Advice on 'aggressive' DE razor?

[williepete]

I recently got a Merkur 38C razor as a change from what I had been using (Fatboy) and just to try something different. I really like the way this razor feels - VERY smooth and easy - compared to the old TTO adjustable, but, after a few weeks of standing in front of the mirror for twice as long, I am beginning to have some new thoughts. It takes at least 4 passes (W,X,A,A) to get a decent shave compared to 2 1/2 previous, and its still not BBS. In fact there's noticeable shadow compared to before. I am even starting to use more pressure trying to get this thing to bite off more (a no-no from what I've read here).......so I'm thinking that I really do need a more agressive razor? This may seem like a no-brainer,....but I really am that new, so pleae bear with me. You can get the whole spill from my newbie thread from last week if you didn't read it (Noob from MS).

I am getting really curious about a Futur. I have also done some reading on OC's (esp. 1930's Gillette NEW), and realize there are several camps on that subject. Can some of the gurus and sages here please offer some insight and direction? Some basic usage instruction on adjustables would be helpful as well) Please ask for anymore background info from me you need....thanks!

[BlackBard]

The Fatboy was my first new razor. I wish I had kept it.

If your Fatboy is not damaged, it should give you a great shave. Start with a mild setting, say #3, and learn proper shaving technique, proper lather and good prep. This should give you an acceptable shave. Practice. Practice.

Once you have improved your skills, then and only then are you ready to try a more aggressive setting on your razor. Move along slowly. You are learning a new skill and need to be patient.

Resist the temptation to try many new blades while you are still learning traditional shaving. Too many variables will make it more difficult to isolate the cause of problems as they come along.

Your adjustable razor is 9 razors in one. It is already one of the best razors you will find. Patience and practice will pay off in better and better shaves. Good luck.

[BrianK]

Yup, pressure doesn't produce a better shave- just the opposite.

A Fatboy wasn't aggressive enough? I can't believe that. I also don't know squat about your Merkur.

What blade are you using? Whatever, use a sharper one, like a Feather or a 7 O'Clock Yellow.

But I'm betting it's technique that's the problem. I see you've been a member since June. That could be a month or as little as a week. Is that when you began DE shaving? If so I'm betting that you don't have the technique to back up the experimentation with a new razor. Build your foundation before working on the structure. You gotta spend time in the trenches.

We suggest to new folks that they introduce as few variables before jumping around trying new things. If you wish to use the Merkur, that's OK. Make it your everyday razor and set the Fatboy to the side for now. Get a blade sampler and work on technique, and NO PRESSURE!

You can do it, it just takes time and patience. You'll get there.

[noahpictures]

The Futur on the highest setting with a smooth blade like a Personna RP, Astra SP or a Shark. I've tried the Gillette adjustable razors, the 38C and the Slants; all good razors but the Futur has outperformed them.

[inspiringK]

I would echo the idea of returning to your FatBoy if you are looking for a more aggressive razor. A FatBoy on 9 is about as aggressive as a razor can get (assuming that your adjustable still adjusts, if not, it may need a good cleaning and a soak).

There are some nice new razors out there, but I don't think that the new adjustables are worth it when compared to the older Gillettes. Other than that, since you are looking at a New, that may not be a bad choice - but I don't think that it will necessarily solve your problem.

[williepete]

I started DE shaving in March, I think it was. The Fatboy is broken; the adjust does not work. My GUESS is that it's stuck wide open. That shave did not bother me at all - very little or no irritation, and I learned how the blade feels. In fact, I got to really like the feeling of the sharp blade sliding over bbs skin when there is nothing there left to cut ;o). That's partly why I'm thinking about going back to that setup. I have used several blades in that one razor and with mostly the same soap. I am using only derbys and really like them; I can completely predict what they will do....

This wet shaving thing with DE's seems to me kind of like a golf swing or something....not knowing what you don't know, thinking you are fine with what you are doing....so that's why I asked ;o).

[williepete]

Uh....how do I disassemble it?! Can't figger it out...

