Thread: Razor Shopping

Valuations aren't kosher here but any time I see a Gillette adjustable razor for a price like that and in good shape I pick them up because they're worth it to me. I have a fatboy that I enjoy quite a bit.
If you're not sure if it's worth it to you I would suggest checking the bay and see what the going rate is (I don't know the model name of that razor but it seems similar to a fatboy) .

I believe the black one is a Gillette Super Adjustable, I have one as well though mine is the long handled version. The one in the pic is the short handled one I think. Great razor and I like it a lot, mine's a heritage razor, and that makes it even more valuable to me . As far as value, I know we're not allowed to talk prices but I would say condition and rarity determines value. Also the amount of time you want to invest in it to get it cleaned up. I personally would pay a little more for one in better condition, especially if I plan on hanging onto it. Heck, they'll last a lifetime (and more!) if you take care of them. I can't think of too many things I use daily that will last that long!

Decided to go back today and buy it. Had a shave with it, first time I've ever shaved with anything besides a cartridge. I don't think I've ever had as many nicks. Definitely thinking about picking up an aftershave with alcohol, if only to make sure the cuts stay clean.

Originally Posted by 3four5

Decided to go back today and buy it. Had a shave with it, first time I've ever shaved with anything besides a cartridge. I don't think I've ever had as many nicks. Definitely thinking about picking up an aftershave with alcohol, if only to make sure the cuts stay clean.

Sounds like you either used too much pressure, a bad blade, or a very aggressive setting. Or most likely a combination of two out of the three.
Get a blade sampler pack from bullgoose or Amazon or the like. If you have a Sally Beauty supply pick up some personna blades to start with or Wilkinson Sword blades from Walmart. They're a bit harsh but decent enough in a pinch.
Then watch a video or two of mantic59 on YouTube.
Then set the razor to setting 1 (most mild) and start shaving.
It will take a couple passes but it should be irritation free. Then you can ratchet up to more aggressive settings as you go on. I like the freedom of the adjustable razors to start at 1 when I'm really scruffy then after I've thinned it out a bit crank it to 6 or 7 and get close.

Just remember to use little to no pressure. The weight of the razor head should be enough.
Learn which directions your facial hair grows. Search the site for a beard map or facial hair map and get acquainted with your face.
Lather lather lather lather. The better your lather the softer your hairs will be and the better they'll stand up to be cut. Plus you'll get a slick surface and cushion from the blade.
You've got a great razor to get acquainted with.

ETA: when you change the setting (1-9) don't forget to loosen the TTO mechnasim a bit. If you keep it tight while changing settings you can damage the internals.

Aye, I know where your coming from! My first shave with a DE resulted in a bunch of small nicks as well... As bharner say's, the trick is to use little or no pressure. I was used to cartridge shavers and equated the DE with them. With the cartridge shavers you have to push a certain amount to get them to stay contacted and cutting, not so with the DE, as was said before the weight of the head is sufficient, much more than that and your going to cut yourself. Also try the adjustment setting on a mild number with 1 being the mildest. Stick with it, I love mine and will never go back to carts or electrics again... DE's and str8's for me!