Thread: Best Shaves?

I'm new to straight razors. I've used electric razors to get most of the stubble off and then cartridge or disposable razors for the final close shave.

The electric razor is good for getting really close in the sensitive areas since you know you aren't going to cut yourself. So upper lip and adam apple areas are a good place to use them.

How many of you can get your closest ever shave with just a straight edge (or with just a DE for that matter)?

Or do you just adjust your definition of what a close shave is for the strengths of whatever kind of shaving system you are using?

I think the majority of SRP members get as close with a straight razor or a DE as anyone can with any shaving implement , once they become proficient in shave technique. There is a learning curve but the shaves get better and better until a great shave becomes the norm. IME.

Originally Posted by JimmyHAD

I think the majority of SRP members get as close with a straight razor or a DE as anyone can with any shaving implement , once they become proficient in shave technique. There is a learning curve but the shaves get better and better until a great shave becomes the norm. IME.

I agree 200%. I adjusted my definition while I was learning the straight razor, to "does not look like a bum", later to "good enough to go to work to", till I've managed to shave every day comfortably and efficiently and get a better shave than I did ever before. Took me about a year and it's worth it. Plus it's so more fun.

Before straight shaving I used disposables, Wilkinson quattro blades. The results were satisfying but that was due to the fact that I did not know any better.

When I started to use straight razors the first shaves felt uncomfortable. Sometimes even awkward. But as the skills improved the shaves became better and better. And it is great fun too. Right now I can get smoother shaves with a straight than with a disposable.

I was never happy with my electric razors, which is why I switched. The switch to wet shave and a DE razor gave far better results after about a week, but now the SR is generally the one that makes my face feel 'cleanest'.

In general ignorance is bliss. People have a routine no matter what it is and they think it's the best in the world and then one day they stumble on something else and a whole new universe opens to them.

I used to use an electric and thought it was the cats meow.

I will say that I think I got pretty close with my cartridge razors...but I also NEVER obsessed about it.

I simply shaved quickly, and ran out the door...end of story.

Since I started shaving with an exposed blade, things changed. I became much more in tune with the process and the results. At first, the results were horrid compared to the cartridges....as time progressed, my obsessing and faceturbating became much more critical. Now I would guess I am getting AS CLOSE as my cartridges...but then again...I NEVER checked this feverishly and lamented over a missed patch of invisible stubble that I could feel when stroking against the grain.

Considering that last bit I typed, I might suggest that I am actually getting closer than ever, but it is really hard to compare, because I will not go back to the cartridges to compare

For what it is worth, I still use an Electric at least once a week

I get my closest shaves with a DE or straight. The few times I have tried electric shavers I never got a close shave and if I tried all I did was give myself a good case of razor burn.

Bob

I never got a close shave with the electric which is why I used a cartridge afterward. I do like the fact that I can clean up the area around the lips without worrying about cutting myself.

Sometimes I'll use an electric in that area after doing the best I can with a straight. Currently I'm still going over my face with a disposable at the end of my straight shave as well.