Thread: Looking for advise for the wise - DE or Straight?

Hi all, My name is shaun,

I am new to the world of "proper" shaving. after using walmart sale products i just started using a brush and a DE (gillette w/ feather blades). its great, but not all that I was hoping.

I want to try using a straight edge, but i cant understand if/and why the shave is closer w/ a straight edge versus a DE? I tried to google why but no luck. Is it simply the material in the blade, and if so why is the feather AC's (disposable) just as comparable to a carbon steel blade om most straight edges?

I hate to say it but after all my research it just seems to be a macho/cool thing to use a straight blade? - I really hope a veteran here can help prove me wrong - as I really would like to find a reason to drop 250 bucks on one of these cool blades.

thanks,

Straights are dramatically closer because you are not a slave to the aggressiveness settings on the razor. Open full wide to setting number "9" a Gillette DE is pretty close to a straight blade, but not quite as close. At a more civil setting of say a "3" it is not anywhere near as close. Good thing too, as the DE blade is not as smooth as a straight either. This isn't a problem unless you try to make a DE just as close and then the irritation is a little more likely.

So, in summary, its hard to explain until you try it yourself.

It also takes a lot of practice and know how to get a straight to perform correctly, before you even figure out how much closer it really is.

Think of a straight, as a blade, without a safety bar in the way.

Also, closeness isn't the only important issue. Sometimes you can get a better shave with a DE because of skill level, time available, or simply the fact that it is so much more similar to standard cartridge style shaving.

Originally Posted by shaunsr1

I want to try using a straight edge, but i cant understand if/and why the shave is closer w/ a straight edge versus a DE?

Hi Shaun, welcome to SRP. The good news is that you can get as good a shave with a straight or better than with any other instrument of shaving. The bad news is that you won't get it right away or even soon. Takes time to get it all down. Using the brush and the DE will contribute to learning lathering and preparation but then comes stropping and shave technique.

If you decide you want to hone your own that adds another dimension. First get a professionally honed shave ready razor from a recognized vendor. Check out the beginner's guide in the SRP Wiki here for some good stuff to go with.

I've never shaved with a DE, so I can't really compare the two, although I've read on the forums here of men who use both, but still prefer the straight for the closer shave.

Also, it isn't just that straights are the manly way to go, they appeal to guys who like to maintain their own edge that they put to their face, or don't want to use any disposable blades.

I'm old enough at 57 years to have started with DE razors, used multiple blade "modern" razors for years, and now have been using straight razors for some years. And, I certainly agree that the straight razor shave and feel is hard to explain.

While I don't know if my attempt to explain is true, I think there might be some truth in the tale. And, if so, it would explain why straight razor shaves are so close and feel so good. (As said above, the goodness of straight razors shaves only comes after a significant period of time learning the techniques.)

My theory...

DE razors shave the top layer of dead skin layers, and cut the whiskers. So, of course, it gives a close shave. Straight razors, after a few stroppings, are sharp but the edge is slightly rounded. For this reason, I believe they push the skin down to some degree over the hair shaft, then cut off the whiskers. Then, the skin slips up over the shaft, covering the now cut tip of the whiskers.

Just a theory. If true, it would explain why the shave is so close, but the irritation isn't a factor.

this is some very valuable information so far and i really appreciate the immediate responses!

that said, if anybody reads this thread, please feel free to put your two cents in as well.......

Originally Posted by LarryAndro

I'm old enough at 57 years to have started with DE razors, used multiple blade "modern" razors for years, and now have been using straight razors for some years. And, I certainly agree that the straight razor shave and feel is hard to explain.

While I don't know if my attempt to explain is true, I think there might be some truth in the tale. And, if so, it would explain why straight razor shaves are so close and feel so good. (As said above, the goodness of straight razors shaves only comes after a significant period of time learning the techniques.)

My theory...

DE razors shave the top layer of dead skin layers, and cut the whiskers. So, of course, it gives a close shave. Straight razors, after a few stroppings, are sharp but the edge is slightly rounded. For this reason, I believe they push the skin down to some degree over the hair shaft, then cut off the whiskers. Then, the skin slips up over the shaft, covering the now cut tip of the whiskers.

Just a theory. If true, it would explain why the shave is so close, but the irritation isn't a factor.

Great post +1 on everything here, I was also told that DE razors remove the top layer of skin.

My route was very similar and feel that using a straight is like nothing else out there and has to be experienced first hand.
The nearest thing I have tried is the Schick Injector for feel and result IMHO of course.

The jump from modern razors to a straight is quite a big one

Originally Posted by Doublewood

...I was also told that DE razors remove the top layer of skin.

If you are not paying attention a straight razor can also remove the next 4 layers of skin.

--Shoki

Welcome to the Insanity errr The Forums.. Ya thats what I ment

I also can't comment on DE's as they give me the creeps, I'm more nervous about using a DE than I ever was with a straight razor... Ya I know some other people think I'm bassackwards as well

I like straight razors on many different levels, the shave is just a benefit of these other fun skills I have learned. Once a few of these skills are understood and implemented it's a great feeling to be in charge of your own actions instead of what the marketing guru's want you to do

Check out the WIKI link above and enjoy

I've been a DE razor user for 20 years. Just new to straights having started 4 months ago.

The difference is in the smoothness of the blade. The straight gets a daily stropping on leather (and linen) the store bought DE or "shavette" does not. I compare the DE, or Shavette to a freshly honed straight in that it is a bit harsh on the skin. After a few stroppings, the straight razor is wonderful! No more nicks! and feels great right after shaving, not like I've been through some kind of face removing treatment. A light sting with the aftershave to know that I have just had a shave, and that is all.

I also used to dread going after my beard with a few days growth with the DE as it would pull something awful even with a new blade, very painful like ripping the hair out by the roots. I remember I used to run the electric over it first, but that used to hurt almost as bad and then shave with the DE. Were it not for the fact that my German face grows a scraggy crappy beard at best, and that it itches terribly, I would not have shaved at all.

With the straight, no problem any length of beard. With the stropping and what not, it takes me about 20 - 30 min. But I can live with that.

I love my straight razors!!! Hooked for life!!!