Yet another DE question...

Viola · 06-25-2008, 06:13 AM

Ok, gents, I'm still out of town so I'm exclusively using a DE right now. My vintage Gillette Super Speed arrived today and I'll be taking it for a test drive a little later to compare it to the Merkur HD.

Here's my question: You know how the non-sharp ends of the razor blade stick out beyond the edges of the razor? Is there a razor or a blade where this won't happen? Perhaps a wider razor head? Perhaps a narrower blade? I'm sure this isn't an issue with you gentlemen, but it's a little uncomfortable (not to mention scares the heck out of you) when those edges drag across your skin (if you know what I mean).

I figured if anyone can answer this question, it's you all.

As always, thank you so much.

English · 06-25-2008, 01:51 PM

Viola, this forum is for peolple who use straight razors not DE razors.

You should really ask the members of www.shavemyface.com who specialise in the type of razor you use.They will know of every nuance about DE razors and more.

sensei_kyle · 06-25-2008, 01:59 PM

Well... not exactly. While the site is geared toward the straight razor shaver, the "Double Edge and Single Edge Shaving" forum is for exactly that. Other sites, such as SMF, may have a little more depth than we do.

I don't know of a blade/razor combination where you don't have a little overhang. I use the Merkur HD, and it seems like Derby, Merkur, Gillette, Personna and Feather all have a little overhang. Now, it's early and I'm still on my first cup of coffee so I could be mistaken.

English · 06-25-2008, 02:08 PM

Sorry, my mistake. Just eating some humble pie.

jbcohen · 06-25-2008, 02:18 PM

Your blade should not stick out beyond the edge of the razor, of it does there is something wrong with the blade that you are using. All double edge blades are standard dimmensions so this should not happen at all.

maierar · 06-25-2008, 03:28 PM

The head on a Merkur Vision is considerably wider than the blade.

Viola · 06-25-2008, 06:16 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by sensei_kyle

Well... not exactly. While the site is geared toward the straight razor shaver, the "Double Edge and Single Edge Shaving" forum is for exactly that. Other sites, such as SMF, may have a little more depth than we do.

I don't know of a blade/razor combination where you don't have a little overhang. I use the Merkur HD, and it seems like Derby, Merkur, Gillette, Personna and Feather all have a little overhang. Now, it's early and I'm still on my first cup of coffee so I could be mistaken.

That's what I was afraid of... that they all have overhang. I have a new Merkur HD and an old Gillette and they both overhang a little. No one ever takes pictures of DE's with the blade in them so it's hard to tell. I figured the blades were probably all standard but I didn't know if there was a razor with a wider head. I use Derby and Personna blades. I'll check into the Merkur Vision as suggested here.

And English, it's ok. I still haven't figured out why such an obvious die hard straight user would be lurking in the double edge section, but we welcome you too.

My straights have to wait until the business trip is over.

Thanks, gents.

tjiscooler · 06-26-2008, 04:02 AM

I have two DEs and have tried 4-5 blades and they all overhang a bit. If im not mistaken it is to aid in removing and replacing the blade (so you dont have to shake it out or touch the sharp part)

DE blades are very thin so you can prollly cut it down to your liking with some old scissors. You could also run it over a nail file or sandpaper to ensure its smooth. Good luck, let me know how it works out!

kaptain_zero · 06-26-2008, 04:32 AM

The Merkur Vision and the Merkur Futur both have heads that cover the *ends* of the blade. I can't think of any other razors that do that off the top of my head, bald as it may be.

My personal preference of the two would be the Vision even though it's considerably more $$$ but just because I find that for ME it shaves better, the Futur is very heavy and slick and hard to hold on to for me. That said, there are quite a few gents who prefer the Futur.... I'm just not one of them.

Regards

Christian

Viola · 06-26-2008, 04:45 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by kaptain_zero

The Merkur Vision and the Merkur Futur both have heads that cover the *ends* of the blade. I can't think of any other razors that do that off the top of my head, bald as it may be.

My personal preference of the two would be the Vision even though it's considerably more $$$ but just because I find that for ME it shaves better, the Futur is very heavy and slick and hard to hold on to for me. That said, there are quite a few gents who prefer the Futur.... I'm just not one of them.

Regards

Christian

I considered the Futur in the beginning, but went with the HD to see if I would even like DE's or not. It's good to know there are some out there that cover the ends though. When you're shaving parts of your body that are EXTREMELY sensitive, those ends don't feel too good. Maybe I'll treat myself one of these days. I wish there was a way to test those (Vision and Futur) things before shelling out so much money for them!

