The Learning Curve

I'm a bit curious, what has been everyone's experience with the learning curve of straight razors...I know some people dive right into straight shaving, others do DEs first, then straight, and still others do straight shaving THEN DEs. Has anyone had a particularly good (or bad) experience learning to straight shave or made the transition from DE to straight shaving easier than expected? Everyone, share your stories :)

DE to Straights was the best move ever for me, to be honest the learning curve for me came quite easy "Knock on Wood" I have been very careful to follow all rules such as light touch, WTG only at first, and still don't find it necessary to go against the grain. Also stretching the skin on second pass and making sure your razor is sharp and shave ready, Straight shaving is by far more comfortable and you get zero irritation, IMHO the learning curve is as hard as you let it be. Relax and take it easy and slow, and read the Wiki and you should be just fine !

I, personally, did not shave before. I faked it when the occasion arose, but it was to be avoided at all costs. One day I decided to try this. I discovered SRP and contacted Dylan for my first razor. When the planets finally aligned I dove, head first, into the abyss.
I never looked back, never questioned this path and stuck through every nick and burn. I realized quickly and analyzed every issue I had. This forum helped me to understand exactly what was happening and why. My learning curve had a rapid change. I, only recently, have come to the conclusion that I may never be able to master every aspect of this hobby; but in the mean time I will enjoy every minute attempting to control the random movements of my appendages in regards to applying a sharp steel to my highly sensitive skin.
Along the path I have attempted to see the sights and experience some side roads in a DE and SE as well as a shavette, but I quickly realized that the main road was the way for me (despite being the wear worn path for the majority of the public).

I had a helluva start with straight razors :D Couldn't strop, shave or hone to save my life & never had the good sense to ask a barber for help. Persisted for a few years & then put the thing down for a number years before I decided to come back to it. I started to get ok shaves after about 7 years of frustration. I think I made every mistake possible so the only remaining direction was up :)

I started on DE's first. Loved my Gillette Red Tip. But the straight was so alluring.
The quality of a barber shop straight shave the day before my wedding hooked me.

DE's helped along the way when I saw no light at the end of the tunnel.

Increasingly I realised the only way to improve was to straight shave a LOT. As much as possible. Of course, using good soap, minimal prep, hot towels and a great alcohol based aftershave helped too.:)

The transition was relatively painless for me, and I'm sure that a quarter century or so of DE shaving did no harm at all. Quite a lot of the principles are similar, if not identical, the big ones being no pressure, and knowing which way one's beard grows. Being able to make decent lather saves a lot of grief, too. So, barring a few mistakes of the "I won't be doing that again" variety, it's been a smooth journey, and a pleasant one.

I used an electric trimmer to give me a hassle free shave and a ready made 5 0'clock shadow.

my friend started straight shaving and I tried it. Was never interested in having a baldy face but, I got stuck in, followed the advice here and took it slow.

If you find yourself thinking 'how hard can this be? I'll just do a quick one' don't. I've found its impossible to do that. Mainly because there's no amount of thinking that will speed up your minute muscle development of holding the razor, stropping and honing. these develop over time and familiarity of use, nothing else. Stretching the skin is also essential and as someone mentioned earlier, knowing what way your beard grows is also essential, unfortunately putting in the hours is the ONLY way to find this out. And take your time of course.

if you want to do a quick one bring alot of kitchen roll and a stiptic pencil.

in essence, take your time and your body will let you know when to speed up, its clever that way. good luck

regards
alex

I went from mach 3 to straights, and I'm glad I did. The learning curve isn't that steep. Like has been said before, there is an art to it, but it's not rocket science.

I've been straight shaving since Sept. and everyday gets better. I decided to get a de just for when I'm in a hurry. Thought it would be quick and easy. I nick and cut myself more with it than a straight. I thought it would be more like using a multiblade. A de does have a learning curve. The same priciples still apply. A de is closer to a straight than a multiblade in my opinion. The straight wins but a de does give a good fast shave. I don't think one before the other would make any difference. They are both different and have their own learning curve. Jumping from a multi to either one will be a big change.

I found an old DE Safety Razor at a garage sale about 25 years ago. I used that on an off, learning by trial and error along with an electric. I was not so fond of the DE as much as I liked that the blades were so inexpensive.

I found Straight Razors and SRP last June, and never looked back. I used the DE a couple times since then, and don't think I'll ever go back. I have a lot to learn yet, I'm only shaving with the grain, but love the shaves and feels great so I'm not in any hurry.

Enjoy!!!:beer2: