So I have another week and I have put in my month of working on my technique. I have been using a Merkur 23c with an Astra SP, Proraso green and an Omega boar brush. My shaves have been decent, I seem to have to go over areas 4-5 times and have come to the conclusion I may need a more aggressive razor. From what I gather the Murker is on the mild side, that is probably one of the reasons I have not suffered cuts and only minor burn in the beginning. So now I would like to try something a bit more aggressive. So maybe an adjustable? I was looking at a Parker 99r, they are listed as a medium aggressive. Any other suggestions?
I will give you a surprising answer. If you order one you might even have to order a sample pack of blades or some soap to meet the $15 order threshold. http://www.shoeboxshaveshop.com/lord-racer.html http://theshaveden.com/forums/threads/lord-racer-r314-review.31264/ This razor will allow you to see if you like a more aggressive shave without spending a lot of money at first.
This is a great idea, unfortunately with the exchange rate and shipping cost I can order a $30 razor here and have it shipped for less $ if you can believe it!
I found myself in the same boat as you. getting decent shaves from my mild razor, but it took too many passes, resulting in some irritation and tenderness. This led me to a pursuit of more aggressive razors. Here's a thread I started a while ago on the topic with much input from other members. At the very least, you'll find an array of aggressive razor recommendations: Click to Read
Unfortunately I can! Exchange rates, customs fees and shipping have placed a block on some of my purchases as well.
Thanks for the link, that was a good read. I used to shave with a straight about 20 years ago and went away from it as I didn't like the constant care of the blade and if not done right you would suffer for it. Sounds like the closest experience to a str8 would be an R41. The slant bar is also becoming alluring. I can get both locally. Decisions.
Both are excellent options. There are some recent R41 threads with some new owners you may wish to check out.
After much reading here and reviews I decided on the Merkur 39c. It seems most agree it is very efficient but fairly forgiving where as the R41 not as much. Perhaps I will eventually get an R41, also if I don't like the 39c I'm sure someone would take it off my hands.
Once you get use to the slight differences in handling you will find it is an effective razor. Enjoy!
Hopefully I will have it in time to try Wednesday morning. I will post my first experiences shaving with it.
Don't forget you can usually shim most three piece DE razors to make them more aggressive. Simply use a pair of scissors to cut the sharpened edge off. Plus a couple mm or 1/16" or so. It does not have to be exact. Then stack the shim between the blade and the safety bar or comb and you get more blade exposure and agressiveness.
I think shim stock could work also, you have to make sure the blade has a uniform base to sit on or you could be in trouble. After all you are using it to drag a blade across your face. That is why the extra blade would work well. As mentioned above.
The easiest way to make a shim is to take an old blade and grind off the sharp edge. It only takes a couple of seconds and you can do it with just about anything(fine toothed file, bench grinder, grind stone, sand paper held against something strong and level like a table top, even a piece of flat, smooth concrete in a pinch. I found the easiest way was to take several old blades(3-6) and hold then together evenly and grind the edges at the same time.
