I love my 38C, but I've also been interested in a 39C. I like the idea of a slant bar, mainly that it slices the hair instead of chopping it. I've been wondering however, what considerations I should make regarding technique. Should I use a different angle? Do I have to shave some areas differently then I do with my 38C? Change of grip? These kinds of questions. I know that a slant is likely to slice my face if I'm not careful. I would appreciate any advice so I am using the proper technique for one before attempting to use one (or buy one).
I use my slant just like any other razor. Its on par with other aggressive razors so I just use a smooth blade instead of a really sharp one, YMMV.No need to really fear it or alter technique. There was talk that the slant mimicked the straight razor shave closest of all safety razors but thats a debateable point. I like my slant , it does the business.
It depends on yer face..for me..I have sensitive skin n coarse hair..so a slant wouldn't ever help me....I use a a 3 piece Gillette n Israeli Personna blades do the job with no pain n always good n smooth!
I use a vintage Merkur slant now and then. I don't use it in any different way than any other aggressive razor, as mentioned above. I looks more dangerous because of the ominous gap created by the slanted bar, however (I find) it shaves quite safely without any slice and dice problems.
No real difference in technique when using mine. However, it is the heaviest razor I have; so the admonition to "let the razor do the work" is especially true.
I think I'm going to order a slant after I'm done trying a few more blades. I too have dense hair, but that is why I'm interested in a slant. I thought it would work better at getting through it, especially ATG. I will try the sharper blades anyway. Thanks for all of the replies!
you can probably get a shave as close as a straight if you find the perfect blade n any handle combo..if the blade/handle are all good n smooth..no need for anything else..unless you wanna compare for yourself
YMMV, but slants are generally favored mostly by guys who, like me, have a pretty course beard. Mostly we tend towards using extremely sharp blades in it, like feathers ( which most agree are shockingly mild but still very clsoe cutting in a slant), astra platinum, etc. That said, some guys do try and tame a slant with a milder blade, but I think those guys just generally have softer/thinner beards and or aren't going for as close a shave as the majority of slant fans.
I'm considering purchasing a 39c myself. I've heard, as in this thread, many say they're more aggressive. I currently use a 1920 Gillette open comb, would the slant be more aggressive? I'm also curious if there really is any significant difference in the results from a slant v. non-slant. I doubt much that anyone has actual, imperial evidence, but at the least what's your guys' take?
I don't have much time in with an open comb, so I can't comment as how they compare, but I did have the 34c and 37c. I spent about two months with both razors and thought that the slant shaved like the HD, but did a more efficient job. Honestly, I preferred the shave of my feather portable on a bull mastiff handle and traded off both Merkurs. I don't know if this will help, just my experience with the slant.
I use a NEW short comb. I like the slant better than any other DE I've used with my HD coming in second. Aggressive? I honestly haven't noticed it being too aggressive like a Futur on 6 or a Progress on 5. The slant is way less aggressive in comparison. Its a damn good shave. And I thank you for doing so
