From Straight to DE shaving....no problemo

Hi All,
You know, this part of the forum has been an education for me. Being a DE user, I'm very aware of what people switching to those from a cartridge razor go through. Yeah, it's just what you'd think it would be...........razor burn and nicks......that sorta stuff. Hehe, plus, those things can take a while to correct, but a motivated shaver will work through that. I'd imagine it takes a good month of shaves to get the hang of how well a DE razor/blade combo can whack them whiskers. Even then, that's not the end of it, since there's different techniques to learn.
Anyway, you guys kill me, in an amusing way. It's been a kick reading various members experiences as a first time DE user. It just seems sooooooo easy, and it took me by surprise a bit. Some members have mentioned reasons for that in previous posts, and let me just go over a couple to have em in one place.
Successful straight users are already SO far ahead of the learning curve, even if they never picked up a DE razor in their life. You guys have already paid your dues learning the straight, and that can only help with a DE.
You already know about:
Prep, and how important it is.
Lather, and what it should be doing for the shave.
Reduction passes, and the reason behind that.
The proper mindset in general, knowing things shouldn't be rushed through.
Pressure, and the way that works.
You should have a reference point for what a good shave should look and feel like, including after the shave.

Well, that's a few to start with, but you get my point. All a straight shaver needs to do is learn ONE thing. Yeah, it's just a question of learning the DE technique, since all those other variables new members suffer through are already long solved. Nice deal eh?
I figured things would be somewhat easier here, but man.............you guys are sure quick to catch on. Hehe, if some of you posted the results of your first shaves on other shaving forums, I'm sure other new wet shavers would find it to read like fiction....heh..
Anyway, just thought the observation was worth mentioning once again.
Martin

Oh, not that I endorse using one of those nasty DE mechanical contraptions (except as a scientific experiment of course).

Actually, many straight shavers use DE's also. Some for convenience during the week and some when they need a quick shave. Years ago I went from an electric to a DE with no issues at all. I actually found using a DE really straight forward. Probably by the 3rd shave I was a pro at it. Learning the straight was a totally different experience. I still use a DE every so often when I'm in a hurry.

I went from Mach3 to straight, picking up DE later on. As DeLayne pointed out, I'd already learned all of the hard stuff (prep, prep, prep, facial yoga, etc). I use a DE regularly, especially if I'm in a hurry. I try to reserve time on the weekends for a proper straight razor shave though.

Having tried them all including electric :w, each tool is a teacher.
For example, I recently acquired a Shavette. The DOVO has given me my best shaves to date, it's so light and agile, I can feel when I'm using too much pressure; I'm being taught.

I'm sorry, I can't think of a better analogy except an airplane here:
In the hands of a skilled pilot flying an aircraft is High Art, especially the lighter ones, they are susceptible to wind and weather influences on a much smaller scale. Same rules seem to apply to shaving, woodworking, sculpture, painting. You get the idea.

The tool teaches the master.

So really, who is the master? :hmmm:




Hoping to leave the Temple some day,
Randy

I agree with De Layne. I had probably a hundred straight shaves when I tried a double edged razor and noticed that it was not terribly difficult. I went very lightly and noted it was superior to my straights against the grain on my moustache. However, after two and a half shaves with it I realized it would not and could not be as enjoyable as my straight and so I passed it on to a friend who thanked me for it.

I think shaving with a cartridge for 10 years and then using a straight taught me most of the things I needed to know already in order to get a decent shave with a double edge.

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Originally Posted by hoglahoo

I agree with De Layne. I had probably a hundred straight shaves when I tried a double edged razor and noticed that it was not terribly difficult. I went very lightly and noted it was superior to my straights against the grain on my moustache. However, after two and a half shaves with it I realized it would not and could not be as enjoyable as my straight and so I passed it on to a friend who thanked me for it.

I think shaving with a cartridge for 10 years and then using a straight taught me most of the things I needed to know already in order to get a decent shave with a double edge.

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Hi there Lee,
Well, at least you tried the DE a few times.........that's out of your system now.........heh. Plus, now you have some kind of reference point when you see others posting about a DE.
You know, I feel the same way about injectors as you do a DE....heh. Yeah, I actually got an excellent all round shave with the perfect injector set up I used, close to as good as with my DE (and better on my neck). After a while though, I found I couldn't enjoy the injector as much as my DE, even though the shave was not the issue. No, the injector just didn't feel as good in my hand anymore. Hehe, I keep thinking straights are next on my list, but so far the fence I'm on still feels nice and wide..........
Nice typing at you Lee,
Martin

OK I actually bought one Sunday at the little antique store by the Skeet/Trap range, I got some blades at Wally World and cleaned it all up and it is now ready to go.....

Soooooooooo Somebody tell me why I just keep looking at it with fear and trepidation????? Come on I have shaved with a straight since 1982 on and off, and all I keep thinking is that I am going to be super gluing a 1 inch flap of my face back on!!!!!! :confused:

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Originally Posted by gssixgun

OK I actually bought one Sunday at the little antique store by the Skeet/Trap range, I got some blades at Wally World and cleaned it all up and it is now ready to go.....

Soooooooooo Somebody tell me why I just keep looking at it with fear and trepidation????? Come on I have shaved with a straight since 1982 on and off, and all I keep thinking is that I am going to be super gluing a 1 inch flap of my face back on!!!!!! :confused:

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Hi there Glen,
That nasty old DE got you ascairt? Maybe I can offer a suggestion for starting out.
When you were younger, did you ever use one of those shaving sets that are for kids? Comes with a brush, DE, and soap puck. There was a piece of cardboard in the plastic razor, instead of a real blade.
Maybe try that in your DE for a few weeks, just to get the feel of things. I have to warn you though, the shave will only be average. How's that sound? Hehe, I hope it made you smile, since that was the intention.
Actually, you may know that certain razors perform differently, so..........whatcha got? Some of us may be able to offer some tips about what you might expect or look for. Have you gone so far as to learning the date and model? Yeah, many DE razors are dated, which you also probably knew. Is it an adjustable or non?
Anyway, if you wanna provide more info, it couldn't hoit! Maybe even a (gulp).........picture?
Hope you saw the humor in my first few lines,
Martin

Oh....one other thing: A few razors may not have the blade gap exactly the same distance from the safety bar. Yeah, sometimes you can notice the gap is uneven, which is bad...........heh. Make sure you eyeball any new DE for that potential problem. For some reason, it seems to be happening the most in gillette 'slims'.

I went from disposables to straights to DE's and didn't have any real issues... and you guys know I'm not just shaving my face! Don't fear the DE... it can be your friend on the days you don't have time for the straight.:D

Quote:

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Originally Posted by gssixgun

Soooooooooo Somebody tell me why I just keep looking at it with fear and trepidation????? Come on I have shaved with a straight since 1982 on and off, and all I keep thinking is that I am going to be super gluing a 1 inch flap of my face back on!!!!!! :confused:

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Glen, I'm glad I'm not the only one!! I dusted off an old DE after shaving with straights daily for about a year. I was scared of that little bugger. I chuckled to myself. Scared of a DE when my straights are so relaxing and comfortable to shave with. Shouldn't it be the other way around?

I took the DE on a 4 day trip a few weeks ago and I can say that I'll never get into it. It worked, but it doesn't conform to my face the way a straight razor does. Overall I'm not a fan of DEs.

Chris L

Glen, basically with the Slim Adjustable you just need to dial it down to 1 or 2 and not use any pressure but the weight of the razor head on your skin. You'll hold it out with the handle pointed somewhere halfway between horizontal and vertical unlike a cartridge razor where the face is flat with the handle straight down to the floor. If you just lightly rest the razor on your face there is virtually no way you'll get cut on a low setting like that. It is a safety razor after all. You probably wont' get the closest shave on 1 or 2 but you'll feel at ease after one or two shaves that way. Most guys tend to like it in the 3-6 range. I love my Slim and of my 12 vintage Gillettes it's my favorite.

Being as there seem to be a few people with razor specific knowledge posting here I will ask if the process posted for the Slim above will be the same as for a fatboy. Just dial it down to 2 and go at it?

I figure that my DE should arrive late this week and really am terrified at the thought of using it. It may become a nice bathroom decoration.

One last question- when you finish shaving each time would you open the doors and give the razor a really good cleaning and dry it thoroughly or do you just rinse it and leave it to dry?

-Danny

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Originally Posted by dolf

Being as there seem to be a few people with razor specific knowledge posting here I will ask if the process posted for the Slim above will be the same as for a fatboy. Just dial it down to 2 and go at it?

