Thread: Differences between a traditional and disposable straight?

Hello everyone. It's my first day as a member, but I've lurked the site for a bit, so I think I should start with thanking the members here for the useful information that I've read over the past few weeks and months.

Anyway, I began using a straight after deciding to ditch expensive multi-bladed cartridges a few months ago. I didn't want to make a big investment at first, so I bought a Parker SR1 disposable with 120 blades for $20, figuring it would be a good way to test if straight razor shaving was for me. Now, after using it a while, I feel that I've gotten over the initial learning curve. I'm getting baby's-bottom smooth shaves on my cheeks and chin, and nearly baby's bottom smooth on my neck (although my neck hair grows from left to right, so it's probably impossible to go 100% smooth there). I've also stopped butchering my face, which is a definite improvement from my first few shaves.

That said, I still do get a few nicks with each shave, and some of the more sensitive areas around my mouth are still difficult and a bit uncomfortable. I'm wondering if making a bigger investment in a quality, traditional straight razor would help improve things? The disposable did its job for $20, but if traditional blades are better for smoothness and ease of use, then it might be time for me to upgrade.

Thanks in advance for any advice!

Yes, the regular straight will give you a much better shave! Time to ditch the parker!

You should be able to find a budget blade for not much more than you paid for the parker on the classifieds here or at: Whipped Dog Straight Razor Sales

Enjoy!

The feather is scary sharp. But, like all disposable razors, they do dull and need to be changed.

I wanted to go the straight razor route, so I decided up front to just bypass the disposable and go directly to the traditional straight. There are costs with this because now you will have to maintain the edge. So you will need a strop up front because you will need to strop before each shave. A month or so later you will have to have either a pasted strop or a barbers hone to refresh your edge.

When you get your first straight ensure you get one that is shave ready. Not one that says it is factory sharpened. A few places to look for your razor are the classifieds, SRD or Kenrup. All are great sources for razors of quality and are ready to shave right from the box. I highly discourage going to eBay or the local antique dealer to get one. That bargain will quickly turn quite expensive. Also, don't turn to your buddy who knows how to sharpen you hunting or kitchen knives. Unless that buddy shaves with a straight razor and knows how to put the correct edge on the razor.

Good luck...

I started with the Dovo Shavette. And just about every single time, it turned me into a bloody mess. When I finally purchased my first straight, I was SO relieved at how much better the shave was. Nowadays, I can use the shavette with a skilled hand and get a good shave, but a real straight has no equal. However, as said earlier, there are startup costs to keep your blade in shaving shape.

There is certain quality about the edge of straight razors that it is hard to describe, it feels smoother, and as already mentioned, often gives you closer shaves, even if the double edge blades feel sharper. It probably has to do with the weight, the geometry of the razor and the length of the edge as well.

Perhaps the only drawback to using straights is that they require more maintenance than DEs but that to me is a small price to pay. The initial investment is larger but the rewards are well worth it. With a bit of patience and advice from the wonderful people in this site, you can find vintage straights that would perform great, perhaps better than new ones, at a reasonable price. The same is true for the rest of the items you would need.

Regarding the last part of your post, it would seem as if the technique is not quite there yet. Often pressure and angle are problematic, especially in certain areas. There are areas that are intrinsically problematic and require more effort and better technique. You may want to take a look at the wiki in the shaving techniques category if you have not done so already. Another area that I recommend to improve is lathering, also covered in the wiki. Often better lather along with good technique leads to improvements.

Al raz.

I also started with a Parker, then got a Dovo and strop combo from SRD. When I started on a real straight, i almost had to learn to shave again. You'll definitely want to take it slow the first few times, as I ended up rushing it and cut my face up (although not nearly as much as with the Parker). I still use my Parker, it's awesome to travel with.

All of the advice that has been given at thus far however, I would like to add one thing to the dicussion, I would recommend that if yoblazer wants to use a striaght I recommend that he use a double edge safety first. Let me state my logic next, a safety is a lot easier to learn to use and requires less maintenance than a straight does yet it requires some of the same skills that the straight does. So in my opinion the safety is an excellent middle step to shaving with a straight.

Other than beard prep & lathering, there is not much in common.

Waay different beasts. I went from De razors to Straights and it was like starting over from scratch again.

Originally Posted by jbcohen

All of the advice that has been given at thus far however, I would like to add one thing to the dicussion, I would recommend that if yoblazer wants to use a striaght I recommend that he use a double edge safety first. Let me state my logic next, a safety is a lot easier to learn to use and requires less maintenance than a straight does yet it requires some of the same skills that the straight does. So in my opinion the safety is an excellent middle step to shaving with a straight.