Thread: Comparing DE blades to str8's

"Ok will try to remove more stubble in the WTG pass as that is my problem."

Consider doing two WTG passes as well. I tried the standard WTG,XTG then ATG with the DE but it ended up working better for my face to do WTG, WTG then XTG or ATG. If you aren't getting rid of a lot of stubble on your earlier passes you definitely need to work on that or in essence you are starting off with ATG pass which won't be comfortable.

"But the truth is, a DE will cut you more than a str8 and not be as comfortable, right?"

That is a little hard to say. I have gotten a far worse cut with the straight (my mind wondered for a second and it bit me good) then the DE but had more nicks with the DE. Part of the extra nicks with the DE was really learning how to shave properly with the DE coming from a cartridge. After learning it the nicks went away. When I went to the straight from the DE (only a couple of weeks ago) I already knew how to shave my face and just had to get the feel of the straight itself. I certainly think learning the DE before the straight was very helpful to me as moving to the straight was much easier then I thought it would be. If I had to learn how to shave with the straight coming from a cartridge I think it could have been messy.

As far as comfortable the DE was comfortable (after I found a couple of razors I really like) but the straight does seem better in this regard. Basically no tingling at all with the alum block when I'm done where I would have a little with the DE. Part of this is likely that I only need two passes with the straight to get about the same quality shave as took three on the DE. Haven't gone ATG yet but really haven't needed to either.

Shawn

Wow thats hard to believe that 2 passes not including an ATG pass is about the same as 3 passes with the DE including an ATG pass. That is pretty damn close. I couldnt imagine not going ATG.

Originally Posted by shawn

"Ok will try to remove more stubble in the WTG pass as that is my problem."

Consider doing two WTG passes as well. I tried the standard WTG,XTG then ATG with the DE but it ended up working better for my face to do WTG, WTG then XTG or ATG. If you aren't getting rid of a lot of stubble on your earlier passes you definitely need to work on that or in essence you are starting off with ATG pass which won't be comfortable.

"But the truth is, a DE will cut you more than a str8 and not be as comfortable, right?"

That is a little hard to say. I have gotten a far worse cut with the straight (my mind wondered for a second and it bit me good) then the DE but had more nicks with the DE. Part of the extra nicks with the DE was really learning how to shave properly with the DE coming from a cartridge. After learning it the nicks went away. When I went to the straight from the DE (only a couple of weeks ago) I already knew how to shave my face and just had to get the feel of the straight itself. I certainly think learning the DE before the straight was very helpful to me as moving to the straight was much easier then I thought it would be. If I had to learn how to shave with the straight coming from a cartridge I think it could have been messy.

As far as comfortable the DE was comfortable (after I found a couple of razors I really like) but the straight does seem better in this regard. Basically no tingling at all with the alum block when I'm done where I would have a little with the DE. Part of this is likely that I only need two passes with the straight to get about the same quality shave as took three on the DE. Haven't gone ATG yet but really haven't needed to either.

Shawn

"Wow thats hard to believe that 2 passes not including an ATG pass is about the same as 3 passes with the DE including an ATG pass. That is pretty damn close. I couldnt imagine not going ATG."

Not going ATG on the DE. Two WTG then XTG. Sometimes I'll do ATG after that but normally don't bother as it isn't needed.

"I couldnt imagine not going ATG."

Get better at your earlier passes.

Shawn

Indeed, but, I dont think its possible to look ultra close and stubbleless without going ATG, is it? I noticed my stache today didnt LOOK smooth even though it was. I did too many passes on that sensitive area. For years, I used to shave that once a week with only two passes with the M3 turbo. Then i switched to every 4 days because I like looking ultra smooth there. But using the DE, i feel that i abrased my skin so it still kind of looks like I have a light stache because of the razor burn. that area needs a light touch, im even concerned with going ATG with a straight on that area once I get the hang but maybe an extremely light touch would be fine.

Originally Posted by shawn

"Wow thats hard to believe that 2 passes not including an ATG pass is about the same as 3 passes with the DE including an ATG pass. That is pretty damn close. I couldnt imagine not going ATG."

Not going ATG on the DE. Two WTG then XTG. Sometimes I'll do ATG after that but normally don't bother as it isn't needed.

"I couldnt imagine not going ATG."

Get better at your earlier passes.

