave with less skin irritation. As an example, my first shave with my new Joris resulted in a trip to the hospital, multiple stitches, and a loss of women. However, as I became more proficient with beard preparation, technique, and pressure, I would say that my closest most comfortable shaves come from razors with greater blade exposure. It took me 90 days of experimentation to get the do's and don'ts sorted. The bottom line is that you need a strong dose of experimentation and patience to maximize results.
Good call. I have found that the milder razors cause me to apply too much pressure, resulting in irritation, weepers, etc..So now I just set my Adjustables on 9 and go at it, or choose more aggressive razors. I can't use techs at all, and some my favorite old Gillettes are a bit too mild for me. Took me about 8 months to really know what I like and don't like, so you've really paid attention!
Very well said! When use a more aggressive razor I'm always more careful - closer shave with less passes, less (or free) irritation, and most importantly, feel the edge of the skin, which stops me to apply any pressure!
It requires some experimentation to be sure. But what is "better" also can vary with a guy's skin & beard. A finer beard may fare better with a milder razor, for instance.
For me aggressiveness is varied by the razor/blade combo, not just the razor. In a mild razor such as an EJ, I use ultra sharp blades such as Feather, 7-O'clock yellow, or Polsilver. In a New or Slant I like Voskhods, Rapiras and Astras, but can go into sharper blades if my aggressiveness needs increase. With the Fatboy or Slim on settings 7-9 I can use just about any blade I got and get where I need to be.
I consider my beard to be of the lighter, finer variety (I could probably get by only shaving every 2nd or 3rd day if necessary & still look clean-shaven), so I've always been compelled to use what are generally considered 'mild' or non-aggressive DE razors (i.e. many gillettes of the 50's & 60's) with a 'mild' blade. However, when I've stepped out of the Mild Razor boat & tried something a but more aggressive (Feather blades & open-comb razor, for example), I've been rewarded with the closest, best-feeling, smoothest shaves! The end result is now I am more likely to use more aggressive razor & blade combos than I was prior. I may not be ready for a slant yet, but I certainly am more adventurous to try sharper blades and razors who's reps are on the 'aggressive' side. No risk, no reward.
Don't know if aggressive is better....but Single Edges like the 1912's and ER 1914's and 1924's are better....just saying.....No YMMV about it SE's are better.........opps...I mean....IMHO....YMMV.....
I don't doubt the slant's smoothness or it's ability to produce a wonderful shave—but i'm just a bit reticent to take the plunge with one until I get my tender mug more acclimated to the pleasures of a more aggressive razor. Per the article in "Shaving 101", the Slant razor... "...allows the edge the of the blade to cut closer and more aggressively than a standard double edge razor, making the slant razor a very popular choice among experienced wet shavers and men with very thick and coarse beards. Because the slant is known to be aggressive, it is generally considered an advanced tool for those who are already accustomed to wet shaving and should be avoided by new shavers, who have yet to become completely familiar with the use of traditional safety razors. With the correct technique and pressure the slant, paired with a quality blade such as a Feather, is capable of producing extremely close and comfortable shaves with fewer required passes." So although I don't consider myself a 'new' shaver ( a 'rusty' one, maybe ), I don't possess a very thick or coarse beard for whom the slant is ideal for, either. This doesn't mean I'm opposed to trying one eventually, but right now I have enough variety on-hand to keep me busy for a while.
I concur. Some people can do 3 passes, but I find that to be excessive for my face. I can get by with doing two passes with a touch up and look presentable. I have dark hair, so if I miss a day shaving; you can tell. I set my Slim to 7 for the first pass and then 4 for the second. If I need a touch up, I just leave it at 4. Be careful going too aggressive if you are still working on technique though. Don't chase the BBS, let it come to you.
I thought the same as you. I finally got a slant last summer and found it quite pleasant. If you like using open combs (such as a New), or a Fatboy/Slim at setting 7 or higher, you will be in comparable aggressive territory IMHO. It is different however. I find the slant does better with slightly sharper blades, with them it does reduce my # of passes by 1.
I'm not intentionally being argumentative by saying this, but, what does Shaving 101 know that TSD doesn't that casts their opinion above question over the opinions here? The thing is that it is all opinion. If I come in here and agree with Lloyd that SE's are the only way to go and give the best shave and anyone who disagrees is a poopie-head, it is just opinion. BTW, Lloyd's opinion is wrong, everyone knows that the R41 is the best razor in the history of hair removal So, to recover from looking like a jerk, I whole heartedly disagree with 90% of what that article says. A good shave is all based off of the care one wishes to give while they are shaving with known traditional razors. There have been people come in and out of this forum (and I assume the others, I just don't frequent those) who have never shaved with a traditional razor before with a known scary razor and some canned goo even, and heed what they've researched and turned out with amazing shaves having never tried the milder tools. I think aggression is all a matter of taste and preference and most of it is hyperbole from people who didn't prefer aggressive razors leaving their opinion on it in a forum, this one or others. One thing I have learned here is that the effort you put into learning how is most of what it is about. I can shave with almost anything (no, I'm not going to try the obsidian) and get an extremely comfy shave that is DFS+ if not BBS. Don't let the hype keep you from trying the crazier razors. I found my best shaves by experimenting. Happy shaving
I've reached the point with my gear and technique that I never have a bad shave, just some are better than others, and it has nothing to do with how aggressive or mild the razor is.
Not sure who holds 'Shaving 101' in such high regard that it trumps all other's. My point in sharing that bit was merely an example of the opinions on the relative aggressiveness of slant razors. All these topics we discuss are open for debate & opinions taken. I think we all agree that with good technique and equipment, a great shave can result no matter the razor.
It just seemed to me that you referenced the quip from Shaving 101 and called it a day to never try the notoriously aggressive razors because an internet article said you had the wrong beard type for it. I was apprehensive too but after I tried them, a whole new level of shaving pleasure was achieved. My face is like petting a dolphin after I shave. 2 passes with an R41 and I get what 4 passes from any other razor can't provide me. Just don't count them out. EDIT: I realize you didn't mean "never" I hit reply before I reread my post.
I can loan you my slant for a few weeks if you want to try it...... It is a vintage Merkur too....( slowly wags the razor in a tempting way, like trying to lure a duck over with a piece of bread in order to pet it)
I agree aggressive can be better, the Schick E2 is my favorite aggressive razor (though I'm not experienced with DE razors). Aggressive equals efficiency
