Thread: Straight Razor vs Double Edge

I bought the Merkur 34c and a sampler pack of blades. I can recommend both as money well spent. However I had also got the straight shave down before I bought the DE and now I wish I had have bought the Slant version of the 34c. I think that would be a better choice for someone who can use an open razor.
The shaves, as thebigspendur said, are fairly close and I would +1 what he stated above. I use mine when I am trying to save a few minutes...and it really is only a few minutes difference.


Mick

I started off with DE then moved to str8's...the DE is more convenient for sure and I'm still on the learing curve with the str8 but I like the str8 better for some reason...some of it is the whole thing about taking the time to start the day off relaxed, part of it is reconnecting with my grandaddy who used str8's for a while and part of it to be honest is the bada$$ factor. I work and live overseas and we have minimal "facilities" and these are shared/common "facilities" where six sinks are in a row across/in front of 6 "stalls" and to the right of the sinks is a group of 8 showers....anyway, many times guys come in and basically I get the "woah" factor going then someone wants to talk and/or ask about str8 shaving...while I have an open blade across my throat no less...lol...but...it's definitely not a very common practice to shave with the str8. The str8 can be quite intimidating to start. Just the other day I had my Wade and Butcher (HUGE and heavy) and to be honest, that thing had me spooked. I'm certainly no veteran (5 months and the str8 shaving) but I manage ok for the most part. My first
str8 is a Dovo 6/8 hollow grind from SRD and the W&B has to be 7/8 or 8/8 and is a wedge grind with a lead wedge in the handle too. It has been "butchered" (pun inteneded) but took a honing and really plowed thought the whiskers. To be honest though, I still haven't gotten the shave as close with the str8 as I have with the DE but I prefer the str8 shave. If I'm running short on time I'll go with the DE but again, I prefer the str8 shave. Happy shaves either way you go.