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Greetings,
I don't use either one yet, but I'm planning to switch when I get back to the States in a few months. So I'm wondering, what's the difference between straight razors and double edge razors?
Does one provide a better shave?
Is one more maintanance free?
Is one less expensive over the long run?
How many shaves can you get with a DE?
Do you strop/hone a DE?
Any other random or relevant thoughts? Am I even asking the right questions?
Thanks all!
What do you use?
I started with a DE 4 years ago. I have been straight razor shaving for 1 year. I still use my DE when I travel. Straight razor shaving is little harder to learn but lots of fun once you learn. Straights require maintence on a regular basis. DE require replacement blades. You need to decide what you like
I currently use a Mach 3... In the shower. :-)
Once you make the change you will need to shave after your shower at sink. I used to shave that way. You will get the best shave once you make the change.
Yes, I've read that. I'd like to keep my toes thank you very much! :-)
Double edge don't need sharpened, stropped and are (in my opinion) a bit easier to start with, as it's at least a similar form to what most people are used to using. I'd say difference in quality of shave is negligible, but others may disagree. I'd estimate probably 3-5 shaves per DE blade, depending on your beard. You can definitely get a nice close shave with a DE, probably a bit quicker and with less irritation initially than a straight. As far as cost, if you're here on this forum and getting into wet shaving, there's a high likelihood collecting/trying different razors will come in to play. I'd say don't let saving a few pennies one way or the other sway you. :) If you do go with a straight, you'll likely have a considerably higher up-front cost. I started with a DE and then worked my way into straights and it worked nicely for me, but everyone is different and does things their own way. Good luck on whatever you decide! Either way, invest in a brush and some good quality soap! :)Quote:
Originally Posted by minnepicker
For the most part I would agree with what Chris has said. for me the answers to your questions would be:
With the right DE and right blade you can come very close to what a shave with a straight will give you.
There is far less maintenance involved with a DE. You don't need a strop, you don't need to send it out to be honed or alternately buy a set of hones and learn how to use them.
It is possible that a straight could be less expensive over the long run if you are young and can limit your self to 1 or 2 straights over your lifetime.
I get, as Chris said, about 3 to 5 shaves from a DE blade depending on brand.
No, you don't strop or hone a DE blade.
Again as Chris has said, the biggest initial improvement you can make to your shave routine is to get and learn to use a brush and good shave soap. That is regardless of the type of razor you are using be it cartridge, DE/SE or straight.
I use a straight because I enjoy the process of shaving far more with one than with a cartridge or DE. It is not because I get a hugely better shave with one nor because it is cheaper to do. I actually look forward to my daily shaving ritual rather than see it as a necessity to put up with and get over as quickly as possible.
Good luck on which ever way you choose to go.
Bob
DE...basically less expensive unless you decide a very high-end razor (Pils, Feather, Tradere, etc.) is in your future. I have a Muhle R41 (2011) with a Weber handle which offers an exceptionally fine shave when the proper blade is used. Feather is the gold standard for DE blades. Others like Astra, Personna, Gillette, and a plethora more are very available. Each brand has its fans and detractors. Opinions are all valid but do vary a lot.
Straight...more pricey out of the gate and cetainly more labor intensive. Again..a decent razor can be had for <$100 and will last a lifetime. Add a strop (again a one time purchase) and some honing supplies (not necessary if you want to sub the sharpening task out) and there you have it. A nice set up which lends itself to be a "Keeper" can be had for <$200. A bare bones not-as-nice kit will set you back 1/2 that sum.
Both mediums are capable of excellent shaves; if there were ever a "Ford/Chevy", "Tastes Great/Less Filling" situation to be had, here it is.
One thing...straight razors have kind of a Zen thing going on when using them to shave. They also come with a way cool factor. I like straights. But if I'm in a hurry, I have no problem cracking out the Muhle. Travel usually sees me with a Merkur 33C in the kit, mostly because I won't grumble too much if it gets lost or "expropriated" by TSA staff or inquisitive hotel housekeeping crew members.
Truth be told, you really can't go wrong either way.....
Thanks Bob, just one question for you. Why do you find a straight more enjoyable than a DE?Quote:
Originally Posted by BobH
Good question really. Hard to pin down but probably just the type of tool used and how it is used or as Phoenix51 said a sort of Zen thing happening. A DE shave has a more industrial quality to it for me, simpler, quicker and more straight forward. I use either but the straight is more satisfying to use.Quote:
Originally Posted by minnepicker
Bob
I started with a DE but went to a straight within a few months. I do however like having the DE around for when I'm in a hurry. With that said, NOTHING compares to the quality/joy of shaving with a true straight.
If I may jump in.Quote:
Originally Posted by minnepicker
In a nutshell:
Why more enjoyable?
Because shaving with a straight is a an activity that you look forward to and are prepared to spend the required time on.
In other words: a hobby
Shaving with a DE is a task, even if people may enjoy it.