I figure that my DE should arrive late this week and really am terrified at the thought of using it. It may become a nice bathroom decoration.

One last question- when you finish shaving each time would you open the doors and give the razor a really good cleaning and dry it thoroughly or do you just rinse it and leave it to dry?

-Danny

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Hi Danny,
You've probably seen how easy this DE thing has been for some members here. No reason to be spooked about trying one, and maybe I can offer a few ideas. You're getting a fatboy, right?
First thing is to line up some good (or at least decent) blades, since using lousy ones won't help your attempts at a comfortable shave. Yes, blades ARE different......some are more forgiving of mistakes, some are harsher, some sharper, etc. I have a few types (both mild and sharp) that I can send you, and all of em have good reputations. Otherwise, Walgreens or places like that will carry ones that should work ok.
The usual advice about setting the adjustments is consistent with all gillette adjustable models, and that's to start on about #3. The Gillette shaving chart shows that as the high end of the 'light shave' settings. That advice is for members switching from a cartridge, with no shaving skills at all, so keep that in mind. Really, no one shaves on #1, and rarely on #2.
Now, when you get the razor, put a blade in and make sure you lock it properly. Next, eyeball how the blade lines up with the safety bar, making sure there's no uneven gap. It's not very common, but you never know. Matter of fact, I have one of those myself that I can't fix, shave with, or sell to anyone. Too bad, because it's a nice looking razor, but oh well.
You're gonna really like that fatboy.......it's one of the heavier adjustables, and the weight's distributed differently than a slim. Whatever blade you try, stick with it for at least 8-10 shaves (about 2 blades worth) to get a good reference for the next blade you use (if ever..............heh).
Anyway, I hope that helps a bit,
Martin

Don't be scared of the DE. I picked up a Slim from De Layne to see what it was all about, and they're every bit a safety razor as they were advertised. I set mine on 3, then did a quick run on my wrist to see what the angle was like. It's practically a no-brainer! You just set it down on your beard, tilt until the blade makes contact, then drag it like you would an M3 but with little pressure. Don't try to overthink it. Just take what you already know with a straight- angle, pressure, and prep- and you'll be just fine. Unless you move laterally, it's almost impossible to nick yourself.

As for cleaning, it generally washes out fine under the faucet, but sometimes hairs will get stuck in there. If I'm in a hurry, I don't worry about it. The main thing is to just make sure the blade doesn't slip out on you if you do open the doors. Hurry and grab the wet blade before it goes down the drain is a crappy game to play, lemme tell ya!

:) I used a DE for about a year before going to the straight. I love the Merkur 38 and the new Merkur slant 39c.The slant is just fantastic,it feels magnificent in your hand,and with a Tesco blade and good prep does a superb job. I use the DE a couple of times a week because I just enjoy the experience.

I did a little experiment for what its worth.
Shaved with the slant whilst stretching the skin,went WTG,XTG and ATG.The result was a lovely smooth shave. I immediately relathered and shaved again WTG and stretching the skin,this time using my straight Wapi. I checked the lather each time I finished a stroke. The slant gives me the closest DE shave and I didnt expect the Wapi to be able to do much more,I was wrong,I could see a minute trace of stubble within the freshly removed lather.

I do find now that all I need with the Wapi,is to shave WTG and XTG on the cheeks only,and I get a great shave with minimal irritation. Both DE and straight shaving have made a massive improvement on the quality of the skin on my face. I used to use a high end electric razor and no matter what prep or after care I used I always ended up with a few spots appearing at the end of the day,and also some ingrowing hairs.
The wet shaving routine with the DE and the Straight seem to remove a small layer of skin cells each day,combined with good prep and aftershave balm etc,the result,silky smooth skin. In the last year on two occassions whilst buying skin care products the ladies who sell the stuff have commented on the fresh look of my skin and all I did was change from electric to wet shaving.

Regards.

Martin and Quick Orange;
Thanks for the replies. I likely would have played “chicken” and left the razor on 1 then wondered why anybody would shave with an instrument that does not take the hair down to the skin. I had ordered some blades online because up here they are not that common. Walmart does not sell them and a place like shoppers charges $10 for 10 Gillette blades. Nice scam if you can run it...

I once played “catch the falling sheet metal before it hits the floor” and if “catch the blade before it goes down the drain” is similar in any way I think I can live without playing...