[Eric V]

I'd suggest posting in the Safety Razors Forum with the question of Fat Boy repair. You may find others with more experience that frequent that forum.

I see you have a fair amount of experience, and may be kind of settled in your ways, BUT I'll make a couple of suggestions. Perhaps you can just humor me by reading this and considering it either now or later.

Using W, X, A, A passes to get a decent shave shows a problem with prep or technic. Chasing a BBS will not advance the finesse in technic that will give a great shave with little or no irritation. While you are figuring out how to fix your Fatboy, give your Merkur a chance to teach you some finer points of technic. Use a Feather if you have any, and try a 3 pass W, X, X, shave for a week or so. Aim for no irritation. I assume your shaves will improve over the week if you concentrate on prep, angle and pressure, rather than the end result.

At any rate, get back to us and let us know what is working for you.

[williepete]

Thanks to all so far. Eric, I do have feathers in reserve, and will give that a shot in the morning. Good ideas to sleep on ;)

[inspiringK]

Uh....how do I disassemble it?! Can't figger it out...

As Eric said, the safety razor part of this forum will give you some good answers on that. There are some good picture instructions on how to do it, some of the regular members in that section should have the links at hand.
I'll provide this suggestion though - usually taking it apart is the last and final attempt at getting a FatBoy to work. Often a few good long soaks in warm/hot soapy water can get rid of some of the gunk, just make sure to adjust the dial and work the doors every so often as it soaks.

[Ozgun]

Futur nearly absurdly aggreessive on high settings. I also suggest muhle 99r(fatip) from fendrihan, over average aggresiveness, everytime gives bbs, but may not be a good razor for everyday shave with mild skins

[chuckr9]

Fatboy should give just as good (and aggressive) shave as Futur. I have both, and prefer the Futur with Personna Prep blades.

[Ozgun]

I dont think fatboy is as agressive as futur. Even at 9 its like 4 on futur. Futur is crazy on 6 or 6,5.

[williepete]

thanks to all for the help and suggestions. i have been working on this for a while. i would say that, first and foremost, BrianK had a good point:

But I'm betting it's technique that's the problem. I see you've been a member since June. That could be a month or as little as a week. Is that when you began DE shaving? If so I'm betting that you don't have the technique to back up the experimentation with a new razor. Build your foundation before working on the structure. You gotta spend time in the trenches..

i have been working on my 'golf swing'. some observation and adjustment of how i was simply holding the razor helped a great deal. i have managed to take away one full lather and pass from the process. the 38C is just different from the fatboy. duh. so, this suggestion really stuck with me and i was able to work with it.

i have found that the derbys are still what are best for me. i have no problems with them at all.

the only other variable i changed was the SOAP. this was actually a pretty big change. i pitched that Williams stuff and paid a little more for some Tabac. my father, at the same time, got some MWF and we have both tried and swapped out on each. of course, anything is an improvement over Williams, but the Tabac made a big difference. incidentally, i think we both like it better than the MWF; i really don't like that sting thing it does to your face. seems to me that's what i'm trying to avoid to begin with - ha ha.

BUT - i am DEFINITELY eyeing a Futur. i think that i really do need an adjustable. also, i haven't even tried to clean the FatBoy yet, but i will; that's next.

any other suggestions on soaps?

[eastomjac]

try a different brand blade and see if that helps.blades perform differently in different razors

[Sledgehammer39]

The new Muhle R41 2011 version.

[williepete]

try a different brand blade and see if that helps.blades perform differently in different razors

yeah, ive tried israeli reds and REALLY disliked them. BUT....with this 38C, i think i am going to give them another shot....

[AirForceMX]

I'm currently on a search for a good aggressive razor myself. Heres my journey so far. Slant---Smooth shave, but no different than my 34C. Muhle 2011 Tooth Comb---PERFECT RAZOR!!! However, requires a slow hand, and a little extra time, so my next razor is a Merkur 11C open comb...wish me luck!