Thread: SR vs DE

I tried my first DE shave tonight after letting the beard grow for around 36 hrs or so so it had some short, sharp stubble. DE was an Edwin Jager 89, Astra Platinum blade, RazoRock Brain Freeze. Very nice first shave, didn't really even feel the blade cutting at all! I was shocked at how smooth it was, none of my SR's feel this smooth ever! I tend to 'feel' the SR working and cutting more, but the DE just slide through everything; I could hear it cutting, but didn't feel the blade against the skin. Near BBS everywhere except the upper lip, chin and neck under the chin, but the shave was MUCH better than when I tried those areas with the SR! Now that I have the DE, I gotta ask. Will a SR shave be as smooth if my razors are up to the task? I seem to feel the SR more, while cutting and doesn't seem to glide across the skin like the DE did. I was going to send 2 out of my 5 SR's out for honing, but now I may send them all out if the SR shaves can be this smooth!

It will be smoother IF the SR razor is really shave ready (by a pro), well maintained by you, stropped correctly, and you have the right technique. I use both...my DE when I'm in a hurry or traveling, and my SR whenever I can (5-6 days/week). the SR is much superior closeness wise, when the lather is good and the edge is sharp and smooth. It takes more practice, but when the razor and technique are right, you should hear, not feel the whiskers being cut.

Ok, looks like I am going to be sending some razors out for Honing then! I did these myself, but I don't think they are as good as they can be!

The surface area of a SR is far more than any DE,so yes you will have more feedback.
I can get a better shave with a SR,but a DE is close to a SR shave for me.
Far to many Variables to answere your Question.

Originally Posted by taz575

Ok, looks like I am going to be sending some razors out for Honing then! I did these myself, but I don't think they are as good as they can be!

That's what I would recommend. Try Lynn or gssixgun or one of the many other members here who hone. That way, you'll have a benchmark to compare everything else against.

Originally Posted by taz575

Ok, looks like I am going to be sending some razors out for Honing then! I did these myself, but I don't think they are as good as they can be!

Yea. you just my find a big difference when you get them back. Ter are other variabls to possily consider too like Pixie said. OTH an aggressive DE like a Muhle R41 with a feather blade will give my straights a run for their money in closeness and longevity.

Bob

Yeah, I know it will take practice with the SR's, good skills, stropping technique, etc, but I wasn't sure how they compared in theory. I will send the SR's out and have them tuned up and go from there! The DE didn't feel aggressive at all, I may look for a more aggressive one down the road or an adjustable. I know it's MUCH less expensive and a nicer shave than my Fusion proGlides!

Originally Posted by Haroldg48

... It takes more practice, but when the razor and technique are right, you should hear, not feel the whiskers being cut.

And this is also a function of the hollowness/width of the blade. My 15/16 Rattler (hollow) sounds like SR's sound in the movies, whereas the 4/8 (also hollow) is as silent as a 6/8 wedge.

DE is pretty easy to get a great shave from. SR takes some diligence and patience and a properly sharp (can't feel it) edge. I know my DE/SR overlap was at least 3 months, if not more. MOF at 1-year I took a DE on weekend trip instead of SR, but now i travel with SR.

I've thought about using a DE on my face again, but then...naaaaaaaaaaaah!

If you have several razors. You could hold on to one to work on your honing. When you think you are close to done, strop and shave. If that is not as close as your DE, start back at the 4k and go through honing again. Each time you will/should get closer all while learning what it should feel like to get the great edge.

Are you checking your honing steps with magnification? Tests? Marker?

I've been using a 20x eye loupe to check the edges.