Advice/Opinions Needed - Transitioning and itching to make a final decision

**U.N.A.T.C.O.** · 10-08-2007, 01:32 PM

Hi folks.

My story is the same as many others I've seen in posts, so I won't launch into a lengthy diatribe on how I got here. Summation: with no guidance I've never had a good shave, frequently switching from electric to cheap disposables and not knowing why. I've read some posts here and looked at a few Mantic vids over the past few weeks.

Note: I am an incurable SKINFLINT and find it hard to part with my money. Therefore, making informed decisions is critical.

For three weeks I've been learning the craft of pre-shave prep, lathering with shaving soap, and proper multi-pass shaving. This (seemingly minor) change has dramatically improved my enjoyment of shaving as well as the smoothness. I've been surviving on multi-blade sample razors that I get in the mail.

I'm ready for a safety razor.

After looking through the BEWILDERING array of opinions and (well-thought out) advice on what razor to get for a "newbie," I've narrowed down my choices after searching eBay and merchants mentioned here.

My goal? I want the opportunity for the CLOSEST shave I can get from a safety. I realize my choices contradict the advice I've seen for newbies, but I want to take the full plunge.

A. Slant type

From what I've gathered, this is a favorite among many members here.

B. "Red tip" handle Gillette (so far found only vintage on Ebay)

I've read that the exposure on this razor is quite impressive and affords the next closest shave to the slant.

C. Adjustable (many on eBay and modern merchants)

I like the idea of tweaking the instrument to my needs. I like that idea a lot.

Needing Feedback on...

1. Can I get a slant cheap? I found nothing on eBay.

2. How about this red-tipped Gillette? Anyone have experience with it and what is your final impression?

3. Which adjustable (or top three) give the closest shaves?

4. Are my conclusions valid about the hierarchy of closeness?

5. Any vintage safeties I should look out for besides the red-tipped for closeness?

6. Any other thoughts you'd care to share are most welcome.

P.S.

Many thanks to the founders, moderators, and members here for maintaining these boards and supporting this community. I've found the advice here UNCOMMONLY helpful. I might even say life-changing.

**A.de.Lioncourt** · 10-08-2007, 02:19 PM

Welcome!

Can of worms my friend...

1. I haven't really seen many slants for sale. With a few exceptions, people seem pretty happy with them.

2. The red tipped Gillette is the most aggressive of the super speeds. They are all fine shavers.

3. You can get a perfectly close shave from most any razor. I really like my Gillette slim adjustable, and my Gillette super adjustable. I don't own one, but The Merkur progress gets excellent reviews as well.

4. I believe you've concluded that aggressiveness means close. A three pass shave with any razor will be BBS. Honestly, I think the only place blade exposure changers the ability to shave is with hair that grows very parallel to the skin. The steeper angle helps remove a little more hair here making subsequent passes better. Everyone says that an aggressive razor helps cut a heavier beard, but I do not find substantially does.

5. I think you'll be happy with any of the super speeds or adjustable Gillettes. Everyone swears by the Fat-boy, which is a weightier version of the slim adjustable.

6. Don't be afraid to get what you want here; a DE razor properly maintained will last you your life. If you are unhappy with what you get, selling it here in the buy well trade forum will not be difficult. The Merkur HD and 38c (same razor different handle) are consistently great rated shavers.

**ouch** · 10-08-2007, 02:39 PM

Welcome aboard!

Try checking the buy/sell/trade mall. Red tips come up for sale pretty often, usually in the $15-20 range for a good looking user. You may also find some freebies awaiting the newbie.

A close shave has more to do with the symbiosis of the razor and the blade. Some combinations are magical, while others may not suit you. Hard to beat a slant with a Feather for closeness, though.

The only way to know for sure is to try them all.

**Jim** · 10-08-2007, 04:46 PM

Welcome (unpronounceable user name) to the B&B!

**Suzuki** · 10-08-2007, 04:54 PM

Good to have you aboard!

If you're really looking for an aggressive razor, some of the older 3-piece open comb Gillettes are supposedly on the aggressive side.

**Patrick D** · 10-08-2007, 08:46 PM

Welcome! IMO, the Slant or Vision armed with a Feather blade is about as aggressive as you can get with a DE. Dollar for dollar, I think the Slant is the best out of the two.

The Progress, and Gillette Adjustables are comfortable razors to use with the edge going to the Gillettes for closeness. I know the Vision is an adjustable, but I don't open it up anymore than to the "O" on mine, ymmv!

My top pick would be the Slant. I've learned to wield it almost as fast as a Fusion and it gives me choices. If I want to go for BBS, I can get there, while it will also deliver a quick comfortable shave too.

Just keep in mind you can do yourself damage with any razor until you have the basics down.

**Magruder** · 10-08-2007, 08:57 PM

Welcome to B&B, and I'm curious to know what U. N. A. T. C. O. stands for.

