What's Changed?

So you have been shaving with your straight or DE for well over a year now... what's changed?

I got to say, for me quite a bit. Just to get started though, with respect to my shaving with a straight:


What hasn't changed:

- I still blame the equipment when I get a lousy shave :)
- My wife still thinks I am nuts


What has changed:

- I don't do three pass shaves as much as I used to
- I haven't destroyed a strop in some time


What about you? What are some of the things that really stand out that's changed for you?

I am now quite at home and comfortable in using a straight and honing one. When I get a bad shave I know it is me most of the time if not always. I can now get shaves that can equal what I can from a DE. Yes, my wife still thinks I am nuts too. Not much has stayed the same.

Bob

I don't obsess over having the latest and greatest thing that's hyped up on the forums. I don't feel a need to run out and buy the flavor of the day hone, soap, or whatever.

I've pretty well settled in on what works for me.
That doesn't mean I don't still try new things, but I am a lot less swayed by the hype.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by earcutter

So you have been shaving with your straight or DE for well over a year now... what's changed?

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OK, I've been shaving with a straight razor for more than a year... about six years, truth be told. Here's what's changed for me:

1. No more Acquisition Disorders. Been there, done that... moved on.
2. I've learned what I like and what I don't like. 5/8"-6/8" 1/4-hollow|(near-)wedge Sheffield steel, jimps top-and-bottom, no etchings/washes, spine work, or fancy/figural scales.
3. My shaving technique is "dialed-in". I know how to prep my beard, how to raise a good lather (cream/soap, mug/"mug"), how to shave my face (direction, passes, which strokes where).

If I had any advice to give, it would be:

• Do not invest in any hones: no diamond plates, no natural or synthetic stones.
• Do invest in (a) sending all razors out for professional honing; and (b) acquiring a modular strop (sprayed/pasted felt and leather) for maintaining blade edges.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by JBHoren

OK, I've been shaving with a straight razor for more than a year... about six years, truth be told. Here's what's changed for me:

1. No more Acquisition Disorders. Been there, done that... moved on.
2. I've learned what I like and what I don't like. 5/8"-6/8" 1/4-hollow|(near-)wedge Sheffield steel, jimps top-and-bottom, no etchings/washes, spine work, or fancy/figural scales.
3. My shaving technique is "dialed-in". I know how to prep my beard, how to raise a good lather (cream/soap, mug/"mug"), how to shave my face (direction, passes, which strokes where).

If I had any advice to give, it would be:

• Do not invest in any hones: no diamond plates, no natural or synthetic stones.
• Do invest in (a) sending all razors out for professional honing; and (b) acquiring a modular strop (sprayed/pasted felt and leather) for maintaining blade edges.

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DUDE - You are killing me LOL!! Honing has turned into one of my greatest pastimes :).

I feel you though. I just couldn't do it! :)