Adjustable Safety Razors

I'm a set it and leave it guy that shaves everyday so I'm not big on adjustables even though I've owned and tried many. Love my Gibbs but again don't really vary the setting.

I wondered what Gillette's intention was for adjustables. Were you supposed to get one, find your ideal setting and leave it, or to be changing it for different situations?
The fine print in this ad suggests changing it from shave to shave, or even mid-shave.



I have this theory that when they introduced the Red-tip, Regular, and Blue-tip Super-Speed models they were actually doing a sort of survey to determine what range of blade exposures to implement in the then-future adjustable.

I'm a set it and leave it guy that shaves everyday so I'm not big on adjustables even though I've owned and tried many. Love my Gibbs but again don't really vary the setting.

I wondered what Gillette's intention was for adjustables. Were you supposed to get one, find your ideal setting and leave it, or to be changing it for different situations?
The fine print in this ad suggests changing it from shave to shave, or even mid-shave.



I have this theory that when they introduced the Red-tip, Regular, and Blue-tip Super-Speed models they were actually doing a sort of survey to determine what range of blade exposures to implement in the then-future adjustable.

I think they were designed to be used at various settings from shave to shave or mid-shave, as you pointed out.  The SA 109 instructions also suggests skin condition may appreciate a lower setting. 

Actually the instructions say to start at 1 and work up till you find the perfect one for your skin and beard. At that point you know the 1 setting to use. Says it on the instructions posted by LOOT I do see it says different areas are different and have different needs. I don't' see the need whatever their marketing was targeting though. Just what works for me. No judgement from me for those that like their adjustables.

Ha...no judgment. The merits, or lack thereof, concerning adjustables have been beaten to death on forums for a very long time. Even with the plethora of words hurled across the divide, I don't think I have ever seen a single mind changed.

Ha...no judgment.  The merits, or lack thereof, concerning adjustables have been beaten to death on forums for a very long time.  Even with the plethora of words hurled across the divide, I don't think I have ever seen a single mind changed.

True Dat, I just do what works for me and my wish for others is to do what works for them and enjoy it in good health

I think one of the best reasons for getting an adjustable is if it's your first DE razor. You get a reasonably-priced user-grade vintage adjustable and learn from using it what blade gap etc. suits you best. Training wheels, as it were.
Later on, you'll have a better idea of what you want in a second razor.
And, you'll still have a pretty decent first razor.

I think one of the best reasons for getting an adjustable is if it's your first DE razor. You get a reasonably-priced user-grade vintage adjustable and learn from using it what blade gap etc. suits you best. Training wheels, as it were.
Later on, you'll have a better idea of what you want in a second razor.
And, you'll still have a pretty decent first razor.

Yeah well I disagree completely. I think adjustables complicate the learning process. Better to learn pressure and angle with a fixed head before messing around with changes in gap and exposure before you know what you're doing. Per the post above I doubt I'll change the minds of anyone who started with a Slim but so be it.

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I have Rockwell 6C and I like it a lot though I haven't use it very often these days after getting other greater razors.

However, sometimes I feel like using it when I want to go into a mild but efficient and fast result.

But the thing is that I only use only one plate out of the three.

So I think that if anyone can't help using only one level, then the adjustable razors will not be worth the use just like me.

I have tried Gillette Fatboy but it bit me even at level 2. And that could be another factor for its disadvantage.

Thank you all for your input. If anyone wants to share their adjustable collection list or a picture of their adjustable collection… please feel free to do so. Everyone would be excited to see some cool and unique adjustable razors.

My first, received 6 months into my traditional shaving journey. 



And 8 months ago. 



Both are 4th quarter 1964. The first one was in crusty shape, and spruced up in Steampunk by Jay at Delta Echo Razor Works.

A little tip concerning Merkur Futur razors (and clones thereof).

(I may have posted these pix before, but this seems a suitable thread for a repeat post.)

If you can't dial it down to a less than lethal degree of blade gap/exposure/whatever, it may be "overclocked". When I got my QShave it was like that right out of the box. Then I remembered having read a thing about it somewhere.

The dial goes from 0.5 (indicated only by a dot) to 6. At 0.5 the centre bar should be bottomed out in the baseplate, as indicated by the green ellipse.
It is possible that during assembly (or from fiddling with it) that the handle has one full turn beyond "6", as in the lower two images. The mildest setting you can get is actually equivalent to 6.5. (Similar to "up to 11" on a Marshall amp.)


Here's the fix.

• Take the blade out and put the cap back on.
  
• Turn the handle to the minimum setting.
  
• Firmly pinch the cap and baseplate together. A gap appears above the dial. Now you can give the handle another full turn clockwise (as viewed from the handle end) until it stops and then release your pinch on the cap and baseplate. 
  
• That's it.
  

If you want to do a deep cleaning, pinch the head and turn the handle counter-clockwise until it completely unscrews and comes off. Watch out for the spring and don't lose it.

I have a soft spot for my adjustables and enjoy them regularly. For me an adjustable is something I can change in the fly without disassembly (multiple plates available) or using 2 separate razors (which I have done). Typically I will perform the first WTG pass at a narrower less aggressive gap than my second ATG wider gap which gives me pretty good results.

When it comes to vintages I think the Toggle may work best but the less expensive more readily available FB/Slim are fantastic “starter” adjustables due to their smoothness, ease of use and relative mild gaps. However my Gibbs is my favorite due to its smoothness and efficacy through multiple gaps - it is among my favorites of all my razors.

The moderns including the Rex, Merkurs and various knock-offs/no names are all lacking for me as adjustables or even reliable razors. The Tiaga works well and is nearly as good as the Gibbs whereas the Sailor is a beast as at its maximal opening may be my most efficient razor - I as a daily shaver could skip a day as it’s that efficient.

Like any collectible or something one has multiples of such as shoes, jackets, watches, cars, knifes or guns there is a practical place or favorite use for each and one may work better in different conditions.