Had to switch to a DE for a bit

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09-17-2009, 04:48 AM
paulwjax

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Had to switch to a DE for a bit

I shaved yesterday with my straight razor and nicked myself...and how!

I had the day off so I decided to sharpen my best blade (of the 7 I have) and give it a good stropping before taking all the time I needed to get a first class shave. Most days I use it I just go with the grain to see how close I can get that way before finishing with my 3 bladed cheese grater, errr, razor. But yesterday, I wanted to use the straight for the whole thing.

After finishing my dominant side and paying close attention to how I stretched my skin, I repeated the motions on the opposite side of my face until I was left with the most difficult part of my face to shave, the left corner of my mouth. As I guided the razor to my skin and prepared to slough off the remaining stubble, I took a deep breath and pressed carbon steel to cheek.
This time, the blade skipped. As I looked and prepared to reapply the blade I thought, "You know, you gave yourself a small nick here once before. Idiot. Take your time." Then the blood began to flow. About an inch long cut into my cheek. Good thing I had a styptic pencil. Stung like hell but stopped the bleeding. Thoughts of regrowing my beard started to form. What to do?

So I did the only thing someone who has invested this much time and money into a outdated ritual such as wet shaving could do...I bought a Double Edge razor.

At an antique store here in town I found a leather travel grooming set from the 50's with an old Gillette Tech DE razor and mirror and accoutrements for cheap. Then I went to Wally world and bought 10 razors for $1.50 and prepared for another razor learning curve. During my first shave I used the same motions as my "Mock" 3 and was waaaaay closer in the same amount of time. Guess I've been doing it the right way all along. So until my face heals this is the method I'll use.

Now I can use the razor slots in hotel bathrooms!
09-17-2009, 05:00 AM
BKratchmer

That is a lovely little set! I really do like my DE for days when I need a quick shave- and I find the standard Gillette blades to be quite satisfactory.... and MUCH less expensive than the cartridges.
09-17-2009, 07:30 AM
ndw76

I think the DE is great for traveling, especially if you are lucky enough to have a great travel set like that.
09-17-2009, 01:30 PM
DPflaumer

No kidding! I've been using a DE solely for the last year, and I'm about to try straight shaving as soon as at least one of my razors gets here (the wait is killing me).

But I don't think I could ever pass up a sweet little kit like that.
09-17-2009, 02:13 PM
CloseShave

DEs are great shavers. I shave with a straight daily but will use a DE when I am pressed for time or want to experience a different shave. The shave is easily BBS though not with the same sense of accomplishment after a good straight shave. Additionally, I think a straight leaves the skin feeling smoother with repeated use.
09-17-2009, 02:18 PM
DPflaumer

Come to think of it, I think the DE has cleared up my face. Or maybe its just that I'm not a teen anymore.

Either way its better than a cartridge razor.
09-17-2009, 03:28 PM
paulwjax

At first I was disappointed I had to stop using my straight but I gotta tell ya, as someone who gets a 9:00 shadow, having smooth cheeks until dinner is freakin' awesome. Oh did I mention the kit was made in Sheffield?:cool:
09-17-2009, 06:41 PM
ionthejester

Even if I didn't have the need for a DE like you did, I'd have bought that kit. It's just too cool and looks like it is in great shape. That's one of those nice finds I'm always looking to find. Good work.
09-17-2009, 10:56 PM
hi_bud_gl

Quote:

Originally Posted by paulwjax

I shaved yesterday with my straight razor and nicked myself...and how!

As I guided the razor to my skin and prepared to slough off the remaining stubble, I took a deep breath and pressed carbon steel to cheek.

You don't PRESS AGAINST your skin. that is why you had problem.
09-18-2009, 01:37 AM
paulwjax

Quote:

Originally Posted by hi_bud_gl

You don't PRESS AGAINST your skin. that is why you had problem.

I realize that LOL and I never said I did. No hard feelings though.

Besides, the story loses its dramatic flair if you say "I positioned the blade at about 30 degrees to my cheek and..."
09-18-2009, 10:34 PM
Redbeard

That is a wonderful grooming set and I will keep my eye open for one in the antique stores around the area.
I have recently returned to using a DE and consider it part of my stress reduction program. I have to allow time to do it right and, as some have recently found out, you can't rush these things. I have become accustomed to and now look forward to the extended morning ritual.
Using a disposable is convienent but expensive, even for we handsome bearded types, so armed with new prizes to aquire I have no problem walking around shops where ever we travel looking for items like you bought.
I did find a nicely priced and well cared for adjustable Gillette for the house and bought a new Parker 90R in a little case for use on a recent trip. With a sample blade pack I am finding the best blade for each razor, and my beard type. So far the Derby is winning but I tried a Personna Platinum this morning. Nice but did not get the same shave.
Hope you get back to your SR soon.