Thread: Brand new and looking for direction

Hello gentlemen, I am SO interested leaving the world of my Braun electric shaver behind. I am pretty nervous about learning the technique and skill involved. I have sensitive skin but prefer a close, smooth shave. I don't know exactly which direction to go choosing between a straight or safety razor. I am leaning towards straight but the word SAFETY is compelling. Lots of reading and research at the moment. However, I would like to get going soon. I know I will have questions along the way, some of which I'm sure I have yet to realize. So for starters, what is preferred for a beginner? Straight or safety?

Thank you,
Zach

Although I use a straight razor for 99% of my shaves, I would still recommend you start with a safety razor for reasons of economics and simplicity. Many of the skills you'll need for SR shaving can be learned while using a safety razor. I started that way and highly recommend it. You'll know when you're ready for the jump to SRs.

I've never used a safety and I've only been using a straight for about a month but I'd say if you want to shave with a straight just do it. It's really not that hard if you prepare properly, both in your pre-shave prep and in informing yourself. Take the time to read every article you can find online on how to use a straight and watch a bunch of youtube vids. I've had 1 nick so far and I attribute my success rate to the research I did. The big things to remember are prep your beard, stretch your skin, use just enough pressure to keep the blade on the skin - don't push it in, pay attention to the angle of the blade at all times and never move it sideways. I'll add to that be careful when positioning the blade for a stroke and never shave dry skin, re-lather if you have to redo a patch.

It seems daunting I know. I was nervous as heck my first time. Now I just do it, I'm actually surprised I haven't cut myself more considering how lackadaisical I am about it now.

I'll say again I've never used a safety razor but I've read a couple of sources that say you'll probably nick yourself more with a safety then a straight. The safety part in the name refers to that you can't slit your throat with it, but you'll still get cuts. You won't likely slit your throat with a straight unless an earthquake hits or your cat jumps on your back while shaving.

Can you learn Wet Shaving on a Straight? Yes, you can...but being how you are coming directly from an electric, I'm going to second the recommendation for using a DE (Double Edged Safety) razor to get started.

Using the DE just breaks the skills you will learn into manageable chunks, you know your blades are sharp and don't have to worry about stropping etc which leaves you more able to focus on the 3 pass shaving method and proper beard prep (Google Mantic59's videos for some good info). Once you are comfortable with that, then try out the straights

That's not to say there isn't a learning curve with a DE, there is, but it IS easier then a straight, For you, I would suggest something like a Merkur Progress or similarly adjustable DE that way you can dial back the aggressiveness when you are just getting started and increase it as you progress.


I started with a Merkur myself I still use it to get the spots that I just can't seem to properly get with the straight yet...

Good luck!

For many years I was an electric fanboy with the latest and greatest and finally switched over to wet shaving. I used a DE for a few years and then switched to a straight so here is my advice.

Going to wet shaving will teach you all you need to know about shave prep and after shave care but will do nothing to transition from a DE or SE to a straight. So, I think if you want to use a straight get right to it. If you want to skip the curve with honing and stropping you can start with a shavette type with disposable blades. Using that will put you in the correct direction with using a straight however I'm a believer in if you want to do something you just jump right in.

I'm with macgyver74 on this one, simply because of the tone of your post, however I would mostly agree with thebigspendur, IF, IF you really want to use an Open razor, then by all means find out what you need to know and start in on it. The learning curve and the time it takes a beginner to shave will be the major turn off points for a 'leccy shaver I imagine.


Mick

Thank you to all of you guys. I have read much that really leaves the decision to how involved I want to be from the get go. I am going for the safety razor to begin. Will let you know what I buy. The sets are very economically appealing so I think I'll start there.

I have to agree that one may cut oneself more with a safety. I've shaved daily with a straight for 6 monts and have only cut myself once because my girlfriend starting talking to me and distracted me. But I used to cut and nick myself routinely using a DE. I was scared to death of a straight when I started, my hands even shook, but now it's no big deal and I fear the DE, not the straight.