making the journey from DE to Straight...

Hello all - thought I would introduce myself. I am just starting to read here in the forums. I have been shaving with a DE for some time and I would like to add straight into my hobby. It's a wonderful time I have to just myself for quiet contemplation. I have may questions I am searching for answers to:

1- How long does an actual "shave ready" razor last as shave ready with proper stropping before it needs honing again? If ever?

2- Someone suggested to purchase 2 straight edges and leave one so I can always compare sharpness with the one I am using. Can I not compare my straight to a new DE blade?

3- I have settled on a couple of blades for DE shaving (Astra is one) that shaves me like a wet washcloth being slowly wiped across the face - smooth as anything - no tugging, no pulling, no irritation. Slick as deer-guts on a door knob. Do straight edge razors shave like that? Can I get a no-tug, no-pull experience with one? :thinking:

I will continue to read, and find my answers around here, but I know I am in the right spot to seek out such knowledge.

cheers and hello to everyone out there in the community.
:beer1:

First off: welcome to SRP!

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Originally Posted by lycidas

Hello all - thought I would introduce myself. I am just starting to read here in the forums. I have been shaving with a DE for some time and I would like to add straight into my hobby. It's a wonderful time I have to just myself for quiet contemplation. I have may questions I am searching for answers to:

1- How long does an actual "shave ready" razor last as shave ready with proper stropping before it needs honing again? If ever?

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Depends on the way it was honed, the strop, the stropper and the steel. But a good razor should last some 10 to 20 shaves before a touch up on the hones or pasted strops are needed. Your Mileage May Vary.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by lycidas

2- Someone suggested to purchase 2 straight edges and leave one so I can always compare sharpness with the one I am using. Can I not compare my straight to a new DE blade?

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You can, but DE blades are sharp differently(you'll know what I mean when you feel it).

Quote:

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Originally Posted by lycidas

3- I have settled on a couple of blades for DE shaving (Astra is one) that shaves me like a wet washcloth being slowly wiped across the face - smooth as anything - no tugging, no pulling, no irritation. Slick as deer-guts on a door knob. Do straight edge razors shave like that? Can I get a no-tug, no-pull experience with one? :thinking:

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You can, but it will take a while. It is an acquired skill. I'm shaving with a straight for 4 months now and still don't get a 100% smooth shave. But there should be almost no pulling or tugging when using a properly sharpened blade.

Cheers!

Hello all - thought I would introduce myself. I am just starting to read here in the forums. I have been shaving with a DE for some time and I would like to add straight into my hobby. It's a wonderful time I have to just myself for quiet contemplation. I have may questions I am searching for answers to:

1- How long does an actual "shave ready" razor last as shave ready with proper stropping before it needs honing again? If ever?

Anywhere from 3-6 months...it really depends on your beard prep, beard and shaving & stropping technique.

2- Someone suggested to purchase 2 straight edges and leave one so I can always compare sharpness with the one I am using. Can I not compare my straight to a new DE blade?

Yes you can

3- I have settled on a couple of blades for DE shaving (Astra is one) that shaves me like a wet washcloth being slowly wiped across the face - smooth as anything - no tugging, no pulling, no irritation. Slick as deer-guts on a door knob. Do straight edge razors shave like that? Can I get a no-tug, no-pull experience with one? :thinking:

Yes you can

I will continue to read, and find my answers around here, but I know I am in the right spot to seek out such knowledge.

cheers and hello to everyone out there in the community.
:beer1: