Thread: Adjustable DE's

I have also only used my fixed position Merkur Classic (oh yeah, and my Gillette), but I definitely like how it's so simple. Toss the blade in, screw the handle on and you're done. No numeric blade settings to ponder, worrying about whether you've adjusted it at the right time ---- just a super close shave. And with only three solid pieces, my Merkur is sure to last a life time.

I think the fixed head razors tend to have better maneuverability since they're thinner, but most of the old Gillettes don't seem aggressive enough except for the Red Tip, which gives me fantastic results.

I can usually get an equally good shave with an adjustable, working my way up the scale until I find a setting that I like. I use the same setting throughout and don't change it between passes. I'm a Gillette only guy and don't like the Fatboys as much as the Slims and black handled Super Adjustables.

When I started shaving in the sixties I used an adjustable. I did with them then what I did when I returned to DE shaving forty + years later. I found the sweet spot which for me is between 5 at a minimum and 7 at maximum and left it there. So essentially I was using an adjustable as if it was a fixed head. I have a number of Fatboys and got as close a shave as I ever got with a 1960 model but prefer the fixed heads. Particularly the Merkur Slant. For the past six weeks I have shaved with a straight exclusively and I do not see that changing for the foreseeable future.

I didn't care for my futur when I had it. It was too big and aggressive. I like my slant 39c now. Until I get my feather ac that is. Then onward towards the keener edge of real straights.

I didn't think I would play with the settings when I got my vision but I find it helps out. I can dial it up and make it really aggressive for that first pass and get more reduction and then dial it down when I'm doing touchy spots like going across the grain on the moustache and still get smooth without risking nicks.

I don't play with the adjustment on my Merkur Futur for different passes.

I just started with it on minimum (1) and slowly increased it each shave until I found a setting I find comfortable - and leave it there. It's somewhere between 2 and 2.5 at the moment.

I'm also Futur user. I load it with Feathers and leave it at 3 (maybe it's 2.5? I forget?).

I started with it at 1 to get used to it, nice shaves. ramped up to 2, still nice shaves. Bumped up to 3, and it's as close I I could ask for while still providing some measure of "safety". I only use a DE when in a rush, or otherwise unable to use my straights. So, I like being able to whip that thing around quickly, without fear of cuts.

I'm sure if you dialed it up to 6, full open mode it may shave you even closer, that blade is just sticking right out there, but you losse the advantage of speed and safety at that point:

Originally Posted by Hawkeye5

I may be in the minority, but I prefer a fixed head. I tried a fatboy and sold it after 60 days. Can't shave me as well as a Merkur Classic.
Some swear by them, however.

Me too. I figure if I need a different feel from my DE, I'll just buy another razor!

And since I have both the HD (34C), and HD Open Comb (11C), I guess I needed a different feel.

I am interested in trying an adjustable. I have a SuperSpeed and an HD and I just don't quite feel like I get a close enough shave. I'm being patient with them to see if time will give me an improvement on angle and such, but right now it could be closer. As I'm obviously not shaving my face, I also have the issue of different hair textures. That makes me think an adjustable may be a good thing.

What blade are you using, Viola? I ask because the blade is a huge variable for most of us. Some are much sharper and smoother than others.