Thread: Learning a Straight but finishing with a DE for now.

Yes, the 'honeymoon period' when starting straight razor shaving is a wonderful time. While I have now reached the point where a straight razor shave is routine, I still enjoy the shaves a lot.

As you have already been told on this thread, a straight razor shave really needs a properly honed blade. Also, your ability to keep that edge on the blade is vital. Mistakes in shaving and stropping will damage that edge quickly.

Incidentally, I also used DE razors to finish off shaves when I first started with straights -- nothing wrong with that.

I think most of us 'mop up' with a DE, or the equivalent, when we are beginning to learn to shave with a straight. Took me about 3 weeks IIRC, to transition to complete shaves with a straight. The knob of the chin and under the jaw line, hollows around the windpipe were my toughest spots. Takes time to get there, but once I did, I'd sooner shave with a straight than any alternative.

I am at my 322nd shave with a SR. I thought when I got to the magical "100" I would be an expert. WRONG! I am still l learning but I get an awesome shave almost every time now. cannot remember when I had one that was less than satisfactory. One of these days it will click for you and you will be on your way. Hang in there. Stay in touch here, don't give up