Noob to straights - the first of many questions.

Hi all, I've just joined the forum after being on SMF for a while. I posted a question on there but it is probably better addressed here (thanks for the pointer Greg).
I would very much like to give straights a go but I have a question before I take the plunge. I have read various reports on their effectiveness but does a properly honed and stropped straight pull on your beard? I am sensitive to tugging from a blade, I couldn't shave with more than a couple of days growth using a Mach 3 due to the painful tugging effect. Does a straight do the same or can a properly prepared straight slice through whiskers as easily as a decent DE blade? I have quite a tough beard and have a preference for sharper blades such as Swede's and Feathers.

Welcome aboard Tony :tu A properly honed straight won't pull or tug. You may feel some resistance through denser areas, but pulling and tugging are a :nono:

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Originally Posted by FiReSTaRT

Welcome aboard Tony :tu A properly honed straight won't pull or tug. You may feel some resistance through denser areas, but pulling and tugging are a :nono:

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Thanks, thats good news as I really would like to get into using a straight. Ultimately with the aim of restoring an older one for personal use. I know I have a long way to go but you've got to start somewhere :)

Maybe on of our UK Bretheren can shoot you a loaner to get you started. If not let me know and we'll see what we can do.

Lynn

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Originally Posted by FiReSTaRT

Welcome aboard Tony :tu A properly honed straight won't pull or tug. You may feel some resistance through denser areas, but pulling and tugging are a :nono:

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So what's the difference between resistance, tugging, and pulling? A matter of degree obviously, but where are the divisions between them?

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Originally Posted by adjustme69

Maybe on of our UK Bretheren can shoot you a loaner to get you started. If not let me know and we'll see what we can do.

Lynn

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Lynn, that would be great, any help would be gratefully appreciated.

When you experience tugging and pulling, the hairs will actually grab your edge and you experience a loss of control. If there's a bit of resistance, you still have full control of the razor. Another difference is in the feel on the face.

Welcome aboard. The difference between tug, pull and resistance ultimately comes down to your own face. One mans resistance is another mans tug and all that. So long as you are comfortable, thats all that counts. Even the thickest beards should experience the comfortable shave that we are all here looking for, so if the first blade doesnt cut it (so to speak) then dont give up.

Just as a pointer, some people argue that a thicker beard requires a heftier blade. This is contentious, but I have a copper wire beard, and find that my 7/8s is much better then my 4/8s.

Si

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Just as a pointer, some people argue that a thicker beard requires a heftier blade. This is contentious, but I have a copper wire beard, and find that my 7/8s is much better then my 4/8s.

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Thanks, I have the same type of beard, hence the issue with tugging. I'm inclined to go with a 7/8's on the back of what you have said. I do prefer heftier DE razors and am only really happy using Feather or Swedish Gillette blades.

Like I say it is contentious, so I would not take it as gospel. Theoretically a 3/8s sharpened to perfection will take the hairs off your face just as easily as a 7/8 will, but my very limited experiences to date are that a heftier blade is easier to work on a thick beard.

Cheers

Si

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Originally Posted by Sunsi

Like I say it is contentious, so I would not take it as gospel. Theoretically a 3/8s sharpened to perfection will take the hairs off your face just as easily as a 7/8 will, but my very limited experiences to date are that a heftier blade is easier to work on a thick beard.

Cheers

Si

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Si, thanks, I know the YMMV mantra but I do like the feel of a heftier implement in my hands (oo'er missus) so I'd probably feel more comfortable with a heftier blade, whether it makes a difference or not.

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Originally Posted by Sunsi

Theoretically a 3/8s sharpened to perfection will take the hairs off your face just as easily as a 7/8 will...

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It is, however, a lot easier to hone and strop that 7/8 to perfection, which probably has something to do with it. The bigger blades do seem to be easier on beginners regardless of beard type, though this may not be true once you get into the really big blades like 8/8s or even 7/8 wedges because the weight can be a bit cumbersome.

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Originally Posted by mparker762

It is, however, a lot easier to hone and strop that 7/8 to perfection, which probably has something to do with it. The bigger blades do seem to be easier on beginners regardless of beard type, though this may not be true once you get into the really big blades like 8/8s or even 7/8 wedges because the weight can be a bit cumbersome.

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Thanks, even better, sounds like a 7/8 it will be then ( Once I have got some experience wielding a straight or similar anyway ).

Before you proclaim a preference I'd recommend trying one first :rolleyes: because talking about a 7/8 is one thing.....but when you hold it for the first time it really is quite big. My favorite size is 6/8 big enough to feel like you're holding something but small enough not to feel like an axe but like a precision instrument.

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Originally Posted by LX_Emergency

Before you proclaim a preference I'd recommend trying one first :rolleyes: because talking about a 7/8 is one thing.....but when you hold it for the first time it really is quite big. My favorite size is 6/8 big enough to feel like you're holding something but small enough not to feel like an axe but like a precision instrument.

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Point taken, either way I need to to be sure a straight will give me a reasonable shave before I make any purchases.