Thread: Should I also buy a DE?

I've used a double edge long before a straight so in a way I can't answer the question. But I still use it once a week for my haircut day and on one pesky mole on above my lip that I sliced the top off with a straight the first time I went over it and since then have been too wimpy to try again. Slicing moles has a very different feeling than slicing your face, not to mention the blood....whoa. I also use a double edge to cut the hair in the back of my neck that wraps around. I probably could do this with a straight but haven't tried yet......you know, I think I will next time....using a mirror, backward, off hand....someone must be doing it. Just thinking that there is a generation on the forum that did not see their fathers using a double edge. Funny though, he still had a strop....not used for a straight razor as he no longer used one but used for ass whippings....sorry, digressing a little. Get a double edge, they are beautiful little tools.

I use the straights every morning but if I am going out in the evening and usually in a hurry the safety gets to come out and play.
Ben

If you decide to try a DE (or SE for that matter) do not use it like a cartridge razor!

All non-cartridge razors have one thing in common, they shave with a very sharp single blade. They all have to be respected and the appropriate technique learned. The key to any single blade shaving system is angle and pressure. Straights are difficult because the correct angle is tricky to learn and must be maintained by the user. SE and DE razors vary in the head design so you have to find the correct angle for each razor, but once you have it the head will maintain it for you. The second and in my mind most important skill is to learn to use no pressure at all when you shave. The blade should lightly and smoothly glide over the surface of the skin. If you press the blade against the skin to get a closer shave as with cartridges, you will cut yourself and remove the top layers of skin (razor burn). Using pressure is always a mistake. Don't do it. That is the hardest thing to learn when you switch to any form of single edge wet shaving. Good luck.

Originally Posted by JBHoren

FWIW, I would not invest in any DE or SE safety razors at this time. Instead, I would keep using my multi-blade razor for cleanups and, when my stock of replacement blade cartridges runs-out, I'd re-evaluate my need (if any) for post-shave cleanup -- at that time, I could decide that my straight-razor skills were sufficiently developed and there was no longer any need for "cleanups"; or, I could decide to invest in a DE or SE safety razor, "just because"; or, I could go to Costco and buy a jimongous bag of BIC disposables.

Originally Posted by cpcohen1945

I'm used to shaving with a DE (an Edwin Jagger DE89, usually with Feather blade) and recently tried a disposable.

. . . . What a lousy shave !!! The edge just wasn't sharp!

I'd recommend getting the DE. You might be surprised by how nice it feels.

The OP asked for opinions re: should he also buy a DE razor for "clean-ups"? He's a "newbie" -- he regularly shaves with a straight razor, but it's early days, and his technique continues to develop; after he's done all he can do with a straight razor, he realizes there is room for improvement. In other words, he's looking for an FWB, not an LTR. I figured that by the time he finishes a ten-pack of BIC disposables, he won't need to buy another one. In fact, for his money, I'd rather he "cleaned-up" with a not-nice-feeling disposable razor -- one more reason to refine and improve his straight-razor technique. Anyway, that's how it worked for me; although, to be honest, I do keep a BIC disposable ten-pack under the sink... for shaving down there.

Thanks to everyone for all the posts and great advice! FWIW, I think I agree with JBHoren, though clearly to each his own (with this and so many other things in this art). Part of my rationale is that I'm a teacher and, for the next month or so, am still off for the summer. This allows me a lot of time to persist with my straight shaving technique. Also, I'm already starting to feel the RAD itch, and I think DE's would add a whole new level.

By the time school starts back and I have to start working the straight into a more strict morning routine, I should be in a place to better evaluate my need for "clean-up" as well as having a better idea of my average shave time with improved technique. For now, I'll continue to press on and use up my remaining cartridges on clean-up.

Things are going well with the str8, btw, getting better with every shave and having a blast. I'm sure that I will want to try the DE's (esp. as my RAD progresses), but I think I'll wait a little while. Thanks again for all the great advice!

I used DEs before straights, and spent a lot of money on them. I could have saved money had I went directly to straights. Not that I don't love my DEs because I do...even more than straights. Just thought I'd mention the cost factor. You can keep your current razor for backup while you learn the straight. DEs have their own learning curve, and I wouldn't advise trying to learn straight shaving and DE shaving at the same time. Good luck.

DE razors are cool, i still buy them if the price is right. If you are progressing from a DE to a straight, a good idea is to use both hands with the DE. I used them for a tidy up when i started, no shame in that.

I'm new to SE shaving as well. I started using a DE about a month before diving in to SE. I personally love the shave I get from my DE. I use it for cleaning up after my SE. I also have been using it when I don't have time to use my straight edge. I'm using a Merkur 34HD. I found it being suggested for beginners because it's not too aggressive. As far as the learning curve goes, I almost feel there was little to none. Just make sure your not using any pressure like you with your cartridge and your good to go. Also, make sure you grab a sampler pack of blades. Different skins require different blades. Good luck!