Thread: From Straight to safety.

I also like shaving at night. I find it very relaxing and because of the nature of straight shaving, I can stay focused on the technique without any concern for time or schedule. I enjoy the prep as well as the SR challenge. And finishing without a weeper is always satisfying for me.

If I need a really fast shave I will use an Injector, for me it faster than a mach three, and almost as easy to use, with no clogging and a sharper blade, if there is a faster shaving method I haven't tried it.

When I rush a DE shave, I get (at the worst) razor burn and 'weepers', that a styptic pencil will handle.

IMHO, rushing a straight-razor shave is _dumb_. The cost of error -- due to rushing, lack of concentration, whatever -- is just too great. That blade is very sharp, and can cut deeply.

Maybe after I stop being a newbie, and develop more confidence (or over-confidence), I'll feel differently.

Charles

PS -- I've started using a Weishi DE razor. It's cheap, light, and _very_ forgiving. According to those who know, there's not much blade exposed, compared to most DE razors. Even with Feather blades, it's not aggressive.

I started a few months ago with a straight, but due to 2 baby girls running around, I really don't have the time. I acquired a DE and it was easy for me after learning with a straight. It cuts time down for me and I'm getting better results for now. Just my 2 cents.

I broke into wet shaving using a DE. It is a good way to learn pre-share prep and post shave care. I followed Lynn's advice to work into straight razor shaving one section of face at a time. I used my DE to finish.

I still use my DE in rotation. It is a quicker shave for me, but not a fast shave. I second what others have written about the dangers of going to fast with a DE. I've left small scars on my face with each type of blade.

Just take it easy and enjoy the process.

Hi Guys,
I just recently bought a few DEs to try out, hoping to save a few minutes on the odd occasion. I bought a couple of three piece Gillettes because they looked nice, and were cheap. I bought a Gillette from my birth year, and one from 1970, still in the box. I have to say- I don't like them, and can't use them! Maybe there's a learning curve.
However, I did get a beautiful Heljestrand with the pieces of wedge blades that go in- Killer! It works great and a little faster than a straight. It still requires disassembly, drying, honing, etc.. It does as well as any straight I have, if I take my time, and do two passes.
Real time saved is probably not too much, but you can do it when distracted without undue fear, unlike a straight.
It's also nice to know that Heljestrand gives an excellent shave no matter which method used.
Ed
quicknicker

Originally Posted by quicknicker

Hi Guys,
I just recently bought a few DEs to try out, hoping to save a few minutes on the odd occasion. I bought a couple of three piece Gillettes because they looked nice, and were cheap. I bought a Gillette from my birth year, and one from 1970, still in the box. I have to say- I don't like them, and can't use them! Maybe there's a learning curve.

A steep learning curve, depending on which blade you're using.

For a description of my learning curve with a 3-piece Gillette and a Feather blade, see here:

http://straightrazorpalace.com/shavi...e-shaving.html

That razor and blade combo is now giving me nice shaves. They didn't change; I did.

Charles

My wife got me a Merkur HD and some Merkur blades for Xmas. I have been using this mostly since then to keep Santa happy.

Stupid easy to get a good shave with this after using a straight. I'm interested in trying some different blades out now.

It doesn't have the same appeal as shaving with a straight razor though. A DE just seems to be a hyper efficient hair terminator without the character of a straight shave. The best part is it has set the bar higher for me to continue on my straight razor learning.

Originally Posted by kd7skx

...but some times I just dont have enough time in the morning. Are DE's any faster when im in more of a hurry?

Gauging the relative speed of a straight versus a D/E misses, imo, the critical point. Here's a simple rule, known hereafter and for all eternity- or at least until this thread dies- as Michael's Maxim[1]:

If at any time, for any reason, you find yourself thinking "Y'know, maybe I should use a D/E today.." ...then you'd better use a D/E that day.


[1]The corollary to the above rule is The Lawson Stone Paradox: "The weird thing about really epic bad technique is that you will cut everything on your face except hair."

Originally Posted by mbaglio100

Gauging the relative speed of a straight versus a D/E misses, imo, the critical point. Here's a simple rule, known hereafter and for all eternity- or at least until this thread dies- as Michael's Maxim[1]:

If at any time, for any reason, you find yourself thinking "Y'know, maybe I should use a D/E today.." ...then you'd better use a D/E that day.


[1]The corollary to the above rule is The Lawson Stone Paradox: "The weird thing about really epic bad technique is that you will cut everything on your face except hair."

I haven't laughed so hard in a long, long time. Thank you very much for your and Lawson Stone's humour.


Mick