Thread: str8 v. disposable blade str8.

I can understand the hobby aspect of using a str8 vs. a disposable blade str8. but if the point is a good close shave wouldn't the reliability of disposable blade cut out the guess work of honing and stropping. Just looking for peoples views on the subject. I've not used a "regular" str8 just the disposable blade.

My second question is for those in my situation. I've only used a disposable blade str8 for a week now, what prompted the move to a fixed blade?

Originally Posted by stubble

I can understand the hobby aspect of using a str8 vs. a disposable blade str8. but if the point is a good close shave wouldn't the reliability of disposable blade cut out the guess work of honing and stropping. Just looking for peoples views on the subject. I've not used a "regular" str8 just the disposable blade.

My second question is for those in my situation. I've only used a disposable blade str8 for a week now, what prompted the move to a fixed blade?

Well, to start, the point for me is a good close shave - using a traditional straight. There is a somewhat intangible quality to it that brings another level of satisfaction. For a number of reasons, I see it as the "pinnacle" of shaving methods. I also enjoy all the ancillary activities that go along with the straight.

Jordan

Shaving with and collecting str8s is a hobby. If you're just concerned with results, then there're other less expensive options.
I have str8s, shavettes and Feather AC. By far the Feather AC gives you the best shaves. Just my opinion.

A shavette or a Feather are, for sure, easier to maintain than a conventional straight. Both preform the act of cutting through whiskers as well as a straight. However, even if you set aside the intangibles (straights are more fun, more interesting etc) the conventional straight is still my preference for one reason. That reason is that I get a better overall shave with one. While you can get BBS with a Feather or shavette (or a DE, for that matter) the stubble returns faster than it does with straight. I think that this has to do with the super light touch required by the Feather or shavette, both of which are much less tolerant of lapses in technique than a properly prepared straight.

For the record, I have straights as well as a Feather and a shavette. The shavette never gets out of the drawer, and the Feather gets occasional use. I use a conventional straight almost every day.

I agree totally.

Originally Posted by jnich67

Well, to start, the point for me is a good close shave - using a traditional straight. There is a somewhat intangible quality to it that brings another level of satisfaction. For a number of reasons, I see it as the "pinnacle" of shaving methods. I also enjoy all the ancillary activities that go along with the straight.

Jordan