Anyone out there alternate between straight shave and safety shave? Does anyone find SE to be a quicker shave compared to straights?
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Anyone out there alternate between straight shave and safety shave? Does anyone find SE to be a quicker shave compared to straights?
I regularly switch between the two. I use my DE for quick down and dirty get ready for work shaves. I bust out the straights and the strops when I know I'm gonna do the long hot shower and play with all the toys routine.
I use them both. I find the de to be faster than the straight, mainly because the straight takes more prep (stropping), and more cleanup afterwards so as to avoid rust.
I use them both, my Gillette with Feathers gives me closer shaves on the neck because I go ATG on the neck with the DE, I only due 2 passes WTG with my straights, but the DE takes me longer to shave due to cleaning the DE blade & razor after each use,,,about 1 1/2 minutes more.
Yes; and therein lies the problem. Single-edge (SE) razors (aka injector razors -- and they're also "safety razors") have caused me more nicks and weepers than double-edge (DE) or straight razors. SE razors are deceptively "safe": only the one edge, it's not exposed (at least, not visibly, or to the extent that a double-edge razor blade is), and they sell 'em as "safety" razors, fergoshsakes!Quote:
Originally Posted by barrow72000
That being said, I cherish and occasionally use my few Schick injector razors -- they're beautifully-designed, unquestionably-functional, works of Art. As with all razors, treat 'em right and be "methodical and deliberate" when shaving with 'em.
Smooth shaving!
O.K.,,,,,now I've got to try these SE injectors,,,gotta see what they look like first.
I specifically use a DE when I am in a hurry. They are quick and do a great job. With the right razor and blade combo you can get really close to a straight quality shave.
I have just picked up a de a few weeks back, and I have been experimenting with different blades. Now that I have tried a few different blades, I think my routine going forward will be 2 passes with the straight, and final pass with the de. I get my neck, jaw, and upper lip a lot easier with the de, as it lets me get into the tight spots much easier than the straight.
Gentlemen,
I use the double edge razor when short on time, although even then my shave is far from rushed. The sweetest double edge shave for me is the Weber shave head mounted on an iKon bulldog handle and fitted with a Super Iridium blade. I tried a single edge razor decades ago and found it unpleasant — and retired it permanently.
Included in my rotation is a 3 piece Gillette DE, an early Shick injector, a Christy SE (even though a woman's razor), and a Valet Auto Strop SE. Used as the mood hits me or I'm in a hurry.
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. :tameshigiri:
x 2 with my Merkur Progress Adjustable DEQuote:
Originally Posted by Foxhill
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.
:OT 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.Quote:
Originally Posted by conroygc
Now back to your regularly scheduled programming...
I have several straights and a couple safety razors. I rotate through all, don't want any to feel left out.
I use my DE from time to time as i do enjoy it. I also use it if I'm pushed for time. I find the result seems closer initially, but after a few hours I can feel the difference from when i use a straight.
I use both but i have never shaved my face with a DE safety razor... My backup for my SR is my shavette ...
I rotate through straights and safeties as well. I like them all, and I like the variety.
I'm still learning SR shaving and revert back to the DE when I need to let my face heal a little :tameshigiri:. It's easier to shave around nicks with the DE and having used one for so many years I'm unlikely to make things worse,
Only times I use a safety razor:
1) When traveling.
2) To even out my sideburns if needed.
3) Occasionally when I have less time to shave.
Even if I truly take my time with the DE, I still feel that it is not as good of a shave as with a straight. I started with DE razors, so I feel proficient in their use. That said, I believe that the lather and hair buildup on the blade (despite proper rinsing) makes the shave less desirable. Just my opinion.