What makes AC so good?

[R181]

I considered this also, but at least in my experience, a couple of days growth isn’t as significant as a beard that’s been growing in for weeks or months

The only sensible thing to do as far as I am concerned when dealing with a full blow beard is to use an electric hair trimmer first to get rid of the bulk of the growth. That done you are in sensible territory to use a bladed razor to do your actual traditional shave. At least that is what I'd do if I ever grew a full on beard.

Bob

 

[chazt]

The only sensible thing to do as far as I am concerned when dealing with a full blow beard is to use an electric hair trimmer first to get rid of the bulk of the growth. That done you are in sensible territory to use a bladed razor to do your actual traditional shave. At least that is what I'd do if I ever grew a full on beard.

Bob

This is a very sensible solution

 

[UKRob]

The only sensible thing to do as far as I am concerned when dealing with a full blow beard is to use an electric hair trimmer first to get rid of the bulk of the growth. That done you are in sensible territory to use a bladed razor to do your actual traditional shave. At least that is what I'd do if I ever grew a full on beard.

Bob

There are lots of videos showing full beards being removed with straight razors. My reasoning is that the blade is cutting at skin level, therefore it makes no difference whether the whiskers are a day or years old. I would, however, agree that if you are trying to remove several days growth with a guarded razor, then the clogging will have an impact on the blade’s edge.

 

[Randy]

I shave daily but sometimes let it go for a couple of days. I have found that so long as I have hydrated the whiskers enough, no extra pressure is required on second and third passes.

Bob

Does cold or hot water make any difference for you Bob?

Because I can't stand that cold feeling and the blade always pulls and cuts hair harder (at least that's what I'm feeling).

 

[R181]

Does cold or hot water make any difference for you Bob?

Because I can't stand that cold feeling and the blade always pulls and cuts hair harder (at least that's what I'm feeling).

You could be right but I am so used to using cold water that I does not matter to me any more. I think I would use warm water instead of hot to keep irritation down from the water being too hot.

Bob

 

[R181]

There are lots of videos showing full beards being removed with straight razors. My reasoning is that the blade is cutting at skin level, therefore it makes no difference whether the whiskers are a day or years old. I would, however, agree that if you are trying to remove several days growth with a guarded razor, then the clogging will have an impact on the blade’s edge.

I guess it may depend on what you consider a full beard. With a close cropped beard I see no reason why it can't be shaved off with any type of razor. With a full on bushy beard that is several inches long or more a straight razor may be a better idea. Personally, with a full on bushy beard I'd be tempted to use electric clippers or scissors to remove the whiskers to get the beard close cropped and then finish the job with whatever type of bladed razor you want.

I favour DE/SE razors with a large blade gap and find getting rid of several days growth to be no problem with any whisker build up taken care of by rinsing the razor. As always, each to their own way of doing things.

Bob

 

[JamieM]

The AC blades are made differently from many other blades. They do give you incredible close and smooth shaves. This is my take on them. I have sensitive skin, and I get on well with those blades. For me, it's all about pressure or the lack of it when using them, which can make a massive difference and the reason you either get along with them or not. Less pressure, smoother shave.

 

[Twelvefret]

The AC blades are made differently from many other blades. They do give you incredible close and smooth shaves. This is my take on them. I have sensitive skin, and I get on well with those blades. For me, it's all about pressure or the lack of it when using them, which can make a massive difference and the reason you either get along with them or not. Less pressure, smoother shave.

View attachment 170381

After my post, I was doing some researching about edge degradation from cutting hair. The resources said micro chipping took place then said this is why a wedge grind stands up better over time compared to the more hollow grinds. The picture above reminded me of what I had read, but do not know if this is applicable.

I notice that AC, GEM PTFE, and Schick injector type blades provide longer quality use than any DE type shaving a full face with two passes daily.

 

[R181]

The AC blades are made differently from many other blades. They do give you incredible close and smooth shaves. This is my take on them. I have sensitive skin, and I get on well with those blades. For me, it's all about pressure or the lack of it when using them, which can make a massive difference and the reason you either get along with them or not. Less pressure, smoother shave.

View attachment 170381

That is certainly true of the stainless steel Personna GEM PTFE coated I have tried. I won't use any other.

Bob

 

[JamieM]

That is certainly true of the stainless steel Personna GEM PTFE coated I have tried. I won't use any other.

Bob

Bob, I think everyone should revisit and evaluate their technique, especially the more experienced long-term traditional shavers. Never underestimate the subtle difference in pressure; it can make a massive difference.