Thread: At the risk of asking an heretical question...

I have a pewter handled twin blade cartridge razor that I have used since I was 16 (more than 40 years now) but felt that my shave wasn't as close as I wanted. I used an electric for nearly three years but felt that I was rubbing my face raw in order to get a BBS shave. I went back to the twin blade but felt the main issue was that this razor didn't have a pivoting head which meant I either had to pay close attention to the way I held the razor or get something different. I decided if I was going to get a pivoting head I might as well increase the number of blades to decrease the number of passes required to get the desired smoothness. That's when I decided to go with a Fusion. The more (blades) the merrier, right? As you say, the shave isn't really comfortable even if it is close. I decided to re-way my options. That's when I found this site.

When I first started using a SR I followed the recommendation that I use the SR for the initial pass (WTG) and followed with my Fusion for the remaining pass(es). Next I used the SR for the initial pass and a ATG pass. Over time I grew in courage and began to shave WTG, XTG, and most of the ATG pass. One thing that I noticed was that the final results was closer than with the Fusion alone after using the SR for the initial pass. I also began to look forward to shaving with the SR. Finally, I got to the point that I used the SR exclusively unless I was in a hurry. I found that using the SR had made me far more cognizant of the way my beard grows which allows me to get that BBS shave even with the Fusion.

It takes a while to get used to using a SR. I have cut my face several times and still nick myself at least once each day. I think after I have the razor honed this will dissipate.

I would suggest that if you are interested in using a straight that you go ahead and get started before you finish school so that you will be used to using the straight and will have to go to work with fewer nicks and cuts.

Good luck with your decision and let us know what you decide.

i think patience and willing to learn will give you best shave you want. It just takes time. if new person starts to use straight razor and after week says i am getting best shave ever i wouldn't believe . When you get that level then you will enjoy with every shave.