Do you like the Slant Bar razor?

[Leisureguy]

On the sub-reddit Wicked_Edge, a participant recently told me that the Slant Bar razor has what he terms a high "level of dislike that style of razor has on the Internet." I was surprised, because I had thought that around 85%-90% of the guys who tried the Slant really liked it a lot. Obviously, in a YMMV activity like shaving, one doesn't see universal praise (or condemnation---some people love Merkur blades, for example) for anything in shaving. Still, the guy seemed quite upset that I am praising the Slant when I apparently represent something of a minority opinion.

So, a poll might help. I hope the poll works, but in any event it would be interesting to read a sample of comments from guys who have tried the Slant razor.

[churchilllafemme]

I had a Merkur slant for a little while, and although it was OK, it didn't work for me any better than my other DE razors, and I sold it. My operating theory was that it wasn't great for me because I am left handed - but that may just be nonsense.

[Tony SC]

I like the slant very much ... then again, I'm an easy guy and like most razors

[bullgoose]

I wonder how Jerry (Slantman) voted.

[4711]

I was Pif 'd slant a couple of years ago and never got to using it before pifing to some one who was eager to try one.

i wish i had tried it now especially when I read of DE shavers using it as their only razor. I think Johnny9 springs to mind here, could have got that wrong though!

Will go on my ever growing list as a probable purchase

[Tonality]

I don't feel as though I have a solid opinion on them yet. I had the long handled one, but it was just too clunky for me. I'd like to try the shorted handled slant one day so I could get a better opinion.

[tgutc]

My Merkur Slant is one of my favorites. I prefer it now over my 34C although that was not the case when I first started DE shaving. It gives me a closer shave that requires less effort. Because I know I need very little pressure for it to be effective I usually have no irritation.

[Johnny9]

(05-23-2012 09:10 AM)4711 Wrote:  I was Pif 'd slant a couple of years ago and never got to using it before pifing to some one who was eager to try one.

i wish i had tried it now especially when I read of DE shavers using it as their only razor. I think Johnny9 springs to mind here, could have got that wrong though!

Will go on my ever growing list as a probable purchase

Wow, you have an excellent memory recall. LOL
I've used many razors and nothing works for me as well as a slant does and is indeed the only razor I use. When I see a razor I've never tried, I try it, but the results are typically the same--back to the slant.

SE's are, IMO, the only razors that can offer up a similar shave, but I still prefer the slant. I think the explanation for this is simply the availability of higher quality DE blades. I'm excluding straight razors, but even with a straight I prefer near wedge or quarter hollow to a full hollow blade. It seems I require a rigid blade.

My most recent non-slant shaves have been testing out the Bulldog Old Type and the Bell Tube Aristocrat. Both are nice shavers, but not as effective as the slant.

My face is a complicated mess. Dense, coarse, hair growth in many directions, sensitive skin, hills & valleys, cliffs & peaks and an Adams apple like a strawberry.
For someone with light hair growth, they can use nearly anything and have great results. I have that screwed up Ukrainian gene that makes me a fair-skinned Neanderthal. LOL

[EHV]

I like most razors too but I absolutely *LOVE* the Slant.

I have the 39c Sledgehammer and I bought it after only wet shaving a few months.
I do not find it overly aggressive no matter what blade I use and I always get a fantastic shave that doesn't seem to require the extra vigilance that an aggressive razor like the 2011 R41,(which I also use) requires.

I agree with Travis; "a closer shave that requires less effort" and if I didn't have RAD, I would be most happy with the Slant being my one and only.

[Bowlturner]

I have several slants and with one exception, they are very good and I love them. As mentioned earlier a GEM, Ever-Ready or Star, single edge razor can deliver an equally good shave, but I think the slant makes it easier. That being said, I use the SE's everyday because I like using older razors.

[Ray Settanta]

So far, my Merkur 37C slant bar has given me the closest shave of all my razors. It could well become my favorite, but I haven't tried the 39C yet and my Tradere is in the mail.

[slantman]

(05-23-2012 08:57 AM)bullgoose Wrote:  I wonder how Jerry (Slantman) voted.

I hate them

[Dave]

I have a 37C that gets used on occasion. I still want a cased Hoffritz and keep missing out on em on the bay. I love the Slant. It's quick and efficient and does a great job. I have discovered that slant works best for me with a milder blade.

[celestino]

i tried the 39C Sledgehammer and it was not compatible with my neck!
Once i got my open-combs, never looked back. i should try it again to experiment!

[SharpSpine]

(05-23-2012 06:46 PM)celestino Wrote:  i tried the 39C Sledgehammer and it was not compatible with my neck!
Once i got my open-combs, never looked back. i should try it again to experiment!

I do have to be very gentle on my neck when using the 39C but it does well. The OC SEs though are still my favorites.

[TexBilly]

Slants give very good shaves but I do love DE variety. There are only so many slants.

[ben74]

I've never used a slant, so I don't know!

[turtle]

I have both the Merkur 37c and 39c. I could not decide between them (short or long handle) so I just got them both.

They are find razors and I use one or the other in my regular (random) razor rotation.

[SharpSpine]

(05-24-2012 05:13 AM)turtle Wrote:  I have both the Merkur 37c and 39c. I could not decide between them (short or long handle) so I just got them both.

They are find razors and I use one or the other in my regular (random) razor rotation.

Turtle, other than the obvious weight & handle length differences, can you notice any difference in how they shave or the results they give?

Thanks.

[turtle]

It's all a personal preference thing. Do you like long handles or short handles?

I prefer longer handles as I have shaved with a long handle super adjustable for over 40 years. BUT I like a short iKon bull dog handle on my R41 as it just does not behave well with a long handle.

I like the knob on the short handle slant (37c) but the length of the 39c. I find the modified ball end of the 39c a little odd feeling in my hand.

Maybe I will have Bob machine a custom knob for the 39c when he returns. That would be the ultimate slant in my mind.