Thread: Using gel with a str8: bad idea?

Hey, all! I'm the latest newbie and I have some questions about getting started. First, I have to say I'm really impressed with the sense of community in this forum; I've already found a wealth of great info and helpful advice.

I'm excited about getting into the whole straight razor thing, but I want to take a minimalistic approach starting out, until I'm sure I want to/am able to successfully shave with one. I'm thinking I want to start out just getting a freshly honed razor (probably from b/s/t here) and a decent strop. I still have quite a full can of Gilette gel. Will that work for straight razor shaving, or would you recommend only using soap? I will eventually try the soap, but I'd like to keep my costs down now and use up the gel I have.

Eventually I'd like to get a vintage mug and a brush; I see on ebay that there are a ton of "vintage" brushes that are sold with mugs. Are any of these used brushes able to be used again, or should you only use a new brush?

Regarding honing, am I right in thinking that I can get by several months before purchasing one, as long as the razor I buy is honed and truly shave-ready and I strop it before using? I'd like to eventually get a Norton 4000/8000, but again I'd rather make sure I''m all in before making that investment.

Thanks for hearing me out!

Payne

Yes, using gel is okay. Many will tell you you'll get a better shave with an expensive cream and brush but for a beginner I do not believe this is a rule cut in stone.

Lathering is another point in the quality spectrum that has to be learned so starting with a good gel isn't such a bad idea. This would only be true if you think gel makes a good lather for wet shaving in general. I always prefered a good canned cream like Barbasol.

Don't get me wrong, a good brush and cream is important. I'm just saying that a straight razor is inherently just another razor, even more comfortable then most razors. If you can shave with the cream, using another razor then it'll work with a straight. In other words, a straight isn't any less capable then a Mach 3, its actually more capable. I can shave without any cream at all.

I think you'll probably need to hone your razor more often than your expecting. Study up on honing and get some kind of finishing/barber hone (or paddle with paste) for updates.

I don't know about using a gel.

You know, lather from cream or soap is there to penetrate the hair, to make it softer and easier to cut, which is especially needed when using a straight (think about what can happen when the razor skips and digs into the skin). Shaving foam or shaving gel doesn't (well, most don't) have much water or any soap in them, so they won't make the beard softer, they only provide a glide for the blade, which is not enough.
I tried using gel (it was accidentally a Gillette gel) once "just for fun" and aborted the shave after the first stroke as even a wicked sharp blade didn't want to cut the not-softened beard.

Better invest the 10$ in a tube of shaving cream and a cheap boar-brush, it'll get you much better results.

I usually agree with Alan but this time I can't. requirements for a cartridge razor are different than for a staright. I would not recommend canned gel with a straight. Better to buy a tube of cream which can be applied by hand so you don't need to buy a brush right now.

Been using gels and some cheap shaving cream with no adverse effects. I get great shaves and frankly I'm not seeing the need to buy a brush and specialty creams (IMO) I say whatever works works.

Gels will work, though not as well as a good soap or cream. Most gels do have some softening properties. The main thing when using gels is to let it soak in for a bit. Most people when using anything from a can just smear it on then start shaving. Compair this to soaps and creams, which get worked in with a brush, thus allowing the product to soften and penetrate the beard. My advise would be to take your time. Work the gel in and allow it to sit for a bit while you prep your razor. It won't be as good as a quality brush, but it will get you going.

Originally Posted by Payne

I still have quite a full can of Gilette gel. Will that work for straight razor shaving, or would you recommend only using soap? I will eventually try the soap, but I'd like to keep my costs down now and use up the gel I have.

Go ahead, it will work, but you'll be missing out on one of the best parts. A nice brush is very enjoyable to use and a good soap is good for your skin and really helps maintain your face.

Originally Posted by Payne

Eventually I'd like to get a vintage mug and a brush; I see on ebay that there are a ton of "vintage" brushes that are sold with mugs. Are any of these used brushes able to be used again, or should you only use a new brush?

The vast majority of these brushes are Boar brushes. Since you can have a new one for less than $15 for the best out there they really aren't worth the worry that their last owner had a skin disease. That said I have several and having tried them would again recommend a new one even the cheapest will be more flexible and soft than an old one, they seem to stiffen with age.

Originally Posted by Payne

Regarding honing, am I right in thinking that I can get by several months before purchasing one, as long as the razor I buy is honed and truly shave-ready and I strop it before using? I'd like to eventually get a Norton 4000/8000, but again I'd rather make sure I''m all in before making that investment.

Like Alan said you'll probably want a barber hone, paddle strop, or some other finishing hone so you can refresh your razor before to long. As you become more experienced you will probably go longer between sharpening sessions but most beginners need something after a month or less, some even opt to send it back out for re-honing. As you reach the point whee you want to sharpen from scratch, then you'll want the Norton.

Good luck! we're always here to help out.