Beginner thinking about the jump needing answers...

**newstraight** · 03-01-2010, 08:56 PM

Hi all,
I am currently shaving with a DE and getting good results - far better than with a M3 anyway. I have been shaving with one for about 6 months but have always contimplated straights. I really like the idea of shaving with a straight, especially if I can get a closer shave with one. However I have a few questions;

1) I appreciate it may take a few months to learn and am happy to wait and reach the goal of shaving with a straight, however how dangerous is it actually? I know this may sound stupid to many of you who are now proficient but are injuries above the odd nick/weeper common. I have seen a few videos on youtube a a number of experienced shavers (or so it looks so) seemed to nick themselves (maybe to do with shaving long beards off fairly quickly), so is this common. I have never nicked myself with a DE, and took it up very quickly, so providing I spend the time and effort with straights and take it slow, are nicks and weepers the most of my worries?

2) Can you shave with a straight in the same tie that you can a DE when fully proficient?

3) Is this a good beginner razor i.e. if I look after it will it last me at least 5 years?

Dovo Razors - first one on the list!

4) I am right in saying all I need to start is a razor and a strop and lots of information (I already have a couple of brushes, soaps, creams etc.) and the honing business will come later?

5) How long will a razor last before it needs to be honed?

6) Should you use two hands? As I shave well with a DE with just my right - will this have to change?

Sorry for the essay! I just need a few answers to these questions and I can see myself wondering why I even questioned the jump a year down the line. I know I am asking a biased audience, but does straight shaving really give better results, and safely (If you take your time to learn).

Thanks alot...

Newstraight

**pedro083** · 03-01-2010, 09:07 PM

Cant really commet about time compared to DE as never used.
You wont give yourself major cuts as long as you pay attention where the blade is.
The razor you are looking at is good razor and will come honed to trully shave ready unlike most you buy from retailers.
you will be much less likly to give your self a major cut with a round noise like this compared to some others like french point and square point

**Jasongreat** · 03-01-2010, 09:16 PM

=newstraight;553294]Hi all,
I am currently shaving with a DE and getting good results - far better than with a M3 anyway. I have been shaving with one for about 6 months but have always contimplated straights. I really like the idea of shaving with a straight, especially if I can get a closer shave with one. However I have a few questions;

1) I appreciate it may take a few months to learn and am happy to wait and reach the goal of shaving with a straight, however how dangerous is it actually? I know this may sound stupid to many of you who are now proficient but are injuries above the odd nick/weeper common. I have seen a few videos on youtube a a number of experienced shavers (or so it looks so) seemed to nick themselves (maybe to do with shaving long beards off fairly quickly), so is this common. I have never nicked myself with a DE, and took it up very quickly, so providing I spend the time and effort with straights and take it slow, are nicks and weepers the most of my worries?

I have only been shaving for about 4 months, I have only cut myself once where I have had to use a styptic pencil. There is always a chance of cutting yourself but as long as you dont get in a rush or quit paying complete attention to what you are doing, it is pretty safe.

2) Can you shave with a straight in the same tie that you can a DE when fully proficient?

If time is a concern, dont get a straight. Str8s are all about slowing down and enjoying the small things, that being said, after your first week or so of shaves the time will start to reduce. Most the videos I have seen of the experienced members seem like they can shave in 10 min or less, I havent gotten to that point but I am spaending far less time shaving than I did at first.

3) Is this a good beginner razor i.e. if I look after it will it last me at least 5 years?

Dovo Razors - first one on the list!

I started with a DOVO best quality from SRD, it came shave ready and has been a good shaver. It is a 6/8 and I have found I like the 5/8 size better as it is easier to get into the tight areas. The 6/8 size is easier to strop though.

4) I am right in saying all I need to start is a razor and a strop and lots of information (I already have a couple of brushes, soaps, creams etc.) and the honing business will come later?

Yes, a shave ready razor and a strop is all you will need to get started. You probably should get an alum block or a styptic pencil just in case you get a deep nick. The filly strop from RupRazor is a good beginning choice, it is the one I started with.

5) How long will a razor last before it needs to be honed?

That all depends on you, your beard, and your stropping. There have been mentions of getting six months to a year between honings though.

6) Should you use two hands? As I shave well with a DE with just my right - will this have to change?

Yes, you can get by with one but two will make it easier, once you get over the learning curve.

Sorry for the essay! I just need a few answers to these questions and I can see myself wondering why I even questioned the jump a year down the line. I know I am asking a biased audience, but does straight shaving really give better results, and safely (If you take your time to learn).

Thanks alot...

Newstraight

The safety part depends on you, but IMO a straight gives the best shaves ever. I have never used a double edge though, but have heard it is similar to a str8 shave in terms of quality.

**pedro083** · 03-01-2010, 09:17 PM

Sorry for double post just relised only answer half.

A dovo razor looked after will last a liftime.
honing will need to be done every 3 to 6 months but you can exstend this period by using a barbers hone or pasted strop.
Shaving is done usally with both hands as makes it easier to get to all the spots but some people only use one.

**ENUF2** · 03-01-2010, 09:26 PM

Hello there,
this is my opinion But,
1.Str8 shaving isn't that dangerous it does take time and patience to learn but to how fast one learns each person is different. I have gotten myself a time or two but it was early on and when I really wasn't paying as much attention as I should have.

2.I normally don't shave in a tie but I guess you could. (lol) For me it takes a bit longer to shave with a str8 because of the 2 or 3 pass methods.

3.Should do nicely.

4.Yes. the next step could be a lapped barber's hone for touch ups.

5.Depends. Coarseness of beard, # of razors, how often you shave, ect... Again a barber's hone for touch ups but accidents do happen also like dinging the faucet or dropping your razor (by the way do not try to catch it if you drop it).

6.Yes on 2 hands there are just some areas that would be almost impossible to get to with one hand and if you do it may be at an angle that could cut you easily.

Hope this helps. I have to add that str8 shaving is more than just a great shave it's an art a past time. It's something to be passed on to the next generation.

**BeBerlin** · 03-01-2010, 09:47 PM

Welcome to SRP.