Thread: Not a positive experience so far

Hello gents,

A few months ago, I went from cartridge blades to DE razors. This was a huge improvement to my daily shavings. Suddenly, the daily shaving routine has become a positive thing that I look forward to. Following the enevitable path, a professional honed and shave ready straight razor arrived early this week. I have had three straight shaves, and I must say that my experience so far is negative and several steps back. Not comfortable at all, and a poor result compared to a smooth DE BBS shave. The first two shaves went ok without a scratch, but I had to finish with a DE to get things in order. This morning on my third go, I cut myself on my cheek during an XTG pass. Probably moving too fast ahead, I guess.

For the moment, morale is low and I am not sure if I am willing to invest the necessary time and training to achieve a shave hopefully close to my comfortable DE shave that I anyway can get today. I now understand why the safety razors became so popular when they were introduced. I am close to degrade my straight to the kitchen to slice vegetables with (not excactly true). Have any of you gentlemen straight shavers had the same feeling on your way to where you are today?

If you want to use a straight it's because you really want to and are willing to invest the time and sweat equity to learn it's use and care. To pick it up on a lark and expect quick success is unrealistic. You know, a straight is not for everybody. It's probably not for most. You need to decide for yourself. If you stick with it in the end your result will be above your expectations.

I started straight razor shaving in the mid 1980s. A couple of barber friends tutored me but, as you describe, my results were less than I hoped for. After a month or so of trying I quit and didn't return to straight razor shaving until a few years ago. Now I wouldn't want to shave with anything but a straight and I don't. There is a learning curve but IME it is worth the effort.

In my mind, switching from a DE to a Straight is like changing from an automatic transmission to a manual stick shift. You're still driving a car, but there is a learning curve to make it run properly.

Do NOT expect to get complete BBS shaves with a straights for some time. I have been shaving with one for over a month now, and I can only get BBS on a few parts of my face, and only in certain directions (WTG and XTG). It doesn't bother me because I have the mindset that it's a PROCESS and it's going to take time. But it does get better and better, and personally, I enjoy the challenge.

If you are already mentally defeated and not willing to invest the time and patience to this type of shaving, then you probably should stick to the DE. Like BigSPendur said, it's not for everyone. But I do know from experience, as a beginner, that it does get better when you take your time, ask a lot of questions, and work on angles/pressure of the blade.

We have a great community of members here, and we all support you in the journey! If you want to continue forward, you got a lot of support here!

Just be encouraged! This happens to everyone when they start a new shaving endeavor. I say that because I have trouble on my neck area getting the right angle with my straight. So I've been trying to learn the DE for my neck area only. Occasionally, I'll shave my whole face with the DE just for technique. I'm getting better but it get razor burn pretty bad and I get discouraged with the DE. Maybe if we switch places, we'll have the perfect shave! But don't worry too much. Just keep working on your angles and pressure. As I've noticed trying to go from straight to DE, these seem to be the hardest part to get. But you'll get it!

When I first tried straight shaving my face looked like it had been in a cat fight - plus I got an uneven result. It doesn't take that long, though, before it all comes together. You might want to try a Feather razor with the disposable blade. You will learn to work with soft touch and a smooth action, and you can concentrate on shaving instead of razor care. And I promise you, you can get a much better shave with the Feather than a DE. One more thing, try a pre-shave lubricant. I tried oils, but I found they messed up my soap and were hard to clean up. Now I use Astroglide, a "personal lubricant" which is, I believe, mostly glycerine of some kind and is slippery as can be and will wash off easily. Good luck.

Eg,
It sounds like you're suffering from a case of great expectations. Personally, my time with a DE was WAY better than the cartridge to the point of wondering if using a straight would be worth it. When I finally got a straight that was honed by one of the masters here I was blown away. The DE knocked the socks off the cartridge, but it was blown away by the straight in terms of comfort.

That said, my shaves weren't as close with the straight as they were with the DE. They're getting there, but I'm enjoying a more comfortable experience in the process. I've had a couple of discouraging experiences, and a towel stained with blood (stained, not soaked!). But my Fatboy is sitting in my medicine cabinet if I need it. There's no shame in finishing off shaves with a DE or trying the straight only on weekends. If you get discouraged you can set it down and come back to it later.

The only pressure to use a straight well is pressure we put on ourselves. Even though family members/friends might make comments it's your face, your shave, your choice. Shave how you want, on your own terms.

Peace,

Originally Posted by SpicyJem

In my mind, switching from a DE to a Straight is like changing from an automatic transmission to a manual stick shift. You're still driving a car, but there is a learning curve to make it run properly.

We have a great community of members here, and we all support you in the journey! If you want to continue forward, you got a lot of support here!

First and Foremost, I apoligze for only using part of SpicyJem's Post. However it was what I wanted to talk about!

As a 58 year old who learned to shave with what my father called "A Double Bladed Hog Scraper" I fully understand what SpicyJem is saying!

Even for those who drive a rig with a manual transmission, they have synchronized gears these days! Try getting into an old rig with straight cut gears where you need to (Double Clutch) to be able to shift!

The comparison between the Disposable/DE (HOG SCRAPERS) and Straight Razors is Right On the Money! It's a whole new learning process and that process takes time!

My soon to be 18 year old son picked it up fairly easy! He hadn't shave all that much, and his beard isn't very heavy yet! He didn't have as much of a learning curve to conquer!

My advice is to just stick with it and go slowly! If you need to use the DE Use It! Just be patient it will come!

Hang In There! Smooth Shaving!

I see it like this, DE shaving is like shooting a compound bow,with sights and a trigger release,only holding 10 percent of the bows weight at full draw.And on the other hand,shaving with a straight is like shooting a self bow,one peice of wood with your fingers ON the string, NO sights,and holding 60 pounds at full draw,its a whole different animal,and take lots of practice to shoot with good results!!!!! Anyone can shoot a compound bow and alot of people wont shoot a selfbow because they wont get instant results,because it takes alot of practice,just like shaving with a straight. So its up to you if you want to put the time in.Oh yeah i shoot an English Self Bow made by Gerald Welsh in Alaska and love it!!!! If you never shot a bow the above will make no sense to you. LoL

I've been shaving with a straight for... 9 months or so now? And I still haven't shaved my chin or upper lip. Of course the fact that I had a mustache and gotee over the tricky to shave parts probably works in my favor.... To get a REALLY smooth shave does take a couple extra passes.

Funny thing is, my first partial shave was with a pocket knife...