When i use a double edge.

When i dont have the time to enjoy a straight razor shave i will use a Merkur open comb barber pole with a derby blade,(hands down my favourite double edge razor).
I will do the same ritual of prep and lathering followed by a 3 pass shave.
I really like the weight of this razor, its weight is all you need to get a very close irritation free shave , the secret is to use no pressure whatsoever.

I would also use it sometimes after a straight razor shave if i want a really close shave, i will do my 2 pass shave with the straight (one with the grain and another slaightly across) and then i will go against the grain with the merkur.
i find this takes care of any spots in hard to reach areas that otherwise would be a problem with the straight and leaves me with bbs in any direction.
I find it a very usefull tool to have close hand.

Hopefully i am not banned of the forums and get called a cheater for admitting to this...
Be well guys!

After getting my "beginners kit" from you, I've had only a marginal degree of success with a straight. Don't get my wrong, I love the whole process but I have a lot to learn before I'll get an excellent straight razor shave! I've been using a *gasp* disposable razor and it doesn't sit right with me. I've thought about buying a DE razor like the Merkur to get myself some decent shaves the traditional way.

Do you think it might be a bit easier to learn how to get a good smooth DE shave than with a straight? I'm learning more and more every shave about creating lather, which direction to shave, proper angle, pressure, and most importantly, which scents the ladies like ;):D:cool:

I use DE when I'm too late and the other option would be going out without shaving.
I use a Merkur HD, or a Gillette SS Red tip (1955), with Derby blades.

Straight shaving is a ritual, if I have to cut it down and maybe I've no time to properly strop, shave and clean/oil the razor, then I prefer to switch to a DE.

I went from Mach3 > DE > Straights, so I will never slam the DE experience. Was enjoyable and most beneficial in teaching me to use a light touch and stretch the skin etc. Techniques still needed with straights.

It also provided me with the knowledge of creams, soaps and brushes etc.

Don't think I'll ever switch back but the DE guys have a wealth of knowledge to add.

Same here, although I prefer my straights, if I'm rushed I'll grab a vintage gillette and not worry too much. I've got several DE's that I use, a couple of Fat Boys, a few techs, and a hanfull of SS's. I collected DE's prior to going staight.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by SIB

When i dont have the time to enjoy a straight razor shave i will use a Merkur open comb barber pole with a derby blade,(hands down my favourite double edge razor).
I will do the same ritual of prep and lathering followed by a 3 pass shave.
I really like the weight of this razor, its weight is all you need to get a very close irritation free shave , the secret is to use no pressure whatsoever.

I would also use it sometimes after a straight razor shave if i want a really close shave, i will do my 2 pass shave with the straight (one with the grain and another slaightly across) and then i will go against the grain with the merkur.
i find this takes care of any spots in hard to reach areas that otherwise would be a problem with the straight and leaves me with bbs in any direction.
I find it a very usefull tool to have close hand.

Hopefully i am not banned of the forums and get called a cheater for admitting to this...
Be well guys!

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I touch up with a DE ATG quite often as well. I do the same 2 pass shave as you and the DE really cleans things up nicely. It is a touch quicker than a straight on the third pass but not quite as comfortable.

Looks like there's a lot more closet DE users than I thought......I'm not one of them bytheway....but congrats guys. Stick to what works.

LOL@Vlad!!!

I've been through many shaving tools: electric - Gillette 2 then 3 blades (first without then with brush and cream) - DE and straight.

I like to shave with a DE (a Merkur Vision, birthday present from my wife; its weight is just perfect for me)... it was the first way I've found to get rid of razor burns and ingrowing hair (a real discovery :y ). Sometimes, I'm still shaving my three passes with the DE, just for fun or when I'm in a hurry (or when it's so d*** hard to wake up :o )

But with the straight I can have an even more smooth shave... but a little less clean (still have to improve my technique). So actually, when I need a really close shave (what is not that often) I really like to make two WTG passes with my straight, and one pass ATG with my DE... With this ritual, I have a wonderful shave, I think even better than the three passes with the DE only (or at last it feels like it... that's what is important, no ?)

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But with the straight I can have an even more smooth shave... but a little less clean (still have to improve my technique). So actually, when I need a really close shave (what is not that often) I really like to make two WTG passes with my straight, and one pass ATG with my DE... With this ritual, I have a wonderful shave, I think even better than the three passes with the DE only (or at last it feels like it... that's what is important, no ?)

