Thread: Why I gave up on straights

OK first thing, I want to say that I have a lot of respect for those that use straights. It really takes dedication to learn to use one well and realize the benefits. I tried it for a little while and I'm sure that with more time I could master it as well.

But I've decided, at least for now, that it's just not for me.

Firstly, I really am not looking to make a hobby from shaving. I just want a close, comfortable, eco-friendly and economical shave. I understand that each of these things can be had, especially the economical part, with straights. But where it all falls down for me is the extra time and maintenance required.

Secondly, the straight blade itself seems a bit unwieldy and difficult. I mean this thing is pretty big. An old school barber can do things that I simply can't do. He can move himself around and put the blade at different angles and tilt the customers head to accommodate whatever angle he needs. When I'm trying to use a straight on myself, it's really tough to get my hand/wrist to do what I need to do and still see what I'm doing in a mirror. My whiskers grow at a shallow angle from my skin and in various directions. And in my experience, I cannot get a really close shave without going against the grain. So some of the angles I need to employ while going ATG with a straight are just plain awkward.

So, I got a nice Edwin Jagger DE and some blades and have been in wet-shaving heaven since. I can work it in every angle I need to get every square inch of facial real estate BBS, and in not too much more time than it used to take me with a multi-blade cart. For me it's the best compromise of economics and performance.

To all of you straight shavers, I salute you.