Thread: Straight Razor vs Double Edge

I couldn't find a thread similar to this. Here's an interesting one.

I love straight razor shaving, but don't always enjoy the blade prep. I've never DE shaved, but I am willing to try. Don't really mind paying for blades because they're so cheap compared to today's cartridge shaving.

Had considered getting a Feather Straight Razor w/ replaceable blades or an Edwin Jagger DE razor.

I've averaged blade prices online and both blades are close to the same price if I stick with Feather blades for both. I've been leaning toward a DE razor for convenience. I don't mind taking my time for a shave though. I would appreciate some feedback. Thanks for you time!

I find Feather DE blades sharp but harsh. While some love them, I found what, for me, is a better DE blade. But if you would use a DE only every-now-and-then it may not matter much.

When I was a young man, a DE blade from one maker was pretty much like a DE blade from another (or so I thought at the time). No longer the case, if it ever was.

For a DE: most people recommend starting with a Mekur 34C (relatively heavy closed comb), and a pack of assorted blades (since different ones work better for different beard & skin types).

I recommend staying with the straight razor. Stropping & drying the blade gets faster. Lathering & the number of passes is the same time for each system. And the time per pass for a straight razor gets as fast as a DE once you have some practice.

Also, when you are comparing the two systems, you can reduce the amount of time you count as stropping if you don't have something else to do while the lather sits on your face for 2-3 minutes to soften your wiskers before the 1st DE pass.

You can get a great shave with a DE. With the right razor and blade combination and the right shave technique it can come very close to a straight shave but it will never match it. I use a straight mainly but also use a DE on a regular basis and after a straight shave 24hrs later I have barely enough stubble to shave again. With a DE, 24 hours later and I need a shave.

Originally Posted by thebigspendur

You can get a great shave with a DE. With the right razor and blade combination and the right shave technique it can come very close to a straight shave but it will never match it. I use a straight mainly but also use a DE on a regular basis and after a straight shave 24hrs later I have barely enough stubble to shave again. With a DE, 24 hours later and I need a shave.

This about sums it up for me as well.

I agree that a straight shave beats the DE. I started with a straight and bought a DE later, but have to admit that no matter how much I like the straight, the DE is just quicker.

No doubt my spastic technique is to blame there.

Here is a good demo on the EJ de89.

YouTube - Do YOU Want The BEST & CLOSEST Shave Ever? Try Shaving With a SAFETY RAZOR! Edwin Jagger Chrome DE89