Thread: Adjustable? No thanks.

Originally Posted by beluga

My experience many years ago taught me differently.

To my way of thinking, an adjustable razor may be an ideal choice for a beginner.

One can start with a very forgiving setting and, as skills improve, move up to more aggressive settings.
In many cases one will reach a setting that is just a little bit too aggressive, then one can dial back, and use that lower setting for a while.
After a while, one might decide to revisit the higher setting to see whether now, with more experience under one’s belt, that setting might suit the shaver after all.

New DE shavers make sometimes a similar experience with blades. A different (e.g. brand) new blade feels harsh, too sharp and unforgiving, and is put aside, but as experience grows that blade may later turn out to be an excellent choice.

It’s all in the family of YMMV experiences, where growing experience defines how well a particular hardware suits a shaver.
Adjustable razors, may be exceptionally suited to accompany a novice DE shaver as his experience grows.


Ideally, during the learning process only one parameter should be changed at any time. If a novice changes too many parameters (razor setting, new kind of blade, and shaving soap/cream) it will be hard to pinpoint what works and what doesn’t. (e.g. If a shave feels worse, was that because of the higher setting on the razor or the different blade?)


Later, once one has found the ideal setting and knows the kind of blade exposure one likes, a non-adjustable razor may be the logical next choice.


B.

This is my thinking exactly.
Its true most do not use the adjustment - afterwards.
Once they find what they like they will usually leave it there.
Trying a new fixed razor and not loving it off the bat leaves no room to improve or change it slightly for the better.

Assuming one finds the setting they like with exposure etc.

Can one actually get a fixed de with those same characteristics and if so how?

How does one even know the stats other than it feels good?

Ive read of guys taking close up pictures of blade exposure and gap and somehow doing some math and measuring this accurately. Then you have to search the web for the same measurements of another razor. Magic!

Originally Posted by STF

Assuming one finds the setting they like with exposure etc.

Can one actually get a fixed de with those same characteristics and if so how?

How does one even know the stats other than it feels good?

Some manufacturers mention it on their website (e.g. Tatara), some with good customer service (e.g. Mühle) may tell you when asked, there may be some info in reviews, and then of course you could guess based on how people rate a razor.

Maybe you won’t get precise information, but you should be able to tell whether a Mühle 89, 41, or maybe a Rocca might suit you.

Truth be told, I would not expect a beginner to pick the perfect non-adjustable safety razor the first time out, most of us have probably bought their fair share of razors over the years, but an adjustable early on may help keeping that number reasonable.


B.

There is a reason folks who use a DE have a drawer full of them. In many cases it's because folks are trying to get the best combination of specs that gives them the shave they want.

I don't believe using an adjustable is some quick way to get the shave you want. It only adjusts one factor. There are several others you can't change in an adjustable.

Originally Posted by thebigspendur

There is a reason folks who use a DE have a drawer full of them. In many cases it's because folks are trying to get the best combination of specs that gives them the shave they want.

I don't believe using an adjustable is some quick way to get the shave you want. It only adjusts one factor. There are several others you can't change in an adjustable.

What an excellent reason for all of are Holy Grail quests.
The perfect Swiss army knife of shavers, thats never good enough.