Newbie Reflections and Questions

**Evan** · 02-07-2009, 06:48 AM

This is a great forum--I’ve really enjoyed reading the threads and exploring the site. I got started DE shaving a couple of weeks ago. I guess it’s a pretty typical story around here, the high price of Mach 3 and Quattro blades had me searching for refills on Amazon.com and I stumbled on a review that mentioned DE razors as being superior as well as cheaper. Before long I found myself here reading up on razors, brushes, etc. When I decided to buy a DE razor I was intending to get a Merkur HD, but the online salesperson I spoke to talked me into the Merkur Futur along with some Merkur blades. I started with that (seems best for me set at 1.5): Great close shaves and a lovely piece of equipment, but the head is so big, I find it really difficult to get under my nose and close to my ears at the temples. Pretty soon afterward I purchased a Feather Portable razor on eBay and was surprised to find that the combination of the included Feather blades and that lightweight (compared to the Futur) little razor gave me the best shaves so far. By then I had been following the forums here enough to get interested in a vintage Gillette. I found a decent deal on a Slim Adjustable and my last few shaves have been with that. For the past 3 or 4 shaves I’ve used Merkur and Feather blades with it at setting 3. Of my 3 razors, this is the one I want to like best since my Dad used one and taught me to shave with it back in the ‘70s, but I seem to have the most trouble getting a nick and scrape free shave with it. I just can’t seem to feel the blade on my face like I can with the other 2 razors. I’ve been using it a setting 3 and have tried both Merkur and Feather blades with it, with pretty much the same results. Is this a question of technique and I just need more practice, or is the Slim just not suited to some faces? Is there a razor that some of you might recommend that has the qualities of the Feather Portable with perhaps a bit more heft and substance?

**crankymoose** · 02-07-2009, 07:14 AM

I don't think the problem is the slim but rather the blades Merkurs aren't generally regarded as good and the Feathes are very sharp get yourself a sampler pack of blades from http://westcoastshaving.com/

**Gruder** · 02-07-2009, 07:16 AM

I'll suggest two actions, in order: 1) If you haven't already, give yourself a full couple of weeks with the slim to learn to adjust to the different head profile (just as you had to do with the futur and feather). Listen to your shaves (the scraping/popping sound the blade makes) with the razors you know, then adjust your slim angle to achieve that sound. If that doesn't work, 2) (carefully) experiment with different settings on the slim. You might be better-served by a higher setting.

Frankly, you may get better shaves overall from a non-TTO razor such as a merkur or NEW (I know that's the case for me, but YMMV). If nothing else, I just gave you an excuse to hunt down another razor!

**thirdeye** · 02-07-2009, 07:18 AM

Originally Posted by crankymoose

I don't think the problem is the slim but rather the blades Merkurs aren't generally regarded as good and the Feathes are very sharp get yourself a sampler pack of blades from http://westcoastshaving.com/

Welcome to B&B fellow Nutmegger....I would have to agree, Murker Blades are not that good. Do yourself a favor like Cranky said and scoop up a sample pack from westcoastshaving. It's the best thing you'll do for your shave today....Enjoy!!!

**BullGoose** · 02-07-2009, 08:12 AM

Originally Posted by thirdeye

Welcome to B&B fellow Nutmegger....I would have to agree, Murker Blades are not that good. Do yourself a favor like Cranky said and scoop up a sample pack from westcoastshaving. It's the best thing you'll do for your shave today....Enjoy!!!

+1 blades are an individual preference. Try as many as you can to find the blade that works best for you.

**pal** · 02-07-2009, 10:24 AM

Originally Posted by Evan

Is this a question of technique and I just need more practice, or is the Slim just not suited to some faces?

Stick with your Slim, IMHO, the best all around razor to start out with. The best thing about it is that it is ajustable. You said your Slim is dialed to a #3. This may sound crazy but try a higher setting (#5 or #6)and a lighter touch. I'll bet your shaves will improve.

**Evan** · 02-07-2009, 10:31 AM

My next shave I will try a higher setting. Maybe I'm working too hard at the lower setting... Also--sampler pack on order!

**Evan** · 02-08-2009, 02:38 PM

OK, today I shaved with the Slim set to 5 and got much better results. The same smooth shave, but I only had to do two passes to get it. No irritation and only one tiny nick. I think I'm on the right track now.