Thread: Dual Shaving System for Straight Razor Beginners

Hi, I'm Rob from Denver, CO, first post.


As a newcomer to straight razor shaving I thought I would share my experiences over the last 2 months to anyone who might be contemplating taking up this fine pursuit.


Firstly - is it worth it? Unequivocally yes. Believe all the stories and the hype - you will unquestionably get the smoothest shave of your life and also be left with a substantial feeling of self-accomplishment every time you shave. And I mean everytime!


So, onto the system and why I think it is big help to newbies. Almost certainly this isn't an original idea, but it works for me.


Firstly, straight razor shaving has a steep learning curve. I have 1, and maybe 2 permanent scars to show for that, time will tell. Secondly you will just not get the smoothest shave the first few dozen times you try it, unless you happen to be a natural.


For the first couple of weeks I found myself finishing up with a cartridge razor to get the smooth feeling I wanted, specially on the jaw line. Wanting to go old school for reasons I'm not 100% sure about, this just didn't feel right. My solution was to buy a 50 year old Gillette adjustable DE Fat Boy on the Bay to do the finishing pass. My daily routine is now to shave 2 passes with the straight (WTG and XTG) and then a final pass with the Fat Boy, also XTG.


I'm sure with time I can forgo the Fat Boy, but for now it works - I get an extra smooth shave and also get to use 2 of the best shaving methods out there!