Thread: Could use a bit of advice

I am very close to getting a DE Razor, for those times when a straight razor isn't practical - overnight in a motel, injury, mad rush etc.

I will wait another week or so before actually pushing the button because it's next day delivery so I can afford to chew it over.

I don't want to spend a lot on my first DE Razor and won't be using it often except for a week or so when it arrives to get the hang of it.

I am thinking of the Rockwell R1 for $20 Canadian with free shipping because I have Amazon Prime.



https://www.amazon.ca/gp/product/B07...K6Y9EEQB&psc=1

I have also been reading reviews on blades, it seems a lot of people rate Astra, Feather was very popular but some said that they are almost too sharp. I kind of think as straight users there probably any such thig as too sharp.

Anyway I would be interested in your thoughts on the razor I am thinking of and what blades you prefer.

I don't really want a sampler because I don't want to use it for that long regularly.

Me likee straights.

I generally use a DE to do an East to West pass across my neck. I know that each razor and blade combo is different for each person. I use the Maggard V3A and love the Polsilvers. My 2nd place blade is the feather.

I’ve never used a Rockwell DE, so I have no input for that part of your post.

However, since you like straights and you want a safety razor, I highly recommend a single edge razor. Anytime I can’t shave with a SR, I reach for a SE. my DEs are being kept for my sons as starting razors when they’re old enough.

My favourites are the vintage Gem/Ever Ready SEs. The two brands, along with Star, are essentially the same. There are a variety of different models, the 1912s and Micromatic probably being the most common. They’re easy to find and cheap (although shipping to Canada can often double the price, so look for one within the country). Modern Gem blades work very well - more expensive than DE blades, but last much longer. For me, a standard DE blade lasts 6 or 7 shaves, a Gem over 30.

But most importantly, the Gem blades give a similar feedback to SRs, and a similar quality of shave.

Based on what you are saying about your intended use I would say buy the cheapest razor you can find. If you were going to be using it more I would say look for something better.

I like feather and Kai blades personally. They are the sharpest out there.

In glad I saved a few, they came in handy when my thumb got chewed up

Hated not being able to use my straights, but I could still get a shave....left handed.

I still can't see how guys cut the crap out of themselves, while using a DE or SE.

Originally Posted by outback

In glad I saved a few, they came in handy when my thumb got chewed up

Hated not being able to use my straights, but I could still get a shave....left handed.

I still can't see how guys cut the crap out of themselves, while using a DE or SE.

When we use a straight, we are very much aware of the angle the blade is making with our skin wherever the blade is on our face or neck and we adjust according to feel and experience.

With a DE, it’s easy to misjudge the angle when you get to a different facial curve and then expose the skin to too much blade. The angle the blade makes with the skin is hidden by the head of the razor. There is also a tendency to shave quickly and with less careful attention. After all, it is called a “safety” razor.

I also thnk we pay much greater attention to the shave readiness of a straight than we do to the sharpness of a DE blade.

Bottom line: there is a tendency to be more careless with a DE “safety” razor. than a straight “cut throat” razor.

Will I still need to stretch my skin or is that taken care of by the razor like a Gillette, can I still use my soaps or do I need a can of lazy shave?

Originally Posted by STF

Will I still need to stretch my skin or is that taken care of by the razor like a Gillette, can I still use my soaps or do I need a can of lazy shave?

Do everything you do with a straight razor with a DE. You are only changing the tool not the process. Remember, the handle is used to adjust the angle as you go around curves. The DE does not do that for you either. Don't worry, a DE can bite you just as good as a straight razor if you are sloppy with it.

To find the right angle, place the top cap on your face with the handle parallel to the floor. Then lower the handle till you just start to feel the blade. That should give you a good starting angle to maintain.

I would not worry too much about which DE to get or what blades as you will not be using the DE enough to get good with it.

Bob

Originally Posted by outback

In glad I saved a few, they came in handy when my thumb got chewed up

Hated not being able to use my straights, but I could still get a shave....left handed.

I still can't see how guys cut the crap out of themselves, while using a DE or SE.

DE's come in all flavors. Try an original R 41 with a feather blade and just shave away with wild abandon and you'll be headed for the emergency room.

On the other hand try a Feather DS-2 with a Derby blade and you'll have to really try really hard to do any damage at all.

Thanks for the advice guys but, I don't know where my head was at.

It was only the other day on a different thread that recounted how Outback had generously sent me 4 razors when he discovered that I only had one straight when I started and a shavette as my backup while it was out being honed.

I never did use that shavette but I still have it and it occurs to me that I could use it just as well as a DE Razor if I found a real straight inconvenient at a motel or couldn't strop because of an injury.

It wasn't expensive or great quality probably but it does have a cheapo case to keep it in as well as 100 Derby single edge blades.

I think I might go for a shave with it in a minte and see how I get on.