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I shave that way sometimes myself and the results are definitley better then when using the DE alone. It really is true.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Kaifa

I use DE when I'm too late and the other option would be going out without shaving.
I use a Merkur HD, or a Gillette SS Red tip (1955), with Derby blades.

Straight shaving is a ritual, if I have to cut it down and maybe I've no time to properly strop, shave and clean/oil the razor, then I prefer to switch to a DE.

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I'm with you. The Merkur HD with Derby blades is a great combination. I've tried Merkur & Feather blades, but Derby performs so well in this razor.

If I have to properly enjoy myself, then straight shaving is great. If I'm in a hurry it's DE only. If I'm going for ultra BBS, then straight & DE shaving. Some of the hair on my neck grows at a bad angle, and I can't get a true ATG pass with a straight.

I had never used anything but a twin bladed disposable until I started using a straight a couple of months ago.

I like to allow half an hour for my shave, but usually I only have about 15 minutes. This morning I only had 5 minutes, but I still lathered, stropped, & made a quick one pass shave that was enjoyable and left a clean even shave perfectly presentable for work. For me, 5 minutes is quick enough. No reason to spend more $ on something that will let me shave in 3 minutes.

It works for me!

I use derby double edges in my merkur 42 and don't think you will ever get a straight razor to shave as close as a db i've got some realy sharp straights and i love shaving with them and i get very good shaves but with an extra pass but it when i switch to my db you defanatly notice the differance.

I love the shave I get from a straight but I've always got my DE for those days when I'm in a rush, or when I've had a particularly good time the night before. Sometimes it's just a better idea to go with a DE and in those cases it's not cheating it's common sense. Having said that I can't remember how long ago I last used my DE - months I guess.

Nice to hear so many people on here saying they like the HD/Derby combination as well I've tried all sorts and never found anything to beat it (other than a straight of course).

I still occasionally use a vintage DE with Feathers. I think the shave is closer but does not last as long as a BBS str8 shave. Not sure why this is, but it seems the case for me. I also will sometimes use a DE to clear the corners of my mouth, or right below the jawline. The other one I will do, is if I find a rought spot when applying balm or AS Conditioner, I will hit the area with a DE to clear it. I can do this with no irritation since the area has been sufficiently knocked down with the DE.

I agree with everything you guys have said.
I think i have found my comfort zone in doing the 2 pass with the straight and then sometimes use the de when wanting bbs....its because of it that i havent tried to perfect my technique by getting down that 3rd pass with the straight, that 3rd pass going against the grain has always been a hard one to conquer.

It is my experience that if doing a single pass shave , the shave is gonna be closer if i use the straight, also that if i do the 2 pass straight one with de, the bbs lasts a little bit more than by using 3 passes on de only...also the 3rd pass is always more comfortable(against the grain) having used the straight in the first 2...i guess is due to beard reduction.

Does anybody here do the 3rd pass against the grain with a straight?
if so...whats the learning curve? any tips.
And for the record....If i have the time i will always use a straight..i really enjoy the whole ritual,its a very dear hobby to me.
The level of satisfaction is comparable to none.
Be well guys.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by SIB

Does anybody here do the 3rd pass against the grain with a straight?
if so...whats the learning curve? any tips.
And for the record....If i have the time i will always use a straight..i really enjoy the whole ritual,its a very dear hobby to me.
The level of satisfaction is comparable to none.
Be well guys.

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I do on my neck but the growth pattern makes it a combination ATG and XTG. I have to lay the blade flat against my skin to shave otherwise it catches and I raise the hairs up with the skin and cause cuts and burning. I have a tough beard and on my neck, it's like steel. I haven't had a blade yet, a straight that is, that can go ATG at 30 degrees in that area. I have great shaves and can go ATG no problem after two days of growth but then it's a real challenge to not burn or irritate my face.
I'm going to try this 2 pass str8 and one pass DE ATG and I'll report back. I think this may help when I have to shave several days in a row.
I still consider myself a newb with a straight so take my experiences with a good dose of skepticism.:)

