Thread: Straight Razors vs Double Edge Razors

I've read this thread from post one and twice now petrakos stated an obvious, and not picked up fact, about the differences between a DE and an SR. In almost all cases a shaver using a DE, or SE, will not stretch his skin to get a closer shave. Almost all SR users are constantly stretching their skin for a close shave. Try skin stretching with a DE and then compare. The differences are minor. Where the consensus falls on the side of the SR I would say it is because we enjoy the ritual and satisfaction of prepping and using a SR. It could be that deep in our primordial brain we cherish the challenge of using a sharp object on ourselves (as opposed on others or in hunting.) For me, I have dubbed the morning shave as an Act of Ritual Suicide. Through which I have daily proven that I can use a sharp object and therefore protect and feed my family.

Yes, I do skin stretching with either SRs or DEs/SEs and find very little difference in closeness or longevity of the shave. The only difference to my shave routine is using a different tool. I would say though that some DEs, usually the aggressive ones, combined with certain blades do better for me.

Bob

The original question: I would agree that, depending on the manufacturer (some are better than others), that DE blades are sharper on the first shave.

With that said, my shaves when I used to use DEs and my shaves now with straights, tend to be pretty much the same.

thank you gentleman for reviving this thread. I enjoy any and all opinions.

I like them both, I get very good shaves from my straights and my safety razors (DE, SE and injectors). I tend to use a safety more in the summer due to the heat and humidity and I can shave faster with one. I enjoy and use all my collection

Stretching skin to me is a moot point. For one, a DE or "safety" razor's guard stretches the skin tight in front of the blade. Also, if I stretch my skin with a DE I don't notice any difference which more than likely relates back to the first point. Different techniques for different tools. Apples to Oranges. I'm not saying that your DE isn't sharper than your straights but I notice no difference in MY sharpest straights vs a DE vs a shavette in practice or results.

I use both. I'm not throwing plastic away and messing up theenvironment. I prefer the straight and I get as good a shave with one as with the other. But if in a hurry, I'll go with my DE.

With a straight the razor is directly on your face so if a safety razor bested it that can mean only two things. Your straight can be sharper or your technique can be sharper.

I use the R41 with a feather blade and I can get a result very very close to a straight however it still does not best a straight.

DE razors are great and I would pick one over a cart any day, but one area the straight wins hands down.
I don't shave every day, and sometimes not for a week or more. The straight wipes it off no problem. DE and carts clog and you are forever rinsing them. End of shave the cart or DE blade is pretty much had it, for me anyway. The straight is good to go again after a taste of some leather, and can do that 50+ times in a row.

I don't know either, but I'm new to DE and hope to eventually get to where I can use a straight edge. I assume they're sharper due to you can re-sharpen the edge, with a straight razor it subjective to the construction of the blade manufacturer.