A 'Sticky' situation

Over the years, I've tried using a Wilkinson Sticky on several occasions. I think I've had four of them, and each time I've given up on the razor. It's always seemed to be mild to the point of uselessness for me.


[Pic not of my own razor]

The build quality is excellent, and I love the feel and balance of the razor, but I've always had issues with the shave itself.

Now, I like mild razors, and use them often. I love the Gillette Old Type, Feather Portable, Schick Krona and other mild razors, but the Sticky has never stuck in my rotation.

However, when I joined this forum I noticed that several of our more experienced members use the Sticky and they seem to like it. A glance at the SOTD posts shows quite a few instances of Sticky use. So, I decided to give the Sticky another try. Prices have gone up since I first bought one, but I was finally able to find a deal on one that didn't break the bank.

When I received it, it was as lovely as I remembered. However, the shaves were as mediocre as I remembered too. I was close to pulling the plug on it yet again. Then I read even more posts praising the Sticky, and I thought I'd give it another chance this morning.

This time I used a shallower angle (a la Tradere/Pils/R41), and voila! The shave was effective, close, smooth and comfortable. It seems that if you use a more traditional shaving angle, the razor will work, but will be so mild that you may as well not be shaving. By starting with the head flat on my face and angling it down until it just started cutting, I was able to hit a sweet spot that made the razor work just right.

Now, this was just one good shave with the Sticky, and I hope it continues to work like this. Also, the angle I need to use is not intuitive for me, and like the Tradere and other razors mentioned above, the Sticky may just not be the razor for me.

Still, I can no longer state that the Sticky has never given me a good shave.

Glad to read that it worked out! I hope it continues to do so.

I've seen the prices go up just in the past 6-8 months. I should not have hesitated when I saw a nice one on Etsy awhile back. Still, they are available and still, I want one.

What blade did you end up using this time?

If you ever feel the need to pass it on, you know you'll have a more than willing audience here!

However, we all hope you enjoy using it now you've found that sweet spot ...

(07-05-2012, 06:08 AM)EHV Wrote: Glad to read that it worked out! I hope it continues to do so.

I've seen the prices go up just in the past 6-8 months. I should not have hesitated when I saw a nice one on Etsy awhile back. Still, they are available and still, I want one.

What blade did you end up using this time?

Used an Astra SS. Seemed to work well.

(07-05-2012, 06:17 AM)yohannrjm Wrote:

(07-05-2012, 06:08 AM)EHV Wrote: What blade did you end up using this time?

Used an Astra SS. Seemed to work well.

You might try one of the high-end vintage blades, such as a Wilkinson Light Brigade or Personna Plus Platinum. For me those work better in a Sticky than modern blades do.

I so hope that I can track down and buy one of these some day

Keep in mind also that there are two variations of the Sticky, the US version and the UK version. The US version is more aggressive while the UK version gives a more mild shave.

John-
I don't keep vintage blades, but I'll see what I can com up with.

Diggity-
I didn't know that. What are the distinguishing characteristics? Is it stamped on the head somewhere?

I'll have to keep a shallow angle in mind when I start shaving with mine next week, thanks for the tip.

I'm also interested in the distinguishing characteristics between the English and American version.

(07-05-2012, 09:26 AM)yohannrjm Wrote: John-
I don't keep vintage blades, but I'll see what I can com up with.

Yohann, send me a PM and I'll send you a couple vintage blades.

I am glad you found the sweet spot using your Sticky. One of these days I might try one.

I have discovered that if I use the shallower angle of a SE with any razor, I can get a good shave with any razor that I try it on.

Should i give this razor a try? Oh, my, another one.

(07-05-2012, 10:46 AM)celestino Wrote: Should i give this razor a try? Oh, my, another one.

If you like open combs best, this type of razor probably would be too mild for you, Celestino.

I'd love to know the difference between the UK and the US version as well, please!

This shallow angle has been my discovery of the week with a couple of razors that have not worked for me previously both vintage and modern.

(07-05-2012, 09:30 AM)Tonality Wrote: I'll have to keep a shallow angle in mind when I start shaving with mine next week, thanks for the tip.

I'm also interested in the distinguishing characteristics between the English and American version.

More senior members will have to chime in on the difference as I only know that the case is different. UK opens north to south, US version opens east to west

Well, after using this technique withe the Sticky for several days, I'm very happy. The shaves have all been great.

(07-05-2012, 09:26 AM)yohannrjm Wrote: I didn't know that. What are the distinguishing characteristics? Is it stamped on the head somewhere?

Glad to hear that the sticky is serving you well !!

I have read that the difference is in the TTO handle cap, and the ridges on the safety bars. Don't have any pictures of each type though.

The one I have must be an "intercontinental sticky", as it has a black (american) TTO handle end cap (versus a grey european cap) and an european style safety bar ridges.

I am was not aware of any actual differences in shaving characteristics or head geometry.

I cannot believe there are no puns in this thread.

I owned a Sticky, which I sold to a lucky forum member here. I loved the razor for its design and feel in the hand. It is truly a classy razor. Like Yohann, I found the shaves to be okay (not quite mediocre), but too mild. I have a Feather AS razor, too, and I think it's the same situation with blade angle: the shaves are excellent when you find that sweet spot. At any other angle, it's mild and not very efficient.

Ultimately, I found that I like a more aggressive shave. I like a razor with the opposite blade angle effect: one that feels like it could slice you open if you don't shave at the right angle but efficiently and smoothly whacks the whiskers away at the sweet spot. Razors on this list for me include the Cobra, Muhle R41, Fatip, and Futur dialed to 6.

Sometimes I miss the Sticky, though.