Thread: I tried straight razor shaving, but quit

I'm sorry, I just couldn't get the hang of it. I couldn't even shave my sideburns. I had trouble seeing what I was doing in the mirror. my arm and whatnot kept getting in the way of seeing the blade on the skin.

Anyway, I went back to my Gillette Sensor 2-blade razor for a little while. Then I decided to try a one blade bic disposable razors. They seemed work, after few shaves. I've found that really gives me a close shave is using the bic razor and going with the grain, then across the grain, then against the grain. After that I use my old Remington foil razor get the blade razor doesn't seem to be able to get. I have a few stubborn spots on my upper lip. What do you think?

You can always try a DE if a straight razor isn't for you. Perhaps you can treat yourself to straight shave by a professional sometime so you can experience a BBS shave from a straight razor.

Sorry to hear the straight razor wasn't for you.

Pabster

DE shaving is alot cheaper to get into as well. If you like your single blade Bics, the DE should be a godsend to you.

yeah, I've been thinking about DE. Right now, money is very tight. So I even afford to go DE shopping. Maybe after I find a job.

If you are really sure you are going to give up on the str8, maybe you could post your equipment in the classifieds. Then go to a DE

Also, I am sorry to hear you are out of work. Prayers are with you on finding a new job.

David

Originally Posted by Alembic

Also, I am sorry to hear you are out of work. Prayers are with you on finding a new job.

David

thankyou

Dude, I picked up a 1954 Super Speed Silver Tip for $2 at an antique store. The blades for those things aren't high either. It was in real good shape in fact, I didn't even realize that it was that old until just recently. I just bought it because it was cheap. IMO, there is a learning curve to shaving with a DE too but not anything like a straight.

I stuck with the straight though and I've pretty much got it. I only get a few spots that aren't BBS when I do all the passes. I generally just do a single with the grain pass and every now and then I'll go for more. I just take it slow and easy. If I don't get it real smooth I don't try to hard. I just try to think about how I can get it next time.

Originally Posted by Warbler

I'm sorry, I just couldn't get the hang of it. I couldn't even shave my sideburns. I had trouble seeing what I was doing in the mirror. my arm and whatnot kept getting in the way of seeing the blade on the skin.

Anyway, I went back to my Gillette Sensor 2-blade razor for a little while. Then I decided to try a one blade bic disposable razors. They seemed work, after few shaves. I've found that really gives me a close shave is using the bic razor and going with the grain, then across the grain, then against the grain. After that I use my old Remington foil razor get the blade razor doesn't seem to be able to get. I have a few stubborn spots on my upper lip. What do you think?

I think that it matters what you think.

The BiC yellow handle tossables are much better than lots of
folk give them credit. For less than five bucks you have a bag of
shavers for traveling and those days when honing or stropping
are not up to snuff. More than anything they rinse clean better
than other tossables.

The right DE with the right blade can be a better shaver than a BiC but
DE shaving is full of issues. Matching the blade the handle and
the face is almost a mater of luck.

Since you have a full kit of shave gear I think you might find that
shave prep, and lathering experimentation is in order. If you have
difficult places consider shaving them at the beginning of the shave
when the edge is fresh. Shave prep for the BiC a DE or a str8
is effectively the same so focus on the prep as a wet shaver.

Last summer I experimented with lathering and skin prep and used
BiC yellow handle tossables as a constant. I learned a lot about
my face and beard in the process. My str8 shaving improved
as a result too.

And yes, at some point there is a reason that Santa Clause has whiskers.
Perhaps it is the blowing snow, perhaps the lack of warm water,
perhaps he is too busy or perhaps his whiskers are just too heavy
and growing a beard is the right answer.

Sorry to hear straights are not for you, and I do agree on the DE. But the real thing to take away from the straight razor experience is face prep, skin stretching and light pressure..!

I hope things pick up for you soon with the job hunt as well.

Good luck and stay in touch!

IMHO the most important difference between modern and traditional shaving is the use of a brush and either cream or soap.

The BIC sensitive disposables are cheap and great BTW but DE is better so would be a good purchase when affordable.

Best wishes finding a job!

Nic