The Official Manly Shaving Thread

welshdragon · 25 May 2021 at 19:44

Shawreyboy said:
Not personally had experience with the Persona blades. I've used Derby (wouldn't ever recommend), Astra (would recommend) however, now I swear by Feathers. I use them in my DE (EJ89 and Fine Slant) & Shavette for BBS when I can't be bothered to maintain/line up my beard, which I grow out occasionally because Mrs. Shawrey hates my baby face. The Feathers are super sharp, so much so, I can't actual feel the blade on the skin.

Cheers dude, back to Feathers it is I think

Maundie · 25 May 2021 at 20:30

welshdragon said:
Cheers dude, back to Feathers it is I think

Feathers are by far and away the best blades I've used, Derbys are ok but can feel them dulling during the 2nd shave, Gillette Silver Blue and 7 O'clock Yellows are both good but neither are as good as a Feather for me.

Just be aware that different blades suit different razors as 7 O'clock yellows are the best blade for me on my Merkur Futur but the feathers are best on my 3 other DE razors

Labarum · 25 May 2021 at 22:07

For me Derbys are painfully dull at the first stroke! Blade choice is very personal.

The Gillette Silver Blue and the Yellow 7 O'clock I use with a wide open adjustable - Gillette Slim or Chinese Futur Clone - but my favourite is the Feather with a Slant or an R41

If you haven't tried a sample pack (and even if you have) it's worth experimenting.

https://connaughtshaving.com/samplepack.html

welshdragon · 26 May 2021 at 11:11

Currently using a MUHLE r89 to get back into it. Open to exploring a new DE razor though now IM getting on with it!

Shawreyboy · 26 May 2021 at 11:54

welshdragon said:
Currently using a MUHLE r89 to get back into it. Open to exploring a new DE razor though now IM getting on with it!

Afaik, the r89 is identical to the EJ89 so would be a sidegrade at most and the Merkur 34c is very similar - although that is widely regarded as the best all arounder.

Personally, I jumped from the EJ89 to the Fine Slant which felt like a toy as it was made of plastic but that gives an incredibly close shave on a two-pass with the grain and across the grain with a Feather.

Heard good things about the Muhle r41 which is supposedly very aggressive being an open comb, but since Mrs. Shawrey bought me the Shavette (which I do use with a Feather) a few years ago, I haven't felt the need for such a beast. If I was to add anything, I would probably go for a Merkur 39c for the collection as I love the feel of a DE Slant - it just feels 'right'.

Maundie · 26 May 2021 at 12:09

welshdragon said:
Currently using a MUHLE r89 to get back into it. Open to exploring a new DE razor though now IM getting on with it!

This was my 1st DE and it's a great starting point as it's very mild, I then bought a Merkur 38C Barberpole for the longer handle and it's a good razor as well but then got the Merkur Futur as I wanted to try an adjustable and it's epic, can change it from mild to aggressive to suit your style and if I'd got this one first wouldn't really need to try another as I now use this 95% of the time

Labarum · 26 May 2021 at 14:12

The Muehli R41 is the most aggressive razor in general production, and the Feather blades the sharpest available.

These products (especially when combined) should not be used by the inexperienced.

However, if you have the confidence and the skill and a tough beard to shave, the results are amazing.

Labarum · 26 May 2021 at 15:14

Those who would like a fairly aggressive open comb razor might like to try the original Fatip.

https://connaughtshaving.com/fatip.html

I see they now also do a Slant. I have no knowledge of that.

I believe they use a non standard thread, so handles cannot be swapped with other products.

And note that most other makes use the same thread so it is possible to buy just a head

https://www.executive-shaving.co.uk/mens-shaving/razors/safety-razor-heads/brands/muhle

Shawreyboy · 26 May 2021 at 16:14

An open comb slant seems crazy! One slip in the wrong direction and you could easily slice your cheek open.

I shouldn't be scared to give it a go though as I can comfortably shave with a fully open Feather blade in my shavette but I do have to pay attention and not let my mind wander as the Feather will clean go through the skin and you not even feel it till blood is dripping...

Labarum · 26 May 2021 at 16:47

The Mekur Slant is almost open comb - it has notched safety bar.

The aggression of the razor has more to do with the head geometry than the style. I believe mild open comb razors are or have been available. They handle many day's growth better than a safety bar razor.

See

https://sharpologist.com/much-razor-aggressiveness-really-need/

Everyting on this website is worth reading.

Shawreyboy · 26 May 2021 at 17:07

Very interesting!

Mark "Mantic59" is definitely a good resource of info - no doubt. I've read a few of his articles and watched a number of his videos on YouTube in the past but haven't read that one, so thank you.

welshdragon · 26 May 2021 at 18:03

Thanks for all the input! Might give the futur a go then.

will try feathers with my current one first. I do have an Edwin Jäger £20 hobby and a muhle with a comb but I suspect all are mild entry level ones?

Labarum · 26 May 2021 at 18:26

By all means try a proper Merkur Futur, but also consider the clone. I bought one. It was fine, so I bought another to take to Cyprus.

https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/174759588451?hash=item28b07bb263:g:UOoAAOSwTa5gk~wB

Both are fine, but you will read some folk complaining about quality control. Worth a punt for £8?

And don't dismiss the older Merkur adjustable - the Progress

https://connaughtshaving.com/merkur500.html

or

https://connaughtshaving.com/510001.html

It has a more traditional head which gets under the nose - with a Futur you may find that more difficult.

If you read Mark extensively you will see he confesses the Progress is his secret favourite.

welshdragon · 26 May 2021 at 18:42

Cheers for those.

I can get 15% off at Agent Shave which would make the futur £46 ish or the long handled progress around £50.

So I guess question is futur or progress?

Labarum · 26 May 2021 at 18:56

It's like buying a car or a fridge - you don't know if you have made the right choice till you have had it a month!

Labarum · 26 May 2021 at 19:01

The Parker Adjustable is also well reviewed

https://www.executive-shaving.co.uk/parker-variant-adjustable-safety-razor-all-matte

Made in India?

Labarum · 26 May 2021 at 19:09

Read here

https://sharpologist.com/parker-variant-adjustable-safety-razor/

welshdragon · 26 May 2021 at 19:55

Torn now on the futur and progress

Edit: leaning towards the progress. Long or short handle though?

Maundie · 26 May 2021 at 20:33

Labarum said:
It has a more traditional head which gets under the nose - with a Futur you may find that more difficult.

Quoted for truth, I have to 'tidy up' under my nose with either my shavette or Mach 3 because the size of the Futur head means it's really difficult to get close without spilling claret.

Not used a Progress but I'd possibly pick that over the Futur now I know, the Futur is a very heavy beast though so it just glides through a few days stubble without so much of a quibble

welshdragon · 26 May 2021 at 20:38

Maundie said:
Quoted for truth, I have to 'tidy up' under my nose with either my shavette or Mach 3 because the size of the Futur head means it's really difficult to get close without spilling claret.

Not used a Progress but I'd possibly pick that over the Futur now I know, the Futur is a very heavy beast though so it just glides through a few days stubble without so much of a quibble

Sold me on it. Best place/price can people recommend?

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