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I always wondered what they were like for coarse and sensitive skin..my father in law used one years ago in the 1970's and he didn't like it but he doesn't have coarse hair but is sensitive...I only found one on eBay as a 37c for $20 but 2 days left on the bid.
Pcdad
I am sorry my reply is too late for your Ebay auction but Slants are supposed to be especially effective for those with course beards and sensitive skin. Michael Ham, author of The Leisureguy's Guide to Gourmet Shaving, believes everyone's 2nd razor should be a slant. The only way to know if a slant is for you is to try one.
When I used a DE the Merkur slant was my weapon of choice. With a Feather blade. The guillotine stroke is built into the design.
In the realm of DE's they can be very unforgiving razors.
Just like the 34C and 38C, the difference is only in the handle length. Guys with larger hands sometimes prefer the longer handle, others (like me) like the additional heft that allows the razor to shave with weight of the head only. Best thing to do would be to buy one and see if you like it. If it's not for you there's always the classifieds...
I have sensitive skin and the slant gives me wonderful shaves. I use Personna Prep Blades (medical grade). If you are still on the fence I'd go for one. You can get a new one for $36.50 at West Coast Shaving and $37.49 at Vintage Blades.Quote:
Originally Posted by pcdad
Pairing the slant with a forgiving blade like Israeli Personna's is usually the way to go if you're just getting into using a slant. It took a while for me to realise that the DE has plenty of heft to it.
The last year I have uses a Merkur 39C Slant with Feather blades exclusive. I have long fingers, and I love that razor. For me that is the best DE combination. I guess a 37C Slant suits you if you have small hands/short fingers.
Does anyone know which dates "Slants" were manufactured?
PcDad
I read over on B&B that the Merkur slant was around in the 1930's, if that is any good to you pcdad.
Mick
I have a 39C Slant hammer that I use when my straights are out for honing (I'm still working on my stropping skills!). The 39C was perfect for my very coarse beard. I use Iridium blades and get great near-BBS shaves from it.
Initially, I found it to be quite unforgiving. I then learned about the importance of making sure the blade is put in straight (I know: it's an oxymoron in a slant, but it works). Threads over on the Badger and Blade web site explain this much better than I ever could. After quickly mastering blade placement, I get dont get nicks other than the odd weeper every now and then.
I prefer straights overall, but for DE shaving, the 39C rates a high recommendation for coarse beard shaving. That's just my opinion, anyway ...