Thread: Gillette adjustable tto

Lol I guess I never thought of it like that. If it's set why would you adjust it?? Next shave with it I'm going higher, I think I went as high as 6 last time.

Originally Posted by Demetrius

The funny thing is that now, even though it shaves well at 7, what's the point of the adjustable. I never switch it to anything else. Still, if it was good enough for James Bond, why not?

The point to an adjustable, if there is any, is that it can be set to a level of aggression commensurate to the users skill level and facial sensitivity. As the users skill level increases the aggression can be increased to match till you get to the point where it balances. Just saves buying a number of different razors to match skin sensitivities and skill levels. I eventually wound up setting my Gillette Fat boy at 9 and leaving it there. Custom fit to anyone using a single razor.

Bob

That makes sense actually.

I suppose if I used it every day, I could figure out the ideal set of adjustments for each pass. But since I shave with straights at least 5 days a week, and have a bunch of safety razors of all kinds to use on other days, I've never invested the time to figure it out. Still, though, it's a classic that gives me almost as good a shave as my Red Tip Super Speed which is, to me, the perfect DE razor.

I've found that a small advantage to an adjustable is that if I try different blades, I can get a good shave by adjusting. Normally I just stick to my non-adjustables (37C, EJ89) and I usually only use a couple of brands (Gillette 7'oclock yellow or Astra), but will occasionally use Feathers or get a sample pack for the heck of it. If I'm not completely happy with a strange blade in my regular DE's, I can usually make them work well in my fatboy.

Originally Posted by Demetrius

I suppose if I used it every day, I could figure out the ideal set of adjustments for each pass. But since I shave with straights at least 5 days a week, and have a bunch of safety razors of all kinds to use on other days, I've never invested the time to figure it out. Still, though, it's a classic that gives me almost as good a shave as my Red Tip Super Speed which is, to me, the perfect DE razor.

If you shave with a straight razor then you should be able to set an adjustable Gillette to 9 and leave it so long as you have the DE technique figured out.

Bob

Thanks. Glad you know so much about my technique and skills.

Originally Posted by Demetrius

Thanks. Glad you know so much about my technique and skills.

Not yours specifically but peoples in general.

It should stand to reason that anyone using an unguarded blade, straight razor, and is getting smooth comfortable shaves doing so should be able to use an adjustable DE at it's most aggressive setting. Of course you have to be using the right angle for that particular DE and virtually no pressure.

Bob

I have a birthyear 1963 model. My earliest memories are of my dad using a similar one. I love my straights but use my DE during the week when I need to speed up a little. I have pretty much settled on a setting of 5 with my favorite (for now) astra's. Funny today i tried to get a bbs shave for the second day in a row and now have razor burn on my neck. Guess it's time to put a new blade in. Its been in there maybe 10 shaves now. I personally love my adjustable. I have a couple sample packs and i never know what the adjustment is going to be with them. Fun fun fun !

I have been astounded by the differences in DE razor heads and blades.

I wish I had a spare CNC ultra high precision milling machine to explore the differences.

The folks at feather have a nice paper on their professional Artist club razors (not a DE).
They have different blades and the differences of exposure and thickness with an opinion on
how each behaves. Since they are Feather they are all sharp as all get out.

http://www.feather.co.jp/eB_B/pdf/FE...e%20201610.pdf

Back to DE the blade is flexed to an angle and clamped to a fixed exposure.
The adjustables mostly just adjust the flex.

My favorite is a MÜHLE head three part razor.
My favorite adjustable is a pain to adjust... too easy to grab it and cut yourself.

The geek in me wants a full dimensional diagram of each razor so I can sort by angle,
exposure, clamp distance from edge, edge exposure, cap thickness, etc.

Keep the good ones...