Safety razor first?

Howdy y'all.

I'm new here and asked this question in the new member introduction thread but thought I might get more traffic by posing this here.

On one of my other forums (non-shaving) I posed a question about straight razor shaving and a few people strongly suggested that instead of using a straight razor, I should just get a safety razor. I just wanted to get your thoughts. I really like the idea of using a straight razor, I guess I'm just asking if you experienced types think I would be better served by using a safety razor first, or if I should just jump in and buy a straight edge?

I am new, but right now I don't think it is such a bad idea. On the other hand, the safety razor is not much like a straight edge. In fact, I nicked myself more with one Safety razor than I did with the straight razor. But an advantage of going in stages is you can evaluate new variables one at a time. E.g., mixing your soap into a lather.

I would go for the SR if you're interested in it. What you are seeing is likely a more a factor of the number of guys who use safety razors, but think a straight is crazy. If you want to use a straight, there is no reason not to-- not much steeper a learning curve than a DE, if you've been using a cartridge or electric razor.

I use a straight for my face 99% of the time. I find it more fun and enjoyable.
On my head I switch between DE's, Disposable straights and Straights.
I like my DE's, they give a very good shave, close to what I get from a straight.
One factor you would have to consider is the learning curve.
Straights have a bit more of a learning curve.
Once you have learned though, nothing beats a straight razor shave. IMO.

Both systems require much the same when it comes to prep and products.
If you start with the one, you'll be somewhat prepared for the other.

Price is another issue. A DE can be had for a song, and blades aren't much either.
Straights can be had for relatively low prices as well, but you would also have to get a strop and some sort of refreshing product, like a barber hone or a pasted strop.

It may sound as I am recommending DE's here, I am not.
But if you are to take on the straight, at least you should know what it takes!

I can't think of a reason to use a safety razor first if you're interested in straights. I wish I could have back all those years of mediocre shaves from safety and electric razors. Think of all the guys who learned with a straight before there were other options. They just simply learned with what was available - no "training period". You'll find some threads here where some of our truly senior members say their dad just handed them a razor and a strop and said "here, son, you need to shave" with little or no instruction. You'll not be doing that because there is a wealth of information on this website that will make your journey into wet shaving with a straight razor a smooth ride.

Jump on in, the water's fine:)

Greg

Nothing wrong with having both. However, it should be noted that your straight razor shaving will only improve with practice and safety razors at this point might detract from adequate practice of straight razor skills. The bottom line is the only way to get good with a straight razor is to use one. Sure, there's a learning curve involved but if you dedicate yourself to converting to straights and shave with them every day, the learning curve is probably far shorter than you think.

I myself started out as a safety razor shaver. After some brief "basic training" with a shavette I converted to straights no problem. Now, there's nothing wrong with safety razors, I've gotten some world class shaves with Gem Lather Catchers, various SE razors and a host of Gillettes BUT when it comes to way cool, maximum fun, safety razors are Honda Civics and straights are the 429 Shelby Cobra. My experience was that as I got better with straight razors, I just wanted to shave with them alot more than I did safety razors. These days, safety razors are used just about exclusively on my head. For face shaves however, 95% of the time I use a straight. If you want to shave with a straight razor, pay no attention to the alarmists, just dive in and get after it. You may have a rough week or so but after that you'll probably wonder where these things have been your whole life. Once you've mastered straights a safety razor or two for days when you sleep late (or if you're simply curious) wouldn't be a bad thing.

I would say that starting with a DE and moving gradually into straights is fine. Anything you do that facilitates using a straight, whether it be transitioning from a DE or using the DE every now and then when pressed for time, is acceptable. There's really no wrong way and a lot of right ways.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by CenTech

Howdy y'all.

I'm new here and asked this question in the new member introduction thread but thought I might get more traffic by posing this here.

On one of my other forums (non-shaving) I posed a question about straight razor shaving and a few people strongly suggested that instead of using a straight razor, I should just get a safety razor. I just wanted to get your thoughts. I really like the idea of using a straight razor, I guess I'm just asking if you experienced types think I would be better served by using a safety razor first, or if I should just jump in and buy a straight edge?

---

Welcome.

You did not tell us what you shave with now and
how long you have been shaving.

Straight razor shaving has two key parts:

• open blade
• wet shaving

You can start wet shaving with a minimum investment
(soap and brush) later you can select the shaver that matches your
budget, face and lifestyle.

So start wet shaving with a good shave soap and a brush.
You can use a Double Edge razor or even a tossable razor
while you learn the marvels of wet shaving and latherin'.
For some that is enough... for some it is the beginning.

The 'best' place to find a shave ready razor is the classified.
Main Index - Straight Razor Place Classifieds
You will also need a strop.

The Wiki has good beginner pages:
Straight Razor Place Wiki - Straight Razor Place Wiki

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by niftyshaving

Welcome.

You did not tell us what you shave with now and
how long you have been shaving.

---

I'm 28 and have been using a Gillette Fusion razor for the last several years. The gel I've been using has been the Neutrogena Men's Razor Defense stuff. I've switched to the Williams Shaving Mug soap and a badger hair brush for lather, but I'm still using my Fusion razor. I haven't been able to find Proraso (and haven't had time to get to the mall for the BBW version). I normally don't shave every day as my facial hair grows pretty slow and light at that. But since I started using a bowl/brush to make lather I've been shaving every day. Last night my face just burned, so I think I won't be shaving tonight. I''m still loaded up on Fusion cartridges for my current razor, so I'm going to stick with it until I get this whole lather thing down and get a straight razor. Eventually, when my cartridges run out, I'll probably get a safety razor for when I need to shave quickly. What's the benefit of a DE over a SE, or is there one?