If you don't want to invest time and effort into straight shaving; with a fairly small investment of time and money a DE will give you near-straight shaves and you still avoid paying outrageous amounts of money for razor cartridges and being fleeced by Gillette & Co.
(By comparison, shaving with a cartridge is a chore - which is why so few people look forward to their daily shave.)
Dyed-in-the wool DE shavers are happy with the ease and speed of their DE shave; by comparison, straight shaving is more for the enthusiasts who like to spend time on their shave.
Hope this helps...
B
All good advice and reasons so far. For me a de blade has always given me that "itchy" neck half hour after the shave. As far as shave quality goes the straight gets me a closer shave that lasts longer. Plus I hone to my taste, that has a lot to do with it.
Do what most of us do... get both! then use a DE one day and Straight another... ohhh then use a Shavette now and again for a laugh( well not for a laugh because they can be unforgiving as hell)
example last night , i used a Feather Shavette teamed with DE razor for those difficult areas i have... next week probably a straight
I use the same combo, but for different reasons. For me it's about time. DE for when I'm really in a hurry, Feather SS for when I don't have time for stropping, Straight razor for when I want the best shave.Quote:
Originally Posted by Rossafumi
Using different type of razors each day doesnt affect technique? im using feather ac dx exc. And feather as d2 is on the shelf waiting for my son.
depending on the weather and if the moons align just right... i get better shave from the DE sometimes.. but all in all i get great shaves from all of them and as you say its down to "have i got time"Quote:
Originally Posted by MajorEthanolic
Of course you use different techniques for different razors - the fun part is mastering all of themQuote:
Originally Posted by EmreMusovi
Found a DE in the supermarket outside my apartment complex last night. It cost about a dollar fifty. I had ordered a brush a couple days earlier and it came yesterday as well. The brush was pretty pricey though, it cost me about two dollars fifty after shipping. :-)
Shaved with them last night. I tried using shampoo for lather. That's what I've used with my Mach 3 for years. Didn't work that well. Decent imported stuff is pretty expensive here, around $30 for a tub of proraso. Maybe $80 for Mitchels Wool Fat shaving soap. Anyway, shampoo gave me a bit of irritation, especially on the neck. I guess you could say that shaving with shampoo for lather is a pain in the neck. :-) I also looked into getting some shipped here, it was more for the shipping than the product. That's hard to swallow.
Tomorrow I'll try using bar soap to lather instead of shampoo. I'll also look around and see if I can find any decent Chinese shaving soap. Worst case, I might break down and get a tub of proraso or get some sent if it's cheaper that way.
Thanks again guys for the input.
P.S. Wifey loved the shave!
I don't know what bar soaps are available in China but I have gotten a passable lather from Ivory bar soap.
Bob
Thanks Bob. I'll have to look around and see what I can find.
Good point, can happen...Quote:
Originally Posted by Rossafumi
Comparing one's results of DE shaves with straight shaves is a personal judgment and the results will vary with razor, blades (in case of a DE), soap and of course technique.
If some posters claim that one is inherently superior to the other, and if you should get different results then postulating that it must be your lack of technique, experience or skill then they simply overlook this.
I can say that matching the shave that I get from my open comb Mühle with Astra or Feather DE blades with a straight is not an easy feat - and certainly takes more time.
Sometimes I am tempted to reach for my DE in the morning, since the DE is so convenient and it saves so much time; but then again, the satisfaction I get from a nice straight shave in the morning is - for me at least - worth the extra time and effort.
But I don't expect straight shaving ever to reach the popularity of DE shaving, let alone the popularity of throw-away (razor or cartridge) shaving.
Straight shaving is just not for everyone...
Ive been straight razor shaving for a few years now and I just had my first DE shave.
The DE was a nice change, I was able to get at the spots that have alway given me problems with a staight.It seemed to take abit longer though, because of its small cutting surfuse. I'll stick with the straight razor but I may start using the DE as well for those problem areas.
Oh the DE didnt work as well with the extra bit of growth I was sporting.
Quote:
Originally Posted by minnepicker
Oh dear, no decent shaving soap or cream...
Can you pm me an address (incl. phone number) where Fedex could drop some stuff for you?
If the charge is not excessive, I could try to Fedex you some Proraso, and maybe an Arko and La Toja stick and some Nivea cream from here.
If you want, I could also include some Derby, Feather and Astra DE blades for you.
We have a special deal with Fedex (they are the ones who insist on a phone contact) and being an expatriate myself, I can understand your conundrum only too well.
No idea, what Chinese Customs will do with it though, but since it will be declared as a "gift" you may get lucky...
In the long run, shaving sticks may be the way to go for you. Easy to mail since they are light and small and you can fit four or more in a brown postal envelope. Sticks are an acquired taste though and need some time getting used to (first I didn't like them), but in your case it might be the easiest solution.
Worth a try.
B.
There is a Chinese brand called Weishi- the make very mild saftey razors... they seem very cheap over there so might be worth looking into. surely there is local brands of soap etc that will do the trick