Hi all I have a question or rather a problem I hope you can help with. To get a close, yet comfortable shave I have to do 4 passes plus touch ups. I use a Merkur 34c and a perma-sharp blade. I am trying to change my blade angle, but it seems as the angle is correct. What else can give me a close, smooth comfortable shave in less passes? Can it be done?
There are three alternatives. 1. Try a more aggressive razor with the same blade. An OC (Cadet/RazoRock/Pearl, Gillette OLD or NEW) or even a Slant (Merkur 39 or 37) would step you up without going all the way towards R41 2013 and 2011 territory. 2. Change blades to one with a sharper edge such as a Feather. 3. Change both razor and blades. In the end, the only way you will know is to try.
Blade Sampler. That would be a good starting point; might help you find something that does a bit better cutting with your beard growth. It's also cheaper than getting a few new razors to only find out it was your blade LOL. 4 passes seems excessive with a 34C unless you grow adamantium moustaches on a regular basis. Working on your blade angle is another one that you'll need to keep doing, most problems stem from those 2 when it comes to needing too many passes to get the job done.
Here are some known aggressive razors: DE: Muhle r41 Fatip SE: Ever Ready 1924 Ever Ready 1914 GEM Micromatic Open Comb The 1924 can be had for less than $10 and is extremely aggressive yet comfortable.
All comes down to technique, equipment and knowing how your beard grows. If I ever have to do more than two passes to get a very close shave I know I'm doing something wrong - or I'm using a really bad blade (I think most razors are actually capable of producing a clean shave in two passes - for me it comes down to technique and blades. A great lather helps as well ).
I got a sampler pack from tuxxdk and they all seem very sharp to me. I've done the beard mapping and the I do 2 WTG, 1 XTG and 1 ATG I've looked at the muhle r41
How is your lather? I was happy with mine and made a mistake one day and added a little more water than usual. The lather was more slick and I got one of the best shaves to date.
It does seem very excessive - especially the 2 WTG passes. How long have you been DE shaving for and do you feel your technique is where it should be? Getting a new razor won't really help if you're still honing your technique.
Two weeks I've been DE shaving. And perhaps my technique is not perfect, but I believe it to be quite good Tomorrow I'll try with the lather and changing to a more shallow blade angle if possible
I second that. 2 passes with my 37C gives me what I get from my "normal" DE's using 3 passes. PM sent, Proskuneo
If you've been DE shaving for two weeks I would NOT run out and get another razor and thinking it will solve the issue Stay with it and give it some time. There's a slew of videos on Youtube of scantily clad men demonstrating shaving techniques that I actually found to be very informative. Good luck!
I second Darkbulbs and Panchangos lather reccomendations. Seeing that I have a tough beard, the most important trait I look for in a soap is beard softening. Thus I am a fan of Proraso and Cella.
I suggest sticking with what you have for a while, allowing your technique to develop further. I think you can help yourself more by looking at improving your pre-shave practices. Try wetting your face thoroughly, then lather and spend a couple minutes gently massaging the lather into your face. Ideally, you would then use a hot towel, any small towel, soaked with hot tap water and held to your face, being careful not to have the water too hot. The goal is to get moisture into your stubble and your skin. Then shave normally. Alternatively, if you shower before shaving, spend a couple minutes letting hot water run over your stubble.
I say, GRAB THE BULL BY THE HORNS! Go get yourself 15 to 20 razors, all makes and models. Then get online and spend at least 3 weeks salary on various soaps, preshave and aftershave, brushes etc. After your wife leaves you, you'll have PLENTY or time to perfect your technique. Or keep the wife and perfect your technique
It isn't nearly as good as it will be 3 months from now, and in 9-12 months it will likely be quite good. +1 I recommend that you: 1. Keep the 34C, it's an excellent razor. (learn how to use the tools you have - swarden43) 2. Take your time, and wash your face before each shave. Use your shave soap, your brush, and warm water. (not hot) 3. Slow down and listen to your razor when you shave. Razor talk - Proskuneo listen. 4. Concentrate on how the blade feels against your skin. If the blade tugs or pulls, change to a new blade. If the blade feels like it's scraping your skin, change the angle. If that doesn't help it's time to try another brand. I'm back to using my 1955 Gillette flair tip with GSB's and 7 OC greens. 2 passes and BBS. This is the razor I put in drawer about a year ago thinking I needed something more aggressive. To paraphrase swarden, "Dude, it ain't the tool. It's the operator." Best of luck to you!
Give your technique some time,but it can't hurt to grab an old Gillette,Superspeed or Tech.If you stay in love with wet shaving,you shouldn't deny yourself the experience of shaving with the classics.I don't even use my Jagger or Merkur anymore.
Angle and blade. 2 things I would experiment with and change. I am a firm believer that 3 passes are the maximum. If I ever got a shave where more than that was required, something wasnt right. Often times the thing that leads to something like this for me was inconsistent blade angle. Its easy to start a stroke with the right angle, the important thing is to maintain that through the entire stroke. You can remove the lather without cutting the whisker closely enough. I say that as often times people believe that if the lather is gone they performed a proper effective stroke or swipe, that is not the case. Experiment a bit with blade angle on an easy spot, once you have it down concentrate on maintaining that proper angle throughout stroke. Check out some diff blades. I personally love feathers, Personna Labs and personna med preps. Of the three the Personna Labs are an excellent choice to start with in my opinion and they are EXTREMELY reasonable. If you want hit me up with a pm , I have the 3 blades I mentioned in abundance, Id be happy to drop a couple of each in the mail to you.
