Thread: straigh razors are rubbish

I've been using a straight razor for a couple of months now and I have no idea what the fuss is about. I use a razor with disposable blades and use new ones each time. At first i thought it was better but the only reason seems to be the fact that you take more care over it and do it more than once (i.e. with the grain then against) I've tried the same method of doing it more than once with a normal disposable razor and if anything it was closer and definitely a lot quicker.
Prove me wrong but it just seems to be that people want it to be better. Or is it just that everyone finds it more fun using one even if it isnt as good? Not trying to be abusive, i'd be thankful for any feedback. Thanks

Adam

Welcome to SRP. Different strokes for different folks. I haven't had the same results as you have described. After 45 years of shaving with various tools I find the straight razor the best I have experienced. Use what works best for you.

Originally Posted by JimmyHAD

Welcome to SRP. Different strokes for different folks. I haven't had the same results as you have described. After 45 years of shaving with various tools I find the straight razor the best I have experienced. Use what works best for you.

+1 on Jimmy's comments.

Good luck with what ever you end up shaving with...or maybe you'll just go with a beard.

Most of us here know better, probably because we we took the time and interest to 'learn the skill' and it has become a way of life for us.

Have a good life.

I agree, different strokes for different folks. If other shaving methods give you the results you're looking for, then you should go with that method with no worries. It took longer than a few months for me to get the knack of achieving a close, comfortable enjoyable shave which itself requires mastery of prep, stropping, maintaining the blade edge, etc. Can't put the cart before the horse.

Rest assured though, thousands of us guys around the world who shave this way daily aren't sticking with it because we like to imagine that we're getting great shaves but really aren't.

Chris L

Originally Posted by Chris L

Rest assured though, thousands of us guys around the world who shave this way daily aren't sticking with it because we like to imagine that we're getting great shaves but really aren't.

Chris L

Thats what im trying to say! I think maybe everyone is!? its just because you take more time and care over it with a straight one. suddenly going to spending twice as long shaving and going over more than once is clearly going to give a closer shave wether its with a straight razor or disposeable.

I use a disposeable straight blade one (think in mentioned that before) its a sanguine x-d20 probably not really worth selling. Do non-disposeable straight razors shave better? I was thinking about maybe getting one. I got this one first so i could try it and see if i liked it.
I do difinately enjoy using straights more, theres an art to it. But it takes longer and seems to give if anything worse results!
Thanks for the replys. I mainly asked cus i want it to be better! so if anyone can convince me id b very greatful.

Adam

Originally Posted by adamround

Thats what im trying to say! I think maybe everyone is!? its just because you take more time and care over it with a straight one. suddenly going to spending twice as long shaving and going over more than once is clearly going to give a closer shave wether its with a straight razor or disposeable.

I use a disposeable straight blade one (think in mentioned that before) its a sanguine x-d20 probably not really worth selling. Do non-disposeable straight razors shave better? I was thinking about maybe getting one. I got this one first so i could try it and see if i liked it.
I do difinately enjoy using straights more, theres an art to it. But it takes longer and seems to give if anything worse results!
Thanks for the replys. I mainly asked cus i want it to be better! so if anyone can convince me id b very greatful.

Adam

There is a learning curve with a straight razor that involves proper preparation, lathering, skin stretching and razor manipulation. The razor itself should be honed by a bona fide honemiester until you acquire the skills if you ever want to hone your own. I would suggest you get a straight honed by a pro listed in the SRP classifieds and go from there. In the newbies corner there is a "read this first" post and in the general area videos to give you a head start.

Originally Posted by adamround

Thats what im trying to say! I think maybe everyone is!? its just because you take more time and care over it with a straight one. suddenly going to spending twice as long shaving and going over more than once is clearly going to give a closer shave wether its with a straight razor or disposeable.

Not so. I used a Mach 3 for the first time in many years last week. I thought the results were rubbish. I could have shaved smoother & quicker with a Str8. So using your logic I can say Mach 3's are rubbish.


I use a disposeable straight blade one (think in mentioned that before) its a sanguine x-d20 probably not really worth selling. Do non-disposeable straight razors shave better? I was thinking about maybe getting one. I got this one first so i could try it and see if i liked it.

Some str8 razors shave better & for longer but a poorly honed razor will give you a bad experience as may one not suited to your beard type. Do your research & ask questions.

I do difinately enjoy using straights more, theres an art to it. But it takes longer and seems to give if anything worse results!
Thanks for the replys. I mainly asked cus i want it to be better! so if anyone can convince me id b very greatful.

Adam

Sounds like your convincing yourself if you enjoy it.
It will take longer until your skills improve but look at it like driving a car. 2 months doesn't qualify you to drive Formula 1.
If you have the patience you will see what it's all about

Originally Posted by adamround

its just because you take more time and care over it with a straight one. suddenly going to spending twice as long shaving and going over more than once is clearly going to give a closer shave wether its with a straight razor or disposeable.

Not in my experience. I shaved with a DE for more than 20 years before going straight (that didn't sound right ), but I get a much closer shave after 2 1/2 passes with a straight versus a 4-pass method shave with a feather blade. Not only closer, but I don't start to feel the stubble of a 5 o'clock shadow until at least 12 hours later. But YMMV.

Originally Posted by adamround

Thats what im trying to say! I think maybe everyone is!? its just because you take more time and care over it with a straight one. suddenly going to spending twice as long shaving and going over more than once is clearly going to give a closer shave wether its with a straight razor or disposeable.

The difference is that many (more likely most) people who are using a disposable cartridge razor are looking for the quick-get-it-over-with shave whereas those using a straight (or DE), while having the ability to shave quick, do it more for the enjoyment of the shave itself (i.e. shaving for me whether using my straights or DE's is not a chore that I dread each day).

Cheers,

Rick

One thing I've learned in almost a year of straight razor shaving is pacience. This isn't - today... - for everyone. If you are a "rush it" kind of guy you are better off with a Mach3 and foam from a can. Then again, as Bjorn said... your're not doing it right. There's a lot to know... simple things but many things. This is a skil that has to be learned. If you think a straight is just like any disposable razor you are wrong. There is beard prep, there is stropping and there is honing... and it has to be wet!
I've tried several methods of shaving before I decided to give the straight a try. I did and I'll never go back. Because it's the best way to shave. And this is not a biased oppinion. The straight is the ultimate adjustable blade and to use it you have to wet shave... Again, you must be doing something wrong, buddy!
If you are willing to give it another chance please feel free to lurk around and, of course, ask questions. You'll find a willing and helpful bunch in here.
Good luck!