I have used DE all my shaving life. 36 years of shaving. Dabbled with disposable blade straights to sort of test the waters and then transitioned to traditional straight.
The DE traditional shave uses everything a straight does for soaps, brush etc so is a good training and recruiting venue for straight users.
The DE and the traditional wet shave methods were very easy to use in the transition period to straight. That part where you get only so far into the straight shave and then find you arent comfortable with what comes next. Out comes the DE to finish the shave. Each time a little more straight and a little less DE.
I especially felt good about the shaves I could complete in comfort when I had painted myself into a corner with the straight as I learned.
For me to get a BBS shave I have to go against the grain and that was a big learning curve with a straight. Could not get angles right so the DE could be brought out then to finish the job.
I still reach for DE when really in a hurry or to clean up some whiskers that slipped by earlier inspection. Sometimes I opt of a DE shave just ....because.
And that is the joy of this shaving thing. Whatever works for you and makes your shave enjoyable is the way to go. In the days of straights only you had to use a straight now I have options and I enjoy using those options as the mood strikes.
So if you like the feel of both a DE shave and a straight does that make you Bi-Sensual?
:eek:

I wish I could say I get BBS with just the straight, but considering I'm still 'learning' as such, I use the Merkur/Feather combo to get the required finish :w.
I do hope that my technique will improve, so that I can achieve BBS with just the straight......that's my goal , I guess..............gotta love it!:nj

I use a DE... never.

But hey, that's cool if you like 'em... I guess. lol

I just picked my 4th or 5th gillette superspeed and I'm determined to shave with it at least once as all the previous ones got given away before that happened.
I've used DE (my father's or my grandfather's) on occasion many years ago and never realized there's that much to it.

I have used Gillette Suxor Excel and MAch 3 and Fusion. A couple of months ago I started checking out shaving on the Internet and bought a Merkur DE. Took some time to get used to it but the difference is remarkable. I only use the DE now and am waiting for my straight to arrive in the mail. Just looking forward to the shave against the grain without any burn afterwards.

The double edge is really good and it has really set me on a new path of shaving. It is just great!

I have a Merkur HD and a few Feather blades. It's a fantastic combination. Feathers are the only blades that compare to the sharpness of a properly honed razor.

I currently work a 12.5 hour shift (nights) with an hour and a half commute (one way).

If I don't have the time, and by which I mean I would really rather sleep, I might pick up my Merkur Vision or Mergress and do a quick WTG, XTG which, for me gets the job done.

On my day off (yes I said day, not days) I will always shave with a straight. This also goes for those days when I forego the sleep and enjoy the shave.

Actually ever since joining SRP (and our sister site B&B) I have enjoyed every subsequent shave since (regardless of method DE or STR8)!

Four weeks on and I'm still waiting for my Ti to arrive from Classic Shaving (I do live in the UK ). I'm guessing that the delay is because it has been sent to Lynn for honing before despatch.

In the interim I'm still using my Merkur Vision DE in combination with Israeli Personna blades. This set up gives me a truely BBS shave, but OMG it is so boring to use!

I do wish my str8 would arrive. I'm thinking of ordering a vintage one in the UK to satisfy my interim needs.

Has anyone tried a Rolls Razor? I love them. It's basically a chunk of straight that's used on a handle like a DE. I'm probably about 50/50 between straights and my Rolls. It gives a shave as comfortable and long lasting as the straight but is easy to hone (My honing is still next to useless!)

You can pick up a decent set on the Bay for a few pounds. The Imperial No2 is probably the best buy as it has the smart stainless steel case for the hone and strop. I also have one of the later aluminium sets which seems a bit flimsy next to the Imperial and isn't as shiny!

It took a few goes on the hone side to get the edge perfect but once you're there it's an excellent shave.

And yes, I do use it for touch ups as I have an awkward patch next to the Adam's Apple that I never seem to get clean with the straight.

Gareth

DE when I travel. I take the barber pole and a pack of red IP's.

Just much simpler, and takes much, much less space. Less risk of security hassles too when I fly with just carryon. And besides, I'd rather be outside doing what I traveled for than shaving.

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Originally Posted by Galopede

Has anyone tried a Rolls Razor?

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I've never tried one, no. I see them in antique stores all the time, usually for around twenty bucks, but I've never bothered to get one. They look pretty gimmicky and impractical to me, but as you say, I'm sure they could deliver a very nice shave if you wanted to put the work into restoring one. The blade itself looks like a door stop or something. A big ol' chunk o' wedge that I imagine is difficult to hone. I'm surprised the patent for that thing was put through, actually. I mean, it's like a hybrid between a straight (what with the built in stropping mechanism and exposed edge) and a "safety" razor, since it attaches to its own handle.

