The Slant is coming ...

[yaderhey]

Finally pulled the trigger and ordered a Merkur 37C from West Coast Shaving.

Mantic59 told me that I probably won't slice my face off if I don't attempt to use a high-performance blade like the Feather.

In my razor stock, I currently have:

- Feathers
- Israeli Personnas (my personal favorite)
- Astras
- Wal-Mat Wilkenson Swords (tried today for the first time; mediocre results)

Think I can load up the Slant with an IP for my first shave, or am I asking for trouble?

[dpm802]

I have a 39C, and after some experimentation, the Feather is my blade of choice for the Slant. These two are married to each other. I don't use the Slant with any other blade, I don't use the Feather with any other razor.

From what you have on hand, I might start with the Astra while you learn the characteristics of the Slant and develop your technique. Try the other blades in turn until you find the one that works best for you.

Keep in mind that a Slant does its best work when it has plenty of stubble to work with. I reserve mine for days when I have 3 or more days of beard to work with. I wouldn't recommend daily shaving with a Slant. If you do have to shave daily, keep the Slant for Monday mornings when you take off that weekend beard.

[Codfish]

+1 (with reservations)

If Israeli Personnas are the blades you like most, I'd encourage you to start with them. The only variable you will be testing is the razor, and that makes your evaluation easier. I recently bought a new razor and tried it with a new blade and could not determine what was going on until I put a known blade in it. A year ago, the most important instruction I received from experienced shavers was to always reduce the variables. A slant is a big step. Keep it simple, at least for now!

Codfish