Thread: Head Shaving

Originally Posted by life2short1971

If the straight is not at its top condition I have problems with closeness. It will not go against the grain and then I have problems with burns and nicks.Others may have a different experience but that was mine. I have a full head of hair thats probably a 7 on the coarseness scale.

Haha, yes, I have a full head of hair as well. I'm sure that's it seems like heresy to some of the balding people out there to shave off all of my perfectly good hair, but I like the look a lot as well as the ease of maintenance. I also have a bit of a problem with my scalp itching when the hair gets too long, and it flakes despite all of my showers and shampoos. Ever since my young teens, it'd happen. My head never gets flakey or itchy when I shave it down to almost nothing, even with letting it grow afterwards for a month or two. By this point in my life, I equate a shaved head with manliness, cleanliness, and versitile comfort. Plus, I must admit that I do enjoy shaving more than the average man probably does. Again, I can thank my Bismarck for that!

Even a just honed straight start giving me trouble before the shave is over. It may be my technique but it is still too time consuming and doesn't come out nearly as well. When I am done I feel absolutely nothing but skin. Zero stubble for about 4 hours then it starts creeping in again.I don't feel I finished shaving if there is any stubble.

What kind of DE and blades do you use?
Isn't the cost per shave expensive?

I use a Merkur Progress but it is one of the more expensive safety razors available. I also use Feather and Astra blades which can be had if you shop around for under $20 per hundred. If you buy blades at CVS, etc. you'll get 10 for $6.99 and they won't be top quality. There are many reputable vendors online. Feather blades are considered the some of the sharpest available.

Hmm, interesting. I always read that they seem to be a pretty aggressive blade here on the forums. I really know next to nothing about shaving with a DE. I'm still pretty set on the straight. However, I will look into all of the things that we have been talking about in regards to shaving with straights and DEs, and then go from there. After all, I have seen a video of one of the older SRP members use a straight on their head. I believe that it will be an interesting process to learn from him and how he did everything, since he can shave his head in under ten minutes from first swipe to last. That's my target goal. I have a fresh alum block ready, because I'm sure I'll need to use it well in the showers.

Its about 10 minutes with a de. Each razor has a different cut with blade. You need to try several different blades to see what combination is right for you. Thats why some say they are aggressive and others like them. What is good for me might not be for you. Maybe a Derby blade might work better in the same razor for you. Its up to you what you like best. Scott

Originally Posted by Prussian

I have been looking into some of your threads about DE shaving your head. I am concerned that it will become just as an expensive matter as using a modern-day cartridge razor rather than using the infinite straight that I can hone up. This is what is preventing me from biting the bullet and purchasing a DE, especially since I have been shaving with a straight for so long now. I'd feel like I would be doing a dishonor to my Bismarck that I have shared so much joy with. Hence, I am determined to make it work out somehow. My straight is more than just a tool, it's an extension of an era and a character. If other, greater men before me could do it, then so can I. Don't get me wrong, though. I wish the best chrome-dome experience to any man who uses any method, but I want the straight to be mine....and so you all find me here, researching my next hurdle, from shaving my face to moving a bit more north.

To each their own! I stuck with the straights for a while and ultimately decided to change, and for me it's worked out well.

The two bonuses are that a) my wife now uses a DE and b) I have a razor that I can carry-on to flights.

You do have to buy blades, but they're much more affordable than cartridges and there are lots of manufacturers besides Gillette, so you're still not giving them any money (if you care). I got a sampler pack online, of which I still have plenty of blades left, to find out which felt best. Lucky for me that Derby blades give me great shaves and are also quite inexpensive.