With a DE in the start you will learn about prep, lather, angles and pressure.
Straights are still something completely different, but you will have a better
clue about what you are doing and a bit easier start on the long learning curve.

I'd say if you're interested in straights, get a straight. There is some overlap between SR's and DE's, but you might as well just go for it right off the blocks...! :)

It might be worth getting a DE for days when you're in a rush, that tends to be when I use mine. A DE shave is still miles better than a Mach 3 or something!

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by Stubear

I'd say if you're interested in straights, get a straight. There is some overlap between SR's and DE's, but you might as well just go for it right off the blocks...! :)

---

+1 to Stubear! and everyone else who said to get a straight razor right off the bat. there isn't much you will learn using a safety razor that you will utilize when switching over to a straight razor. although i'm not speaking from experience, my grandpa uses a safety razor and i've seen him shave a few times. straight razors are different because the angle of the blade to your face and everything has to be performed by you, unlike a safety razor when balancing it evenly on your face.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by hcintineo

there isn't much you will learn using a safety razor that you will utilize when switching over to a straight razor.

---

I am afraid that I will have to, respectfully, disagree to some extent to that.
You see, IME, there is a lot to take with you when switching from a DE to a straight.
The all important prep, the lathering of soaps/creams, and the post treatment are all things that can be directly transferred between the two methods.
In addition, techniques like the two or three passes we usually use(WTG, ATG, XTG), the very low pressure on the shaving tool are also similar to each other.
Naturally, stropping, handling the instrument itself and eventually honing/refreshing the edges are quite different, as you said:)

Dang, I sound like a champion for the DE here:)
But really, I'm not. I use straights myself for shaving the face. Really, I do!

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by Birnando

The all important prep, the lathering of soaps/creams, and the post treatment are all things that can be directly transferred between the two methods.
In addition, techniques like the two or three passes we usually use(WTG, ATG, XTG), the very low pressure on the shaving tool are also similar to each other.!

---

in no means am i trying to start an argument, but the original poster already said that he began to use a brush and soap method of making lather, while shaving with his multi cartridge blade. i assume since he has been working on his pre-shave prep, he also worked on his aftershave.
(Why would I assume. I never assume. Leads to assumptions. - Seinfeld) :rofl2:
as for the three pass shave, you are correct.
:beer1:

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by hcintineo

in no means am i trying to start an argument

---

Nor am I. It's all good.;)

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by CenTech

I'm 28 and have been using a Gillette Fusion razor for the last several years. The gel I've been using has been the Neutrogena Men's Razor Defense stuff. I've switched to the Williams Shaving Mug soap and a badger hair brush for lather, but I'm still using my Fusion razor. I haven't been able to find Proraso (and haven't had time to get to the mall for the BBW version). I normally don't shave every day as my facial hair grows pretty slow and light at that. But since I started using a bowl/brush to make lather I've been shaving every day. Last night my face just burned, so I think I won't be shaving tonight. I''m still loaded up on Fusion cartridges for my current razor, so I'm going to stick with it until I get this whole lather thing down and get a straight razor. Eventually, when my cartridges run out, I'll probably get a safety razor for when I need to shave quickly. What's the benefit of a DE over a SE, or is there one?

---

If your face is burning you are over doing it. Perhaps you are working "too
hard" to get a better shave. For a razor burn... I would remind a beginner
to shave with a light touch and no pressure. I would recommend a post
shave balm. Nivea has a good one. Skip stuff with alcohol and heavy perfume.

From the Gillette Fusion web Q&A page:
Q: What is the best way to avoid razor burn?
A: If the skin is not properly prepared before shaving or if the blade on your razor is dull, you are more likely
to end up with razor burn. Make sure to hydrate hair in warm water for up to three minutes and apply plenty of
shave gel. Also, be sure to change the blade on your razor at the first sign of dullness or discomfort.


The Fusion razor is an interesting product and will have some fans that are fully justified
in liking it. However for me multi blade razors give me a burn way too easy.
I like DE and straights because they place a single blade on the skin and two
or three passes is in fact two or three passes and not multiplied three or five
fold. As far as staying sharp the multi blade razors do not shave well for me
any longer than a DE or even the open blade of a "Feather" straight. I get
three comfortable shaves per...

As far as latherin there are a couple tricks to tinker with. First splash
cool water on your face and give it a quick rub (5 seconds) then give
the shave soap and brush some attention. Wet the brush, shake it half
dry and swirl the brush on the puck of soap. You can even hold the puck
in your hand.

After loading the brush, splash a second bit of cool/warm tap water
on your face and give it another couple second rub.

Then back to the brush and soap. Once you have loaded the brush
with soap begin building a lather. Williams takes a lot of water but
only a little at a time. I let the tap drip a little and work the lather
in the palm of my hand or in a mug, cup or bowl adding drip
after dribble of water. The drip by dribble works for almost all
soaps and creams.

As the lather develops go to your face and scrub your face a little
or a lot with the brush. At this point you want lather all the way
to the base of the whiskers. For the last 60 seconds you can
lather alternating between face and mug adding water if needed.

Then shave.

It is possible and often overlooked that the shave gels
and "goo in a can" can be improved with a couple splashes of
cool water before application then work a little to a lot down
into the base of the whiskers with a wet shave brush. You
do not need "a lot of product". You do need to work it
so the base of the whiskers and skin surface gets prepared.
Do no hesitate to revisit the brush if the lather and face dry
a bit in the process of shaving.

For now give your face time to calm down. Since you can
shave on alternating days, do so. You can tinker and practice
making a lather without shaving. A puck that was wet yesterday
gives up a nice load of soap quicker than one that has been
sitting and drying in the back of the shave den.

I went with DE at first, i am in the middle of transitioning from DE to straight. i am glad i went with a DE first, i got used to making a decent lather with it