Shaving myths and truths

[R181]

IMO 99% of claims that a razor was too mild to do the job can be translated as not having the right technique. There are some who claim to only be able to shave using an R41 with three shims, however Gillette sold the Tech for 40 years. I do not believe that four decades of men were failing to get a good shave from it or Gillette would have changed it.

Well, I am one who can get an smooth comfortable 4 pass shave with a mild DE but it simply does not last as long as when I shave with an aggressive DE such as a Gillette Fat Boy @ 9. I really have no explanation. I now shave mostly with straight razors where the idea of an aggressive versus mild razor is a joke as I would say those are about as aggressive as you get. It may be that my technique in doing a 4 pass shave with a straight razor works better with an aggressive DE as far as angle and pressure goes. Both the 4 pass shaves with either an aggressive DE or a straight razor last long than the same 4 pass shave done with a mild DE for me. Go figure.

Bob

 

[Gordy]

Well, I am one who can get an smooth comfortable 4 pass shave with a mild DE but it simply does not last as long as when I shave with an aggressive DE such as a Gillette Fat Boy @ 9. I really have no explanation. I now shave mostly with straight razors where the idea of an aggressive versus mild razor is a joke as I would say those are about as aggressive as you get. It may be that my technique in doing a 4 pass shave with a straight razor works better with an aggressive DE as far as angle and pressure goes. Both the 4 pass shaves with either an aggressive DE or a straight razor last long than the same 4 pass shave done with a mild DE for me. Go figure.

Bob

What about blades you are using in both razors? With every one of the vintage Gillette's I've tried, blade choice was paramount. I get an amazing three pass shave with a Tech, but it simply needs to have a Feather blade. To me there is no better combination as you have the sharpest blade in a tool that is so easy to use, even for a beginner. It can leave me feeling almost freshly shaved twenty four hours later.
With a Fatboy, even at one, I dare not use a Feather, there is just too much blade feel and causes me irritation. I've found Perma-Sharp Supers and Gillette Silver Blues to give the smoothest shaves in those. I also find those are the next sharpest blades to Feathers. Even when turned up to nine, my preference too, these blades are amazing. It also leaves me with the shave result as the Tech and Feather combination.
The various other Gillette's all need the blade tailored to suit as well. I can't just stick any blade in and hope for the best. I will say however that Perma-Sharp Supers seem to suit most of them.

 

[R181]

What about blades you are using in both razors? With every one of the vintage Gillette's I've tried, blade choice was paramount. I get an amazing three pass shave with a Tech, but it simply needs to have a Feather blade. To me there is no better combination as you have the sharpest blade in a tool that is so easy to use, even for a beginner. It can leave me feeling almost freshly shaved twenty four hours later.
With a Fatboy, even at one, I dare not use a Feather, there is just too much blade feel and causes me irritation. I've found Perma-Sharp Supers and Gillette Silver Blues to give the smoothest shaves in those. I also find those are the next sharpest blades to Feathers. Even when turned up to nine, my preference too, these blades are amazing. It also leaves me with the shave result as the Tech and Feather combination.
The various other Gillette's all need the blade tailored to suit as well. I can't just stick any blade in and hope for the best. I will say however that Perma-Sharp Supers seem to suit most of them.

I suppose blade choice makes a difference. Personally I use Feathers or Silver Blues in my Gillette Fat Boy @ 9 and have used Feather blades in my Gillette Tech. Still will take the Fat Boy @ 9 with the Feather blade for a clean smooth and comfortable 4 pass shave that is long lasting. Never ever in 45+ years had a shave last 24 hours. That may simply down to everyone's hair regenerates at a different rate.

Bob

 

[Gordy]

I suppose blade choice makes a difference. Personally I use Feathers or Silver Blues in my Gillette Fat Boy @ 9 and have used Feather blades in my Gillette Tech. Still will take the Fat Boy @ 9 with the Feather blade for a clean smooth and comfortable 4 pass shave that is long lasting. Never ever in 45+ years had a shave last 24 hours. That may simply down to everyone's hair regenerates at a different rate.

Bob

Clog Pruf & GEM S/S is the only other razor combination does this for me. I put it down to the way the safety bar acts with a particular blade; the gap and angle are perfect.

 

[halvor]

I've found Perma-Sharp Supers and Gillette Silver Blues to give the smoothest shaves in those. I also find those are the next sharpest blades to Feathers.

Have you tried KAI blades, Gordy? They’re pretty much up there with Feathers in sharpness. Not for daily use to put it that way.

 

[Gordy]

Have you tried KAI blades, Gordy? They’re pretty much up there with Feathers in sharpness. Not for daily use to put it that way.

No, I haven't. There's never too much talk about them but I will have to get around to trying them. I don't, but I believe if I were to shave everyday, I would pick the Tech and Feather combination. It's one of the reasons I love shaving with it, that sharpness and knowing it won't bite. Probably jinxed that now!

 

[Sid James]

Forum post counts, likes and ‘Forum God’ status means you know what you are talking about...

 

[Dr Watson]

Forum post counts, likes and ‘Forum God’ status means you know what you are talking about...

Whats brought that on old chap? I can’t deny, it does happen... Not just on shaving forums but hifi’s, cycling... Anything to do with men’s hobbies really! There’s usually an old guard “clique” wherever you go, human nature though I’ve not noticed it so much on ATG.