I've been using a DE for about 15 months and have used several Gillettes, a slant, and a Merkur Classic, and I really agree with this comment:

Originally Posted by A.de.Lioncourt

You can get a perfectly close shave from most any razor.

Closeness comes from technique. Which razor to use is a matter of preference.

I'll tell you, though, that trying out the various razors and blades, and soaps and creams, is more fun than I ever imagined. We're not just getting good shaves, we've converted what used to be a chore into something to enjoy and look forward to.

**U.N.A.T.C.O.** · 10-09-2007, 09:47 AM

Thanks for the welcome, gents. I have more questions now but I'll post those in the appropriate forum.

Is it polite to end the thread in this fashion, or should I be responding to each person who replied?

--Magruder

U.N.A.T.C.O. = United Nations Anti-Terrorist Coalition

**htownmmm** · 10-09-2007, 10:03 AM

Originally Posted by U.N.A.T.C.O.

Thanks for the welcome, gents. I have more questions now but I'll post those in the appropriate forum.

Is it polite to end the thread in this fashion, or should I be responding to each person who replied?

--Magruder

U.N.A.T.C.O. = United Nations Anti-Terrorist Coalition

Nope-not a problem;you do not have to respond to each person-just by telling us tyx, we know you got the message.

Marty

**scoopster** · 10-09-2007, 02:00 PM

For someone just starting out with DE shaving I would suggest some of the following:

Non adjustable: Gilltette Tech or SuperSpeed, Merkur HD or 38C or Long Handle Classic

Adjustable: Gillette Slim or FatBoy, Merkur Progress

Sounds like you like to tinker so going right for an adjustable is a good option. I would stay away from a slant as your first DE. If you find you like aggressive you can just set the adjustable wide open but if you beat yourself up you can always dial it back to a less agressive setting to recover.

Good luck!

**Flaxorca** · 10-09-2007, 11:51 PM

Welcome to B&B!

**Doc4** · 10-10-2007, 12:07 AM

Originally Posted by U.N.A.T.C.O.

Thanks for the welcome, gents. I have more questions now but I'll post those in the appropriate forum.

Is it polite to end the thread in this fashion, or should I be responding to each person who replied?

--Magruder

U.N.A.T.C.O. = United Nations Anti-Terrorist Coalition

Welcome, Yew-nat-co!

I just shave with straights, so can't offer suggestions on a DE razor. But kudos to you for asking about forum manners and propriety

... you should fit in nicely here.

**TimmyBoston** · 10-10-2007, 01:04 AM

Welcome to B&B!

In terms of a razor, You'll be amazed at how close of shave you can get with a gentle safety razor with proper blade angle and good prep. The blade angle will take some practice and seems like you are well on your way in the prep department.

I'll actually go against the razors you've been looking at. I would recommend the Merkur HD. It's terrific razor and won't regret having one, ever. After you master it, you can always upgrade to a good adjustable, the Progress (a Merkur adjustable) or a Slant. Additionally HDs are always in demand so when you do upgrade you can sell it in the Shaving Mall quite easily.

Additionally I know you are ready to take the plunge but DE (Double Edge, our standard term for a safety razor), but using one is a skill and it takes some time to learn, so I would not recommend starting off with an aggressive razor, you'll have the rest of your life to upgrade, it's best to start off easy and insure yourself that you learn proper technique from the start. Go with the HD, it's a fantastic razor.

**U.N.A.T.C.O.** · 10-10-2007, 07:11 PM

Thanks again for the warm reception gents, you really made me feel at home here.

Just as I expected, the opinions are widely varied. Good show.

I'm pretty much set on acquiring something used/vintage, versus a Merkur or something new and shiny.

See you guys around the forums.

**TimmyBoston** · 10-10-2007, 07:16 PM

Originally Posted by U.N.A.T.C.O.

Thanks again for the warm reception gents, you really made me feel at home here.

Just as I expected, the opinions are widely varied. Good show.

I'm pretty much set on acquiring something used/vintage, versus a Merkur or something new and shiny.

See you guys around the forums.

Then pick up a Vintage Gilette Aristocrat off Ebay or in the Shaving Mall. It's a fantastic razor. This is my daily razor, I like it much more than my slant.

**U.N.A.T.C.O.** · 10-11-2007, 12:35 AM

Okay, the Aristocrat - is that gold in color?

**Woknblues** · 10-11-2007, 01:40 AM

any of the aforementioned options are good, because you can unload a red tip, a slant or an HD in a nano-second around here, and pick up another option if it didn't work out for you. Why not try the red tip first, as it is the cheapest? Then if you don't think it is enough, go for the HD or the slant? If you later find something else, you can sell anything you bought right here and recoup nearly all of your investment. (with the corresponding number of required posts, of course) good luck and I must congratulate you on your wise choice to correct your technique before jumping in. Fundamental techniques are the cake, and the cool stuff is really just the icing.