Thread: Straight Shaves Closer Than DE ?

I do and that's why my results are similar when using each of them alone, with one difference.. A straight will be less likely to give me weepers. Combining the two systems properly takes full advantage of both and thus gives the best possible shaves.

Before using a Straight Blade I was using a DE. I get a way closer shave with the straight and it's more flexible for getting even sideburns and around my mustache. Skin stretching really makes the whiskers just pop off with the blade and is a big help in avoiding razorburn. Now that I have my skin stretching technique down, I can use my alcohol based aftershave lotions again (though I do love Mama Bear's lotions also).
Ernest

Not quite the same topic but I did an experiment the other day with a Mach3 and a str8.

I lathered as usual and put some water in a glass to clean the whiskers from the M3.
Stretching the skin I did a WTG pass and the whole time used the glass of water to collect the cut hairs.

I then relathered and did another WTG with my poorly honed st8, collecting the hairs in a glass I held under the blade as I ran water over it.
(god forbid I have a little ding-a-ling on the glass)

The cuttings of the POORLY HONED STR8 were as long or longer than those removed by a brand new M3 head.

Anyone who wants a gently used M3 cartridge feel free to retrieve it from my neighbors yard.

I'd guess a blade itself against the skin works out better than a safety razor sharing the surface with its blade.
I generally get similar results, but the straight shave does go longer into the day before stubble. The exception to that rule for me is the Merkur Slantbar, which matches the bet shave I can get so far.

I find I can get as close with the straight as I can with the DE.

I was recently reminded how much more comfortable I have become with the straight. I was on the road for a week and took a DE along in case I was rushed on a given day. I used it once and had more razor burn and irritation from that one shave than with my straight. Plus it was no closer. To be fair, I think the comfort from either, is a matter of how well I execute my technique on that given day. Still, the straight is less likely to nick or burn, probably because that's all I use except on rare occassions.

Worse still was a trip the week before where I flew with carry-on only...had to use the hotel-supplied disposable razor . No cuts or burns, but not much of a shave either.

- Dale

Here are my observations
2 pass straight shave is better than a 3 pass DE (Fatboy + Feather blade)
3 pass straight shave is WAY better than a 3 pass DE (Fatboy + Feather blade)

I must say that I employ similar techniques of stretching skin with both DE and str8s

I've only been shaving with a straight for a little over a month. As of now, I get undeniably closer shaves on my cheeks with a straight than with a DE, but I get closer around my mouth and below the jawline with a DE.

Since I get closer shaves on my cheeks with a straight, I figure that as my technique improves, I'll start getting closer in the other areas, too.

By the way, I do two (WTG and XTG) passes with a straight and I did three passes with a DE.

After 7 or 8 months using straights exclusively, I can honestly say my shaves are closer and more comfortable than with any other razor type I've ever used. Also I find I'm much less likely to nick myself or get razorburn when using a straight something which was very routine when using DE razors.

I get better shaves with a straight (generally) than a DE.

BUT, I get amazing shaves with my Schick adjustable injector - I think the injectors are the best single blade razors out there.

I get decent shaves with my GEM razors and the Ted Pella blades, but the GEM razors are less user-friendly.

I can honestly say that my straight razor shaves are MUCH closer than any shave I've ever had with a DE.

FWIW, I've never used a DE.

Cheers,
Ed