Thread: Want to try a straight razor but am concerned...

Originally Posted by shooter1

Malacoda, thanks for the post. This has answered many of the questions I have had also. I have been "lurking" for a while preparing to take the SR plunge. This post has been most helpfull.

Glad to hear it's helped someone else as well. Now that I know from experienced SR users that, contrary to what was suggested by my old barber, a more course beard doesn't automatically relegate a person to difficult, uncomfortable straight razor shave, I definitely plan to take the plunge and give it a try - in a patient, step-by-step manner of course.

Good luck to you in your straight shave journey Shooter. Let us know how it goes.

I have a heavy beard and get BBS shaves every day with a full hollow. A wedge might be better, that I don't know since I have only shaved with the one razor. It kind of does make sense to use a wed with stiff whiskers...stiff razor for stiff beard.

That barber did not know how to give a good straight shave. It will not take you 1 to 2 years to find out what a good shave is. I have a beard that is very tough on top of skin that is very sensitive and my shaves after of a month of effort were not perfect, not consistent, but very good. You will get a couple of shaves in there that will be killer good. It will take a while to get excellent shaves every day but they will come if you stay with it. Another benefit is that you skin will feel better than it ever has. There is the chance that you will not like straights and my not be able to acclimate to them, some people do not.

I will say that you will not get a shave that is better than, or as smooth as a straight razor shave that is properly done. Hitting the crisp morning air with a good straight shave under your belt......well there is nothing like it!

Good Luck,
Richard

Malacoda,

I too have whiskers that are tougher than steel

As with any new skill, there is a 'right of passage' for straight razor shaves.

When I started, I looked like an extra from Fight Club; however the nicks were not deep, quickly healed and arose from crap technique !

Wihtin two (2) weeks the shaves I was getting surpassed those from my safety razor, both in terms of comfort and closeness - I need three (3) passes for a BBS with a straight and six (6) for a safety razor.

So please stick with it, you won't regret it

Best regards

Russ