Thread: 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

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.

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!

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 ). 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 )

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 ?)

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 ?)

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