Thread: 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"?