Disposable straight razor blades

As an early christmas present, my wife and son had picked me up a straight razor with disposable blades. It was bought a barber/salon supply shop. It definitely not a brand I had heard of before (Personna). I was kind of looking forward to it, as no stropping would be required and I could use it in travel... After the shave I received from it, I don't know if it would even be worth keeping, as I got more cuts from the tip then anything else. So ultimately my question is, are disposables even worth the money for travel, or should I just pack the straight and I'm guessing it would have to be checked as you cant even bring a ballpoint pen on a plane anymore it seems. So any suggestions are appreciated.

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

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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

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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.

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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.

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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?

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?

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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?

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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.

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Originally Posted by joshb1000

Any idea on travelling?

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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.

My first "straight razor" shave was done with the razor holder my wife got when she entered beauty school 42 years ago. The blade I inserted had never been used but was just as old. My next step was to buy a Dovo Shavette with the green insert to hold a personna blade. I saw a you tube video with a barber who recommended both the shavette and the personna blade.

IME, the personna blades are not only sharp, they are harsh. I usually nick myself on the first shave of a new blade. After the third shave the blade seems to settle down and is good for the next 2 to 3 weeks. I prefer using my straight but see a place for the shavette as I work through the learning curve on the strop and the hone.

Be careful. Hang in there.

Great advice and thanks for the encouragement