Learning a Straight but finishing with a DE for now.

Well I started with DE razors about a year ago, and now want to progress to a straight. I am doing ok I guess but I still need to learn how to get that BBS smooth finishing pass. Dont get me wrong I love my DE razors but I like a new challenge. Im not sure if my face will allow me to continue with the Straight but I hope I can get it to. Have anyone of you Gents had this kind of problem? If so how long did it take you to really get how to Straight shave, The proper way? im really lookin for the kind of shave that will impress my GF. I get that with a DE but if I can do it with a Straight that would just be Awesome! Thanks

I think this is how most of us started - DE to straight. Get yourself a good, shave ready straight, and you should be rolling within a few weeks. The key is getting something properly honed.

Welcome to SRP and the way of the Straight...

Your start is much like many (most) of us, it gets better with practice.

Check out the Library and the getting started section for tips, hints and links to some great videos.

It's a fine motor skill and it takes time to master - for many 25 shaves and you are past the hardest part, 100 shaves is one of the magic numbers.

It's normal to use the DE (or "any other system") to clean up when you are starting out. Bad things happen when you push your luck...that's true for Straights and a host of other activities....so take your time.

Maintaining your edge is key, it's just harder to learn with a less than wonderful edge. Unfortunately when you need it most - you are also learning that skill (Stropping 101 - read and study)

We are all addicts, so of course we will say it's wonderful and worth the effort...

But it's true...

Smooth shaving, you are amongst friends...

Thanks for the comments of re-assurance in my quest for another way to the best bbs shave. I have got a few people into DE shaving and I know for sure none of them will get into Straights. None have time, but I know one has the patience and he could possibly make the time. But I dont think he will. But again thanks for the encouragement. Now im just waiting for the next time I can shave. 35 years old and wanting to shave like a 8 year old exited about watching hid dad. I gotta say it, its been this way for almost a year! Never more than 2 days growth on my face.:needcoffee:

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. :gl:

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

Nothing wrong with cleaning up with a DE. One of the great things about shaving with a straight is you never stop learning, that is how it seems to me anyway.

I finished with a DE for about two months, then one day it just clicked. I still will if I am hung over lol

I've been shaving with straights intermittently for about 2 years now and still have to clean up sometimes with my DE! Consistency is key for sure!

Don't sweat the DE cleanup. It's already been said that that is the way a lot of us learned. Getting the technique down can take a while, and pushing yourself with a straight IMO is not a great idea. Slow and steady, and as bloodless as you can, wins the race.
For me, it took at least two months to really be confident in my ability to shave with the straight. Hang in there. Patience is a virtue that will be rewarded.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by SRNewb

Don't sweat the DE cleanup. It's already been said that that is the way a lot of us learned. Getting the technique down can take a while, and pushing yourself with a straight IMO is not a great idea. Slow and steady, and as bloodless as you can, wins the race.
For me, it took at least two months to really be confident in my ability to shave with the straight. Hang in there. Patience is a virtue that will be rewarded.

---

spot on there srnewb

It took me months to get consistently good shaves with a straight, and like you, as well as many others here, I used a DE for touchups. There's just too many variables to a good straight shave. Some people's technique is better, razor type, blade sharpness, face contour, type of beard, the list is endless. Some people get it faster than others, you just need to find what works best for you. Time on the tools. ;)

I started with DE to start my move to SR shaving. It is this thread and a couple of similar ones that remind me I am not as foolish as I sometimes feel. :beer1: