Thread: DE

Is there a benefit of using a DE or safety razor

Originally Posted by Tylerbrycen

Is there a benefit of using a DE or safety razor

Less chance of slicing your jugular after a sudden sneeze....

They're easier to hone.

Originally Posted by Tylerbrycen

Is there a benefit of using a DE or safety razor

In relation to what?

Originally Posted by Tylerbrycen

Is there a benefit of using a DE or safety razor

With time, patience, and practice they will give a BBS shave like a straight. Angle of the blade is just as important and skin stretching is also. A quality shave with a DE will take no less time than an SE.

Since this is SRP I assume you mean in relation to a straight razor?

Many feel that a DE provides a quicker shave for those days when you don't have time for the real deal. IMHO I don't find that to be fair. DE's aren't just time savers, they can actually be quite enjoyable to shave with and provide some of the smoothest shaves possible, providing you apply the same principles as you would with a SR.

I love straigh razors. I also love my DE razors. I have a few vintage Gillettes and a new Merkur Progress. They can give me a bbs shave anytime I pull them out.

BBS isn't the end all. I can shave with an electric razor and get a BBS every time however 4 hours later there is stubble. If I use a DE I get a very fine shave indeed but 24 hours later there is a good bit more stubble when compared to shaving with a straight.

I've found the biggest benefit is in traveling lighter when packing a DE and blades. As for time, it does takes me total less time to use a DE than a straight in terms of stropping pre- and post, drying and such. It also takes me less time to get a passable pass or two shave when rushed. If I am in a hurry, I won't touch my straights; I don't wish to rush, but luxuriate with my straight razor and given my skill set, it probably wouldn't be wise.

That said, I often like to take my time and luxuriate with my DE as well.

Originally Posted by thebigspendur

BBS isn't the end all. I can shave with an electric razor and get a BBS every time however 4 hours later there is stubble.

You get stubble after 4 hours becasue the whiskers aren't being cut so much as scared into hiding from all the noise. It just takes them 4 hours to get over the trauma!