It’s good to remember there is only so much that can be gleaned from forum postings, there’s often much going on in the background and as such, things aren’t always as they appear. One example today springs to mind that involved myself... Another member sampled some ABC cream and didn’t like it, I thanked him for sharing his findings and based on that decided to never try it myself... Not because he has so many posts or is a forum god / guru but because we’ve been in contact for months sharing opinions and samples, through that I have come to trust his opinion but to an onlooker that isn’t aware of that it may look like the oracle has spoken and his disciple eats it all up... Just one example but I’m sure there’s plenty more.

At least that’s what I like to think... Maybe I’m a mug

 

[Eeyore]

I don't, but I believe if I were to shave everyday, I would pick the Tech and Feather combination. It's one of the reasons I love shaving with it, that sharpness and knowing it won't bite. Probably jinxed that now!

IMO that kind of combination was what the Feather blades were designed for.

Nevertheless, Feathers also work great in my Fatip OC. I'm in the minority(?) who feel that they are smooth blades (and very sharp, but there is no disagreement about that).

Never tried Kai blades yet.

--
Pitralon forever - Real pens have a nib - If it doesn't tick, it's not a watch.

 

[halvor]

Whats brought that on old chap? I can’t deny, it does happen... Not just on shaving forums but hifi’s, cycling... Anything to do with men’s hobbies really! There’s usually an old guard “clique” wherever you go, human nature though I’ve not noticed it so much on ATG.

It’s good to remember there is only so much that can be gleaned from forum postings, there’s often much going on in the background and as such, things aren’t always as they appear. One example today springs to mind that involved myself... Another member sampled some ABC cream and didn’t like it, I thanked him for sharing his findings and based on that decided to never try it myself... Not because he has so many posts or is a forum god / guru but because we’ve been in contact for months sharing opinions and samples, through that I have come to trust his opinion but to an onlooker that isn’t aware of that it may look like the oracle has spoken and his disciple eats it all up... Just one example but I’m sure there’s plenty more.

At least that’s what I like to think... Maybe I’m a mug

It’s a general finding in any social (in a broad sense of the word) setting, I agree. There’s the other side of the coin too, criticism of those using YMMV too much. Clearly all of what we say is subjective but admittedly we may give our opinions shades of objectivity through the how we formulate them. When someone asks a question about a soap, fragrance or razor one has used, taking part in this forum means that one should respond, ne pas, Monsieur @Sid James? Or did you have particularly “opinionated” folks in mind?

 

[Eeyore]

Have you tried KAI blades, Gordy? They’re pretty much up there with Feathers in sharpness. Not for daily use to put it that way.

Feathers are definitely for daily use, in my case. Even in a more aggressive razor like the Fatip OC.

I have not tried KAI blades, so I cannot comment on those. But I have extensive experience with Feathers and for me(!) they are a great mix of sharpness and smoothness. About longevity, they last about five shaves for me. It's true that I get more shaves from some other blades, but I still regard the Feathers as very good.

I appreciate that some people find them harsh. But I am definitely not in that group.

--
Pitralon forever - Real pens have a nib - If it doesn't tick, it's not a watch.

 

[Sid James]

When someone asks a question about a soap, fragrance or razor one has used, taking part in this forum means that one should respond, ne pas, Monsieur @Sid James? Or did you have particularly “opinionated” folks in mind?

I’ve just read my post again again Mr Halvor. I can’t see where I have said that anyone shouldn’t respond. I will refrain from mentioning any names, it would achieve nothing but discord and disharmony. I wish you and your big wooden spoon a good night

 

[ManicDee]

Some facts:

1. Pseudofolliculitisbarbae is the medical term for razor burn.
2. The Reason Fidel Castro originally grew his beard is because his supply of Gillette Blades was cut off.
3. The majority of men, 84%, shave at the sink. Another 15% of men shave in the shower.
4. It is also estimated that a man will shave at least 20,000 times in his lifetime
5. While shaving, a person removes about as much skin as hair.
6. In general a person produces new skin cells every 10 to 20 days.
7. When saturated with water, the strength of a single strand of hair is approximately one third to one half less than the strength of dry hair, making it much easier to shave.
8. The average person has about 615 hairs per square centimetre.
9. While shaving, a person removes about as much skin as hair.
10. In general a person produces new skin cells every 10 to 20 days.
11. When saturated with water, the strength of a single strand of hair is approximately one third to one half less than the strength of dry hair, making it much easier to shave.
12. The average person has about 615 hairs per square centimetre

Some Myths :

1. There is such a thing as "too much" shaving stuff!
2. You can stop any time you want to.
3. Wet shaving You-Tubers are experts.
4. This is the last (Razor, Brush Soap, Etc.).

 

[halvor]

Nice read! Plenty of time on your hands in hospital?

• It is also estimated that a man will shave at least 20,000 times in his lifetime

• While shaving, a person removes about as much skin as hair.

• In general a person produces new skin cells every 10 to 20 days.

These three are interesting when read together. After 20,000 shaves we must be way into the negative with no skin left, given the removal of skin every day and regeneration going this slow?

 

[halvor]

I’ve just read my post again again Mr Halvor. I can’t see where I have said that anyone shouldn’t respond. I will refrain from mentioning any names, it would achieve nothing but discord and disharmony. I wish you and your big wooden spoon a good night

That was more of a rhetorical question from my side, aiming to probe into the meaning of your post and how you suggest one deal with one’s presence in here. But I think you understood that. And yes, better not point fingers.

I was already sound asleep, thank you Whether Marco’s spoon(s) are nocturnal animals or not, I can’t say. Hope you had a most pleasant night!