Thread: SR or DE... that is the question.

I gotta say i was completely opposite from everybody here
I couldn't get a DE right for the life of me for over 6 months. (R89)
and a straight razor was almost intuitive after 3 shaves.
that being said - after the last few years i still get a better final shave with a DE but a better gloss with a straight.
my routine now involves both.

to get close i need to go against the grain, and i just cant* do it in some spots with a straight razor. - particularly the pass i do from my ear to my adams apple and vice versa.

Get them both second hand and you can always sell what you dont like.

Originally Posted by EolaHeights

Thanks. I was also wondering (but wasn't sure if this thread was the place to ask) if there's really THAT much difference in brushes/soaps/creams/etc. Everything I've read outside of this forum says badger, badger, BADGER! But I'm seeing a trend on these feeds that a $9 brush from Walgreens is just fine to start out. Any insight here as well?

I do not find that much difference with brushes at all. I have badger, boar, and synthetic and they all make lather and get it on my face, which is the point. They have differences but they all work. Soaps/Creams can be fun but honestly it is not rocket science.

My point was for me it was an easier transition because I learned which way my beard grows, and various angles and techniques with a DE. Granted much of it changes with a SR, but you are still putting steel on skin.

Starting with a DE or SR is a personal preference. You will be fine either way. Just more to learn with a SR.

Whatever your choice, be aware of the angle of the blade to your face. That means that the cutting edge is at an optimum for the clean removal of whiskers.
It will take a while to learn but, if your face feels raw, the blade is at too high an angle, or too much pressure. If no whiskers off or short stubble and razor feels sticky, the angle is too low.
A good angle is about 10 degrees between your face and the blade. Which means there will be a change as you go over the jawline or chin.
Lather makes a BIG difference in quality of shave!!
Happy Shaves!!
~Richard

I got DE 4 months before the straight and had some basics down. Worked for me and had the DE to clean up with. If I were to do it again I would buy both cheap, get a shave ready SR and start a little at a time with straight, finishing with DE. Wet shaving all in...

Have a great day...

Well, it's like learning to drive a car with a manual tranny as opposed to an auto. Using an auto makes things much easier for a beginner. Same with shaving. You have the time to learn about using soaps and creams and prep methods with the DE before worrying about using the straight and stropping and razor care.

Of course back in the day you learned the hard way because there was no choice same with a car.

Originally Posted by gflight

I got DE 4 months before the straight and had some basics down. Worked for me and had the DE to clean up with. If I were to do it again I would buy both cheap, get a shave ready SR and start a little at a time with straight, finishing with DE. Wet shaving all in...

Have a great day...

This was EXACTLY my thinking. I already pulled the trigger and bought a SR from the classified section of the site. Now to find a solid Safety Razor. The Mrs. bought me a gift card to the "Art of Shaving" (some hipster-chic shave store) with the intention of my getting a nice barber shave which I love. That led me to thinking about learning to do this myself (catch a man a fish, ya know). I might just use that to pick one up. I don't think she had any idea of the wormhole she just opened. Ha!

I've never had one, but guys used to recommend the Merkur HD for the first SR if you were going new. Art of Shaving website shows this, which I think is the Merkur HD. They also have the Merkur Progress, which some guys rate highly.

The Art of Shaving - Chrome Heavyweight Safety Razor- Buy a Razor

Lots of good advice here. I think you need to do what feels right for you...and what you can afford. I enjoy DE, SE and SR shaving. Each one has something different to offer. I wouldn't want to restrict myself to just one kind of shaving. I can get an amazing shave from any and all the above. I really enjoy vintage razors (Gillette, Schicks, SRs), but there are also many good new varieties from which to choose. As for brushes...there are many options from which to choose. I have several of each kind of brush (boar, badger and horse) and each one has a special quality. As for soaps...there are some great quality soaps and creams on the market. Wet-shaving, in my view, is not about limiting choices, but about experimenting and enjoying the journey.

I just jumped into the straights, never was a patient chap. Steep learning curve but fun all the same. Back then I could take my time with a shave. Little lad came along and time to shave ebbed away. I went to a DE and eventually (hectic work and home) grew a beard.
That's gone recently and the DE is back, still not a great deal of time or peace lol.
I've just gotten a Merkur 34c. First shave with a wilkinson sword German blade was very good.
I will head back to the straights, may make it a weekend treat to begin with but will be sticking with the DE for now.
In summary, both are great fun to learn and RAD doesn't discriminate, DE or straight.

It does not have to be an either or situation. DE or straight? Yes, absolutely.

I love shaving with a straight but I have a chin that it very difficult to shave, especially with a straight. My chin looks like a golf ball, dimples and all. I just cannot get a BBS shave on my chin with a straight. My beard grows so fast that I would have to shave twice a day if I do not get a close shave the first time around. I shave two passes with a straight razor and then do a clean up pass with a DE. This might not be the most traditional way to do things, but it works for me.