Thread: 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?

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.

First off: welcome to SRP!

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?

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.

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?

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

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?

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?

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.