Adjustable

[fiacobelli]

Hi All,
Just wanted to share (and collect stories) about switching to an adjustable. I switched form a Parker R22 to a Gillette slim (thanks Jake!).
A whole different experience. Here's why:

1. With the Parker, I had to wait a couple of days between shaves. Otherwise Dexter (my parker) would take its toll on my skin. With the adjustable, I can set the aggressiveness really low for frequent shaves.

2. I can change the settings to match my technique in certain tricky areas like the neck, mustache and chin.

Although I believe you can be happy without an adjustable, I think it may be interesting to try one and give your reasons for, against or neutral about them.

[ShaverRaver]

I've only been DE shaving for a month.....I love my adjustable.
I have a Merkur Progress, now if I could just get my hands on a FatBoy or even a Gillette slim :yesnod: .....long live the adjustable :thumbup:

[inspiringK]

I've always disliked the idea of an adjustable. I usually have a good number of blade choices at hand, then creams and aftershaves. It just seems like enough choice, I want my razor to be a control.
But, I must say, the idea of toning down the aggression for more frequent shaves is a little appealing.

[Hawkeyeted]

+1 on the Progress.

I have a Progress LH also, and surprisingly is NOT as comfortable as the SH. (I chalk that up to manufacturing inconsistancies of the head by Merkur.)

[media]

I've always disliked the idea of an adjustable. I usually have a good number of blade choices at hand, then creams and aftershaves. It just seems like enough choice, I want my razor to be a control.
But, I must say, the idea of toning down the aggression for more frequent shaves is a little appealing.

I dont think the adjustable was meant for this purpose. Instead of dialing it up or down for certain areas, it was intended to stay on one number. Instead of Gillette having to release razors with different agression levels (i.e. Red Tip and Blue Tip), they could please everyone with one model. I like a more aggressive razor (my super adjustable is set on 7), but you might like a milder razor like a superspeed (setting 3 or 4). I think this is more or less the idea behind the adjustable.

[BlackBard]

I dont think the adjustable was meant for this purpose. Instead of dialing it up or down for certain areas, it was intended to stay on one number. Instead of Gillette having to release razors with different agression levels (i.e. Red Tip and Blue Tip), they could please everyone with one model. I like a more aggressive razor (my super adjustable is set on 7), but you might like a milder razor like a superspeed (setting 3 or 4). I think this is more or less the idea behind the adjustable.

+1

Just set it and forget it.

[tbress]

I'm very interested in this topic as well. I currently have a Merkur 38C barberpole razor and I am interested in getting an adjutsable. I have two questions, though.
Do I really need an adjustable? If so, which adjustable should I get?

I'm tempted by the Mergress, but I've also heard good things about the Futur. So I'll be reading this thread with interest.

[miamimoe]

I dont think the adjustable was meant for this purpose. Instead of dialing it up or down for certain areas, it was intended to stay on one number. Instead of Gillette having to release razors with different agression levels (i.e. Red Tip and Blue Tip), they could please everyone with one model. I like a more aggressive razor (my super adjustable is set on 7), but you might like a milder razor like a superspeed (setting 3 or 4). I think this is more or less the idea behind the adjustable.

I agree that this is the idea, but on the other hand, Gillette, and perhaps Merkur for that matter, did not think about or contemplate shaving fanatics like the ones here on B&B (I am one of them:laugh:). I have a Progress and a Gillette black adjustable, and I routinely change the settings depending on the area of my face, and which pass I am on. I have found that playing with the settings has immensely improved the quality of my shaves, in terms of closeness and lack of irritation/razor burn. It also helps when using blades that are sharper (Feather) or milder (Red IP).

[ackvil]

Hi All,
Just wanted to share (and collect stories) about switching to an adjustable. I switched form a Parker R22 to a Gillette slim (thanks Jake!).
A whole different experience. Here's why:

1. With the Parker, I had to wait a couple of days between shaves. Otherwise Dexter (my parker) would take its toll on my skin. With the adjustable, I can set the aggressiveness really low for frequent shaves.

2. I can change the settings to match my technique in certain tricky areas like the neck, mustache and chin.

Although I believe you can be happy without an adjustable, I think it may be interesting to try one and give your reasons for, against or neutral about them.

I am with you 100%. :thumbup:

I think adjustables are great and advocate doing exactly what you are doing. My neck area is sensitive and so I dial down for that area. Also, if I shave in the a.m. and find I have an evening appointment I dial down shave at a lower number allows me to look presentable without the risk of irritation.

It matters not to me the reason why Gillette or any other manufacturer for that matter designed the adjustable. For me, it allows me to shave to suit my face.

I have four adjustables (Mergress, Mergress XL, FB, and slim) and a number of "non-adjustables." For me there is no comparison. The adjustables win out every time.

[maxman]

Adjustables fall in and out of favour with me.
Right now I'm not using one, but I think I'll go back to one soon.
The nice part about an adjustable is that you can get used to everything about it. Switch blades and you're able to compensate.
As you learn more about your adjustable, you can compensate for anything.

I keep a slim in my travel kit because you never know what you are going to encounter on the road. The TSA takes your blades? no problem! pick up whatever you can find and dial in your adjustable.
Face a lttle sore? dial it back and go mild.

Granted, most people like myself just get comfy with one setting and stick with it.

[tbress]

Can you comment on your preference between the Mergress and the Mergress XL? Which do you think has better balance? Do you notice a performance difference?

[Sledgehammer39]

I enjoy using an Adjustable razor they suit my purpose. :thumbup:

[Den]

I have a 67 Slim that I get really good shaves out of. I normally do my WTG and XTG passes dialed up to 7 or 8 and then dial down to 6 for the ATG pass. I play with the settings because I can, but I know it isn't necessary. I always felt that adjustables are more of a gimmick than anything else. A nice novelty, but definitely not the only way to go. That being said, I'll always have atleast one adjustable on hand. :001_smile

[serbrus]

I dont think the adjustable was meant for this purpose. Instead of dialing it up or down for certain areas, it was intended to stay on one number. Instead of Gillette having to release razors with different agression levels (i.e. Red Tip and Blue Tip), they could please everyone with one model. I like a more aggressive razor (my super adjustable is set on 7), but you might like a milder razor like a superspeed (setting 3 or 4). I think this is more or less the idea behind the adjustable.

I was thinking perhaps the opposite.

1. Many of us here "see through" Gillette's global domination method of providing a "new and improved" multi-blade cartridge every X years.

2. The differentiation of Super Speeds (Red Tip, Blue Tip, etc), can be inferred to be driven at least in part by this approach.

3. It is not difficult to imagine that public acceptance for 8 different razors did not exist (I just don't see "Magenta Tip", "Lavendar Tip", "Green Tip" doing well in the focus groups). Rather, let's create an "adjustable" that allows you to dial up or down to suit your needs. Yes you, the customer, can be an INDIVIDUAL and not the lemming that we (here at Gillette) know you to be... By buying an adjustable, you set the number for today....... you can be different and unique (just like everybody else).


Rant aside, I like my adjustable, and use it in the manner described - higher number for first pass, lower number for final pass, or ATG, etc.

[oc_in_fw]

Do I really need an adjustable?

that is like asking a roomful of alcoholics if you need a drink :biggrin1:

[KeithS]

I'd LIKE a drink.

[Obi Wan]

I currently only have 3 adjustables, a Futur, a Slim and a Super adjustable. All 3 are aweswome shavers. I think everyone should have at least one adjustable in their collection/rotation.

[ackvil]

Can you comment on your preference between the Mergress and the Mergress XL? Which do you think has better balance? Do you notice a performance difference?

Performance is the same - but I like the balance on the XL a tad better. You can't go wrong with either one.

[Perkus]

I really, really enjoy my Futur. Even though I have a Vision, I tend to get better shaves with the Futur, much easier.

I don't feel it's difficult to handle at all. On the contrary, for me, it is quite forgiving and easy to understand, whereas the fixed Feather TAS-DS gives me redness and feels more difficult to hold at the right angle to my face.

I'd like to own a Gillette adjustable, because they look nice and to compare with mine.

Next one might be the Mergress XL for me, since it gets good grades and has a different head to the Futur. Not necessary at all, but good fun as my razor collection continues.

If anyone has a really nice Gillette adjustable you'd like to part with, message me.

[kingfisher]

I am with you 100%. :thumbup:

I think adjustables are great and advocate doing exactly what you are doing. My neck area is sensitive and so I dial down for that area. Also, if I shave in the a.m. and find I have an evening appointment I dial down shave at a lower number allows me to look presentable without the risk of irritation.

It matters not to me the reason why Gillette or any other manufacturer for that matter designed the adjustable. For me, it allows me to shave to suit my face.

I have four adjustables (Mergress, Mergress XL, FB, and slim) and a number of "non-adjustables." For me there is no comparison. The adjustables win out every time.

+1.

I don't care whether Gillette wanted me to "set it and forget it" or change it during the shave. For me it works best when I change it. And since I am able to, I do it.

I start with 6 or 7 for WTG, then go to 3 or 4 for XTG. Sometimes for touch-ups I leave it on 3, and sometimes I dial it all the way down to 2. Works GREAT for me. Adjusting it is simple, and for me it is effective.:thumbup1:

[shumanfoo]

I started back DE shaving with a Merkur Progress. I dial up, I dial down. Sometimes I do all 3 passes on the same setting.

It may be the blade I'm using. Or the type soap I'm using that makes me decide which way to go.

Being able to choose which way to go is half the fun.

So far this is the only razor I use. Along with only one badger brush.

Maybe I'll get AD really bad someday, but for now this will suffice.
:001_cool:

[rntdcarvalho]

I just adquired a Black Beauty (Black Handle Super Adjustable) and just the lowering of the setting from 5 to 3 on the neck helps a lot with razor burn! I recommend it immensely! And it's just beautiful to look at!

[Hawkeyeted]

A thing to keep in mind with an adjustable, you shouldn't need to crank it up to be as agressive as you can stand. The object is to dial it down as mild as you can and still get a good, close shave.