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How To Get A Closer Shave With A Mild Safety Razor 3 Ways

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I prefer mild, single blade razors.  But sometimes a razor can be too mild under normal circumstances, even for me.  Luckily there are ways to squeeze more performance out of a mild razor for a closer shave.

What Makes A Mild Razor “Mild?”

There are a number of engineering design specifications that go into determining how a razor shaves.  But they boil down to how much of the blade edge is exposed to the skin.  A “mild” razor exposes less of the blade edge than a more “aggressive” razor.  While this may be an over-simplified explanation (and others may use different terms) it is enough to use as a background for this discussion.

Related Post: How Much Razor Aggressiveness Do You Really Need?

So if a razor is designed and built to offer a certain amount of blade exposure, can other aspects of the shave be manipulated to provide a “closer” shave?  Take a look at these strategies.

Use A High Performance Blade

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If you have been using manual razors for any length of time–especially razors that use a single blade–you have probably realized that all blades are not the same.  Oh, they may look the same, but there is a wide variety of blade characteristics: grindings, coatings, metallurgy, etc.  This makes some blades “sharper” than others.

So if you have a “mild” razor try pairing it with a “sharper,” more efficient blade.  For example the most commonly referenced “sharp” double edge is undoubtedly the Feather “Hi-Stainless” blade.

In my own experience, I bought a Feather AS-D2 double edge razor a number of years ago.  This was a time when it was considered a high-end, luxury razor (before the recent proliferation of razor artisans.  Nowadays it’s practically the “bargain basement” of the luxury razor niche’).

I was initially quite disappointed with the performance of the AS-D2…so much so that I seriously considered selling it off.  I was using it with the blades I normally found quite good but it just did not give me a close shave.

But then I tried it with a Feather blade and, WOW, what a difference.  The extra “sharpness” of the Feather blade combined with the smaller blade exposure of the razor combined for a close, comfortable shave.

Other “sharper” blades often mentioned include Kai Stainless Steel, Gillette Silver Blue, and BIC Chromium Platinum.  But, as always when it comes to blades, “your mileage may vary!”

Use An Adjustable Razor Or A Blade “Shim”

As mentioned earlier there are a number of specifications that go into the engineering of a razor head, as it relates to blade exposure.  One of those specifications is the blade-bar span, the distance between the blade edge and the line of the safety bar/comb that contacts the skin.  Another is the blade gap, which is the shortest distance between edge and bar/comb.

Adjustable double edge razors can change the distance of this gap:

But what most shavers don’t know is you can manipulate this distance somewhat on a “regular” double edge razor too, by using a blade “shim.”

A blade shim is essentially a way of raising the blade ever so slightly from its normal position by inserting something beneath the blade.  Shims can be made out of things like another blade cut-down to remove the sharp edge, a plastic card, or even tape.  Here is an example video (courtesy Phoenix Artisan Accoutrements) though you can find a number of videos on Youtube:

“Ride The Guard” Of The Razor

Finally, another way of manipulating blade exposure is a shaving technique called “riding the guard.”  Although it is the least consistent alternative of those discussed here, relying on the shaver to maintain the correct angle, it is also the most flexible because it can be adjusted “on the fly” during a shave.

Those using most single- and double-edge razors know you need to maintain a shaving angle of about 30 degrees for best results (pivoted and cartridge razors have this angle set for you).

Riding the guard involves intentionally using a steeper angle, bringing the razor’s handle closer to parallel to the skin.  Although doing this can increase the chance of razor burn or other irritations (especially on the neck), done carefully it can provide a closer shave.

Conclusion

While all these alternatives have their advantages and disadvantages, they all provide a way to get a closer shave without resorting to purchasing a new razor.

Give these ideas a try (or add your own!) and leave your comments below!

Author

Shave tutor and co-founder of sharpologist. I have been advocating old-school shaving for over 20 years and have been featured in major media outlets including The Wall Street Journal, The Washington Post, and Lifehacker. Also check out my content on Youtube, Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, and Pinterest!View Author posts

6 thoughts on “How To Get A Closer Shave With A Mild Safety Razor 3 Ways”

  1. There are several additional ways to possibly enhance the performance of a razor that is a bit too mild: an improved and longer pre-shave prep, a fresh blade, a soap that is extra slick, and an additional pass for a four-pass shave instead of the usual three-pass.

  2. Wow! My eyes were widely Shut! Thanks for helping me out. I am going to try this tonight! SOTN with Executive Man-Stirling Soaps and Yaqi Beast Razor! Yummy!

  3. You can also push the play between the blade hole and the mounting post to one known side before tightening. The blade might stick out 0.010” further and less on the other. That way your razor has a mild side and an aggressive side

    1. I have Feather As-D2 Wood Edition Razor and when I tried it first with feather blade I got irritation everywhere on my neck it was just a blood bath..
      I was very disappointed and looked many ways why this is happening and I have tried other blades not as bad of a shave still little irritation here and there..

      Then I stored my Feather As-D2 for many years in box as I want it on my collection I believe it’s a cool and unique one in World as Safety Razor

      I bough Karve SS razor and Brass with Plates that have smaller blade exposure such as plate AA, A .68 and blade B…
      I was getting smooth shaves with plate A and no irritation as with feather as-d2 and using most popular decent blades as Gillette Super Stainless 7 o clock, Astra SS so far was excellent..

      Till I received some blades as samples and tried Tiger Platinum Blades I was Stunned how smooth and free irritation they are longevity not as long compare to the rest but 3 shaves if good to me…

      I have reached out to my Feather As-D2 placed my tiger platinum blade I was amazed how good of a razor it is and getting irritation smooth shaves 💈👍🏼

      My conclusion mileage may vary but Blades are the Key..

      Finding a right Blade that works for you and ENJOYING YOUR SHAVES

      Alan H

  4. Another excellent article, thanks!
    However, I’d like to say that IME shaving by ‘riding the guard’ (using a steep angle) gets me a closer and most comfortable shave… It’s been a long time since I do not get razor burn, but sometimes I got the occassional rash… With a steep angle it simply doesn’t happen.

    Of course, did I mention I apply no pressure?

    Keep up the good work, Mark!!

  5. It should be noted that brands of blades vary (slightly) in width, and that a wider blade (measured between the cutting edges) will result in a bit more blade exposure and a more aggressive shave. Some wider brands are Sputnik, Derby Extra, and Astra Superior Platinum (in that order: Sputnik the widest).

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