Shawn

I sent you a reply on this yesterday but for some reason it did not show up.
Now I have to try to remember what brilliant things I said.
Essentially you need way more time with the DE.
There is a steep learning curve at first.
Sounds at first read like your blade angle and pressure are off. Also your choice of blade may not be right yet.
I have DE saved for getting close to 40 years. In that time I have used many blades that other shavers raved about and hated them so it is a very personal thing.
For many of us the DE served as a transitional step to straight shaving and like many others I suspect I still use DEs when the mood or the circumstances dictate.
If you want help with the DE I am sure many on this board will step in and you can also check out ShaveMyFace. Many knowledgeable DE users there eager to help.
When the straight shows up you have a huge pool of expertise to draw on here.
It is truly a great experience to see so many people eager to help someone get the best shave they can.
By all means learn and enjoy your shaves with whatever system you choose. Use one - use them all - its all part of the fun

"I dont think its possible to look ultra close and stubbleless without going ATG, is it?"

I do it every day.

Shawn

Originally Posted by shawn

"I dont think its possible to look ultra close and stubbleless without going ATG, is it?"

I do it every day.

Shawn

Also depends on your beard and haircolour! I've got a blond beard, so it won't show up as fast, like a George Clooney-beard!

Originally Posted by OldFashioned

Lol Ive been doing it for years and a razor has never dropped, yet again it wouldnt do much if it did. I never have soapy fingers when shaving, thats a given. I will definitely have to modify something if I want to shave with a str8 but shaving outside the shower is just painful for me. All that cold air is so uncomfortable. I dont know how people do it. Even my lather was cold and I had soaked it in hot water but due to the lack of hot steam, it just cooled down. I really wonder how people do this. And not to mention that I dont even have thick stubble or a 5 oclock shadow ever. Yet it is sensitive.

For hot lather, you really need to invest in some sort of warmer. I use a large glass bowl that retains heat long enough for 3 passes. Georgetown Potterey make a scuttle that will hold hot water around your lather.

I used to shave in the shower with my M3, until I figured out how to get good hot lather with quality soaps. Believe me once you figure this out, shaving in the shower will not be an option.

Your lather will make a huge difference in the quality of shave from both a DE and a straight. Even if you do get a completely stainless blade, and superglue it to your hand so you can't drop it, I don't think you will get a good shave in the shower.

Also keep in mind you will not want to go ATG with a straight until you have mastered your WTG and probably XTG passes.
2 good WTG passes will surpass anything you've gotten with a M3, XTG is not necessary unless you are determined to get an absolute BBS shave.(not recommended for probably the first year)
As thin as your beard is, you may not need to do ATG at all.

2 WTG passes will surpass ANYTHING from the M3? Including the ATG? This, I have to see. Also shaving in the shower generally is more comfortable since all that steam surrounds my face. How can you go back? I do need to invest in a soap scuttle or something to get my TABAC soap hot without breaking it down either because I heard that heat does break it down...or is that cream because you mentioned "quality soaps". I definitely will NOT be going ATG with the str8 at first. In fact, I think I will just do 2 WTG passes on my 1st shave to see. As far as I know, Im seriously done with the DE. Ill gladly sell it along with a pack of Derbys and the rest of my Merkurs and Personnas. Id rather take the M3 over the DE anyday. It gives me close (not as close as the DE but then again it doesnt give me razor burn or rip into my skin either), comfortable shaves, but theres something about that str8 I have a good feeling about. As said, I hate the cost of the M3 blades and I like the old fashioned aspect of the str8.

Originally Posted by Mike_ratliff

For hot lather, you really need to invest in some sort of warmer. I use a large glass bowl that retains heat long enough for 3 passes. Georgetown Potterey make a scuttle that will hold hot water around your lather.

I used to shave in the shower with my M3, until I figured out how to get good hot lather with quality soaps. Believe me once you figure this out, shaving in the shower will not be an option.

Your lather will make a huge difference in the quality of shave from both a DE and a straight. Even if you do get a completely stainless blade, and superglue it to your hand so you can't drop it, I don't think you will get a good shave in the shower.

Also keep in mind you will not want to go ATG with a straight until you have mastered your WTG and probably XTG passes.
2 good WTG passes will surpass anything you've gotten with a M3, XTG is not necessary unless you are determined to get an absolute BBS shave.(not recommended for probably the first year)
As thin as your beard is, you may not need to do ATG at all.

Soaps, creams, We aren't talking 200 degrees, I like mine around 120 and I haven't had anything break down. I also don't use TABAC
But seriously, the shower is going to be very hard on a straight. You will need to get one that is stainless, and has handles that won't soak up the water or warp.
That rules out high carbon steel, damascus, silver steel, as well as many of your handle options.


Also keep in mind you are better off starting slow, don't try shaving your whole face the first time. I would suggest 1 maybe 2 passes WTG on your cheeks, maybe include your sideburns... don't even consider trying your upper lip and chin until you have several good straight shaves behind you.