Getting addicted to a real shave. Not cowardly. No. Like an Ivanhoe. Or ready for a next level shave? Besides your 'standard' safety razor something radical? 'Slanter' then just scroll down!
What is a slant safety razor?
The slant safety razor is derived from the regular safety razor. The version with a straight fixed shaving head with also double edge blades inside. Only, the slant has a crooked, twisted head that is also fixed to the frame and is non-adjustable.
Thus, the non-adjustable shaving head does not move with the shaving movements you make. However, the slope of this type of blade does allow you to cut through the beard hair in a very comfortable way instead of chopping it . With the safety razor equipped with straight shaving surface, you shave more across the beard hairs, pushing the hairs a little more inward.
In this way, the shaving result is slightly less smooth than with the slant razor equipped with angled cutting edge. With the slant, the face feels slightly less rough after the shave. Smoother. That is.
The slanting head of the slant cuts more easily, less aggressively, over the beard hairs because this system experiences less resistance. Hence, due to its angled shaving head, this blade is also slightly more suitable for the stiff full beard hairs and when you just have sensitive skin.
Due to the twisted head, this safety razor cuts with a little more space between blade and skin. As a result, the blade does not push too much against the stubble, so these beard hairs are also less pressed against the skin. In fact, they are cut directly and smoothly at an angle. Of course, this also provides gains in terms of possible irritations. They are nil with this way of shaving and provides a smoother more comfortable shave.
How does a slant safety razor work?
This type of razor, like a regular safety razor, does not cut the beard hairs/stubble straight but approaches the hairs and skin in a different way. Due to the angled shaving head, this razor hits the hairs at an angle, thus exerting less pressure on the hair follicles and shaving off the stubble more smoothly and not "chopping".
It all goes a little more efficiently because of this way of "gliding over the skin. The blade glides diagonally over the skin and thus takes more skin (and hairs) with it in one stroke.
Because of these properties, the slant knife is also popular with men with thick beard hairs. Coarse stubble. The 'cut' is just a bit more comfortable. You also feel that, partly due to the weight of the blade, you need to apply less pressure when gliding over the stubble with the slant safety razor from top to bottom. You notice immediate results.
Because of the slanted position of the blade, you feel that you are efficiently cutting away the hairs without having to apply any force. This way of shaving also reduces the chance of damaging the hair follicles many times over. Just let the slant do the work.
Features of a slant safety razor:
- Because a slant safety razor has 1 double-sided blade (blade), instead of the disposables with multiple blades on top of each other, there is less chance that you will damage the skin. This is because during a shave, only 1 blade passes over the skin instead of 3 or more. In the latter case, there is a greater chance of irritation, razor burn or redness. Your skin simply has more to endure with multiple blades during a single stroke.
- Because of the angled placement of the razor, you need to apply less pressure than with a regular safety razor with a straight positioned head. As a result, the hair follicles simply have less to endure, making a shave a relaxed exercise without nasty irritations.
- Because the slanting position of the blade in the slant safety razor makes it easier to cut through the hair and glide effectively, it also has an effect on the lifespan of the double edge blades. Therefore, as a rule, these last a bit longer than the blades in the regular safety razer with straight shaving head. Let alone the disposables...
- A slant safety razor also lends itself perfectly to wet neck shaving because of its shape.
How to shave with a slant razor
Shaving with a slant safety razor feels really different than shaving with the "commercial" blades (disposables) in the bathroom. Besides the fact that in the end it is much cheaper and more durable. With the slant you can shave very precisely.
Even to trim the contours of your carefully grown beard, for example. Not surprisingly, barbers in particular recommend using a slant safety razor.
If you decide to switch to a Slant Safety Razor, here are some tips that you should definitely think about and take into consideration before taking up this type of razor:
- It is helpful to experiment with a variety of blades. In fact, there are many types of double edge blades with different sharpness and qualities on the market; think of brands such as Derby, Gillette and Feather. Performance can vary from one blade to another. Start with 1 type of blade with not too much sharpness (2-3). Then scrape with this not only over the skin but also on your technique. When you feel that you have mastered this pretty well you can start alternating with 3-4 other types of blades. Varying in sharpness. Then you will find out which double edge blade you like best.
- When you start using a slant it is also necessary to experiment with the angle at which you place the blade on the skin. This also has to do with the different types of blades. With some you will have to handle the slant safety razor slightly straighter -or more oblique- than with others. Basically, you place the blade at an angle of 30 degrees to the skin. You can feel by the resistance whether the blade glides over the skin and cuts through the beard hairs in the most efficient way. Even a more aggressive type of double edge blade will have an effect on which position you handle the slant.
- With a good slant safety razor, you need to apply almost no pressure to the skin. This is in contrast to the light commercial blades with disposable cartridges. In fact, with the slant you have a serious instrument in your hands. Due to the weight of this razor, it glides naturally over the beard hairs and skin. It has contact with the skin without you having to apply force. Think of it as a sharp saw that you also "let do the work" when you "cycle" an oak plank in half. You move the safety razor very gently over the skin. Be careful at first because you are dealing with a sharp blade that you are shaving at an angle over the skin for the first time. It is really a different sensation than with the disposable systems. But you'll soon feel it.
Of course, it is also important that when you start using a professional razor like the slant you should actually "invest" in real and high-quality shaving soaps. Having a preshave and an aftershave on the shelf will help with a highly successful and comfortable shave. And once you have switched to a slant? You'll never want it any other way.
Should you have any questions regarding this new way of bushwacking, we would of course love to hear from you! Of course you can also consult with your barber. Then it simply can NOT go wrong.
Sláinte! Would they shout in Scotland. And that means: health! The same goes for your skin when you give it TLC with a real shaving system.
Good luck with your slant safety razor!
Your friends, The Alpha Men