Thread: 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 , 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?




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.

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.

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!!!!!!

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!!!!!!

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.

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!!!!!!

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