Thread: First DE shave

Just to note I have been shaving with a straight for over 4 or 5 years.

First shave was a success, I did 2 passes one WTG and the other XTG. Beginners luck I suppose but I did not get any weepers or knicks. The shave was definitely pleasant and it was sort of weird not stropping my razor after haha. Also all my normal shaving routine stuff was the same other than the razor used. I used the Gamechanger .84 (HD handle) with Gillette silver blues.

How close the shave was and post-shave feel I would say the straight definitely wins. The DE definitely put up a good fight though and I am sure with more experience the gap will be closer.

I did like how convenient the DE was with the prep and after-shave care/clean up. I don't mind the extra steps for the straight and enjoy it, however, this will be nice for when I need a quick shave. Time spent shaving though I felt was about the same.

Would recommend the DE for sure for anyone looking to save some money and get a better shave over a straight. However, if someone wanted the ultimate experience then I would suggest the straight over the DE.

Just my opinion after my first shave with a DE will definitely be sticking with the straights. Glad to have the choice of a DE shave though to mix it up every now and then or when I am in a rush.

The convenience of the DE is what killed off the straight razor as a razor of choice. I like my DEs/SEs for travel for that reason. I get as good a shave with either DE or straight razor but enjoy the routine and challenge of using the straight razor more.

Bob

Like some other fellows on this forum, the grain of the beard on my neck goes every which way. That makes it very challenging to achieve the same level of shave there with a straight razor as I can get with two passes on my cheeks. Often, I just pull out my DE and do two extra passes on the neck to get it where I want. It always feels like cheating, but we make our own rules.

Been shaving mainly with a straight for roughly 12 years now but when time is short a DE or SE fills the bill. When I travel, which isn't that often, I will take either a DE or SE plus a straight (most of the time) just to have a choice. I prefer a straight all the time but DE's and SE's are very convenient when traveling or when time is short not to mention less equipment to pack for traveling.

Whenever i think about DE's im reminded of my first DE shave. Blood everywhere .. No one told me not to use pressure..
I'll never go back now i have straights.

I had been using a straight for years and had to switch to DE's after being put on blood thinners. Something I found out is when you shave with a straight often times what you think is just minor razor burn are actually like tiny micro cuts that don't bleed so you don't even know they are there and you can't see them however with blood thinners you see this tiny drop of blood just kind of sit there.

At any rate now that I'm off thinners it's nice to be able to use a straight again but I still use DE's.

Gentlemen,
Arthritis in my hands and shoulders has forced me to reduce my straight razor shaves mostly to weekends. The DE works well for me. So does my OneBlade. I miss the straight razor ritual, though.

The DE and SE razors are great for 1 or 2 days growth, after that a straight wins hands down.

Originally Posted by Grazor

The DE and SE razors are great for 1 or 2 days growth, after that a straight wins hands down.

I think unless you be talking about an actual beard a DE is fine with even a weeks growth. If it's adjustable it makes it even easier. I routinely use a DE for a weeks heavy growth and the DE handles it just as good as a one day growth.

The one complication with using a DE is determining which blade(s) match which razor(s) for my beard. I am not at all knowledgable about the engineering associated with each DE I own or the blades I have, but it amazes me how a blade that works great in one razor is not the best blade for a different razor.

It really has been trial and error to find the optimal combinations. To make it even more confusing is the reality that different people using the same razor find that completely different blades work best for them. Throw in adjustable DE razors, and it gets even more complicated.