About to go back for good to Straight Disposable Single Edge ...

My background can be found in this post: http://straightrazorpalace.com/membe...ml#post1068112

By now, I've bought a brand new Dovo Bismarck (superiorshave) and a pair of Friedr. Baurman & Soehne (member Milkylee SRP). All three came shave ready and did pass the HHT.
The problem is I don't like shaving with a str8rzr; I much prefer my cheapy Parker SR1 with disposable Shark blades. I find the disposable SEs MUCH SHARPER than the str8rzrs (I guess that's been confirmed numerous times in this forum as well as others). I shave half of my face with the str8rzrs and reluctantly but predictably I finish with the Parker with disposable SEs.

I need help.

I am reading people's statements that a str8rzr shave is more "comfortable".

Can someone explain to me, from a mere physical standpoint, how it is possible to have a more "comfortable shave" from a blade which is not as sharp as the disposable SE blade?

Is it all subjective? Do I need more time?

Thanks.

In a couple of months I will be a year into using straights and am now just starting to be where I want to be concerning close and comfortable shaves. By that I mean what I can get from a Gillette Fat Boy DE. I really don't know what to tell you except if you really don't like something you don't have to do it.

Bob

Go with what works for you. You're not doing this for anyone else, so if the shavette type razors give you comfortable shaves then stick with them.

It is indeed subjective and do whatever works for you.

I would however add, that a sharper blade is not as dependant on angle or preparation.

I have to admit I got into str8rzrs for the 1. appeal of using one and 2. in the hope it would give me a more comfortable shave.

After two months of using straights I believe I have learned the technique sufficiently to be able to shave without any nicks as well as shaving against the grain without getting "after shave rashes". After the third pass my GF tells me that I accomplished a BBS. BUT, that is mostly done with disposable single edge blades.

@BobH: what was your reason to go "subpar" for 10 months? (appeal of using a str8? subjective? it most likely was not comfort!?)
@easyace: THAT is exactly my point ...

Everyone's different; no one else has your face and you're not expected to love straights just because some of us do.

Disposable blades will be a lot harsher and easier to hurt yourself with than a true straight, though, depending on your skill, they're likely to be simpler to shave with and give you a more consistent shave.

Since switching from disposable blades (about 4 months ago), I've definitely had to perfect my face prep, as well as working on my technique. I've even changed entire aspects of the way I shave, such as using cold water instead of hot, to improve the shave I get from my straights and if one detail--prep, angle, pressure, whatever--is out then my result won't be as good.

I think it takes a lot of practice, commitment and also experimentation to find what really gives you the best shave with a straight and, in all honesty, neither of us have been using one for very long.

I would encourage you to keep at it as your shaves will only improve. However if it's not for you then it's not for you. Shave with what you like best and don't let anyone tell you otherwise.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by johnp2343

I have to admit I got into str8rzrs for the 1. appeal of using one and 2. in the hope it would give me a more comfortable shave.

After two months of using straights I believe I have learned the technique sufficiently to be able to shave without any nicks as well as shaving against the grain without getting "after shave rashes". After the third pass my GF tells me that I accomplished a BBS. BUT, that is mostly done with disposable single edge blades.

@BobH: what was your reason to go "subpar" for 10 months? (appeal of using a str8? subjective? it most likely was not comfort!?)
@easyace: THAT is exactly my point ...

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Slow learner I guess. I will be 60 this year so using a straight to shave was not to impress anyone with my manliness that's for sure. Just wanted to see if you could teach an old dog new tricks I guess. Seems you can, eventually anyway, and I enjoy it more for some reason than using a DE so I'm sticking with it. Being sub par had more to with getting my technique down right with stropping, honing and shaving than sharpness of the blade in getting consistently the equivalent shave to what I could get from my Fat Boy DE. You are there after a couple of months using a straight and still prefer your Parker SR1 so why not go for the Parker SR1.

Bob

I think the straight razors work for me, not being as sharp as a disposable blade. This is primarily because I'm new and 2 plus passes are still, more often than not, leaving a bit of razor burn on lower part of my neck.

If I do a 1 pass shave, I get a good enough shave that I look presentable and no irritation which I like. It leaves the face and neck smooth but not BBS and I'm happy with that while learning.

The shave is comparatively better on one pass than a cartridge/disposable razor used to be with none of the irritation.

But like the guys said, whatever works for you.

I'll chime in with my advice too. If you get the best shave from an electric razor, I'm going to say to you, why don't you just stick with it then. So you can hava a guess at my advice...If it's working for you use it. if it ain't working go back to what does. There is, sure as shit, no shame in using any method that works, regardless of what it is. Mach 3, shavette, cut-throat, DE...


Mick

Quote:

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Originally Posted by MickR

I'll chime in with my advice too. If you get the best shave from an electric razor, I'm going to say to you, why don't you just stick with it then. So you can hava a guess at my advice...If it's working for you use it. if it ain't working go back to what does. There is, sure as shit, no shame in using any method that works, regardless of what it is. Mach 3, shavette, cut-throat, DE...


Mick

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I'm in agreement with you there. I'm only disappointed I didn't find what worked sooner.

I've had a beard for around 8 years and without it, baldness aside, I look a lot younger and fresher.

That is not baldness, just the now popular "military cut". :angel:

Bob

Well I still sport a (ever thinning) crew-cut almost twenty years on, but where once I was clean shaven, I now also sport a Goatee and Moustache. I vowed I would shave it off if I ever got back to optimum fitness again. I think the facial hair will be a permanant fixture :). Good thing I like it better with than without. ;)


Mick

I feel that I like the straight! I have never used a SE, but I have heard that it is a much harsher shave than a straight. My straights that I have all give excellent shaves, smooth as butter!