When do the close shaves come?

watch the TSD classifieds for a slim. You can find a fatboy over at the 'bay but you'll pay top dollar for it. You might save some money by trying out that 38c before you buy anything, though. I think it'll be a big improvement over your weishi.

 

Thanks. I will have to give the 38c another try. The last time I tried it I did not have the skills down, and I struggled with the longer handle. My skills are better and warrant another try!

 

If you can't get it done with a Slant and a Feather: Give up.

 

Ditto everything Dridecker, ChemErik, & Rene, have suggested, as always these cats have your best interest at heart...
And Johnmrson's advice about studying your hair growth pattern, is great advise...
BUT if you are interested in acquiring a vintage Gillette, then you have my full support...
When I first returned to DE shaving, I got a razor very similar to yours, a Ming-Shi...With sharp blades, the right angle, and attention to the basics, I got great shaves and was very happy...But then, a friend gave me a '65 Slim, and my quality of life improved GREATLY, and immediatly...
If I had it to do over again, I would get a vintage Gillette, right from the start...I guess if I had it to do over again I would have never stopped shaving with the Slim I got in the '60's )
Seriously, take Dridecker, ChemErik, & Rene,'s advice as gospel, but getting a vintage Gillette; either 50's or 60's adjustable, or 40's style Super-Speed; is never a bad thing...)

 

I shaved yesterday and today using the Merkur 38c with a Shark Blade. You were 100% right in your assessment. My technique improved enough for the 38c, and the larger gap provided enough blade to get a better shave. Just when I was losing my patience, the 38c shaves were excellent, motivating me to remain a DE wetshaver. Again, thank you for being there with excellent advice and support. What a great community!!!

 

The rules aren't written in stone but they are written in blood, irritation, and frustration. I haven't chimed in yet because everyone was saying what I already would have said. Glad you were able to figure it out and get some comfort. The Slim still wouldn't be a bad thing though *looks for the enabler's emoticon*.

 

Great news, I'm glad you got it worked out, we always like to read the success stories. :signs107

Found the enablers emoticon for you Bob.

Enablers Emoticon for Bob (open) Enablers Emoticon for Bob (close)

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It has taken me quite a bit of time to start getting consistent close shaves.

I've dabbled in DE shaving for a few years but only started using it exclusively a few months ago. I have very sensitive skin on my neck so shaving ATG always left me sore and bloody. My face was no problem.
I think for me it came down to having to condition/toughen my skin. My technique has improved a bit as well but I think my skin has changed. I can now get close shaves with multiple razors and blades without the irritation and blood loss that was always present.
For me patience was the key. I just had to stick with it.

 

Everyone finds improvement in different ways. For me improvement comes from small incremental advancements in prep (shave oil + getting super creamy lather), blade choice/razor settings, and technique. They all play a role, and each advancement tends to influence the other factors.

Just recently I felt I hit a point where my my progress stopped and BBS's were becoming inconsistent. My default was a Derby set on #4 using a Fat Boy. I read a thread on this forum about the importance of getting super creamer lather. I experimented and doubled my lathering time, and presto, more consistent BBS's. Now I am needing shave oil less and am increasing my razor settings with my Derby and experimenting with sharper blades (Astra), putting me back on the improvement trajectory. I did not even realize I had been spending less and less time on lathering, but I was. Once you get your process down, it is important not to cut corners.

 

Right after I read this, I bought an Injector G and I concur! Except that I have all these other DE razors and according to SWMBO if I buy them, I need to use them. Pretty soon I am going to have enough razors that I can go a month without using the same one twice. Although having said that, I still have to force myself to choose a razor other than the Injector G on a daily basis. I Love My Injector!