Too many variables. Noob help needed.

[zombiewoof]

Hi, all. I have a couple of old Gillette razors: a slim and an adjustable fat boy (I think those are the correct names). I've used them both (with the latter set on 3, which seems most recommended for newbies) but I'm still getting the hang of DE shaving. Right now I seem to get a better shave with the slim, but I think adjusting the fat boy might improve its results for me.

I'm also still trying to find the best blade for me.

My head is swimming with the number of possible combos. How should I go about it? Should I stick with the slim while I try different blades? Or should I use the same blades I've been using and try to dial in the fat boy for the best shave first and then sample new blades in it at that setting?

Thanks.

[Luc]

My recommendation would be to pick the shaver that provides you with the best results. Stick to that safety razor for at least a month. Set it on where you think it's best for you, it sounds like 3 is good. Keep it there. Get a razor blade sample pack where you got at least 4 different brands of blades. Use the blades one brand at the time. If you are only getting irritation, try a different brand.

Take it slow, no pressure and make sure that you consult the tutorials. Good luck!

[Codfish]

Fatboys and Slims are both adjustables, so you may have another type of razor there if the head is fixed. Use either, but if you use the Fatboy, I'd recommend that you keep it set at "3" for at least a month, while you're trying blades. You want to keep variables to a minimum early on. Change only one thing at a time, so you know exactly what you're experiencing.

For blades, get a sampler pack from any of our vendors, and go to town. No more than three shaves per blade. Sample them in any order, for at least three shaves per blade, and if you have Feathers, save them till later in the trial. Keep at least good mental notes on each blade you try.

Don't forget to develop a good prep, and practice your lathering skills. Read tutorials on blade angle and watch some shaving videos, such as Mantic59s on YouTube.

And remember: NO PRESSURE.

That's it! Time and practice will do the rest.

Good luck,

Codfish

[Eric V]

My recommendation would be to pick the shaver that provides you with the best results. Stick to that safety razor for at least a month. Set it on where you think it's best for you, it sounds like 3 is good. Keep it there. Get a razor blade sample pack where you got at least 4 different brands of blades. Use the blades one brand at the time. If you are only getting irritation, try a different brand.

Take it slow, no pressure and make sure that you consult the tutorials. Good luck!

+1

Simplify! That is the best way to learn technic. One razor, one setting, only changing brands of blades to find a favorite that you will use for a couple of months.