Anyway, I thought I'd chime in with how I approach my shaves.

First, someone asked whether anyone does an against the grain pass with their straight. I do. There's nothing to it, really. I'll typically do a with-the-grain pass to reduce the majority of the stubble, followed by a cross grain pass (with the the odd stroke that skips ahead and starts going against the grain). At this point I'm basically done, but because I've never been comfortable with a "passable" shave, I go for a BBS finish every time. I just can't leave the sink until I can't detect any hairs on the face.

It seems a lot of people are reliant on their DE's for a smooth shave, using it as a finishing razor after working with their straight. I've never done that.

I started shaving with a straight around the time I joined the board, and had never shaved with a DE until about a year after I started using a straight razor. I now use either one of my straights or the DE (I like both a lot), but they never co-mingle.

If I'm using one of my straight razors, I typically do a three pass shave to attain a BBS result, and I make sure to go against the grain to get it. I don't know why there's a lot of hesitation from the group, but I've been doing this since the get-go around three years ago, and I think I can count the number of nicks I've given myself on one hand. Never any gushers... just nicks that have closed up and healed with a bit of cold water.

I've got about 25 - 30 straights and two DE's. One is the classic Merkur. I forget exactly which one, but it's not one of the beefy handled ones like on the HD - it's the one that has three stainless steel parts (handle, head, and the little plate that the blade fits on). The other is an old Gillette in pretty much exactly the same style. I got it at an antique store for twenty bucks, and it disassembles and fits in this steel little snap shut case, with purple felt lining the inside. A few extra blades can be carried in there too. Really cool.

I won't be shaving with the DE's for a little while, because I'm out of blades. Rather than going to the drug store and picking some up, I think I'm going to get a "sample pack" from one of the blade vendors online so I can see what's available. To date I've only tried Gillette, Merkur...and maybe Wilkinson Sword. I forget.

Those Feather blades intrigue me a little bit. But I find that I enjoy my DE shaves the most after they've been broken in with a few shaves. A laser-sharpened blade that'll cut you open if you even look at it the wrong way may not be for me.

Anyway, I personally feel that if I shaved 95% of my face with a straight razor, but relied on a DE to finish the job, I'd be cheating. The idea behing using a straight is to get that "unmatched closeness" they're renowned for. But if you're only using it to trim the hairs down really short and then reaching for the DE to smooth things out, what's the point in using a straight to begin with? Might as well just use the DE from the start.

But anyway... Derby blades, huh? What's good about those ones? Can anyone suggest any other good blades?

I have been shaving with a Merkur HD for about 2 months now and I have been kicking around the idea of shaving with a straight. I bought a straight 25 years ago, but never learned how to shave with it. I know I dropped it once and chipped the blade near the bottom. I will hunt down the razor the next time I am at my folks.

If I had the resources of this site back then, I am sure that I would have been able to keep going with the straight. I am looking forward to trying one sometime soon. Maybe my old straight can be honed or reground.

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Originally Posted by Philadelph

I use a DE... never.

But hey, that's cool if you like 'em... I guess. lol

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Me too. I use a double edge, never. For me personally, I can not get as nice a shave with my Merkur as with my Dovo or Wapi or Geneva. The DE leaves my skin very, how shall I say, exfoilated. The DE leaves raw spots. The open razor makes you be more gentle to your skin.

I never used a DE till about a year later as well, and i do enjoy both. I like the straight and almost never use DE but i cant seem to get as close as the DE with a straight:(, i think it has a lot to do with my thin/ kinda angular face, i just cant get in those spots right with a straight but ill keep trukin'. Maybe i need a PCR for my face...:hmmm:

I used a DE today - red tip superspeed with date code b4, which is 1952 if i'm correct. Hmm, it shaved, but I didn't care for not seeing where my blade is - rather imprecise, I must say. Well there'll be another shave with it soon, so that I can post it for sale.

After many moons of not using a DE I tried it today again. I used my Weishi to do the last bit of touch up in the concave areas of my neck, and once I had it out, shaved my head with it as well. Worked pretty good, I must say. Maybe I'll include it as a weekly maintenance thing? :cool: