Low Blade Feel and Efficient?

Check this thread too for recommendations

https://damnfineshave.com/thread-most-ef...blade-feel

I've checked with ItalianBarber.com and all they say is all Lupos and Gamechangers have a positive blade exposure.  Does anyone know what the actual measured blade exposure is for any of the Gamechangers or Lupo razors for comparison purposes?

Remember that the efficiency and blade feel depends not only on the design of the razor itself, but also the design of the blade with which the razor is equipped.

A mild razor will become much more efficient when equipped with a super-sharp razor blade.

An aggressive razor can be tamed by using a less sharp blade.

Some blades can have a lot of blade feel, even in a less aggressive razor while some blades can feel smooth in a more aggressive one.

I have spent the past six months evaluating razor blades for sharpness and smoothness using them in a moderately aggressive Karve C-plate razor. The results of these evaluations can be found in this thread:

https://damnfineshave.com/thread-rayclem...valuations

I also prepared a spreadsheet that summarizes the results:

https://www.dropbox.com/scl/fi/71ttt15wy...qo8eb&dl=0

While you are welcome to spend hundreds of dollars on a new razor, you might find you can accomplish a similar result by finding the optimal razor blades for your current razors.

I do not claim that your results will be the same as mine, but the spreadsheet should provide some guidance as to which blade you might want to try. If you are already using the sharpest razor blades in your razors and still desire more efficiency, then you will need a more efficient razor. But if you are shaving with less sharp blades, you might improve the efficiency of your shaves by selecting sharper blades.

Consider a Lambda. Efficient, but very little blade feel.

Remember that the efficiency and blade feel depends not only on the design of the razor itself, but also the design of the blade with which the razor is equipped.

A mild razor will become much more efficient when equipped with a super-sharp razor blade.

An aggressive razor can be tamed by using a less sharp blade. 

Some blades can have a lot of blade feel, even in a less aggressive razor while some blades can feel smooth in a more aggressive one.

I have spent the past six months evaluating razor blades for sharpness and smoothness using them in a moderately aggressive Karve C-plate razor. The results of these evaluations can be found in this thread:

https://damnfineshave.com/thread-rayclem...valuations

I also prepared a spreadsheet that summarizes the results:

https://www.dropbox.com/scl/fi/71ttt15wy...qo8eb&dl=0

While you are welcome to spend hundreds of dollars on a new razor, you might find you can accomplish a similar result by finding the optimal razor blades for your current razors.

I do not claim that your results will be the same as mine, but the spreadsheet should provide some guidance as to which blade you might want to try. If you are already using the sharpest razor blades in your razors and still desire more efficiency, then you will need a more efficient razor. But if you are shaving with less sharp blades,  you might improve the efficiency of your shaves by selecting sharper blades.

Thanks.  I've tried quite a few different blades, to include some on your list you list as "sharp" and/or "smooth" and have monkeyed around with shave angles.  I have gotten some great shaves from the Gamechangers and Lupos but the blade feel doesn't change and I'd prefer to reduce that blade feel.  I'm not in a hurry so I'll continue reading, watching the BST and waiting.

BigHairyGobbler

I have very sensitive skin along with a tough beard, so I am very cognizant of blade feel.
I find that shaving with shallow blade angles "off the cap" tends to reduce blade feel and provide a more comfortable shave.

II suggest you try this to determine blade angle:
1. Place the cap of the razor flat against your cheek with the handle extended horizontally.
2. Slowly lower the handle towards the floor until you just start to feel the blade on your cheek.
3. That is the most shallow angle that can be used with that razor.
4. You will have to do this with every razor as they will all differ slightly.

See if this makes a difference.

Another thing that can make quite a difference in blade feel is your lather. What shaving soap or cream do you use and how do you lather? If you get a soap that provides a high level of slickness PLUS a high level of cushion/skin protection, you can get a more comfortable shave. Achieving a balance between slickness and cushion also depends upon proper hydration of the lather. If the lather is too wet, it will be slick, but you will lose cushion. If it is too dry, you will lose slickness. It will take some experimenting to determine the right balance for your face.

I’m enjoying my Karve Overlander in Aluminum. Picked it up on BST and I would prefer stainless or titanium (not possible). Efficient and smooth shaver. Pick one up used and give it a shot.

Remember that the efficiency and blade feel depends not only on the design of the razor itself, but also the design of the blade with which the razor is equipped.

A mild razor will become much more efficient when equipped with a super-sharp razor blade.

An aggressive razor can be tamed by using a less sharp blade. 

Some blades can have a lot of blade feel, even in a less aggressive razor while some blades can feel smooth in a more aggressive one.

I have spent the past six months evaluating razor blades for sharpness and smoothness using them in a moderately aggressive Karve C-plate razor. The results of these evaluations can be found in this thread:

https://damnfineshave.com/thread-rayclem...valuations

I also prepared a spreadsheet that summarizes the results:

https://www.dropbox.com/scl/fi/71ttt15wy...qo8eb&dl=0

While you are welcome to spend hundreds of dollars on a new razor, you might find you can accomplish a similar result by finding the optimal razor blades for your current razors.

I do not claim that your results will be the same as mine, but the spreadsheet should provide some guidance as to which blade you might want to try. If you are already using the sharpest razor blades in your razors and still desire more efficiency, then you will need a more efficient razor. But if you are shaving with less sharp blades,  you might improve the efficiency of your shaves by selecting sharper blades.

I tried a few other blades and my shaves were better.  I'm still looking for a titanium razor for weight reasons but I appreciate your suggestion for changing blades.  I also just bought a few new blades to try out but the Bic Chrome blade is very nice for me.

BigHairyGobbler

I am glad you like the BIC Chrome Platinum blades. They are some of the sharpest available. Some folks find them to be too sharp, especially in a more aggressive razor. The BICs are certainly efficient, especially if you have a tough beard, but unless they are used in a milder razor, they won't be low blade feel. In the right razor, they can be magical. Your beard will dissapear.

My 1961 ball Tech.