Thread: New to SRP, could use some advice

Welcome to SRP!!

Feather makes a good inexpensive DE and shaves quite well IMO. It's around $20 and comes with 2 Feather razors. Each razor is good for about 3 - 5 shaves, sometimes more depending on the persons beard. If you have some extra loose change, Merkur makes a great adjustable so you can make the blade more or less exposed. However, this is just me, I would get something inexpensive and see if you like it before you drop $40 - $120 on a DE.

Whether you use a DE or a straight use gentle pressure, generally the weight of the straight or the DE is good enough. Sometimes a nice pre-shave oil helps such as Proraso Pre-Shave, Castle Forbes Pre-Shave and the likes. Heck, even olive oil works for a smoother glide with a razor. The prep is key! Then apply gentle pressure when shaving regardless if you use a disposable, Mach, Fusion, DE or straight. Start WTG and if needed then go XTG or ATG. Rinse and lather between passes. For me, a nice AS was helpful, too, especially for the burn.

I had the same problem as you did with the Mach and Fusion. Once I switched to a DE the problem all but went away and only surfaced again when I applied too much pressure. As for a straight razor, the learning curve is high and for me I had some burn and nicks until I got better at it.

One thing to remember amongst many other things, the DE is more for the on-the-go or quick shaves. Straights are better placed when you have more time to shave. For some people it is relaxing, a hobby and so much more and it is not uncommon to hear people taking 30 minutes to prep and shave.

If life is always a rush then a DE may be more suitable but if you can find the time, and willing to accept the learning curve then the payout for a straight could be an excellent choice.

Keep us posted.