Thread: First SE shave impressions by an SR shaver

I've been shaving with a straight razor exclusively since last August, for reference. I'm pretty used to getting a DFS at a minimum with a SR and half the time getting a BBS.

My observations will be a bit random, so do bear with.

I used a Micromatic open comb type of SE that I picked up yesterday and some hinky aged, semi-corroded Hygiene blade. Same prep as with the SR.

Once I got used to the angle of the SE, I was reminded of what it was like to use a cartridge POS again as I found myself fighting the desire to use too much pressure. 3 passes were made and touchups at the end(less the 1/2 the time with SR I may touch up beyond the 3rd pass). The under the nose WTG pass could not get the hair where the nose and the lip meets. That was the physics of the razor though. XTG passes got most of it.

The shave took roughly the same amount of time as with an SR. While I was able to achieve a DFS, it definitely was not as well as I can do with an SR. Neckline was easier with the SE as was the ATG pass in an area I have some angle difficulty with the SR--diagonal right jaw stroke directionally from ear to underchin. The touchups really was nearly a 4th pass. I was hitting areas that I know 1 pass with the SR would've nailed.

I believe the SE/DE does have its place and particular reasons that I can see it useful. Nothing stropped, don't feel like stropping, vacation, got up late, running late(again, see Nothing stropped)., have a case of nerves, etc.

All in all, I'm going to chalk it up as just another way to have an interesting shave. I have to admit that I felt exact NONE of the danger that one feels when respecting the potential of the cutt throat.

I tried a Micromatic once, and although that doesn't make me an expert it was pretty clear to me that it is a more aggressive razor than the other SE razors I have tried (1912, G-Bar, Featherweight).

The Featherweight is the least aggressive of all the SEs I have used and since I only use an SE once in a blue moon, it's my favorite. It's also the least expensive since it has a plastic handle. If you can find one that's inexpensive, try that.

Don't get me wrong, I had no issues with the Micromatic. I will say, because I have no idea about anything SE, I didn't notice anything aggressive at all.

When I think of aggressive, I think of a square point and a hurried hand.