Ask Aaron Q/A: Razor blade positioning & alignment on a slant bar razor
Aaron is asked a question about razor blade positioning & alignment on a slant bar razor
Roy Bichan, from the UK, asks:
“Hi Arron, I’ve submitted a few questions already asking about the position of razor blades in my DE Merkur 34c where one side seems to shave well but the other side hardly at all. I am unsure if the blades are a ‘duff’ batch with holes in the wrong place or if this is a common problem and care must be taken to centralise the blade.
Anyway I have recently bought the Merkur slant as an experiment and with supplied Merkur razor blade I am getting the same issue, and generally poor shave (1st time). I repeated the shave the following morning with a feather razor blade and although better, still the initial issue. So 2 questions I guess, 1 - blade positioning on the razor and 2 - is there any different technique to using the Merkur slant? Thanks, Roy”
Merkur 37C Slant Bar DE Safety Razor
AARON SAYS
“Hi Roy,
Thanks again for submitting some more great questions! There are definitely some good techniques out there for using a slant razor. They are a bit complicated to explain in words, so I suggest you go to my friend Mark’s YouTube channel, Shave Tutor, where you can find all kinds of helpful videos. For using the slant I suggest looking at his advanced techniques video, and this video on using a slant razor. http://youtu.be/mfb22jUXLLs
As for blade exposure balance, a trick that might help is to turn the head upside down, place the blade and the base plate on and gently shake the pieces to get them to distribute the blade evenly. I would not rule out that you might have received an off batch, but in my experience it is generally only one or two blades that are off, and not the whole pack. Please let us know how things progress and if you are still having difficulty with your blades balancing out!
Smooth Shaving!
Aaron”
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Ask Aaron Q/A: Products to fight razor rash & burn & shaving spots
David Mahood, from UK, asks:
“I have just found this site. I am a professional person and need to shave once, maybe twice each day. I currently use Mach3 blades and sensitive shaving foam or gel. My problem is that I suffer really bad redness around the mouth and chin which quite often results in spots after close shaves. Can you recommend any products that will help or relieve my symptoms?”
Aaron suggests using a single bladed razor like the Merkur 37C Slant Bar DE Safety Razor
AARON SAYS
“Mr. Mahood,
Welcome to our site! Glad that you have been able to find us. As one who also works in a professional environment, I understand your dilemma. The first thing I would recommend is using a good post-shave balm. The ingredients in the balm will help to moisturize and heal your skin after shaving, and reduce the redness and burn.
Secondly you ought to try a pre-shave oil under your shave cream. The oil adds an extra protective layer that increases slickness and moisture to your shave.
If you are willing to go even farther down the rabbit hole I would suggest that you reduce the number of blades you shave with, and consider using a single blade safety razor such as many of the Merkur, Edwin Jagger, Parker, and Bluebeard’s razors we have here on the site. Along with this I would use a good quality cream and brush. These products are meant to give a comfortable and close shave without the irritation that occur by using the canned cream and gel products.
For creams I would recommends any Taylor of Old Bond Street, The Bluebeard’s Revenge, Proraso, Cyril Salter and many others here on the site. If you would like any more assistance or help in taking the plunge with traditional wet-shaving please feel free to contact us here and we’ll be glad to help! Thanks for your question!
Smooth Shaving!
Aaron”
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Ask Aaron Q/A: Should I upgrade my DE safety razor this Christmas?
Andrew Horwell, from the UK, asks:
“I have been DE shaving for a couple of months or so now and getting on a lot better. I use an Edwin Jagger basic-ish DE razor (think it’s the 29L or something, only cost about £20). I am thinking of upgrading my razor at Christmas but not sure what to? Would I be just best stopping with my current razor? I have sensitive skin and use Taylor of old Bond st ‘jerym’ and an Edwin Jagger best badger brush. Currently using derby razor blades.”
Merkur 37C Slant Bar DE Safety Razor
AARON SAYS
“Mr. Horwell,
I’m a pretty firm believer in the phrase “If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it” when it comes to things that are currently working. It sounds like you have a nice set-up that is working well for you. However, I do also encourage you to experiment and explore. You might find something that works even better for you. If you are looking to upgrade your razor, I think the the Merkur Progress would be a great next step razor. It is adjustable allowing you to customize your shave to your face and how the shave is feeling that day and is a great razor for experienced shavers. Some others you might want to contemplate trying are the Merkur Futur, the Edwin Jagger Chattsworth, the Bluebeard’s “Scimitar” and the Parker 90R. If you’re feeling really adventurous try the Merkur Slant. These would all be good upgrades and worthy razors to try!
Smooth Shaving!
Aaron”
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Ask Aaron Q/A: Can you recommend me a Merkur DE razor for normal beard growth?
Chris Phillips, from the UK, asks:
“I don’t have what is called a “tough beard”. I use a vintage Gillette razor now, and want to move up to a Merkur. Is there a Merkur razor which is best suited for a guy with a ‘normal’ beard, offering a gentle, but effective shave, with not much irritation? Thanks, CP.”
AARON SAYS
“Mr. Phillips,
Yes indeed there is! If you’re looking for a great “normal” shave, go for the Merkur 34c “Heavy Duty/HD” razor. It’s a great shaver, with a mild shave that will perform well each time you shave. I have one and enjoy it a lot, and I think you will too.
Happy Shaving!