BTW... bald is beautiful!

Even the smiley face is bald!

Thanks!

iron maiden · 06-26-2008, 06:21 AM

Viola....you could also try a vintage Gillette such as a Blue Star...these were specifically made for women, and they might cover up the sides of the DE blade better than a regular TTO head.

poona · 06-26-2008, 09:36 AM

The high end Merkurs cover the ends of the blade. Infact I think the Merkur Futur would be the best choice (bang for buck)

sensei_kyle · 06-26-2008, 01:44 PM

Wait a second. Let's make sure we're talking about the same thing.

Are you talking about overhang on the blade (cutting surface), or the middle part of the blade, non-cutting surface, that lines up with the holes that hold the blade in the razor? All DE razors should cover the entire cutting surface of the blade. Those little tabs where you can grip to change blades might be the actual issue. Like I said yesterday, I'd had one cup of coffee at that point

Viola · 06-26-2008, 06:58 PM

Oh no! I'm not talking about the cutting edge. Geez, that would hurt, wouldn't it? Yes, I'm talking about the non-sharp tabs in the middle that overhang a little. They may not be sharpened, but the edges don't feel too swell when they drag across, uh hem (clearing throat), areas that are way more sensitive than a man's face, if you get my drift.

Thanks for trying to help out a woman who would like to retain a smooth shave while minimizing damages!

AverageJoe · 06-27-2008, 12:00 AM

Yep, I know what you mean! The first blade I used fit width wise, but the next one in the sampler pack hung out on the ends! This resulted in a nice little slice to the bottom of my nose. Even though those "tabs" aren't sharpened, they're still plenty sharp to cut an ear lobe or nose as it goes by. It IS a little amazing that the width (end to end) is not "standardized" in the industry. The widths can vary SUBSTANTIALLY from one brand to the next. If you haven't already tried a sampler pack, you should. And this is one of the reasons WHY!

Steelforge · 07-01-2008, 09:50 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by maierar

The head on a Merkur Vision is considerably wider than the blade.

Same with a Merkur Futur, with both the Vision and Futur the blade is enclosed completely inside the razors head.

Strapped-4-Cache · 07-15-2008, 06:43 PM

Hi Viola,

If you'd rather use a razor with a bit more history, you culd look into something like this:

Sorry for the crummy pic. I didn't have my good camera with me today.

It appears to be a cheap knockoff of a Curvfit razor marketed for women. Since the blade is curved across what we normally see as the horizontal part of the blade, the two outer edges never stick out to catch on any "sensitive" parts.

What's neat on this one is that it is an open comb on one side and a straight bar on the other with a small section of completely exposed blade.

When I saw this razor I immediately thought of this thread. I'm no expert at shaving south of the border, but it seems that this one may provide more protection than a standard DE.

YMMV...

- Mark (S-4-C)

trewornan · 07-15-2008, 10:30 PM

The Wilkinson Sword "Classic" covers the ends of the blades - but in my opinion it's not a great razor, YMMV

Wilkinson Sword Classic Razor

If you want to try it and have a problem getting hold of one in the US let me know, they're easy to get over here and cheap as chips.

Viola · 07-16-2008, 03:36 PM

Thank you so much everyone! I'm thinking of going with an adjustable when I get the funds. No matter how many times I shave with a fixed blade, I just can't seem to get a close enough shave. I've tried different angles, blades...

The curved head looks interesting enough. I can definitely see how it would be kinder to the arm pits.

De Layne · 07-16-2008, 10:50 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Viola

Thank you so much everyone! I'm thinking of going with an adjustable when I get the funds. No matter how many times I shave with a fixed blade, I just can't seem to get a close enough shave. I've tried different angles, blades...

The curved head looks interesting enough. I can definitely see how it would be kinder to the arm pits.

Hi there Viola,
I'm a big fan of adjustables, but let me ask you something if I may. What blades are you using in your HD and SS? You know of course how wildly blade performance can vary from one person to another. I'm just wondering if maybe you haven't found the right blade yet, which can take a while. Have you tried the Swedes, Iridium, or Feather blades? What's your thoughts on the blade possibly being some of the problem?
If you DO decide on an adjustable, the long handle super adjustable we talked about would be a good one. Actually though, since you're already used to a short handle, any of em would be fine for you. That adjustment device is a great way to tweak the shave. Set it to 'perfect'.........can't do much better than that.......heh.
Anyway, I hope that helps a bit,
Martin

Oh.........I do have that slim with your name on it...........