Thread: Tutor

I'm new to straight razors, but I've been wetshaving for about two months. I have some of the mainstream stuff, but I really enjoy Taylor's and some other stuff, so I'm hoping to find a local shop where I can sample these creams.

John,

Welcome to the forum. My guess is that learning
to shave with a straight will come way easier than
you think.

I wish you luck......


Terry

Thanks Terry. I hope so. I plan to switch almost exclusively to the straight for a couple of months while I learn. I figure that it will give me enough skill with blade angle to improve my DE shaves so that when I finally start DE shaving again I won't have lost any technique (and hopefully gained some).

John,

My plans in the beginning were to shave with
a straight on the weekends and my DE through
the week. I began shaving with a straight at the
end of Janurary and I have used my DE 4 times.

If you shave in the mornings it may help to
strop the night before, I always have. It may
also help when you first start stropping to
strop 10 or so times then lay the razor down
a minute or two, instead of trying to do it all
at once.

Not that this is the best way, it's just worked for
me.


Terry

Originally Posted by wvbias

My plans in the beginning were to shave with
a straight on the weekends and my DE through
the week. I began shaving with a straight at the
end of Janurary and I have used my DE 4 times.

Heh, that's how it happened with me too, except for a brief excursion into Feather-land. I knew it was bad when, after beating my face with the feather and being forced to retreat to something less abusive, I went back to the straights instead of the DE.

MParker,

It's funny, I had shaved with a DE using Merkur blades
for 5 or 6 months before jumping over to the straight.
I swear I have cut myself far fewer times with a straight.
I haven't had to use a styptic pencil once.

I guess I'm just more careful. And having a lot more fun.



Terry

I've never had a problem with the DE or straights. Never did master the feather, though. Finally remembered that there were no merit badges for shaving, and gave it up.

MParker,

The main problem I had with the DE was a small bump
on the jaw line at the end of my chin. Other than that
no problem at all.

Never tried the Feather, doubt that I will. But never say
never. Who knows what I amy do down the road.


Terry

I'm reserving judgment for how much I'll use a SE in my regular shaving once I get a handle on it. Until then, I'll use it every day. I'll at least plan to use my DE for travel, etc. as I can see the disadvantages to adding to my already largeish travel shaving kit.

I'll keep you guys posted as I get equipment on how my shaves are coming along.

Cheers