Shaving using adjustables

[Razorr]

I picked up a Gillette Slim a couple of weeks ago and have been attempting to learn the proper methods of use. My question is in relation to the adjustability settings - Should I set it and forget it or reduce the setting with each pass thus reducing the blade exposure to the skin or increasing the blade exposure. I was looking at it from the 'gradual beard reduction' angle. I am currently using a feather blade and have no issues; however much like any other blade I always have an issue with lower neck irritation and am looking at reducing that.

Look forward to the response.

Rene

[cedarcreek]

Set and forget, probably at something under 5. Learn razor head angles, beard growth directions and that sort of thing. When adjustables came out they were bought up by guys who knew that stuff and used the adjustments to fine tune. My Dad used a Slim set at 9 because he had the heavy beard he passed on to me but also he knew what he was doing since he'd been using a DE for years before the first adjustable came out.

[Codfish]

If you are new, it is difficult enough to find your proper main setting, without changing your settings up or down between passes. There are those here who will suggest various combinations, but IMO it will only confuse things. What works for them may not work for you.

Your goal should be to develop your basic technique--prep, lather, angle and pressure--and reducing your variables so that you know how a single change impacts your shave. Take your time. Find your basic setting (for now) and concentrate on a good, irritation-free shave. Refinements will come once you have a solid foundation.

Good luck!

Codfish

[Eric V]

Good advice above! Treat the razor like a non adjustable for a few months. Beard reduction comes with non adjustable razors, a bit each pass. Besides, your technic will get much better sooner if you leave it at one setting.

[Razorr]

I have been shaving with it set on '3' for the last couple of attempts. I always have irritation on my lower neck - no matter what type of utensil or blade. So I was selfishly hoping that the adjustability of the razor may be able to improve that or I may need to look into my prep. Doesn't appear to be an issue with 3-4 day growth...huge irritation when shaving every other day (which there are times its inevitable).

Much appreciated guys.

[Alucard73]

Experiment until you find your favorite setting and the leave it there. As you become more experienced...try a more aggressive setting and see if it helps.

[Codfish]

I have been shaving with it set on '3' for the last couple of attempts. I always have irritation on my lower neck - no matter what type of utensil or blade. So I was selfishly hoping that the adjustability of the razor may be able to improve that or I may need to look into my prep. Doesn't appear to be an issue with 3-4 day growth...huge irritation when shaving every other day (which there are times its inevitable).

Much appreciated guys.

The irritation is most likely to be from too much pressure or blade angle that needs improvement. Irritation can involve prep as well. Most often, the skin is being scraped improperly. Beard reduction, good lubrication and a feather-like touch at the proper angle (http://wiki.badgerandblade.com/index.php?title=Blade_Angle) develop with practice.

What blade(s) have you tried?

Codfish

[msc8127]

I just recently picked up a fatboy, and i've yet to find the setting where the fatboy and I get along. I started with it set at 3 and have increased it one setting per shave, now being at 6. My best results came today with it set at 6, so I will probably try it again tomorrow on setting 6 and see if things improve more. Once I find where it likes me the best I plan on leaving it there for a while.

[nyyfan71]

Have you tried any pre-shave oil? I only use some on my lower neck later in the week since I shave every day. It helps if I don't get too aggessive the pressure. All great advice above,your technique might need a little more finesse.

[noahpictures]

Other than beard prep, angle, and pressure, I suggest dialing up the Slim all the way up to 9. This makes it easier to shave because you don't have to fight to find the correct angle; on the highest setting the angle of the razor should be shallow, thus shaving should be much easier and faster. This is how I shave when shaving with the Slim (9) and the Futur (6.5).

I also suggest trying different blades. For me Personna Red Pack and Astra SP perform great in all of my razors because they are very smooth.

[Grumpy_Bottom]

Other than beard prep, angle, and pressure, I suggest dialing up the Slim all the way up to 9. This makes it easier to shave because you don't have to fight to find the correct angle; on the highest setting the angle of the razor should be shallow, thus shaving should be much easier and faster. This is how I shave when shaving with the Slim (9) and the Futur (6.5).

I also suggest trying different blades. For me Personna Red Pack and Astra SP perform great in all of my razors because they are very smooth.
I agree with this, although my magic number so far has been 7, but more aggression = less irritation on my neck so far.

[fireengineer2004]

I've tried my slim on every setting from 1 (starting) to 9. Right now I seem to be very comfortable with 7. Thiey're adjustable - so try different settings. Go low and raise the "bar" with each (or couple) shave till you find what you like with the blades you are using. And of course watch the angle too.

[jss4537]

I have been shaving with it set on '3' for the last couple of attempts. I always have irritation on my lower neck - no matter what type of utensil or blade. So I was selfishly hoping that the adjustability of the razor may be able to improve that or I may need to look into my prep. Doesn't appear to be an issue with 3-4 day growth...huge irritation when shaving every other day (which there are times its inevitable).

Much appreciated guys.

I am in same bota, a few days worth of growth and no irritation, but if i shave everyday or every other day then i am hosed in the neck, mostly my lower right neck where the hair grows kinds weird...skin stretching is bad as it pulls hair from beneath skin and then its not a good shave...

I use a slant with gillete 7'oclock blade from india - the green pack one

[DunEdinRanger]

Crank it up to 9 - you'll be amazed.

[Go West Young Man]

The neck is hard to shave - skin is loose and thin, hair grows in weird directions. You need a master's touch with the razor, and everything else needs to be done perfectly. I wouldn't sweat it yet, give yourself a few more months of refining your technique and you should be OK.

[bobfarvour]

You should try it both ways and do what works for you. When I first started with adjustables, I adjusted down between passes. That was with a fatboy. Now I'm using a futur and I leave it where its at. If I skip a day I might go up a notch for the first pass. But not usually.

[GreekGuy]

I use 7 for my WTG pass and 9 for my ATG pass.

The higher settings really aren't THAT scary. They sound intimidating, but with good technique, you have nothing to worry about.

That being said, I've heard of people that have used the adjustables on less than 5, and gotten terrible irritation, but when turned to the higher settings, it was magic. I would suggest taking a look at this (http://badgerandblade.com/vb/showthread.php?t=202815)

[mftoms59]

I have been shaving with it set on '3' for the last couple of attempts. I always have irritation on my lower neck - no matter what type of utensil or blade. So I was selfishly hoping that the adjustability of the razor may be able to improve that or I may need to look into my prep. Doesn't appear to be an issue with 3-4 day growth...huge irritation when shaving every other day (which there are times its inevitable).

Much appreciated guys.

If your using ATG on your neck, eliminate that type of pass, I do a Two Pass (WTG,XTG) with touch-up on the jawline everyday, getting a DFS with no visable stubble ~15hours. I never use an ATG Pass which can lead to razor burn and/or ingrown hairs. Just something to consider besides pressure and Blade Angle.

[ackvil]

If I am using my slim or FB I usually do my first pass at 5, my second at 7, and my third and fourth at 8 - except for my neck which never goes above 7. I am willing to do an extra pass so I get a smooth shave rather use a more aggressive setting and risk irritation even though with one less pass. This is the same method Mark (Mantic 59 uses) see http://mantic59.blogspot.com/2010/03/adjustable-razor-sweet-spot.html.
For my Mergresses my first pass is at 2+.


The reason I increase my settings is that the first pass gets the bulk of the stubble without any irritation. The subsequent passes are for more beard reduction and that is accomplished with a higher setting. However, if I get what I want after three passes then I stop.

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.

[Sledgehammer39]

I usually set and forget it. In your case I would suggest this also until you get your technique and prep spot on.