Thread: Is a straight razor for me??

I've never used the type of razor you are pointing to.

That being said, most people here don't consider that to be a true straight razor. It's called a Shavette. Generally people say that they are "less forgiving then a true straight".

As far as your neck problem. When I try to get as close with a cartridge as I do with a straight I get a lot of ingrown hair and bumps. While I won't say I get zero with a straight, I get very few. Almost none.

Straights are far from "dangerous". You will get a few cuts while learning, but they will generally heal very fast. There is a learning process. Don't expect to jump in and get beautiful shaves right away.

There is a beginners section on here at the home page. Spend some time reading it. The more time you spend learning, the less time and frustration you will have learning to shave this way.

#1 rule. Be sure and buy a razor that is SHAVE READY. A new razor from anyone probably will not be unless they say so up front. Don't believe people if they tell you the factory edge is good enough. There are good used razors for sale in the Vendor section here and people that know how to sharpen them right.
#2 rule. Learn how to properly strop a razor. You will need this skill to keep the razor sharp enough to use for a while. If you do it right it will stay sharp for a long while. There are many videos on how to shave and strop. Most of the links to the good videos are here in the beginners section.

Follow these rules and I think you will find that not only will your shaving results be better, but you will have fun doing it.

Originally Posted by Crotalus

I've never used the type of razor you are pointing to.

That being said, most people here don't consider that to be a true straight razor. It's called a Shavette. Generally people say that they are "less forgiving then a true straight".

As far as your neck problem. When I try to get as close with a cartridge as I do with a straight I get a lot of ingrown hair and bumps. While I won't say I get zero with a straight, I get very few. Almost none.

Straights are far from "dangerous". You will get a few cuts while learning, but they will generally heal very fast. There is a learning process. Don't expect to jump in and get beautiful shaves right away.

There is a beginners section on here at the home page. Spend some time reading it. The more time you spend learning, the less time and frustration you will have learning to shave this way.

#1 rule. Be sure and buy a razor that is SHAVE READY. A new razor from anyone probably will not be unless they say so up front. Don't believe people if they tell you the factory edge is good enough. There are good used razors for sale in the Vendor section here and people that know how to sharpen them right.
#2 rule. Learn how to properly strop a razor. You will need this skill to keep the razor sharp enough to use for a while. If you do it right it will stay sharp for a long while. There are many videos on how to shave and strop. Most of the links to the good videos are here in the beginners section.

Follow these rules and I think you will find that not only will your shaving results be better, but you will have fun doing it.

Could you possibly point me in the direction of a "true" straight razor? Or as a beginner am I fine with a Shavette? I'm a fairly patient person so I'm not worried too much about cutting myself anymore; if I'm in a rush I'll just run the trimmer and I'll go.

"CanCerManNor" thanks for the info, but what would you recommend for a beginner? This is the first I'm thinking about this so I've never thought of a DE razor (which I'm assuming is a double edge razor?) Do you have a link to the "Dovo Shavette"?

Again thanks for everyone's replies