Razor issues

[jed1154]

OK, so i use a 1953 Gillette SS. After using it for a month or so, i have noticed that no matter what blade i use, i have to make several passes to get a good close shave. By several i mean i usually do 2, 3, 4, etc. Sometimes i even try using a little more pressure, which does fine. I don't really have any irritation or anything, but i would like to get done in no more than 3 passes without having to drag it over the same spot 4 or 5 times. Is this a razor issue or something else? Is there a razor that i should try? This is the only one i have, so i thought id ask you guys.

[fritz]

OK, so i use a 1953 Gillette SS. After using it for a month or so, i have noticed that no matter what blade i use, i have to make several passes to get a good close shave. By several i mean i usually do 2, 3, 4, etc. Sometimes i even try using a little more pressure, which does fine. I don't really have any irritation or anything, but i would like to get done in no more than 3 passes without having to drag it over the same spot 4 or 5 times. Is this a razor issue or something else? Is there a razor that i should try? This is the only one i have, so i thought id ask you guys.

The Super Speeds are known for being a mild, forgiving razor. Seems like you've proven that again!
To get closer, you're probably going to have to use a different razor. If in the months you have been using it, you are getting comfortable shaves, not having problems with nicks, razor burn, irritation, etc. then your techniques are probably good enough to move up to a better tool.
Since you want a really close shave, my best recommendation would be a Merkur Slant razor, the 37C (chrome) or the 37G (gold). Next choice would be a 12C, the open comb version of the 38C, or the 38C. The 12C and 38C are longer-handled, heavier razors. The Slant is about the same weight and handle length as the SS. You might look here for these pictured, and there are many other fine vendors listed in the Shopping links here.

[fritz]

I found the link to a review of the Slant which is <click here>.

[jed1154]

I remember seeing a merkur razor that was very similar to a gillette tech in size and shape. Which model is that? Is it any more aggressive than the SS?

[Limey]

The razor was probably the Merkur Classic or HD. I would say both are a bit more aggressive than your SS but still tame razors.

[letterk]

Typical DE shaving consists of gradual reduction in the beard. While you should be able to get a decent shave with a pass or two, a "good close" shave requires more passes, regardless of razors. For BBS, or close to it, 3-4 passes is normal. I don't think you're doing anything wrong. You could try a more aggressive razor, but I think you'll find multiple passes is still a requirement.

[jed1154]

I know, but i usually have to just put a little water on my face with whatever cream is left over and go over every place repeatedly until its smooth. This is also with feather blades.

[fritz]

I know, but i usually have to just put a little water on my face with whatever cream is left over and go over every place repeatedly until its smooth. This is also with feather blades.

Yes, this is usually called the "touch-up" pass. All perfectly normal.

I'm not completely convinced that it's possible to get a BBS shave with only one pass. Or even just 2. You might come closest with a str8, but even then there's always touch-up. Or if you have a peach-fuzz soft beard, maybe.

[Haiku]

Typical DE shaving consists of gradual reduction in the beard. While you should be able to get a decent shave with a pass or two, a "good close" shave requires more passes, regardless of razors. For BBS, or close to it, 3-4 passes is normal. I don't think you're doing anything wrong. You could try a more aggressive razor, but I think you'll find multiple passes is still a requirement.

Agreed.

But given everyting is "YMMV" there's always a "however" to all advice. A more aggressive razor may be the ticket. Too many passes can be a recipe for razor burn. So how many is too many? I need six or more to get to BBS with a superspeed. I need three to get there with a slant or with a fatboy dialed up to 7 and some days 9. The six passes with a superspeed guarantee me razor burn because by the time I get to six passes my skin is so saturated with water that it has swollen up and softened up way too much to shave comfortably.

I prefer two or three passes with a slant or a fatboy dialed up to 7.

For what it is worth: try a slant. Keep it scratch free and if you don't like it, the history is that it can be sold here for pretty close to what you pay for it, and so trying it will cost very little.

Read up on the slant, particularly how to load the blade properly, be careful of your technique and you may well find yourself having converted to a slant fan.

As always, YMMV.