Thread: Safety + Straight

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.

Originally Posted by barrow72000

Anyone out there alternate between straight shave and safety shave? Does anyone find SE to be a quicker shave compared to straights?

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!

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.