Thread: I`ve been converted to DE`s

If I were to be honest, the Merkur Slant DE razor gives me the best shaves I ever had, but if I gave up the challenge of getting BBS results on the straight razor I might lose interest in shaving.

The biggest thing I have gotten out of this retro shaving that I started over the Easter weekend is that I have begun to enjoy shaving after 40 years of hating to do it and being dissatisfied with the results no matter what I used or what I spent. That transcends whatever razor or technique I use, the feeling of accomplishment and the better results.

BigIan,

Nothing wrong with DE's. I've been using those for last 30 years.
Part of the straight razor shaving has been sort of a journey to me. It is not only about shaving but how to keep your razors sharp or how to bring some old razor back to life it was meant to be.

It is a bit different with DE's. As long as the blade is good, they just do the job they are meant to do: BBS shaves with no nicks. Some old DE's look very fascinating as well. I have my old FatBoy, Gillette Aristocrat and Gillette my father-in-law used when he was at war. All excellent shavers.

It is the best that every one of us finds the shaver that he is happy with. It doesn't have to be straight or DE, but rather something you feel comfortable with. My son shaves with electric and he's ok with it. I'm happy for him.

Unfortunately, with this being a straight razor site, the DE gets a bum rap around here. That's too bad, because with the right razor/blade combo a DE is capable of excellent shaves on par with a straight shave. That's why so many of us SR users still use DE's every now and then. We say it's "just to save time", but really......

I used DE/SE for 2 yrs before my face KNEW it wanted a straight razor..now I have 3..all different in every way!..5 months in no more razor burn unless I go more than 3 passes!

pcdad

Originally Posted by Ryan82

That's why so many of us SR users still use DE's every now and then. We say it's "just to save time", but really......

Hello, Ryan:

I use a double edge razor when rushed for time, of course, but I also have it in regular rotation with the straights without fail.

At one time I had about a dozen double edge razors, all top of the line, but I sold most except for two: the Edwin Jagger "Chatworth" barley and the Muhle-Pinsel. I also have a Gillete "Red Tip," which I refurbished, but I don't much care for Gillettes and, therefore, it sits in the rack with a forlorn look.

In my modest collection of 22 straight razors, which I rotate regularly, including the Feather Artists Club, the Edwin Jagger and the Muhle-Pinsel rotate with the straights every seventh shave. In other words, every seventh shave goes to the double edge.

I love my double edge, and I love my straight. Yet I don't see the merit in comparing two. I love each razor for its distinct characteristic — for what it is.

Regards,
Obie

Just wondering...is a Feather Artists Club a straight razor?..or a disposable razor with a straight handle?

..I wondered for awhile ;-)

pcdad

Originally Posted by pcdad

Just wondering...is a Feather Artists Club a straight razor?..or a disposable razor with a straight handle?

..I wondered for awhile ;-)

pcdad

Hello, pcdad:

The Feather Artist Club is a straight razor with replaceable blades, yes. It's a well made razor that has most characteristics of the straight razor except that it uses replaceable blades. No, it is not a plastic disposable razor. My Artist Club has attractive wood scales.

I get a great shave with it, as I do with my double edge razors.

As I mentioned in my previous post, I keep it in regular rotation with the rest of the straights and the double edge razors. Sometimes I also take it on trips for backup to my regular straight.

Regards,
Obie

Originally Posted by BigIan

Can any one recomend a good DE with a chunky handle?

Originally Posted by Razorburn

I like yourself like a hefty razor...

My DEs are 38c and HD Slant. The whole heft of razor doing the work for you bit. It's true.
Therefore when I bought my straight I found a Wapi on sale. Reviews said it was easy to learn to hone on and the metal scales give heft. I bought it thinking that if heft works for DEs then it should work for straights.
Not so I found, when I got to try a non metal scaled straight it was a breeze.
I will soon be buying another straight. For now, pretty much taking the summer off and using DE. Soon I will buy a better straight and go at it again.

Obie

I have 20 straights razors now, and 12 need to be honed or repaired. In time I will use them all , but I will always use a DE when I don't have time for a straight shave.

Richard

Originally Posted by Obie

Hello, Ryan:

I use a double edge razor when rushed for time, of course, but I also have it in regular rotation with the straights without fail.

At one time I had about a dozen double edge razors, all top of the line, but I sold most except for two: the Edwin Jagger "Chatworth" barley and the Muhle-Pinsel. I also have a Gillete "Red Tip," which I refurbished, but I don't much care for Gillettes and, therefore, it sits in the rack with a forlorn look.

In my modest collection of 22 straight razors, which I rotate regularly, including the Feather Artists Club, the Edwin Jagger and the Muhle-Pinsel rotate with the straights every seventh shave. In other words, every seventh shave goes to the double edge.

I love my double edge, and I love my straight. Yet I don't see the merit in comparing two. I love each razor for its distinct characteristic — for what it is.

Regards,
Obie

I started with DE's and love them.

I picked up a couple straights because of the mystique and curiosity of what it would be like to shave like my forefathers.

I was going to give up using the straights because of numerous factors, but once I had a couple that I had honed for me, learned to maintain the edge properly(still learning), practice technique and what works for me on my face, the spark has returned and I love it and enjoy the learning curve and shaves.

I also enjoy taking an otherwise deteriorating razor and making it worthy of shaving with again.

That said, I still have a smaller collection of DE's I also enjoy using.

As far as recommendations for fat handles, well I enjoy my vintage Gillette razors, the New Improved, the British HD, and British Aristocrat #21 are excellent shavers in my book.

Enjoy your shaves and have fun.