Thread: Does SR Really Give Better Shave Than DE?

I'm new here, but I'm recently addicted to the excellent, baby-smooth shave that I get using my new DE safety razor (with a fresh Merkur or Feather blade). And I can see that there's lots discussion here about straight razor use, which seems to be a whole level beyond where I am now.

So here's the burning question from a less-than-newbie shaver -- is the shave that you get from a straight razor truly, noticeably better than the shave that you might get using a really high quality DE blade and razor? (And of course, all other things being equal, like face prep, proper maintenance of your shaving tool, etc.)

If no, then I can still see the benefits that come from straight razor shaving in the form of learning and mastering a difficult new skill. But then the benefits would be based in personal enjoyment of the process, and not necessarily the difference in shave quality. Or is there a difference in the actual quality of the shave that you are getting? Because, to tell you the truth, I don't see how I could get a shave any closer than I'm getting now, after having my eyes opened to DE shaving after decades of crappy plastic cartridges.

So please give me the unvarnished, honest story behind this straight razor shaving! Thanks.

Welcome SRP
Answer to your question is yes . You can .
it is simple to understand. SR you do have control of the blade . You can change angle and do many more things while you shave.
Now are you going to best great shave as soon as you start using SR ?
of course not. it will take some learning time.
Rest of the SR is obvious.
starting money wise ending up a good habit.
hope this helps.

The only objective superiority that I can think of off the top of my head is that the shave lasts longer. Cartridge good for 2 hours until the shadow, DE, about 4, straight, a good 12. Subjectively, the process is much more enjoyable for me, turning a chore into an activity that interests me and I get less razor burn. Whether that's a consequence of the superiority of the tool, I'm not sure. Could be that it's more the result of having a tool that I'm happier using. I like buying blades that I'm not going to chuck in the bin after a few days too.

If you're interested, give it a go and see what you think. Maybe you'll not see the point or difference, but maybe you will.

I switched from a DE (New Edwin Jagger 89 with Shark Blades) earlier this month. The shave I get from a straight now is easily at least as good as the shave I got with my DE after a full year of practice with it. I am smoother longer too. I know it isn't very scientific, but I honestly feel like I get a better shave with a straight than I ever did with a DE.

Plus I feel like way more of a B.A.

Drew

Its a good question, and one that I am exploring myslef. I have about 1 month of solid SR shaving under my belt after coming from truely fantastic shaves with a DE.

The first couple of SR shaves were very disappointing in terms of the immense time it took, and the very poor quality of the shave relative to the DE.

The next few shaves I felt something was begining to click, and things have been improving every shave.

I can say that the condition of the skin on my cheeks since SR shaving is exceptionally good. I will say that it is better than what I was getting with a DE. My neck area is about the same (but that is because its a delicate area for me, and I always refrain from going too close there...perhaps I will try in the future once I improve my SR skills...). However, I have not yet figured out the best way to shave my jaw line, and the chin area is still a disaster compared to what I was getting with DE!

The positive results on my cheeks after a month have led me to believe that SR shaving can provide superior shaves over DE once technique has sufficiently developed.

Originally Posted by AlanII

The only objective superiority that I can think of off the top of my head is that the shave lasts longer. Cartridge good for 2 hours until the shadow, DE, about 4, straight, a good 12.

Ditto but with a different metric:
good cartridge: I needed to shave again after work if I was going out. It took a hell of a long time to unclog the cartridge during the shave.
DE: I needed to shave only once a day to look decent, unclog took seconds at the end of the shave.
SR: I can get away with shaving every other day and still look sharper than the colleagues, there is nothing to unclog. I normally still shave every day as it is quite enjoyable.

I definitely get a better shave with a straight than with a DE, more comfortable, longer lasting, and more forgiving. But I still use a DE occasionally for convenience.

Edit: I should add, it took a long time (6-12 months) practicing before the above statement was true.

i'm a one month plus newb as well and not only the ritual of something so old brought back makes me feel great after i have done something my elders have done, as for the shave my technique is still not close to mastered, but i notice no razor burn, and my shaved face lasts longer, plus learning to clean, polish, restore, hone, make it all worth every dime, plus the ability to give back to a young man at some point is just amazing! following roots and keeping tradition is worth everything to a guy like me! my first razor was one that was my grandfathers in poor shape an ERN, then my friend showed me the ropes how to completely restore it, then he gave me a brand new never used Filarmonica doble temple 13, a great and generous gift! this type of hobby and manly/womanly rite will be gladly passed on, and hopefully there will be new people making them more companies to produce fine straights again, besides the three or four manufactures we have today! I say YES a long winded off the beaten path YES!

Originally Posted by JeffE

So here's the burning question from a less-than-newbie shaver -- is the shave that you get from a straight razor truly, noticeably better than the shave that you might get using a really high quality DE blade and razor? (And of course, all other things being equal, like face prep, proper maintenance of your shaving tool, etc.)

Hi JeffE,

Welcome to the SRP. I would say that after you've learned to use sr, you get better shaves. And yes, even truly and noticeable better ones. This takes time and patience, but it's worth it.

In my opinion, the answer is probably no, not really. In fact, I would say you can get just as good a shave with a cartrige razor as well provided you take the same time and make the same effort with beard preparation, lather, skin stretching and actually shaving. At least for the first few shaves (until the blade dulls a little).

You pretty much have to do this with a straight, unless of course you want a really uncomfortable experience. But, with DEs, and even more so with cartrige razors, you can rush through these elements, or skip them entirely and not suffer serious damage.

Of course, as mentioned earlier, you cannot really strop the blades on these razors, so the quality of a new blade deteriorates rapidly and cannot be easily restored. This means that if you want to keep a sharp blade in play you probably need to change out every 2-3 shaves.