I'm really starting to get some great shaves. However, they take quite a few passes (4+) to get them consistently. All these passes keep my neck irritated. I'm not getting any ingrowns or major bumps, just red razor rash from the passes. From reading here it sounds like I need to find a more aggressive razor & blade combo so that I can reduce my beard in less passes. Can you suggest some easy to get DEs (new & vintage recommendations welcomed) as well as which blades tend to be more aggressive? Here's my current setup (I know y'all will ask): Merkur 33C 1962 Ball End Gillette Tech Merkur Super blades Wilkinson Sword blades As always I greatly appreciate your ponderings!
Aggressive DE: I haven't tried it, but the new Muhle Pinsel R41 model is getting a bad rep for being aggressive. The heavier weight Parker 3 piece razors (merkur style head) A fa-tip razor (the maker of the Muhle Pinsel head before the old R41/R89) Vintage: Gillette Old Style Not as aggressive as its reputation, but a good thing to try: A Merkur Slant Blades: Gillette 7 O'Clock Yellow Gillette 7 O'Clock Black not super aggressive but good blades: Astra SP, Rapira, Voskhod You might find you get really good shaves with an astra, rapira or Voskhod in that tech.
Had my first shave with the new Muhle R41 this morning. It was about 18 hours since my last shave (with an OCMM) and I didn't really need a shave yet, but I was excited about the razor and shaved anyway. I used a Day 2 Feather blade and received an excellent shave. It is a rather loud shaver. I find it somewhere on the aggressive scale between my Old Type Bull Mastiff and an opened up Merkur Futur. Overall, my initial impression is positive. I like the general feel and handling of the razor. I got a good shave with no blood letting nor irritation. I will need to spend some time with it to develop an informed opinion, but it started out well. ******** If you are not against single edge razors the Gem OC Micromatic can be a beast until you learn it. Once you get the technique down, it is a great shaver. If you happen across one on the used market, the Feather Portable is a nice little shaver. It's a tech clone that has a bit more bite to it then the original. As for blades, I would also add Feather Stainless or KAI. Both are sharper then average.
The Hoffritz slant is considered a more aggressive razor. It's made by Merkur, who still makes a slant. I get really nice shaves with it. I also have a Gem Micromatic Clog Pruf that gives really close shaves. For me, it's pretty much a toss up which I prefer. The Gem will probably be less expensive, but the blades tend to run a bit more. I use Wilkonson Sword blades in my Hoffritz with good results.
I'm definitely interested in trying SEs. I have a Schick Injector (I type) that I need to find blades for & try. The Gems look amazing and I hope to try one and/or find one while hunting antique malls. A Rapide I saw on here really sounds like a nice razor. It's a shame there are no new SEs like there are DEs. Though I doubt they'd make them as georgeous as the lather catchers from the early 1900's.
Will put my vote out there for the slant as well. I've only used mine a couple of times and made a judgement that it's too aggressive for me. Now a few weeks later and I'm thinking I was to hasty with my call and will give it another go next week. But yeah, you should be close to bbs with 2 passes from it.
:think002 I'm surprised that with all the love they receive around here, no one has recommended a Gillette New Type open comb.
yeah well.... I was thinking of more aggressive razors. Of the OC gillette that was the mildest in most opinions. However, it is still more aggressive than the tech. The New type is a great OC razor.
So I just got done reading the thread about the new Muhle R41 razor. I'm really liking the sound of it. Especially coming from others that have coarse & thick stubble like I do. Since this razor is very new I look forward to hearing what the early adopters have to say about it as they get more shaves under their belt with it. I must say I love the look of it, but then again the slants look awesome too. I'm so torn right now. A little more time & some more reviews will definitely help.
I just finished a shave with a Gillette Tuckaway with a Gillette Bleue blade and it was very aggressive. The most lethal I have tried so far, far more so than my Muhle R41 (Old head).
Try slant bar :eatdrink004I use the Merkur slant bar with a Derby blade. 2 passes and the result is bbs.
I found an Old Style loaded with a Feather was as aggressive as I needed and actually more than so. It's a combo to have some respect for.
