What exactly is a slant razor?

What exactly is a slant razor?
What is the difference between that and a regular DE?
How is it used?
What are the advantages / disadvantages?

Thanks in advance for answering such a "simple" question!
( I did try to do a search and was not successful...)

The quickest way to describe how a "slant" razor differs from a standard razor is to picture the razor seen from the side (i.e., the blade edge facing you, the handle pointing down).

With a standard razor the blade edge is perpendicular to the razor handle. With "slant" razors, the blade edge is set at an angle to the handle. This creates a guillotine-style edge. To create this angled edge, the blade is actually twisted in the razor's head.

I hope this helps. Cheers,

hedliniv said:

What exactly is a slant razor?
What is the difference between that and a regular DE?
How is it used?
What are the advantages / disadvantages?

Thanks in advance for answering such a "simple" question!
( I did try to do a search and was not successful...)

Click to expand...

As has already been mentioned, the slant twists the blade to help create more of a slicing action. The following pics are a gold slant versus a chrome HD.








The scything action of the slant can be recreated with an HD by using it as referenced here in fig. 1



The slants aggressive approach can prove helpful for attacking especially tough whiskers, but the design that gives it this capability can also make it a bit harsh. The slant demands good technique and strict attention or it will "bite". It is a good razor, but it is not for everyone.

WOW Kyle! You sure answer a question! Seriously, thank you very much. I always appreciate the great responses and true helpfulness that is displayed on this forum.

Thanks again!

My pleasure. I'm glad the pics helped.

In my personal world....it's a "Face eater".

dszpiro said:

The quickest way to describe how a "slant" razor differs from a standard razor is to picture the razor seen from the side (i.e., the blade edge facing you, the handle pointing down).

With a standard razor the blade edge is perpendicular to the razor handle. With "slant" razors, the blade edge is set at an angle to the handle. This creates a guillotine-style edge. To create this angled edge, the blade is actually twisted in the razor's head.

I hope this helps. Cheers,

Click to expand...

+1

Kyle said:

The slants aggressive approach can prove helpful for attacking especially tough whiskers, but the design that gives it this capability can also make it a bit harsh. The slant demands good technique and strict attention or it will "bite". It is a good razor, but it is not for everyone.

Click to expand...

Very true (and great post, Kyle).

Just wanted to add that with good prep, careful technique and a sharp blade, the slant can be gentler to the face than other razors. I'm not sure why this is - probably it's due to the scything motion cutting effectively while avoiding any hint of pulling hairs. Also, this can reduce the number of passes one might need (thus reducing one cause of razor burn).

The "window of good technique" is definitely narrower with the slant: if I don't use it exactly right, I'll know it. It's pretty unforgiving in that way. But I didn't find it that hard to learn to use, and if I stay inside that "window", it's easier on my face than either my Fat Boy or my 40's Superspeed.

For some who have a tough beard and sensitive skin (and I'm definitely in this club), it's a very nice razor to use. The blade matters a lot; I usually use Feathers, but I've recently tried Swedish Gillettes. I do like them as well.

There is much mystique around the slant for understandable reasons. Most people do like the razor once they use it. After using the slant I sold my HD as I found no use for it any more.

The only thing I believe one should be aware of is that the Slant has to be used with sharp high quality blades (Feather and Gillette ) only then can it be best utilized.

I believe that once you have mastered the Gillette Slide there is no need for a Slant. I have even mastered it with a str8. Then there is no need to buy another razor and you can still use the ones you have. Don't ignore your loved ones.

I have been wondering about slant vs. gillette slide. They do seem to provide a similar thing. Does the twisting action the slant puts on the blade somehow put more tension on the blade edge making it stiffer?

There are 40+ page threads debating that very topic! Entirely IMO, the twist in the blade changes the way the hair is cut and for me at least the stubble ends up sitting closer and more comfortably on my skin.

A slide motion still chops directly through the hair, just at an angle, while the slant scythes through it. No necessarily better, just different.

gone down south said:

A slide motion still chops directly through the hair, just at an angle, while the slant scythes through it. No necessarily better, just different.

Click to expand...

Are you sure about that? I think that's kind of backwards. Seems to me that the slant would be chopping directly, while the slide is more of a slicing motion.

My favorite version of this debate, one of the 40-page threads mentioned, here.

amishmotorboat said:

Are you sure about that? I think that's kind of backwards. Seems to me that the slant would be chopping directly, while the slide is more of a slicing motion.

Click to expand...

I think the slide is kind of a like throwing a slider, while the slant is a big breaking curve. Does that make sense to anyone else?

This is something I've wanted to know too. Even the look of the slant is scary!!