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I am thinking about switching to straight razors but I'm a little hesitant because I don't exactly know how to use them. Can anyone give me some tips and warnings when using a straight razor? And I'm wondering does it really give a closer shave the a double edged razor? I currently use Merkur #34C.
You are going to get closer shave, but only after some practice until you learn the intricacies of the craft
How do you use a SR? Look here
straight razor shaving - YouTube
First straight razor shave - Straight Razor Place Wiki
Won't be as close for a while. Follow the guides found all over this site. If your razor tugs, it's not properly sharp. Be sure it's sharp. Otherwise plan on switching back to the DE for finishing up, for clean up for quite some time. No rush. Happy travels.
Here is a good place to start...
Shaving videos - Straight Razor Place Wiki
You've come to the right site. Explore this site and everything recommended here. I am still a beginner but getting better (3 years now). I can now say that I do get a better shave with my straight than anything else I've tried. I don't get BBS everytime but with two passes I can beat my double and triple blade razors. It does take time but stick with it. The journey is worth the miles.....
Scott
After a horrible first experience I turned to this site which has been an extremely valuable tool! As well as all the members here helping answer my questions and concerns on my journey. Youtube videos have also been very helpful. Other than that, just practicing and time have improved my shaves.
Listen to the chaps above. They know their onions!
Just don't try to rush, you'll get there, but take your time.
It can't be said enough, LIGHT TOUCH. I thought I had a light touch to begin with until the alum made contact with my skin, there was swearing :D
Conditions which will take hold are RAD, SAD and BAD.
Good luck and welcome.
Most has been said in the previous posts. All I'll say to the how is very carefully and don't expect to equal your DE shaves for about 6 months. Have fun and ask questions.
Bob
Come on in the water's fine.....
I also just started. You'll never turn back... you just feel too BA and its a great process of learning and adventure. Did I mention how BA you will feel?! Lol happy shaving!
My personal experience is that the DE blades are much thinner than the straight razor blades. So, the DE blade closer cut the hairs in the epidermis than the blade of straights. From this you might be feeling, that it was closer shave, but the skin is more irritated than after straight shaving.
Thanks for the great advice. I'm a little apprehensive but I think I'll give it a try! I'll let you know how my journey goes... I'm glad I joined this forum.
Another question, Which is the best brand to use?
Look at the razors to avoid section of the wiki, dont buy those ones, for new razors there are only a few decent manufacturers, dovo, ralph aust, theirs issard, revisor are the main ones that spring to mind that get consistently good reviews. I only own vintage razors so cant pass comment directly.Quote:
Originally Posted by mbeckner
My advice would be to not spend too much on the first razor you buy for various reasons: you may not stick with it, you may not like the razor and want to try a different size or grind.
Whatever you get be it new or vintage buy from someone reputable who will supply it shave ready.
All the best ed
Chicks dig guys who shave with cut throats...... no seriously...they do . As far as new Razors go. Dovo are most common going from low to high in price. You can get a good razor for about $ 100.00 . Semogue and Omega make good quality boar brushes that are quite nice for beginners and won't break the bank. Straight Razor Designs has an excellent Strop selection and more. Your gonna love all of this...and probably so much more down the road ! Welcome to the world of "Wet shaving" ! :)
Right now I'm alternating form my DE to straight razor. When I don't have time to take my time with the straight razor. I use my DE. The straight razor is tough. I'm still putting too much weight on it. I'll get it eventually.... a couple of cuts later.
It does take quite a while to get the "feel" for SR shaving, and "feel" is what I think applies. You can know and see what to do from any number of videos but you need repetition to develop the necessary coordination to guide the blade around your face. Start slow, you don't need to do your whole face with the straight, do the easy parts first and follow up with the DE until things start to come together.
For me it took two months before my son commented that he thought I was getting better at it. Not good mind you, just better. And I still have my DE handy.