Just got it in the mail today. Gave it is maiden voyage tonight and after reading a post by out dear Bacon Lord I decided a shallower angle, more perpendicular to the floor as the bets bet. I ended up using a twice used "Lab". I did get a few weepers, but that was because I went ATG. I also got one nick just under my beard so unsure if it was not lathered correctly or lather was not sufficient. I am going with the latter, and my beard seems to be a pain to shape. Either way I did a close shave and plan on using a Red next shave.
Congrats on the maiden voyage! The FaTip will definitely give you a close shave…once you master the angle! Anticipate a few weepers during the learning process. Was I referring to the FaTip for a 'shallower' angle? I recall telling someone about using a shallower, more 'vertical angle' on the R41. Could be…I have a hard time keeping my fact straight some days.
You people confuse me. Shallow? Steep? vertical? A blade angle can be smaller (closer to the skin) or bigger (closer to perpendicular to the skins surface). And these are two vertical angles (which are equal to each other). Anyways, i doubt it was because of the mere fact that you went ATG that you got cut. Sure that happened to me with the Fatip- I only got cut with it while using it ATG. When cutting ATG there is more resistance to the blade. Tough hairs+ lots of resitance+paper thin blade+lots of blade exposure= paper thin blade vibrating and cutting you up. I can use an ER '24 and '14 with no problem at all despite having much greater blade exposure than a Fatip because the blade is tough. No cuts at all.
^ I think that's backwards. Shallow to me always meant closer to 0 degrees (blade angle in relation to skin) and steep, closer to 90 degrees.
This is how I think of it as well - the angle of the blade in relation to skin. Basically, with safety razors, the closer the handle is to your face (or the closer to being perpendicular to the floor if you prefer), the steeper the cutting angle that you're imparting to the blade. So with DE razors a hypothetical 0°angle on the blade would be set with the top of the cap against the face (actually a bit off of 12 o'clock due to the curvature of the blade in most DE razors), and the blade angle getting steeper the nearer the handle is drawn down toward the face. Just my tuppence of course, but it makes more intuitive sense for me to consider shaving angles in terms of the relationship between the blade and my face rather than the blade and the whiskers growing more or less perpendicular to my face.
Exactly I thought it in relation to the skin and not an invisible horizontal line. What HolyRollah says makes sense if you think about shallow water, steep cliff which are in relation to the horizontal ground. But vertical faces?
Congrats on the Fatip shave Mark! The Fatip is a great shaver and I'm sure it will grow on you as you gain experience with it. I encourage you to try many different blades before you settle on just one. I was late getting started yesterday, so I skipped shaving. Now I've got 2+ days to mow down, so I've got the Fatip out. I filled the sink with warm water and there's a new Derby Extra blade waiting to loaded and used. I'd better get at it! Great shaves to you, Mark!
However we choose to label or identify, the point I was attempting is to keep the shaving hand closer to the face… The steepness or shallowness I was referring to was the exposed blade edge, similar to how one would describe the sun's angle relative to the horizon.
Hey Mark! Just put a new blade in the FaTip, and adjust as you go. Shaving shouldn't be so scientific. Enjoy!
I should have claririfed. Your post on the R41 isnpired me. That and wtahcing a straight shave viedo since so much of the blade is exposed. I find I cannot shave every day so a more agressive razor is in order for me, closer to every 36 hours or so. Granted this was two day stubble so it would be harder to cut, I think for nay blade really. I have a lot of "Labs" and Reds to use up so I am going to stick with them for a while. But I might try other blades.
Perhaps I will eventually buy an SE. The issue is the availability around here and the lack of available blades. It may easily have been an incorrect angle as well that resulted in my weepers or the Dreaded Pressure.
Wow. Talk about a fit and finish issue. Seems they missed a spot with he plating on mine. I knew these razors have an issue with Fit and Finish so why should mine be any different. At least it was only $23. Maybe I can send it out to get redone at some point.
For $23, one shouldn't expect perfection. One item to be wary of—if by chance you repeatedly remove & reattach the handle, or use an alternate handle: the threaded post on the top cap can weaken, particularly if you exert 'too much' pressure in tightening the handle. The result: this ring on the top cap, indicative that the threaded post has 'moved' under duress. This has happened to other FaTip owners as well. Eventually, the joint will weaken to the point of failing. Just a 'heads up' to 'lighten when tightening.'
I agree. He should use the Dorcos from the dollar store. Dullest blade around. I did better with the Fatip with them (in terms of getting cut).
Wow. And the Joris uses the same head. Makes me wonder if it is worth it to save up and buy one. I am glad however that you informed me of this. Perhaps I will keep my eye out for a Old Type or even an old brass German travel razor . That or I will eventually but a Tradere or iKon head.
I have found that the smoother blades result in bumps. I would say the idea is that you are using a aggressive razor with a dull blade, thus increasing the friction , or perhaps it was a bad angle. I plan on keeping this razor but will improve my technique with it. I am stubborn after all.
What seems to be the consensus on that angle? Handle closer or farther from the face? The blade isnt bend much so I'm guessing handle farther from the face/more horizontal?
