Thread: DE before SR

I have shaved with an electric razor for at least 15 years. Should I start shaving with a double edge before going to a straight razor?

Welcome to SRP. I think that is a good way to begin. You can learn the basics of lathering, preperation, skin stretching and begin to understand the principle of multiple no pressure passes, rather than trying to get it in one shot, and suffering razor burn. A DE, puck of soap and brush is how I began. Check out the SRP library here for tutorials that may help.

Originally Posted by JimmyHAD

Welcome to SRP. I think that is a good way to begin. You can learn the basics of lathering, preperation, skin stretching and begin to understand the principle of multiple no pressure passes, rather than trying to get it in one shot, and suffering razor burn. A DE, puck of soap and brush is how I began. Check out the SRP library here for tutorials that may help.

Jimmy has a few good points here. I think I might have entertained that idea, but the sight of the DE looked way to similar to that disposable cartridge I'd been using.

Now, that being said, there is no reason why you can't do both eventually. Until you find the right technique, etc., though, it would be best to stick with either/or, in my humble opinion.

Last but not least, Welcome to SRP! You're in the right place no matter which you choose.

I don't think using the DE has too much to do with becoming competent with a straight however all the other part of the routine meaning the pre shave and lather building and after shave routine are the same so for those reasons it can be a good idea to begin with the DE. Maybe just learning to ease on the pressure might be helpful.

A safety razor (be it a single edge or double edge) is IMO a great introduction to wetshaving. Another option is to try a "shavette" replacable blade straight. Either way you can practive your technique for soap and brush use, map the grain of your face, and over all just feel a little more comortable with how you wetshave. Using a straight razor adds another layer to the mix of maintaining the razor and strop.

Welcome aboard. As you can see, there are many paths to take. Whatever you choose there are plenty of people here to lend a bit of advice.

Smooth shaving,
Matt

I started this with the interest of shaving with a straight. So I started with a straight. No regrets, sure you can build the skills along the way with a DE. You are going to have to "take off the training wheels" at some point and its the same learning curve for all the steps no matter the method of removing the lather.

Just know up front, that it is not a quick trip so patience is a must.

That's a tough question for someone else to answer for you. I would recommend you read up on both and see what comes with the different razors than make a decision. Good luck.

Excellent answer from JimmyHAD...note he has more than 25000 posts. Listen to him!

Originally Posted by Fabe60

I have shaved with an electric razor for at least 15 years. Should I start shaving with a double edge before going to a straight razor?

It depends on what you see yourself ultimately doing. If your going to pick one or the other ultimately and the DE is a stepping stone to a straight; I say go for the straight. You can always supplement the SR with your current set up if you find the learning curve a little steep. But IMHO its a quickly learned skill.

I for one started with a DE an made the transition after several years to straights. It seems to be a common progression amongst a lot of the members here. If I had it to do over again I wouldn't change how I did things. My reasoning for that is when you get in a time crunch an have to shave in a hurry, you will grab your DE. If you can shave with both you get the best of both worlds. Also gives a reason to buy more cool gear! Good luck with what ever you decide. Ask the questions. You are in the right place to get good advice. These guys are awesome around here.