Thread: should i get rid of the straight for a de?

so blade gap determines the aggressiveness, such as the distance between the blade and comb?

Some of your questions don't make any sense. It's as if you've never shaved before yet you clearly have. Nothing shaves or shapes 2, 3 or 4 week old beards you mention like a straight. I shave with both straights and DE's and enjoy them both. Keep your straight, get a DE, double your pleasure in finding the paths you like the most.

Shaving can either be a dreaded chore or a hobby to be enjoyed. The choice is yours. Shucks, if you wanna sharpen up an old rusty hunting knife or frog sticker, then shave with that if it makes you happy. Or don't shave at all. If your wife likes her man bearded then make that woman happy and be a happy man.

V3nom: Shaving should be considered a "beard reduction program". If you have a full beard, take some clippers to it first no matter if you are using a DE or straight. Removing a beard, for me, requires me to do a bit of prep first. First I clip it down with the clippers. I personally will condition the heck out of it in the shower after I have double shampoo'd my head and face. I will let the conditioner work while I wash the rest of myself. Then I will rinse, towel dry the body & head, but not the face...it stays wet. I immediately whip up a good lather in my bowl that has been sitting in a trickle of hot water. Then a shave is done the same, no matter if a DE or straight (98% of the time): One pass north to south (wtg), from the ear to the chin (xtg), and then south to north (atg). This is always done with a new blade or sharp razor.

You might just need your razor honed/touched up as it's real easy to mess up a blade. If you would like I would evaluate your edge to let you know if the edge is good or not & if not, I will properly hone it if you cover the return shipping. Remember, it takes about 30 shaves to "get it right" and for all the skills to come together. As mentioned before, a straight isn't for everyone for a number of reasons.

Originally Posted by shooter74743

V3nom: Shaving should be considered a "beard reduction program". If you have a full beard, take some clippers to it first no matter if you are using a DE or straight. Removing a beard, for me, requires me to do a bit of prep first. First I clip it down with the clippers. I personally will condition the heck out of it in the shower after I have double shampoo'd my head and face. I will let the conditioner work while I wash the rest of myself. Then I will rinse, towel dry the body & head, but not the face...it stays wet. I immediately whip up a good lather in my bowl that has been sitting in a trickle of hot water. Then a shave is done the same, no matter if a DE or straight (98% of the time): One pass north to south (wtg), from the ear to the chin (xtg), and then south to north (atg). This is always done with a new blade or sharp razor.

You might just need your razor honed/touched up as it's real easy to mess up a blade. If you would like I would evaluate your edge to let you know if the edge is good or not & if not, I will properly hone it if you cover the return shipping. Remember, it takes about 30 shaves to "get it right" and for all the skills to come together. As mentioned before, a straight isn't for everyone for a number of reasons.

I'd take this offer...Scott can put a beautiful edge on a razor!

His advice is sound as well.

Man - I love wet shaving. So were I to shave but once a week, I would so make the most of it . That would mean a straight for me, but then I guess I have quite a bit of experience with them.

I love my DE's - don't get me wrong. You'll love yours too were you to get one. They are pretty inexpensive to get started on too. It might just work wonders.

But all said and done, I would want something more "fun" were I to be shaving but once a week. Hence I would save my penny's and get me a Feather Artist Club (aprox $100). Best of both worlds, and you don't need to stress the honing.

What I wouldn't do is sell the Dovo. I know money can be tight, but if you can, hang onto it. Having that thing in your bathroom is bad-ass. I have a few that are in a cheap Hobby Lobby book frame hanging in my bathroom just for looks . And - you might change your mind. I went on and off straights often before committing.

Good luck!

*EDIT* - and note too - a Feather will go through (on average) a full beard like butter... like butter I say .