Looking For A Closer Shave

[Joe Sterling]

I've been using a Merkur 38c Barber pole with Red Israeli Personnas. I also have the Merkur Vision, which I rarely use. The 38c is good, but I want closer. What about open comb? Or the Muhle R89? Has anyone reviwed Joris Plisson yet? Aslo, I've tried the Derbys, Crystals, Wilkinsons (German), Merkurs. The RED Israeli Perssonnas work, by far, the best.

Any advice?

J.

[~Spyne~]

have you tried feathers?
have you done ATG passes?

[misbeshavin']

I think the combination of razor and blade you are using is great. I would try sharper blades versus a new razor for achieving closer shaves. Feathers will definitely give you a closer shave but you run the risk of getting nicks along with razor burn if you're not careful. Multiple passes is another thing to experiment with.

Sometimes the trade-off for a closer shave isn't worth the result. For instance when I use Feathers I definitely get a closer shave but also get razor burn and cuts. Like you I have found the Red IP's to be the best for my face. Not the sharpest, but certainly the most comfortable for me.

[gash]

Feathers.

[SGB1963]

It sounds as if you have found a blade that agrees with your face, the Red Personna. IMHO I would revisit Mantic59's videos as he describes wetshaving passes as whisker reduction. Each pass is supposed to reduce whiskers. The combination of hydrated lather, agreeable blade and razor, proper blade angle, and passes without pressure provides fine shaves without irritation. Again, IMHO I would strive for the amount and direction of passes necessary to reduce whiskers, along with advanced techniques such as buffing or J hooking for the resilient areas.

[Greyfox]

No razor will give you a closer shave unless your technique is good enough to be able to take advantage of the razor. Make sure your technique is sound.

[The Count of Merkur Cristo]

Feathers.

Gash:
+ 1 ...or either Kai's

Christopher

[jwhiskercut]

Feathers.

I use Feathers in every razor I own. I find that if I don't , I get razor burn from the 'tug' of a less sharp blade. If you are already used to the way a razor handles, then a different blade is one of of the easiest options to change first.

[Zarba]

It sounds as if you have found a blade that agrees with your face, the Red Personna. IMHO I would revisit Mantic59's videos as he describes wetshaving passes as whisker reduction. Each pass is supposed to reduce whiskers. The combination of hydrated lather, agreeable blade and razor, proper blade angle, and passes without pressure provides fine shaves without irritation. Again, IMHO I would strive for the amount and direction of passes necessary to reduce whiskers, along with advanced techniques such as buffing or J hooking for the resilient areas.

+1. I found my 38C to be pretty agressive vs. my SuperSpeed. I'd venture it's technique.