Thread: Comparing DE blades to str8's

I hate the DE blade. Ive tried to shave like 3 times and at the slightest angle, it just cuts (ATG passes). No gliding or softness here. Just tugs and almost gets "caught" on every stroke. My beard is not coarse either, I have no 5 o'clock shadow. I used Derby, Merkur and Personna. Its all the same more or less. Do str8's feel this way too (because it is a sharp single bladed tool) or is it a totally different ball game? Someone chime in because Im getting rid of my DE and would rather use my M3 anyday.

Are you starting out with an ATG pass or WTG? What is your pre-shave routine? Have you tried WTG 1st pass, and then XTG 2nd pass?

Yes I always do WTG. For years, Ive been shaving with an M3 which works fine for me, I just hate the cost of those blades and I like to be old fashioned. My pre-shave? Hot shower, I shave during the shower so that steam, water and ill even do the hot towel on upper lip days (every 4 days) since I cant shave that daily as its not stubbly enough and its sensitive but all other areas are thicker so I shave daily WTG, XTG (but the ATG kind, theres two ways, one kind of WTG and one leaning more towards an ATG pass so I do the latter) and a true ATG. Neck is only WTG and ATG.

It's hard to give a comparasson to DE vs. Straights. I don't know if I'd say it's like comparing apples to oranges. It would definately be like oranges to tangerines.

Also, brand new DE blades do have a tendancy to cut and nick the first shave or two. This is due to them being machined blades. In my opinion, straights are much smoother having been stropped.

Just based on what I'm hearing, it's possible you're pressing too hard.

-80s

I use both, but I prefer straights.

When I use the DE, I let the weight of the razor do the shaving on the first pass, then I stretch the skin and let the razor edge follow closly behind my fingers that are doing the stretching. I always nick myself with the DE when I add more pressure to the edge. I think there's a false sense of security with a DE -- so I rush my shaves more, and I ding myself more.

If you switch to a straight, you may experience more knicks and cuts for a week or two than you are used to, but once you get the hang of it it is really enjoyable. You'll like the old fashioned aspect of it, and you'll feel like you are saving money over the M3 -- until you become hooked on the art of shaving! But it is a really great way to spend some money on yourself! Plus, you'll spend a little more time shaving each morning -- which probably will lend itself to fewer incidents and you'll start the day off in a different frame of mind. Just don't rush it!

RalphS

I'm not surprised that your frustrated with your DE. You said in your post you only used it three times? That's not enough time to learn how to use one. They are not like a cartridge and they will cut you!
I'm saying this because a straight has a learning curve too.
Do I want to devote the time to learn a new tool? Because that's exactly what they both are.
The straight shave, when done right, lasts so much longer. I can't explain why, but it does. When I use my DE I get stubble 4 hours later, with my straights I get 9 hours till I can feel something!
A straight is not as harsh as a DE but it will still cut you.
A DE will cut you and you won't know it till you see blood, a straight will give you much better feedback.
Figuring out your beards growth pattern is very important no matter what you use.

Ok thanks guys. I agree I didnt give it much time but I dont think I want to continue using it. Im waiting for my str8 to come in the mail. Im glad that i can get more feedback when nicking or cutting using a str8 as opposed to a DE as this would help me alot. the DE does give a super close shave, lasting longer than an M3 which usually is good for about 24 hours before I feel any stubble. I had my routine down for years (but I got older so my hair got a bit thicker) and now I'm changing things up. FWIW, the canned goo is no comparison to the silvertip brush and soaps/creams I now use. I would never go back.

How is your skin stretching? Atg Its got to be pretty tight, you can get away with a little slack WTG but not ATG.

I actually never stretch my skin. I just make facial expressions. I usually have all this lather on my face and I hold a mirror in the shower with the other hand and its always been fine. I dont have a beard as thick/coarse like some people do.

Originally Posted by OldFashioned

I actually never stretch my skin. I just make facial expressions. I usually have all this lather on my face and I hold a mirror in the shower with the other hand and its always been fine. I dont have a beard as thick/coarse like some people do.

I think that is the problem. Skin stretching is not as important with the M3, as the cartidge is close to idiot-proof - the flat forepart will do it sufficiently, and the leading blades will do a good job for the 2nd and 3rd blades. It is harder to get away with this on a DE, especially ATG with more aggressive DE's and open combs. Skin stretching is even more important with straights, and overall will be more demanding of good technique. If you have not done so yet, I would recommend watching Lynn's video.