Closeness of a once-over?

Disclaimer: This post may annoy many straight razor aficionados

I'm 18 and want to start using a straight razor but really don't have the time to go through the whole process. I'd also like to get a Feather so I don't have to hone it. My question is, if I were to only do a once-over, shaving with the grain, would I be able to get a shave that is closer or as close as if I were to use a disposable razor? Please answer honestly, and please don't be angry about my reluctance to shave with a straight the right way.

I can speak for myself at 18. The answer would be yes. For me at 21, the answer would be, you'll be okay, but need a second pass to be relatively smooth. For me at 25, the answer would be, no, do the whole routine.

To put it another way, you'll be well shaven, probably. And as you and your beard grow, you'll grow into the whole routine. Getting used to it is part of the process, after all.

Since the "whole process" as you put it takes me the same time as a shave with a disposable. I would say you can get a much better more comfortable closer shave than with anything else.

Of course it took me some practice and time to build up the skills to do this. If you aren't willing to put this time in and learn to shave correctly. Stop now and stick with your plastic toys.

The thing you have to understand is shaving with a straight isn't a process in which you can cut the fat and do the minimum or less and still get any real results. The only thing you will accomplish is become turned off to using a straight because the results will be commensurate to the efforts you put in.

With all due respect my advice to you is not to start with a straight until you are able to invest the time and learn the skills. In the meantime you might want to consider a DE or go ahead and try the feather.

The short, quick answer to your question is absolutely yes. (I do it every time I shave. Once-over, baby butt smooth [well, most everytime - I have my bad days too...].


BUT.... it takes time, young man. Time, patientce, dedication, and some degree of passion. Passion for either old timey ways, or finely crafted tools, or a sense of "do-it-yourselfness." Something to keep you motivated.

But, once again yes, it is possible, and likely.


Scott

I don't know, it seems like your taking a big risk just to shave everything at one swipe. You run the risk of cutting yourself real good. Those Feathers are real sharp. That's why we take the time to use very light or no pressure and go 3 passes, but I guess it's not my face right? In answer to your question; As honedright says, yes it's possible.
Ernest

Don't be embarassed at your reluctance. Many on this forum have stated that they moved into the full process slowly. Besides, it's your face, your time, your decision. Know one else can tell you how you should shave.

I've got ten years on you and but only a few months as far as shaving with a straight. I have two simple rules:

Don't shave if you're drunk (you shouldn't be drinking anyway)
Don't shave if you don't have the time.

I've only been doing this for 5 or 6 months and it still takes me a good 20-45 minutes to shave. Stropping, lathering, and doing all the passes.

I only shave and night because it is the best way for me to relax after work - but to each his own.

Take your time and enjoy the process;)

Ive been using my Dovo Shavette for a couple of weeks now, started off just shaving the cheeks, and touching up the rest with a DE. Anyway, Ive worked into a full face shave now, and can say that yes, from my very limited experience, you can get a smooth single pass shave. Ive not worked up the experience to go further into against the grain shaves yet, but at present am happy with a single pass.
Stu

Go to the B/S/T and find yourself a shave ready Wapi for $20. Try it. If you like what you're doing, and I bet you will, welcome aboard. If it's not for you, toss it and walk away. How else are you going to know? Maybe at 18 time constraints are different, I forgot, but the "whole process" is what makes this so enjoyable to the vast majority of straight users, I think. My question, and ultimately your question should be, "Why do I want to do this"?

I started out with a Feather for much the same reason that you stated. I was interested in a better shave, and drawn to the idea of using a straight, but not sure about honing, stropping etc.

To answer your question, I would say that your results for a one pass Feather shave will be better than with a disposable. Closer, less irritaion etc. Obviously, a multi-pass Feather shave will be quite a bit better. This assumes that your technique is up to the task, because I will tell you that a Feather is not hard to use (super light pressure is key), but it is very unforgiving of sloppy technique.

In my opinion, both the Feather and a conventional straight will yield BBS shaves, no problem. However, I find that a shave with a conventional straight lasts longer and I enjoy it quite a bit more. The whole process that I was unsure of in the beginning has become a lot of fun for me and I prefer the feel of a conventional straight by far.

In any case, dump the disposables and cartridges. Even if you went to a DE, or better yet, an injector you would be making a big step forwards. And, when you're ready, the straights and SRP will be here for you. You've got a lot of shaves ahead of you, so you ought to learn to enjoy them.

I've been shaving with a straight razor for two months and haven't yet come close to perfectly smooth skin in one pass with the razor. Well, it's smooth in the direction of the hair grain at least, which was all I ever considered when I shaved with a disposable.

One pass is enough for some, but I doubt that is a rule

I use regular straight razors, probably not as sharp as a Feather with a new blade, and once over works just fine for me. My shaves typically last about 36 hours. It's all about technique.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by fccexpert

My shaves typically last about 36 hours. It's all about technique.

---

Perfect technique won't slow down hair growth rate. That factor is different for each individual

I'm 49, and I find that, except for my Adam's apple area, a quick once-over is sufficient. Of course, I've got a full beard, and only shave my cheeks and neck. :D I've never gotten a close shave around my Adam's apple, as the hair grows in a bad direction (out horizontally away from the AA), but that was true with my Trac II as well.

I get it closer with my straight, and that is the only place I regularly do more than one pass.

Jim

If you can find 30-45 minutes anywhere in your day, go through the whole process. When you're first learning to use the straight, it will take you that long anyway. I've seen a few pictures of people who rushed a straight shave which resulted in a nice GASH in their face.

If you really want to do this, take your time. This is something to be ENJOYED, not rushed.

My 2¢.

I regulary shave one pass only. I think it is enough for every day "use", and when I want to get closer shave, I just moisten my face with water, and shave where needed, no lathering...

nenad

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by cwrighta70

If you can find 30-45 minutes anywhere in your day, go through the whole process. When you're first learning to use the straight, it will take you that long anyway. I've seen a few pictures of people who rushed a straight shave which resulted in a nice GASH in their face.

If you really want to do this, take your time. This is something to be ENJOYED, not rushed.

My 2¢.

---

Agreed. Its quality time and well spent.

That said, I found that after a few months of learning I was able to get a good regular "workday" quality shave with one pass. Certainly as close as I used to get with my trac ii, but not as good as a proper multi-pass shave.

Jordan

Thank you to everybody who responded. I've decided that at this point in my life I don't have the time or the patience to take up straight razor shaving, although at some point I'd like to.