First shave...and the power goes out.

So I got my first straight razor recently, a Dovo Bismarck. I've been using a DE for about six months now and getting awesome results, DFS to BBS with no sting, cuts, razor burn or irritation and have that dialed in really well, so I figured I'd take on the challenge of learning how to use a straight razor.

Well, is was about 8:30pm, and I had just finished going with the grain on each sideburn and cheek (switching hands for each side) and it was going well, so i figured I'd go for under my bottom lip and chin. as I got started all the power went out in the house. Needless to say I didn't finish that night and used my DE the next morning before work.

So far the straight razor is OK, I had no problems using either hand, which I though would be the biggest problem, but although I am only a half a shave in with the straight, I really have my doubts that, even in the best hands it yields a CLOSER shave than a DE. If you're really good with a straight razor, then sure you can get as close, but I just do not see how people can claim that a straight gets closer than a DE! If anything the DE is more versatile, can get into tighter spaces, curves on the face, etc. I also know personally, and have read people who use a straight, then 'clean up' under their neck with a DE. If a Straight was that much better, why are they using a DE to 'clean up'? I'm not bashing the straight razor, and enjoy a challenge and the history and time it takes to learn a new skill, but as far as closeness, as long as the user is experienced with the toll, I think they will both yield the same closeness. With that said, I look forward to learning how to use the straight razor, and maybe I will prove myself wrong a year or so down the line.

http://i258.photobucket.com/albums/h...6-01201926.jpg

What you couldnt finish your shave in the dark? Just feel the contours of your face with one hand and use the straght with the other......
Well maybe not. The lights going out was probably a good thing. This way you only did your sideburns/cheeks to start with which is a good place to start learning.
As far as getting a super close shave, on a good day (I am still learning) I do just that. No need to clean up with anything else at all. Sometimes I do find the neck area a little stuborn
but even then its rare that I need to touch up with anything else. Guess I am stuborn too.

I use straights all the time and I do have 1 De that I use when in a rush. The kind of shave that I get from my straights I could never get from my DE. Oh and. Did have to shave in the dark once lol scary but it worked just like u said two hands one to guide the razor and the other one to hold it lol

Hi, I'm also a rookie shaving with a straight razor. I have shaved with a DE, for about a year and a half, having great results; that was the reason I switched to the straight razor. Personally I find that both give the same closeness on a shave, but is much more exciting and challenging shaving with a straight.

My neck is very tricky and I also finish it with a DE, I just find it easier and more practical. Although I will keep trying to master the straight razor on my neck, since my cheeks, chin and upper lip are already "in control" with both hands.

You should try it again with the power on this time, or during the day.

You should have, as the kids say, just kicked it old school and shaved by candle light :D

Here's my take on the whole straight vs DE debate. Neither will shave "closer" because in the end smooth is smooth no matter what you use. But IME a straight shave lasts a bit longer and hardly ever irritates my face. If I'm going to get shaving irritation 9/10 it will be from a DE. That's not to say I don't like using DE's, I very much do. It's like comparing a Ferrari (straight) to a BMW (DE); both will get you where you want to go, just one will get you there with more style and enjoyment. :)

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Originally Posted by Ryan82

You should have, as the kids say, just kicked it old school and shaved by candle light :D

Here's my take on the whole straight vs DE debate. Neither will shave "closer" because in the end smooth is smooth no matter what you use. But IME a straight shave lasts a bit longer and hardly ever irritates my face. If I'm going to get shaving irritation 9/10 it will be from a DE. That's not to say I don't like using DE's, I very much do. It's like comparing a Ferrari (straight) to a BMW (DE); both will get you where you want to go, just one will get you there with more style and enjoyment. :)

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I would never drive a Ferrari or a BMW.

DE=SOREFACE

Straight=smooth shiny hiny face

Chicks love a shiny hiny

Seriously I get fewer weepers and nicks with a straight than anything else and I ain't that good with my razor yet.

I'm a long time DE user, and I get BBS all the time. If the blade is not sharp as I want, I change it in seconds.
On the other hand, now I'm also beeing straight shaving, for a coupla months now, but I can't get the same results. It surely is me, I need to improve with the straight, but with the DE I go fast, and enjoy my shave for a longer time.

My .002 cents :)

I have to say that I do still use my DE to clean up a small area of my neck if I want that all over BBS shave, but it is only one small area. I am getting better with my straight, and I am sure I soon will only use my straight. The DE will be used when I'm in a hurry. When I use my DE to clean up, I do end up with weepers on my neck, which pisses me off to no end, because it never happens with my straight. They are both awesome to shave with, but I do need to me more careful with my DE.

I shaved with a DE for around 15 years and switched to a straight about a year ago.
Takes quite a while to become accomplished with the straight but I can honestly say the shaves I now get are far-far superior than I ever got with a DE. A BBS shave now has a new meaning !
Have not touched a DE since the first time I used a straight and can now shave just as fast as I did with the DE so recently gave all my DE's away. However I prefer to take my time as I now enjoy every minute of every shave. ( never thought I would say that )

Po...pow... what? You mean that E-lek-trisite stuff? We got none of that in these parts. We always just use coal oil for everything. You all be too soft.

But what we know about rite good is how to hone and use a razor. One of these days at the county fair I'm gonna beat Jonah at the shaving contest.

You only think a DE can't shave as good as straight cause you be inexperienced. it's like someone driving a mustang GT thinking he could outdrive someone in a high end Porsche knowing nothing about the Porsche.

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Originally Posted by sbpark

I would never drive a Ferrari or a BMW.

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Well, the whole car thing was just a metaphor to get my point across, but I guess you could always go back to a Ford Pinto (cartridges & disposable).....:roflmao

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Originally Posted by MrDentini

I'm a long time DE user, and I get BBS all the time. If the blade is not sharp as I want, I change it in seconds.
On the other hand, now I'm also beeing straight shaving, for a coupla months now, but I can't get the same results. It surely is me, I need to improve with the straight, but with the DE I go fast, and enjoy my shave for a longer time.

My .002 cents :)

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What you may want to switch to is the Feather Artist straight razor. I find the procedure used is the same as shaving with a regular open razor but the quality of the blade(I use the Proguard) unbeatable. The balance is excellent and the blade area is just right for reaching all areas of your face. I use a blade for a week and the last shave is just as nice as the first. Using the Feather you know what a blade should feel like and all you need to concentrate on is your procedure, you alway know it's not the blade. BBS, yes, in almost one pass.