The first two paragraphs here make a lot of sense. Growth of technique makes the difference, and yes, it is worth trying different razors to discover your preferences. I have about 10 and 3 straights atm.I have gone back and forth between "mild" and "aggressive" razors. Part of it was a lot of growth with my technique, and regularly shaving with either can get you there.
For me, trying new razors has been fun, while also being informative. At the end of the day, everyone will have different preferences.
But I think if most shavers were being honest, they'd like to have the closest possible shave that remains comfortable. Not that anyone really talks about comfort. As a guy with sensitive skin and a susceptibility to ingrown hairs, I found fewer passes increased my comfort.
After improving my technique, I have enjoyed more "aggressive" razors because the shave lasts longer, and it doesn't hurt that the wife and daughter like that too.
For me, the Gillette Old Type, 2013 R41, Ikon Deluxe, GC 84 base plate, and ATT Windsor H provide near optimal comfort, while still being very efficient.
Some others, like the PAA BOCS, German 37, and Dart were less comfortable and left me with mystery nicks I didn't know about until after the pass.
And, while I've been evaluating which razors have a future on a BST, I still plan on keeping some "milder" razors like the Baby Smooth and Merkur 45.
RAD is funny because you never know which razors you'll really enjoy until you shave with it. But if you can avoid it, especially having found a razor you love early on, your wallet will thank you.
Happy shaves!
It doesn't matter. I understand your point that other factors are in play but I don't care about them. They still won't make any difference to the shave.
If you have the blade lightly against the skin, so as not to cause irritation, it makes no difference what razor you use. Some may feel better to you than others, but won't change how closely they shave. A blade on the skin is a blade on the skin.
Honestly, at that point maybe even the type of blade might make more difference. And we all know my feelings on "bad" blades.
And lasts for longer?!?!Fair point, if your technique is good enough you should be able to get a good shave with anything, and you could probably just use a straight and have done.
There is an optimum angle and level of pressure, less blade exposure means that you're more likely to either get it right and it'll shave well or get it wrong and it won't do much. With increased blade exposure comes increased opportunity to use a sub-optimal angle resulting in a less-comfortable shave and / or irritation and more potential for injury if you use too much pressure.
I completely agree with your assertion that a blade on the skin will remove all stubble to skin level, so am similarly at a loss when someone claims that an R41 shaves closer than a Tech.
With increased blade exposure comes increased opportunity to use a sub-optimal angle resulting in a less-comfortable shave and / or irritation and more potential for injury if you use too much pressure
It seems to me:
1. Blade gap does matter. That's the whole point of an adjustable razor - it adjusts the blade gap. However, as said, there are plenty of other factors at play here as well.
2. The idea that everything is technique may be theoretically true but it may not help in practise. Shavers just don't have perfect techniques. And even shavers with good techniques make mistakes, because skin isn't flat and it has various blemishes depending on the person and the day. There was a reason for the introduction of the "safety" razor - to keep people safe.
I really don't think shaving is a process that responds to absolutes. There are a large number of variables and you juggle them to get the best result you can. And even then, as said, you make mistakes.
Three different adjustables?Three words - adjustable, adjustable, adjustable....
Three words - adjustable, adjustable, adjustable....
1. Blade gap does matter. That's the whole point of an adjustable razor - it adjusts the blade gap. However, as said, there are plenty of other factors at play here as well.
And my three words would be nonadjustable nonadjustable nonadjustable
I don't get the adjustable thing at all. A good razor will amply cover all sins. And most hairs while at it.
Prep and technique are bigger than any blade gap
And my three words would be nonadjustable nonadjustable nonadjustable
I don't get the adjustable thing at all. A good razor will amply cover all sins. And most hairs while at it.
Prep and technique are bigger than any blade gap
Blade gap matters when all other aspects of the head's geometry remain the same. This is why it matters with an adjustable, however with two different razors you may as well compare handle length for all the meaning you'll get. The Fatip OC has a smaller blade gap than a Tech.
Blade gap matters when all other aspects of the head's geometry remain the same. This is why it matters with an adjustable, however with two different razors you may as well compare handle length for all the meaning you'll get. The Fatip OC has a smaller blade gap than a Tech.