Which Razor to try next / What level should I start with on Fatboy?

[gwsmallwood]

I've been DE shaving for a couple of months now.  I started with the Feather Popular, and then upgraded to a Merkur 37c Slant (which works much better for me and my extremely coarse hair).

Through the generosity of some members of other forums (I won a couple of PIFs), I recently picked up both an Edwin Jagger DE89 (original handle, not the lined or the barley), and a 1960 fatboy that looks to be in pretty good condition.

I'm enjoying my shaves with the slant, but I'm anxious to try these other two.  I have a few questions I wanted to pose.

Which one should I start with?

What level should I start out the Fatboy on (considering I'm now used to my 37c)?

Since I'm new to having more than one option, I'm wondering how most of you typically handle a rotation?  Is there any sort of method to the madness?  Do you save the slants and adjustables for longer stubble and use the straight bars on a more regular basis?  Is it purely whimsical?  Do you use one type for the face and others for the dome?  Any thoughts would be helpful.

[Fondlheine]

I really like my fatboy and black beauty adjustables - I get great shaves from both.

On the fatboy, I would start with a 5 and do a pass.  If it feels too aggressive, turn it down, not aggressive enough, turn it up (one of the nice things about an adjustable).

I normally go 5-6 WTG face, 5 xtg face, 3-4 atg face and keep 3-4 on the head any direction.

As to a blade, right now I'm using Personna Med Prep's.

[davidcox]

How will you review Personna Med Prep's, Is it good ?

[Fondlheine]

It's kind of hard to review a blade as each person has a different take (based on usage, what razor is it in, prep, etc...)

Personally, I like the med prep's (my logic is that if it's good enough for a hospital, then it should work fine for me).  But, I also like lab blues and feathers.

I think they're more aggressive than something like a Gillette Astra or 7 o'clock  - but overall I've not regretted getting a box of 100 

[greatnessinc]

Start at a lower setting then work your way up as you get used to the Fatboy.

[gwsmallwood]

Start at a lower setting then work your way up as you get used to the Fatboy.

Started on a 4 yesterday.  It was a little rough compared to my slant.  I kept wanting to use pressure.  Think I'll dial it up a notch for tomorrow.

[warhawk]

Start at a lower setting then work your way up as you get used to the Fatboy.

As always...YMMV; I usually start off with the highest settings and work my way down.  @GW... looking forward to hearing more from your Fatboy.

WARHAWK

[DC]

Welcome to the Fatboy Club!  I started on a "1" believe it or not, since I was new to the DE scene.  However, I hovering around "3" or "4".  I may try Warhawk's suggestion and start high-especially since I have industrial strength hair to shave.

Enjoy your Fatboy!  You have a classic!

[greatnessinc]

I use it at 1-2 on my neck (stupid sensitive neck always has red skin if I shave too far down) then 9 for my head.

[Cap]

You mentioned the hospital prep Personnas. I've been DEing for about a month and tried a lot of different blades. The Personnas are the best I've used as of yet. They are pricey at $40 for 100 count, but well worth it. I get a good 3 uses out of them for my head and face, which I haven't found another blade that can go beyond 2. Very sharp blade with not much clean up after going WRG, XYG and ATG.

[Bluebriz]

I started on a 3 with my Slim adjustable, and after 3 days I did my second pass on 9.  Glorious stuff!!

Regarding rotation, it's entirely random for me between DEs, SEs, and straight razors.  In the past I would change every day, but now I tend to use the same razor for up to a week.