Vintage Merkur Slant

**Kamamuri** · 11-24-2009, 01:58 PM

I've purchased one and I'm looking inside B&B for some tutorial, link or something similar in order to improve my technique before start to use it.

Owing to the large amount of tools related to the shaving techniques I can't find anything interesting. Do you know where can I find it?

Although if somebody can tell me something about in this thread will be wellcome. Thaks in advance.

**mmack66** · 11-24-2009, 02:08 PM

The most important thing to know about shaving with a Slant razor is to align the long edges of the blade so that they are parallel to the long edges of the top cap, as you look down on the top of the razor. Just use your normal shaving technique and you should be fine. This assumes that you have good technique already. Otherwise, the only way to improve your technique is to shave more.

**JPM** · 11-24-2009, 02:11 PM

Congratulations on the vintage slant. I picked up a new one recently. I'm new to the wetshaving world so I can't give you great tips other than what you generally see here. Go slow, no pressure and have patience. I find I get a closer shave than a regular de, but don't feel I have to do anything differently.

I'm sure you'll get some better advice soon.

**onotoman** · 11-24-2009, 02:30 PM

No pressure is the secret to saving face (literally) when starting to use a Slant - go easy (canny as we say in NE England) and get used to it.

It'll serve you well if treated with respect - much like a Rottweiler

**Kamamuri** · 11-24-2009, 07:01 PM

Thank you guys.

I really value your advices a lot. The mantra is to prepare well the face and dont be hurry. That's OK.

**dpm802** · 11-24-2009, 07:13 PM

Originally Posted by JPM

Go slow, no pressure and have patience.

+1 ... this advice holds true for any wet-shaving tool, but even more so with a Slant.

I have found that my Slant (39C) works best with a Feather blade, but YMMV. Also, it gives its best results with a 3-day or more growth of whiskers, so I can't use it as an every day razor.

The Slant gives me the closest, easiest shave of any razor in my rotation, assuming proper prep-steps and good technique.

See the Balance Point Method (BPM) in the ShaveWiki for a good way to hold this (or any) razor.

In any case, keep a styptic pencil or alum block handy for your first few shaves. Its not unusual to experience a few nicks and weepers until you get your technique down pat.