Thread: Could use a bit of advice

Originally Posted by BobH

Do everything you do with a straight razor with a DE. You are only changing the tool not the process. Remember, the handle is used to adjust the angle as you go around curves. The DE does not do that for you either. Don't worry, a DE can bite you just as good as a straight razor if you are sloppy with it.

To find the right angle, place the top cap on your face with the handle parallel to the floor. Then lower the handle till you just start to feel the blade. That should give you a good starting angle to maintain.

I would not worry too much about which DE to get or what blades as you will not be using the DE enough to get good with it.

Bob

Good advice.

One observation I might want to add:
If you want a safety razor that comes close in performance to a straight razor, look for a razor with positive blade exposure and fairly generous blade gap.

Part of the ‘safety’ in safety razor came from the fact that most had and still have a slightly negative blade exposure that minimizes the risk. Unfortunately, having the safety razor blade recessed a few fractions of a millimeter will also reduce efficiency.

To have more control, you could buy an adjustable razor, but most adjustable razors primarily vary blade gap, only a handful actively vary blade gap and blade exposure.

For someone who has only used cartridge razors before, a positive blade exposure might be a bit too much, but coming from straight razors it should be manageable.

That is IF (and it is a big IF ) you want performance similar to a straight.
If you just want a razor for an occasional quick shave, there is no need to worry about it.

Regarding the quick shave and time saved when using a safety razor, in my experience a typical straight shave takes me around 23 mins, a shave with a safety razor takes about 10 mins less.

After years of shaving exclusively with safety razors, followed by years of almost exclusively shaving with straight razors, I am now at a point where I enjoy a bit of variation between the two.

That does not include cartridge or electric razors, however. While I concede certain advantages for those who do like to use them, all attempts from my side to develop a fondness for either one were short-lived.



B.

Originally Posted by STF

Actually, their are three DE razors that I am considering.

Rockwell R1, Rockwell 6c & Muhle R41

Really, any quality razor with a quality blade will give you a perfectly great shave. It's only when you start looking for that nth degree of closeness to rival a straight that it starts to drive you crazy and empties your purse.

I have the original R-41 and it is a brutal razor. I know they have modified it to make it friendlier but with mine you have to really take your time and be careful. It's a collectible to me now.

I have the Rockwell model T (original model) and it can give a very good shave but I don't like the overall feel and it has some irritating qualities. Maybe the modified model corrected the issues.

Originally Posted by STF

Actually, their are three DE razors that I am considering.

Rockwell R1, Rockwell 6c & Muhle R41

Can't comment on the Rockwell R1 as I don't own one. The Rockwell 6C is a smooth shaver and you will likely find a base plate from the ones provided with it that suits you. Do not buy one used as they had issues with the threading in the handles early on in the production but now have that solved. I liked the 6c enough that I also bought the 6s. Both have a bit of weight to them. I do have the Muhle R41 but not the original beastly version. My R41 is the 3rd version and current version i believe, also a smooth shaver. Although not beastly it still demands to be treated with respect or you are in for razor burn and cuts.

Out of the three options I'd say the Rockwell 6c is the most versatile being an adjustable. Especially for an occasional DE user.

Bob

If you were curious about SEs, I noticed that there's currently one for sale on the Toronto Kijiji. I haven't looked closely at the ad since I'm not in the market, but just thought I'd let you know.

something i've wondered about: What makes some safety razors seem more aggressive than my straights? (that is they can really tear you up?) Or is it just the lack of carefullness?

It's their design. The angle and distance of how the blade presents itself to the skin. When you really study it there are a lot of measurements that can effect the total experience. The dimensions of the razor and handle as a whole and how slippery the handle can get and the weight and balance and how well clamped the blade is. Of course the blade itself and the users ability play into it too as well as prep and soap used.

I could go on and on.

Originally Posted by tintin

something i've wondered about: What makes some safety razors seem more aggressive than my straights? (that is they can really tear you up?) Or is it just the lack of carefullness?

There is nothing more aggressive than a straight razor. I mean where could you possibly get more blade exposure? If a DE really tears you up, it really is a lack of care on the user's part.

Bob

Blade gap and exposure. There are a lot of things that go into making a safety razor shave comfortable. One thing to keep in mind is blade angle. With a straight you get the angle much less than with a safety razor. Although the Gems with the wedge shaped head xoes get the angle closer to the straight.

Originally Posted by Gasman

There are a lot of things that go into making a safety razor shave comfortable.

Most all DEs will shave comfortably if you have the right technique even the more aggressive ones. If you don't have the skill level for using the more aggressive DEs, don't blame the razor.

Bob

I agree Bob. Some will give an extremely close shave with little effort. The more mild you go the more work is needed to mow down the whiskers. I find the mild razor great for the quick shave and run out the door. Does the job good enough but not completely.