In the era before disposables and cartridge razors I learned to shave with Gillette DEs. Switched to the Gillette "Good News" and shaved with that for thirty years before returning to the DE a couple of years ago.

Had a brief and unsuccessful fling with the straight in the '80s and gave it up as a lost cause. Through this forum I successfully returned to the straight in March and haven't looked back. I won't say that I will never shave with anything but a straight again but I can say that I consistently get a better shave with a straight then with a DE or anything else.

Not only for closeness of the shave but comfort. My main DE is the Merkur slant in both the long and regular handle configurations. I also have a large collection of Gillettes from old types, new, new improved, all the way up to adjustables.

Main blades being Gillette Swedes and Feathers with plenty of experience with Derbys and IPs. Say that to say that when it comes to DEs I am not a new kid on the block and that I know what I am doing.

With a DE I get occasional nicks, weepers, and rarely irritation. I never get weepers or irritation with a straight and very rarely get a nick. It is true that shaving with a straight takes longer but for me there is a romance to it that the DE or any other method will never have and it is a far superior shave. YMMV.

I have been shaving with a DE for almost 2 years and just started with a straight, after using cartridge razors for 21 years prior to that. I use the DE everday and am reserving the straight for a quite time when I can take the time ( Ihope to get better with the straight).

One thing I have noticed with the DE is that you need good lather/cream and a good blade. The junk you get at wallmart will not get me good results and may not for you either.

You can get a sample pack of different types of blades from westcoast shaving. If you are new to DE you may get a lot of nicks form the very sharp Feather brands. Merkur and crystal have been good for me. I also like swedish gillette blades. and am very anxious to try Swords from england.

So that was ong winded to tell you wht you already know from using straights. You need a good blade and a good lather or cream.

And if you want to be scared look at a Rolls razor, it is a cross between a straight and a Safety Razor. I am just now gettin gmy blade sharp enough to do a good job. It is very daunting and you use a blade angle similar to a straight based on my limited experience with both.

Happy shaving

It's nice to see the guys here switching back & forth between the two types. My main reason for switching from a Mach3 to a DE was the cost of the blades. I was very satisfied at the whole experience, and DE shaving taught me how to shave....
....and then the straight razor bug bit me. I had a helluva learning curve to overcome, but I've been shaving with straights almost exclusively since around last Christmas. Some shaves were better than others, and some razors were sharper than others....but between Lynn's video, and advice on SRP, B&B and The Shave Den, I managed to acquire the skills necessary to get a satisfactory and enjoyable str8t shave.

Now...do I still use a DE? You betcha. Sometimes I'm pressed for time, and other times I'm just in the mood for a DE shave. I still enjoy it from time to time. Although I'll have to say, I get more satisfaction when I use the straight razor...it just gives me a sense of accomplishment.

I, too, went from straight to DE, since my DE arrived from Classic Shaving a week and a half ago. I still love my straights, but the DE has a convenience edge when it comes to the quick shave before running out the door when you've overslept. If I get up in time, though, it's still my straight. Unfortunately, when I'm traveling and trying to pack light, it's a Mach III that won't send the TSA into convulsions. :)

I found that the learning curve was pretty gentle with the DE, so I agree pretty much with what was already said.

Hi

I just cant ever bring myself to pay such ridiculous prices for the Mach 3,Fusion etc etc. I have in the past and now I feel that I was just ripped off by hype and aggressive marketing. When I am in Tesco buying blades I see guys leaning past me and buying very expensive sets of cartridge blades, I lean over and pick up ten blades for approx. $4. I come so close to touching these guys on the shoulder and giving them some advice.

Last week for the first time at a city gym in the center of Londons West End, I stood infront of the mirrors for a shave,and an older guy(55yrs) stood next to me.He got out a Mach 3 and tin of shaving foam. I pulled out a brush,shaving cream and a straight. He couldnt believe his eyes and called his mates over, probably thinking there was a ritual suicide about to be performed in the gym.
At the end of the shave all three guys said how impressed they were and how classy the whole thing looked, they were marketing guys from a nearby magazine, designer suits,flash watches botox etc etc.
I am not a betting man, but I will put money on one of those guys straight shaving in the next month,and, theyll probably use a straight in their next magazine publication !!

Regards.

I'm quicker with a Straight than my DE's :hmmm: