Thread: Safety + Straight

I also use them both. I use the SR for regular shave passes and do quick touch ups with the DE. The quick touch ups are for the chin area and ATG on other areas.

On Saturday mornings, when I take my sweet time shaving, I only use the SR.

On rare occassions, when I'm in a hurry, I only use the DE for a faster shave.

I sometimes use a DE when I'm in a hurry, but usually i just do 2 passes rather than 3 with the SR.

Originally Posted by Foxhill

I sometimes use a DE when I'm in a hurry, but usually i just do 2 passes rather than 3 with the SR.

x 2 with my Merkur Progress Adjustable DE

I'm another who uses both. In recent times I shave perhaps 2-3 times a week and due to family commitments I reserve straight shaves for the weekends and use a DE on week days. And yes, even after 5 years of using a SR I find a DE to be quicker.

I started using DE's before using straights. Once I got up enough nerve, I dove into straights and haven't looked back. However, when traveling I still pack my Merkur 34C with Red Persona blades. Haven't traveled with the str8's yet but I'm sure eventually I will.

A DE shave is definitely faster, but more often than not, faster does not mean better. If I wanted my shave to go fast I'd go back to cartridges. After a 20 minute straight shave, I'm usually thinking to myself, "It's over already?"

After a 20 minute straight shave, I'm usually thinking to myself, "It's over already?"

I feel the same way! When I use either a straight or de, I generally take my time. I'm in the 20 plus minute range with either one.

I use my safety razor most of the time, and straights as often as I can. The straight razor shave takes a few more minutes and a bit more concentration, so when I'm just trying to get out the door I grab my safety. The straight razor is a far superior shave though.

I have two Merkur DEs, which have served me well over the years.

Since I started using a straight about a year and a half ago, however, I think I've had a single, solitary DE shave and didn't enjoy it nearly as much.

Maybe it was the blade I used but I found it gave me a lot of irritation on my neck.

I am only on my 2nd good SR shave, which took me 40 minutes, so when I need to get out the door, I turn to my single edge razors. When I picked up traditional wet shaving with a DE a little over a year ago, it also took me 30 minutes so I am not too worried about that.

I found I prefer my single edge razors to double edge. With my Gem Junior Bar (Lather Catcher) or Schick Hydromagic, I can get a superb shave and very quickly if I need to as they don't bite unless really provoked and are very efficient. I would not rush a shave though with my other SE razors, especially not on a brand new blade.
For me, shaving with a Lather Catcher is special, not only because of the great shave, but also because they are just beautiful instruments and that visual aspect is part of the experience, for me.

Originally Posted by conroygc

I use my safety razor most of the time, and straights as often as I can. The straight razor shave takes a few more minutes and a bit more concentration, so when I'm just trying to get out the door I grab my safety. The straight razor is a far superior shave though.

Hey Connor, it's good to see you back on the forum again, brother. There are a few more of us in SLC since we last met, we'll have to get together sometime.

Now back to your regularly scheduled programming...