What is the difference

[atcstretch]

Between an aggressive razor and a tame one?

[Gruder]

Good question. Usually it's the gap between the safety bar/comb and the blade. Smaller gap = less aggressive.

[Bertilak]

Good question. Usually it's the gap between the safety bar/comb and the blade. Smaller gap = less aggressive.

Another measure that is a little harder to judge: Draw an imaginary line tangent to both the cap and the guard. Most razors have the edge of the blade very close to the line. Some extend it past and some keep it behind. Those that position the edge of the blade past that line are more aggressive. Note that increasing the gap will tend to push the edge of the blade towards the outside of the line, unless other factors come into play (longer guard and/or perhaps blade angle).

[atcstretch]

What does it mean in terms of a shave though?

What does an aggressive razor do to my face as opposed to a tame one?

[SepticTank]

Mows down more whisker per pass.

[Bertilak]

What does it mean in terms of a shave though?

What does an aggressive razor do to my face as opposed to a tame one?

It depends on your skill level. High skill level and you get a good shave. Low skill level and you learn all about styptic pencils, how to tear off little pieces of toilet paper, etc...

[atcstretch]

I understand that.

Assuming that its the first time youve ever picked up a DE razor, a more aggressive razor will take more hair per pass?

[Bertilak]

I understand that.

Assuming that its the first time youve ever picked up a DE razor, a more aggressive razor will take more hair per pass?

Well all the blades are the same width so will get the same number of whiskers. The only way to get more or less (not fewer) is to get closer (or not) to the base of the whisker. Aggressive razors make this easier but also make it easier to get more of the skin as well.

[Hando]

an excellent reply from Bob

there is a list on B+B with a chart listing various razors and their comparative aggressiveness but i don't think this is the best way to measure it, i was going to get my feeler gauges out and measure my Progress at different settings and post them for all to see when i thought that this isn't the measurement we should be taking, yes it's easier than the other way and gives a baseline for comparing, but i agree with Bob and for me that is the true measure of how aggressive a razor would be.

not that this helps you decide :confused:

[gone down south]

An experienced shaver will get a closer cut on every pass with a more aggressive razor, while a newbie will be likely take off a nice layer of skin as well. That's why beginners are advised to use milder razors at first, until the skill level catches up with the enthusiam :tongue_sm

[PeachyKleen]

Tame Razors are typically found in Zoo's and the circus; Aggressive in the wild (but only when provoked).

For new non-adjustable razors, Weishi and Ming Shi can be considered mild, while Slant Bars and Parkers are aggressive. HD's are in the middle?

[K9DVM]

Of course all of this has a lot to do with the angle of attack which can make all the difference between shaving whiskers and shaving skin cells, nerves, bone whatever.