Aaron”
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Ask Aaron Q/A: Special tension ring pliers for the Merkur 38C
Mike Sandberg, from the USA, asks:
“I recently purchased a Merkur 38C as my first adventure in shaving with a safety razor. I immediately opened it when I got home to put in a blade and the base of the unit came out. It has some sort of tension ring at the base (to ensure a snug fit, no doubt). My trouble is, it doesn’t seem to want to go back into the shaft of the razor. Is there something I’m missing or is there a tip/trick that seasoned safety razor aficionados have? Many thanks in advance. Cheers, Mike”
AARON SAYS
“Mr. Sandberg,
Thanks for your question! This is indeed a trick, and there are special tension ring pliers that you can purchase from your local hardware or tool supplier to reinsert the ring back into the handle. If you continue to have problems or cannot get the razor reassembled I suggest contacting the supplier from which you bought the razor. I hope you get the razor fixed and shaving soon!
Happy Shaving,
Aaron”
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Ask Aaron Q/A: What is the perfect safety razor for someone with small hands, soft skin, and a modest budget?
Felix Clarke, from the UK, asks:
“I’m new to shaving, and have been using an old Gillette Contour nicked off my step-dad. Not as overpriced as some cartridge razors, but still. Up until now it’s been working well, teamed up with King of Shaves shave oil and used after a shower. Trouble is, my stubble’s getting thicker and harder on the blades but my skin’s still soft, and I’m starting to cut myself with the Contour. So I’m thinking it might be time to treat myself to a double-edged razor - preferably one that I won’t grow out of. What combination of razor, blades and prep would you recommend for someone with small hands, soft skin, and a modest budget?”
AARON SAYS
“Mr. Clarke,
Thanks for your question! You prep is great. Showering before a shave is one of the best ways you can prepare your beard. Also you can wash your face with a mild wash or scrub. For a razor I would recommend the Merkur 34c/HD, Parker 98r or the Bluebeard’s Scimitar razor. As for a blade, I generally don’t recommend specific blades because they are highly subjective depending on your skin and hair types. What I do recommend is getting a blade sample pack. Smooth shaving, Aaron.”
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Ask Aaron Q/A: Which is better - The Merkur 34C Heavy Duty Classic or the Merkur 38C Barberpole?
Tariq Khandoker, from the UK, asks:
“What is the diffrence between the Merkur 34C Heavy Duty Classic and the Merkur 38C Barberpole? Which is better?”
AARON SAYS
“Mr. Khandoker,
The only difference is the length of the handle, and a slight addition of weight. One is not necessarily better than the other, but depending on your preferences, you might want one or the other. If you like a very hefty razor go with the 38c. If you have large hands the length of the pole on the 38 will help you maintain a good grip on the razor. Otherwise, the head is just the same and will provide the same shave. Hope this helps!
Smooth shaving! Aaron”
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Ask Aaron Q/A: The Merkur Futur Razor
Brian Harvey, from the UK, asks:
“Merkur Futur razor - which of the two finishes (satin or shiny chrome) is the least slippery to hold whilst shaving?”
AARON SAYS
“Mr. Harvey,
I have yet to compare the two side by side, but if i were to guess I would say that the matte finish razor would be easier to hold. However my guess is there wouldn’t be much of a notable difference. Whatever you choose, stay smooth!
Smooth shaving,
Aaron”
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Ask Aaron Q/A: Combining different Merkur DE razors
Jack Lovell, from the UK, asks:
“Hello Aaron, I presently have a Merkur Futur and Vision 2000 razor which I like because of their hefty weight. For my next heavyweight razor I would like to cobble together a Merkur 43C stainless steel handle with a Merkur 37C slant bar head. Will these two components marry together? Many thanks and regards. Jack”
AARON SAYS
“Mr. Lovell, It’s nice to find anther heavy razor lover! My personal tendency is to favor razors with a heavier feel than others. While I have not tried pairing the two different parts, I will assume that you should be able to match the two razor parts together. I would also offer you a suggestion, have you looked at the Merkur 39c slant barberpole? It is one of the heftiest razors Merkur produces, and has the slant head on top. This might produce the razor you desire! Good luck!
Happy Shaving, Aaron”
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Merkur 34C voted world’s best razor
The Merkur 34C Heavy Duty Classic has been named the world’s best razor.
The iconic shaving product took first place in the About.com 2011 Readers’ Choice Award for best razor.
Now in its fourth year, the Readers’ Choice Awards honour the world’s best products, features and services across more than a dozen categories, ranging from technology to hobbies to parenting and men’s grooming, as selected by its readers.
The Merkur 34C Heavy Duty Classic beat off competition from the likes of the Gillette Fusion ProGlide, Gillette Mach 3 and Shick Hydro 5 to scoop the coveted award.
“We are not surprised that the Merkur 34C won this very prestigious award. This is one of our best selling razors and is every thing a razor should be. No cartridge razor could ever compete with the quality of the Merkur 34C.
“Sometimes you hold a razor in your hand and it feels just right. The chrome finish 34C is one of those razors. The combination of weight, craftsmanship and looks make it the perfect entry into double-edged razor shaving. A true heavyweight classic!”
In January, About.com’s readers were asked to nominate their favourite grooming products. After a nomination period that saw a flurry of activity, four finalists were chosen in each category. From February 11 through March 8, 2011, readers cast tens of thousands of votes every day via the About.com website.
The Bluebeards Revenge shaving cream took second place in the best shaving cream category, while The Bluebeards Revenge post shave balm finished third in the best aftershave category.
The Bluebeards Revenge shaving cream, our best-selling cream, received nearly 40 per cent of the votes in its category, and was only narrowly beaten by The Art of Shaving, which is owned by Procter & Gamble.
We would like to thank all of our customers and readers who took the time to vote.
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