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.

I hope your gunna stick around... DE shavers are welcome just as much... I hope so, because I am one of those at this point...

I am sorry the straight didn't work out but I am glad the DE is working for you. I would hold onto the straight either way, if anything you could use/practice with the straight on the weekends or when you have extra time. When not using the straight I would recommend putting a thin layer of Mineral Oil (or other recommended oil) on the blade so it does not rust on you.

Welcome

Originally Posted by cswann1

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.

I had all those same issues at first as well but got past them with much practice.

I use a straight about 60-70% of the time and a DE for the rest

i have nothing against your DE use.
i would say took me 6 months get straight razor shave without blood all over my face.
i think learning new habits depends on personality too.
i don't start to learn new things very often if i start i never give up. it may take too much time etc but i just don't give up.
it is not just straight razor everything General.
if i am not mistaken i get this character from paying chess.
when we were child teacher was putting new positions on the board and we were solving it. Sometimes it was opponent has more figure etc but you could mate him with 4-5 moves.
idea was never give up just fight until the end.
Good luck to you and Thank you for your thread

Nothing i can add really (my fellow gentlemen were WAY ahead of me), besides the fact that DE shavers ARE welcome here, and in time you WILL master the SR as well i'm sure.
When you will master it, you'll look back at your post and laugh about it.
Don't give up hope!!

With kind regards,

RazorBack

Originally Posted by cswann1

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.

I think this statement says it all. You just did not have your heart in it. Straight shaving is an investment and if successful, you will be rewarded. Not the way you were looking to be rewarded and not as fast as you would have liked.

I say hang on to the straight and maybe go back to it from time to time. Something might just click and change your mind. Until then....enjoy the EJ DE!

Thanks all.

I do plan to hang onto my straights, strops, hones etc. And I probably will tinker with it some more. And I'll be sure to take precautions against rust while they're patiently waiting for me to get back on the horse.

I guess I can see it being a sort of weekend thing.

Although I think it has been too short amount of time, I really respect your decision to let it set for now. There is nothing wrong with going DE and you are going to love it and hopefully stay part of SRP and contribute.

As a side benefit - you are one less person I have to worry about snagging all of the vintage razors.

Originally Posted by Alembic

As a side benefit - you are one less person I have to worry about snagging all of the vintage razors.

Amen brutha

I read so much about guys finding the most awesome vintage stuff and I can surely see the appeal but believe me, you guys are not going to have to worry about me.

I have plenty of hobbies competing for my disposable income and I surely don't need another.