Thread: I got a question on youtube

When I first posted here, I put up a video of my first Straight shave on youtube. After much time, I still get an occasional question. My latest question was, would you recommend Straights as a replacement for a Mach 3.

My answer is NO !

I enjoy an occasional shave with my straights, but after time the "novelty" has worn off. I find straights to be way too much work. If you have the time/skill, great for you. IMO, shaving with a straight requires stropping and sharpening skills that most don't have. I love my blades when new, but over time I find stropping and sharpening to be a chore.

My answer? Buy a 1912 and Treet SE blades. Enjoy Straights if you really want to make a hobby of it (or have a girly beard)


Just my true thought...Not a reason to beat me up. I think I Mach 3 blows every straight razor away. (in ease of use) Seriously. Lets be real.

Blasphemy!!!

All joking aside, though... shaving with a straight razor is definitely not for everyone. The Mach 3 is definitely faster and easier if that's what you're after.

I'd wager that most people that consistently use a straight razor don't mind the "hassle" of sharpening, stropping, and maintaining their blades... getting the prep and lather right... and all of those things. I'd even lay money down that they downright enjoy it! I know I do. It's definitely more of a hobby for me than just getting the stubbly stuff off my face.

yohimnbe2,

I'm with you so far as that a straight cannot replace a Mach 3. A DE certainly can, especially with the right technique and/or the right tool. I have an EJ89l and there was no learning curve for me with that at all. However, I had been shaving with a straight for some time and had some exposure to DEs after that, so I knew how pressure could really cut you, even with a DE.

If you have a tough beard, you're going to have a tougher time on the "straight road", as it were. I made the mistake of thinking a straight would replace my cartridge. Well, it did, but not for the reason I thought it would. I figured a straight would be cheaper than a cartridge. Well, that blew up in my face big time with all the things I've purchased and what's on my wish list for now. Had I purchased my DE first, who knows, it might have stopped somewhere around there, maybe dabbling in soaps and creams and possibly scuttles.

So for that, I'm glad I made the mistake of thinking a straight would replace a cartridge straight up, because now it has, but for the right reasons. Because I love my straights; I love the act of shaving with my straights; I happen to like stropping and the concept of honing my own blades. This isn't for everyone and it's not for you. Your honesty and candor is refreshing.

To each his own; at least you exposed yourself to something new. How else are you going to realize if it's for you or not?

Good luck. Also, I'm sure there's still a place for you here at SRP. Heck, there's a section just for safety shaving. Personally, I hope to still see you posting on the boards here still.

-Mark

Originally Posted by Cage

All joking aside, though... shaving with a straight razor is definitely not for everyone. The Mach 3 is definitely faster and easier if that's what you're after.

I'd wager that most people that consistently use a straight razor don't mind the "hassle" of sharpening, stropping, and maintaining their blades... getting the prep and lather right... and all of those things. I'd even lay money down that they downright enjoy it! I know I do. It's definitely more of a hobby for me than just getting the stubbly stuff off my face.

Cool, I knew my post might need a fire extinguisher here, but I am glad you are open minded.

I fell back to SE and DE blades as a compromise to the great MACH 3 razor. I use a Gem 1912 as my daily now and from time to time I pull out one of my Dovo's.

I have six Dovo blades all purchased new an many sharpened by Lynn. I have two that have been through hell and back, two that have only seen a strop and a Naniwa 10K and two unused as a reference.

Its the Reference blades that kill me !!! As much as I have tried, my other blades are no where close to the sharpness of my "reference" blades. If only I could keep them that sharp.

Can I shave with my other four blades that are less than Lynn sharp? Yep. But peeling a new DE or SE from its wrapper brings me back to reality. #1 Rule with any blade? Its gotta be sharp

This is pretty interesting. In the perspective that you see it in , of course. I started shaving with a straight, after many years of thinking about it, I found this place and jumped in. I don't consider myself possessing more "skills" then the next person. but I consistently get great results in my honing. This alone lets me to believe anyone that wants to can do it. Stropping is easy and not a chore for me at all. I will add , before asked, that I solely shave with a straight and in NO WAY will I agree with the statement that "Mach 3 blows every straight away".
What i do get is that maybe you have been shaving with the wrong straight(which means technique) or this just isn't for you ,which in noway is a crime. Just my 0.02

Sounds like you need to improve the skill set, this will come in time with plenty of practice.

Of course its easier but I dont think anyone picks up straight razors thinking that its easier than a disposable. You can pretty much tell just by looking at a straight that it requires some skill. IMHO, I Dont think that theres any aspect that is a hassel to me it is an acquired skill to be learned and taught by choice. The difference in shave quality once I learned how to shave properly and confidently(and im still learning) is vast. My fusion cartridges shaved close but left me with razor bumps from the way they cut (or pull & cut) This is not the case with my straight. Smooth shaves and no bumps 9 times out of 10. An occasional nic now and then I can deal with , I have opened up a pimple or two with my cartridge as well.
Taking the elevator is easy and fast to but sometimes I would rather navigate the stairs.

Might want to read through this thread, if you have time

It is actually called "Why Bother"

http://straightrazorpalace.com/conve...hy-bother.html

Originally Posted by yohimnbe2

Cool, I knew my post might need a fire extinguisher here, but I am glad you are open minded.

I fell back to SE and DE blades as a compromise to the great MACH 3 razor. I use a Gem 1912 as my daily now and from time to time I pull out one of my Dovo's.

I have six Dovo blades all purchased new an many sharpened by Lynn. I have two that have been through hell and back, two that have only seen a strop and a Naniwa 10K and two unused as a reference.

Its the Reference blades that kill me !!! As much as I have tried, my other blades are no where close to the sharpness of my "reference" blades. If only I could keep them that sharp.

Can I shave with my other four blades that are less than Lynn sharp? Yep. But peeling a new DE or SE from its wrapper brings me back to reality. #1 Rule with any blade? Its gotta be sharp

I have several blades Honed by lynn If you strop them before and after you shave they will keep there edge just fine. Hope that helps . Dont give up ! You will be rewarded with great shaves!