Thread: first Safety Razor shave this morning....Love it

+1 on the Astras.

I have a couple DEs in rhe rotation,,, 59 Fatboy, 62.Slim, GEM, And an ipArmy issue gillette from WWI. I like them also from time to time. To ne honest, I probably get a better shave from a DE.. I just have been using a straight for so long I can't stop...Nor would I want to...

I love my straights! My brothers on the other hand think I am a little crazy, so in an effort to convince them to try DE/ SE shaving, I drug out my grandfathers 1912 GEM that had been in my dresser drawer for 20 years or so. Learned how to shave with that, and while I loved the shave, it was just too easy...lol. and I get a tad closer with my straights. Two of my brothers have converted to the mug, brush and DE. My youngest son loved the GEM and just bought a Future. Gotta love inflicting your ADs on family...

When I took up SR shaving, I never thought I'd be using a DE. A fellow member here told me about the Edwin Jagger 89L and I purchased one. I was quite cautious at first but I became comfortable with the razor after a short time. I am trying different blades from a bunch of samples that came with the razor. I use the DE on weekends and during the week when I SR shave, I use the DE for clean up.

I used to do the same thing with the straights, that is, I'd clean it up around the mustache with the DE. The reason being is that, when I began shaving with the straight, I had a stash. And I became used to skipping that area. Then I shaved it off and about half time I would shave I would nick myself somewhere around the mouth area. Then I tried a smaller straight, which seemed to work well enough. However, I finally tired of the additional cleanup and said enough is enough, I am going to do this start to finish with one razor - and I did. It seems to me, we start out without enough tools, then we overcompensate by adding to the bunch, then trim it down as the skill improves. My next hurdle would be to do this without a mirror (only kidding, I'm not that daring or stupid [not yet anyway]). Just my thoughts.

I think the only reason you would need a mirror is for the sake of vanity. I've shaved perfectly well without a mirror, but found myself really, really wanting to look in a mirror just to make sure I hadn't missed any stray hairs.


Mick

You're a better man than I, Mick. My brother has always shaved in the shower, God knows how he does it, but I would imagine that's it's the equivalent of your method. I tried it once and just couldn't stand all that awful steam in my face as I was trying to concentrate.

I used to shave in the shower in the days I was using cartridge razors. I never found that too difficult either. My only concerns with not using the mirror lie in the fact that I like to ensure I trim right up to the edges of my Goatee/Moustache. Without a mirror I tend to err on the side of caution. I can usually get pretty damn close, but there are always a few strays to be had. More so when I use a DE. I get much closer with a cut-throat as I can feel when I come up to the edge of the wanted growth.


Mick

Originally Posted by Wintchase

I have a couple DEs in rhe rotation,,, 59 Fatboy, 62.Slim, GEM, And an ipArmy issue gillette from WWI. I like them also from time to time. To ne honest, I probably get a better shave from a DE.. I just have been using a straight for so long I can't stop...Nor would I want to...

I agree, I hear people saying their DE doesn't do as a good of a job as their straights, but I too get a better shave with a DE. The only reason this is, is that I can manoeuvre the DE more, and really get squarely ATG from hairs that grow this way and that. If I took the time, I'd get the same shave with a straight, but it would also be more difficult, but not cooler...

I am one of those who say their straight does a better job than the DE. However, I do agree with you that a DE is easier to maneuver around the jaw and neck areas than a straight.

I use my DE on the weekends and during the week (M-F) I use a straight and clean up with the DE. It's a great combination for me.

Originally Posted by carlmaloschneider

I agree, I hear people saying their DE doesn't do as a good of a job as their straights, but I too get a better shave with a DE. The only reason this is, is that I can manoeuvre the DE more, and really get squarely ATG from hairs that grow this way and that. If I took the time, I'd get the same shave with a straight, but it would also be more difficult, but not cooler...