Thread: G'day all from Wollongong Australia

Welcome, I grew up in the Sutherland shire and spent my many years of university in your fine town.

Knowing your face from your DE experience will give you a bit of a leg up, but a straight isn’t as nimble so you may find it won’t go where your DE did, this may also force you to go in directions you wouldn’t with your DE.

The biggest stumbling block I found going from a DE (merkur HD with feather blades) to a straight (full hollow DOVO 5/8 from SRD) was the feedback. Until I got a handle on angle/pressure and built up some muscle memory it felt like I was trying to clear a forest made of petrified trees.


Even now I still find the feedback off-putting such that I use my hollower razors less often. The shaves are just as good as my heavier grinds, but they require more concentration to achieve.

I’ve not yet learnt to use two hands as I moved to a kamasori fairly soon after starting; the lack of dexterity is no hindrance to a good shave and I know others that use only one hand, so each to his own.

Regards,

Neal.

Originally Posted by SilverBuddha

Thanks all for the welcomes!!

Im willing to be patient and just learn in stages, you all seem to be saying the same thing GO SLOW. And I'm willing to do that.

I have decided to start using my left hand (off hand) for my left side of face whilst using my DE razor, so hopefully it won't be a scary jump when using the straight when it arrives.

I have watched the Lynn Abrams beginners straight shave video a few times, can you guys point me toward anything videos or text, that you think is worthwhile watching as well?

Also are there any habits a DE shaver should not take to a SR technique? For example i usually do a 3 pass shave, is that even necessary or possible?

Try using your left hand on the right side as well. Get a feel for using the offhand on both sides and your halfway there. One handed is fine if that's all you can manage, but I will always recommend trying to learn to use the offhand as much as possible. As an example, and as best as I can describe, I keep my hairstyle high and tight, very military looking without sideburns. So when I start my WTG pass at some point (the very start in this case) with the same side hand working the same side face, my vision is blocked. I can't see where to place the edge of the razor. Now if I swap to opposite hand to opposite side of my face, I can get an unobstructed view for about the first two inches from the top of my ear. At that point most normal people would then swap over to the same side hand, but I just shut my eyes and keep on driving for a bit...That's just me though. The point of me telling you this?! Being able to use your offhand, even just a little, will make things heaps easier. It might not be the sideburns for you, but it might be some little spot that just can't be got at, or to, very easily in any other way. Shutting our eyes during the shave...That's up to you. I just like a challenge, but I might have to start doing jumping jacks at the same time soon .


Welcome to the forum mate.


Mick