Thread: better than disposable DE blade?

I am curious... Has anyone found that they are able to hone a blade to the point where it shaves better than one of the "disposable" straight razors where you break a double edge blade in half and put it in a straight razor handle made for it? My honing has been similar to but not quite as good as that.

In my experience, a finely honed straight is, in fact, a closer shave than any DE or Feather shave. I know some perhaps feel differently, but that's been my experience anyway.

Give it a year a you'll see better results. Especially on the neck where a DE can leave more stubble and razor irritation. I use my DEs when I wake up at 5am and need a quick shave.

Originally Posted by dgstr8

I am curious... Has anyone found that they are able to hone a blade to the point where it shaves better than one of the "disposable" straight razors where you break a double edge blade in half and put it in a straight razor handle made for it? My honing has been similar to but not quite as good as that.

I no exactly where your coming from i wonderd the same thing like disburden says give it time and you will be surprised how sharp you can finly tune a straight . I shave clients with shavette with halve blades called perma sharp turkish barbers use them and so do i as my turkish employe introduced me to them and they are number one blade if you send me your address i will give you some to sample. I don't think de leave stubble behind i no for a fact they will give an extremly close shave and glide through stubble like its not there if too much pressure is used you will no about it you have to use zero pressure with shavettes as they will easily cause blood spots and irritation etc. I find straight razor so much more forgiving lritation free and they leave your skin feeling silkier. i do think they can be as shrp as each other but i would have to say a good quality de blade is just sharper but totaly differant shave. Lets put it this way i prefer straight razor because its original more forgiving more fun and to be able to hone your own edge is a great achievmant and challange which can get quite addictive.

I should mention that I was referring to my experience with disposable DE blades in a DE razor, like an old gillette fat boy/NEW or even a Merkur. I have never used a shavette before and I really have no interest in them. Like Gary says, the addiction of honing and the challenges are what's so great about a real straight.

I don't think a straight will ever be as sharp as a disposable blade. But then, I think that disposable blades used as a straight razor are a little too aggressive. I've only got decent results from a shavette after having dulled the blade slightly.

Originally Posted by dgstr8

I am curious... Has anyone found that they are able to hone a blade to the point where it shaves better than one of the "disposable" straight razors where you break a double edge blade in half and put it in a straight razor handle made for it? My honing has been similar to but not quite as good as that.

I would say absolutely. A better shave that is..... whether the blade is technically as sharp I don't know but the shave is as close and far more comfortable with much less chance of nicks or weepers. YMMV.

Originally Posted by rupert87

I don't think a straight will ever be as sharp as a disposable blade. But then, I think that disposable blades used as a straight razor are a little too aggressive. I've only got decent results from a shavette after having dulled the blade slightly.

You would'nt realize it but you were probably using to miuch pressure when using shavette you after imagine you are shaving a baby realy light pressure you can get stuck in with a straight but not shavette no way .