My first DE experience

**97camaroguy** · 06-24-2008, 11:34 AM

I feel the need to post my observations here about my first use of a DE.

Let me first start by saying that I have been a straight razor user for nearly a year, and have thoroughly enjoyed the experience. However, I travel a fair amount in my business and traveling with a straight is usually not a feasible option, more from a logistics standpoint than anything else.

What I mean by that is even when I'm not flying, which I'm usually not, I still have to take along several straight razors, a strop, possibly a hone if it's an extended stay, plus the soaps, creams, and other accouterments we all know and love.

So I have been traveling rather plainly with regards to my shaving equipment, making due with the old cartridge and can of goo. Disappointing to say the least.

Inspiration struck about a week ago. Why it took nearly a year to hit me I'm honestly not sure, I blame global warming.
I wanted to see if a DE would be a viable alternative to a straight razor. Surely it would be better than a cartridge and can of goo. So I posted a "want to buy" in the Buy/Sell/Trade forum looking for a classic DE, not having any idea which razors made good shavers.

Danstar250 sent me a PM informing me of the Merkur Slant, which he believed I might like as it is a bit more aggressive as far as DE razors go, and he being a DE shaver interested in trying his hand at straight razors, I thought it sounded like a good compromise.

The razor arrived on Saturday, and I decided this morning to give it a test run. I did read up on technique before putting blade to skin, and made sure to use no pressure and allow the weight of the razor to do the work. I first made a WTG pass, re-lathered, XTG, re-lather again, and a last ATG.
Overall impression is fairly good, not quite as smooth as my straights, but I'm sure that would improve with some use, as a straight is a different beast and there is always a bit of a learning curve with something new.

In a nutshell I will most definitely be taking the Slant with me on my next trip, and will see how that works out. I am certain I will be much happier than settling for the cartridge.

Cheers!

**jss** · 06-24-2008, 01:33 PM

Welcome to DE and B&B..It does get better soon....

**SMOKE** · 06-24-2008, 02:32 PM

Welcome!! Great job for a first DE shave..they only get better every day!!!

Regards,

**DunEdinRanger** · 06-24-2008, 03:43 PM

Another Slant fan! Welcome!

**kevtex** · 06-24-2008, 04:49 PM

Welcome to B&B.

**SMOKE** · 06-24-2008, 04:53 PM

Are you by chance a head shaver?? I only ask because the Slant is by far the ultimate tool for head shaving. I use mine every day for this purpose. Talk about Ultra BBS!!..My noggin is slick as an eel!

Regards,

**THECHEBB** · 06-25-2008, 05:10 AM

Welcome to the mix!
Cheers!

**alabamalawyer** · 06-25-2008, 10:42 AM

Welcome to B&B! You should have no problem getting the hang of the Slant. BTW, what blades are you currently using? You might try a blade sampler pack from westcoastshaving.com so you can try a few different ones to see which you prefer.

**97camaroguy** · 06-26-2008, 11:15 AM

Thanks guys,
I really apprecate the comments.
Smoke, I am no longer a head shaver. I used to shave the sides bald while I was in the Marine Corps, making for an extremely high and tight, but haven't done that for about 7 years now. :)
alabamalawyer, I actually ordered the sample blades from westcoastshaving.com before I even inquired about a razor to use, and danstar250 included some for me to try as well. I am currently trying the Derby blades and want to be sure my technique is down pat before I attempt to use the fabled feather ninja blades.
Gentlemen one and all on Badger & Blade (and a few ladies as well), it is an honor to be in such good company.
Cheers!