I've got a Merkur Long Handle, a Gillette Flare Tip B2 (1956) and a Gillette Slim Adjustable H3 (1962). I use Astra Superior Platinum's in them. I shower (soaking the Badger Brush in hot water while I shower), Proraso Green Shaving Soap. Sometimes I use The Art Of Shaving Pre-Shave Oil, sometimes a light coating of hair conditioner, sometimes nothing. I use either a cold, wet towel (in a ziploc from the fridge), or a alum stick, or both, then some Clubman. The Merkur and Flare Tip give me a great shave, no to very little discomfort. It doesn't matter the setting on the Slim Adjustable, it just tears me up. I've checked sides, clearances, everything I can think of, and it just tears me up. I "think" I have my technique down, because I've shifted between the 3 after a week shaving with each, and I can't seem to get the Slim to be nice to my face. Should I try a different blade? If so, what do you recommend?
It's possible. A blade that works great for you in one razor may be horrible in another. Try a few different blades and see if the shave improves.
First, welcome. If you believe it is the blade, and it very well could be, the only recommendation is a sample pack. Honestly, though, Astra SP is the only blade I use in all 30+ razors. I believe technique will trump tools near 100% of the time.
A warm welcome to you from North Texas. You might want to take a look at some of the references contained in my signature line below for discussions of the 30 Day systems and more on shaving hardware and software or CLICK HERE! With that being said ... Welcome to the Den. We know you'll fit right in. So grab yourself a comfy chair, and give our threads a spin! Burma Shave
Welcome to TSD! You might check out the 30 day rule thread that is based on @GDCarrington's post. There is lots of help there. I can tell you that I took a couple of weeks to get the hang of my Fatboy, so keep working at it.
to TSD "Penquin660" I hope you enjoy it here. If your positive the razor has no defect such as uneven blade exposure, bent door, guard, blade pan or adjuster feet. I'd kind of lean on the adjuster not working properly, even though the knob may be turning perhaps the feet are stuck in position and aren't moving. That pretty much leaves only technique or getting a sample blade pack. While hard to believe it may even be possible that your technique and face simply don't like the Slim. My face dislikes the Gillette Super speed and Merkur R41.
When I got my Slim I was getting good shaves but lots irritation. I found do to the Slim being a lot heavier than my other razor I found I really had to focus on light to no pressure when using it. That and a shallower angle dialed in for me. My favorite tip from this forum I received was to "use just enough pressure to take the soap off" For whatever reason thinking about it like that really improved my shaves and post shave experience.
I tried aa Personna this morning and it was better. Still harsh on my neck. I'll go through the pack and try the lighter touch. I'll probably end up sending it out for a revamp just in case it's off a little.
I know its a case of YMMV,but I get fantastic results from my Slim using a Voskod blade,I didn't get on with Astra SP's at all,on any setting,in my Slim!.With the voskod,lots of prep,and face lathered MWF,I get a superb,smooth,BBS,in 2 passes,with touch ups,with the Slim on setting 9.
Kudos. I think @178-bplatoon is probably on to something. Too, make sure the razor doors are tightened down all the way to the stop.
Exactly. Make sure you're able to lock it down with the final 1/4 turn. That means once the doors look closed you should be able to twist another 1/4 turn. That extra turn feels a little different, a little more resistant. Sometimes they will stick pretty bad keeping the razor from locking down properly. It can lead to blade chatter.
I get that extra 1/4 turn for tightness. I may take you up on that Delta Echo. My plan is to get both the flare tip and slim redone at some point. I gave my black tip to a coworker to try DE shaving. He loves it and now his wife loves the results but hates me because now he wants to start collecting and trying new soaps and brushes...
It's the razor. I took some feeler gauges and one side is off from the other, as well as not even across the bar.
Got the Razor back and it's perfect. Also got a Best Badger brush, and it's night and day versus the Escali Pure.
