Thread: Is it OK to still use a DE razor

Hi All. New to SR which I have been using instead of my DE for about 2 1/2 weeks. getting the hang of it but it is a slow process. I find I still need to DE to touch things up a bit, especially around my chin. May sound like a funny question but is this "cheating'? Should I get to the point where I never need the DE? How many guy who are very proficient with a straight razor still need to use a DE to touch things up.?

I do not see a reason not to use a DE for touch ups. Until you learn how to handle a straight razor you will have spots where you will need to use a DE for best results. With time those instances will become rarer and rarer.

Welcome to SRP. My first few weeks with a straight I did as mainaman suggests, and I used a DE for my chin, some areas on my neck. As the days passed I became more adept with the straight and eventually left the DE in the medicine cabinet.

For a couple of years I shaved with a straight exclusively as a matter of honor. Then one day I was in a hurry and I got my lonely Merkur 137C slant out with a feather blade and, making sure no one was looking, I shaved.

Since then it has been a slippery slope, and I confess that I enjoy shaving with one or another of my DEs when I am pressed for time ..... or whenever I'm in the mood. So far they haven't kicked me off of SRP , but I had been keeping it a secret, so I don't know.

No. Now go shave with a kriegar razor as penance.

When I started for the first two weeks or so, I used a cartridge as a back up to touch up the harder areas. Then I put it in a closet and just used a straight, which kind of forced me to do the best job possible with the straight at the time.

No right or wrong answer, just what works best for you.

I'm actually now thinking of getting a DE just for those days that I'm really pressed for time as I now do not like skipping days. Before the straight, I skipped as many days as I could.

Welcome...I am somewhat new to SR shaving and now close to my 50th shave. I admit I alternate between SR and DE. On those days when I can't get close enough with the SR, I "may" use the DE for touchup. I still enjoy using the DE, especially if I am in a hurry.

What ever trips your trigger.
Using only straights ( providing you have a really well honed razor) for a while can give you the experience of proper shaving with them.It is easier to learn when there are no options available.
I was a die hard straight user when I started and now have learned to enjoy the shave my eye chooses from the stash. At my age, some mornings are a lot shakier than others!
~Richard

After nine years or so, I think most of my improvement comes from the passage of time, and my worst setbacks and frustrations come from trying to force improvement. "Cheat" away, and you'll probably just naturally finding yourself cheating less and less.

Then you can just use the DE for fun!

I travel with a DE usually so I still use one. Sometimes when my blade is off a bit, or I'm off a bit , I'll finish the shave with a DE.

The important thing is that you enjoy yourself while getting a good shave.

Originally Posted by apipeguy

No right or wrong answer, just what works best for you.

I'm actually now thinking of getting a DE just for those days that I'm really pressed for time as I now do not like skipping days. Before the straight, I skipped as many days as I could.

Funny, I pulled out the DE 2X in the last three weeks when I needed a very quick shave and did not want to rush the Straight. First in a long time.

They have there place in most shave Dens, I've been using the early model Super Speed (1952 I believe)