Thread: Disposable straight razor blades

Originally Posted by Shrew

They do take some getting used to and are not very forgiving. Still use mine on occasion when I have some hair that just doesnt seem to want to fall to my real straights.

Remember a light touch

thanks for the tip. That's the first time I've heard anyone go to a disposable straight to touch-up any misses. Good to know.

I've been a tattoo artist in street shops for 20+ years and up until the last few years used a disposable straight razor to shave the area where I was placing the tattoo. I've used the Personna blades for that and have tried shaving with them. They were sharp enough to shave body hair on customers but are not sharp enough to comfortably shave my face.

If you want a disposable straight razor that will be sharp enough I think you have to go to something like the Feather. The trouble with those is that I hear they are too sharp and require a light touch, flawless technique, and absolute concentration. I say that is what I've heard because I've never used one myself.

Originally Posted by JimmyHAD

I've been a tattoo artist in street shops for 20+ years and up until the last few years used a disposable straight razor to shave the area where I was placing the tattoo. I've used the Personna blades for that and have tried shaving with them. They were sharp enough to shave body hair on customers but are not sharp enough to comfortably shave my face.

If you want a disposable straight razor that will be sharp enough I think you have to go to something like the Feather. The trouble with those is that I hear they are too sharp and require a light touch, flawless technique, and absolute concentration. I say that is what I've heard because I've never used one myself.

I've looked into the feather razors. They are definitely worth the money from all the reviews, but as you have said quite unforgiving. I dont trust myself enough to use one yet. However, i do thank you for the notes on the Personna. I thought it may just be me. I;m sure i can tack some of it up to inexperience, but i am glad to hear i'm not the only one with the issue. Any idea on travelling?

Originally Posted by joshb1000

Any idea on travelling?

I haven't flown since 1996 and if I have a choice I never will again. I'm a white knuckle passenger in airplanes and I'm not ashamed to admit it. That said, if I were to travel, especially by air, I would pack a DE. Blasphemy I know, but that is what I would do. Aside from the risk of losing a straight the people who check the luggage for dangerous items might think I was Jack The Ripper if they found a "cut throat" razor in my pack. In my slant collection I have an Apollo and a Merkur travel slant that break down into small package cases and one of those would be my choice. Any DE would do though.

I've thought about the razor that way too. However, (1) it's in your checked luggage, ive even brought a bow and arrow home that way, so that shouldnt be a problem. (2) it usually goes through the x-ray, and its not like your leaving it open in the case, so it more or less looks like a pen. and (3) if they did open the case they'd see a strop, shaving brush, soap puck, and probably some aftershave. I wouldnt expect it to be a big deal. But i appreciate the feedback. It something to keep in mind. I was just curious if its worth bringing trying to bring it on the plane. Obviously to us its of no concern, but if you cant bring water on a plane, like you had mentioned, a razor ma be out of the question.

i still use mine,,,i rotate my razors using it,,,like once with a disposable and once with a straight since i dont have honning stones. let me tell u something,,,i've been using disposables since 1996 and its true that they are not forgiving,,but i would never let go of my disposables (3 in all (one fully metalic) ) ,,as much as i love my Reynolds.....Erns .....Simmons,,etc etc etc,,,,i always come back for the disposable ones....it lets my other razors rest,,,it does a perfect job...shaves clean....these things cut like a Hatori Hanzo Katana,,,dont give up on it.
its just a matter of getting used to them and once you get used to them,,,,you will shave better with a straight. trust me on this

I appreciate the sentiment. Especially the ease of getting refills. I guess more work with a normal straight to get the technique perfected, then try them out as you speak, and just for travel. Thanks for the head up. Do you travel with them? any issues?

Originally Posted by joshb1000

I appreciate the sentiment. Especially the ease of getting refills. I guess more work with a normal straight to get the technique perfected, then try them out as you speak, and just for travel. Thanks for the head up. Do you travel with them? any issues?

hehe,,,seriously,, i dont travel with them ( they are so easy to find that i just buy one in the place im at,,no joke they are like 9$ ) and i swear that my technique is perfect with it,,i dont nick my face no more,,,but i do sometimes nick my sideburns or neck :P

I usually take a Feather as backup while travelling. Otherwise, it stays in the shower for those days I'm rushed. They're great.

All great info. Has anyone noticed any issues with traveling with their razor? I'm guessing it cant be kept in a carry-on. Also, When you travel do you bring your strop, soap, brush etc. The reason i ask, is that i will be on a short trip for about 2 weeks in March and i want to know what others have done in regards to shaving gear.