Thread: D/E closeness?

Can a straight actually shave closer than a D/E with a good blade and the right technique? I am tempted to dabble in the art,but my D/E and S/E shaves are really close and irritation free and the fear of a naked blade is something I have yet to come to grips with.

Yea, its closer. More comfortable too. But the learning curve is wicked. I suggest if you get into it that you keep using your DE and then just get in closer with the straight while your still using your DE. I sometimes use a DE but I have to use a straight afterward because DE blades, in general, are not nearly as close.

Seconded. I shaved with a DE for a few years, and got really good at it. My first shave with a straight was as close as my DE shaves, and now that my technique has improved, I am shaving closer than my DE.

I am still working on the comfort part, but I am confident that in time the straight will become as comfortable as my DE was, if not more so. But as Alan says, it takes time, effort, patience, and yes, maybe a little blood to get there from here.

Originally Posted by DaveF

My first shave with a straight was as close as my DE shaves, and now that my technique has improved, I am shaving closer than my DE.

I'm impressed. I've never used a DE, but it still takes me a lot of effort to get a really close shave with my straight

That was one of the very pleasant surprises about a straight razor...how quickly I was able to get astonishingly smooth shaves. I mean, my DE would give me a shave that felt completely smooth right afterwards, but by evening there was noticeable stubble, and by the next day there was heavy stubble. Now with the straight, even by evening I can feel stubble only by rubbing my fingers hard against the grain, and by the next morning the stubble is just starting to show.

My issue is, that closeness is still coming at the expense of comfort. I am getting razor burn in spots (much less now than before, but some), I sometimes get nicks, and I have three "cat scratches" on my left cheek that some carelessness yesterday rewarded me with.

Sorry, didn't mean to sidetrack the thread, I'm just really excited about straight shaving, and I'm being as annoying as most new evangelists.

Originally Posted by DaveF

Sorry, didn't mean to sidetrack the thread, I'm just really excited about straight shaving, and I'm being as annoying as most new evangelists.

Don't be sorry or you'll make me feel bad since I hijack most threads I post in, including my own. I still evangelise on occasion and even scored a new convert over lunch who insists I sell him a razor so he can start shaving.

I actually started with the straight before a DE and found it to be much easier to get a good shave with.

I think a straight can shave as close as a DE if you are willing to invest the time it takes to master the straight razor -- i.e., technique, stropping, and honing. I started with a straight then went to a DE and now have come back to a straight. I can get a very close, comfortable shave with my DE in two passes. After spending a total of 4 months with a straight I can get a shave that requires no touch up but is not yet as close or as comfortable as my DE. I do feel that it will get there in time but it will take further work on the skills involved.

This is not to say you shouldn't try a straight. There is something about being able to have the skill to strop, hone and shave with a straight razor, but be realistic in your expectations going in. Don't expect to pick up a straight and right away have the same shave you currently have with your DE. It takes most people time and practice to truly get a good straight razor shave. If you are willing to invest that then you can get a great shave.

Originally Posted by spinyeel

and the fear of a naked blade is something I have yet to come to grips with.

I shave exclusively with a straight. I have a DE in the medicine cabinet that was my fathers. I took the DE out for a spin about 4 months ago and just had to laugh at myself. I was fearful of that DE!!!! I'm so absolutely comfortable and relaxed with my straight razors I actually feel distrust now for any other type of shaving tool. I'm in full control using my straights. I don't feel the same with DEs, cartridges, electrics etc. Do my straights bite me every now and then? Sure. When it happens it's my fault.

As smooth as a DE? Hmmmm....even when I used a DE, the time it took me to avoid irritation with that thing was not worth it for me. If I take the time with a straight, I can get squeaky skin almost everywhere on my face/neck. I couldn't get any smoother with a DE. Plus DEs and my neck mean ingrown hair city.

Chris L

Originally Posted by spinyeel

Can a straight actually shave closer than a D/E with a good blade and the right technique?

My opinion only (but based on experience with both DE and straight) is that a good DE with a good blade (I use the Merkur blades in a Merkur Futur) is as close as you can get without removing a seriously large layer of skin. I can't imagine anything smoother, but a good sharp straight can get as close as a good DE. I get a perfect BBS shave with my DE and just as good with my straights.