Thread: I am not a chicken, am I?

Lot's of good advice here.

You have to accept that there will be a fear factor and learning curve, but there was already a fear factor and learning curve when you started DE shaving, wasn't there?

Don't expect the first 100 or so shaves to be up to the same level as a good DE shave.
It took me about 60 straight shaves until my wife couldn't tell the difference any longer.
I never hurt my face seriously with a straight razor (though I did cut my finger once early on when wiping off the oil), but the first shaves did leave some weepers and minor cuts on my face. (Think: wrestling with a cat.) Perseverance is the key.

When I switched from DE's to straights, I put DE razors aside and shaved only with straights, except for the last ATG pass that I performed with my open comb DE for the first 20 or so shaves.
Shaving every day with a straight helps, but you need to plan for more time.
A three pass shave with a DE razor takes me 10-12 minutes, a three pass shave with a straight razor that is already stropped takes about twice that much.

Lastly, DE shaving is a routine that is preferable to the chore of a system razor shave; but shaving with a straight is essentially a hobby that requires time to perform and time to become proficient in.


FWIW; only much later did I buy a Feather AC DX and Dovo Shavette, since I don't believe in either razor as a training aid for straight shaves; but opinions on this matter clearly differ.




B.

If you were chicken yet prepared to have a crack at a straight, I reckon you'd be this guy...

Sorry, but I'm waaaaaay better than you at spelling things wrong. . No advice from me, everyone's nailed it on the head. Don't worry, you'll get there eventually!

It all starts with 1 stroke on the cheek. Do that then shave as normal with the DE. Keep it up and soon you'll be chaffing for more. Good luck

I started with a shavette.....someone mentioned using one. I think they are way more difficult to use than a regular straight. I had a lot of blood multiple times with the shavette, some kind of deep, and one cut reminded me of a sushi chef slicing daikon so thin that you could see through. When I first used a proper straight it was easy.
And on that first stroke mentioned above, be sure to use the off hand to stretch the skin. Good Luck, it really is a lot of fun and this is the place to be to keep learning when the blade is not in your hand.

Originally Posted by WW243

I started with a shavette.....someone mentioned using one. I think they are way more difficult to use than a regular straight. I had a lot of blood multiple times with the shavette, some kind of deep, and one cut reminded me of a sushi chef slicing daikon so thin that you could see through. When I first used a proper straight it was easy.
And on that first stroke mentioned above, be sure to use the off hand to stretch the skin. Good Luck, it really is a lot of fun and this is the place to be to keep learning when the blade is not in your hand.

Stretching - good point and often ignored by DE shavers.

Went from straights to Feather AC's and DOVO shavette - mainly for my travels.

Never cared much for the flimsy Shavette, but I do like the Feather AC and use it regularly.
While I do understand the Shavette's cost rationale for straight shaving novices, I do not consider the Shavette an overall convincing razor.




B

Your last sentence speaks volumes as they say and I really like the Shavette not being an "overall convincing razor" The cost rationale cannot be overstated, as many of us know, this thing can spiral out of control very quickly...you can even find yourself spending money you do not actually have.

Originally Posted by beluga

Stretching - good point and often ignored by DE shavers.

Went from straights to Feather AC's and DOVO shavette - mainly for my travels.

Never cared much for the flimsy Shavette, but I do like the Feather AC and use it regularly.
While I do understand the Shavette's cost rationale for straight shaving novices, I do not consider the Shavette an overall convincing razor.




B

All good advice. You will one day just want roan give it a try

Me, I am horrible with a DE. Weepers, nicks and cuts every Sunday. Monday through Saturday with a straight razor usually blood free. I do have the occasional what if thought when going against the grain on the neck but that has never turned into a weeper or nick.

Thanks for the advice everyone. I am going to do it but I think I will make sure I have a shave ready straight first and then give it hell.
This forum is the firts and only place I have ever posted and gotten such great responce. I have told everyone I know about this community and I hope we grow and flurish. I know I am not going anywhere. have a great day guys and thanks again.

My advice is to allow plenty of time and double it, make sure you are relaxed and just give it a try, keep your angle low and increase as necessary.
Stretching is really important, and there are loads of ways to achieve it, you will need to experiment with different types of stretching, using your free hand, blowing out your cheeks and using your jaw and chin muscles.
You will probably want a wetter lather than that which you use with your D/E.
Have a try, see where you come unstuck and we can help more.

Oh, and always pay attention to where the heel and toe of your razor are, particularly when you aren't using them to shave part of your face. I got some good cuts from the toe of mine when I was concentrating on another part of the edge.