Thread: Should I supplement my dtraight shave with a DE?

I've been using a straight shaver for over a year now and I've been very happy with the move from my Fusion over to an old straight. But my face still can't take a daily shave, so I've been using a single pass on the Fusion most days, leaving me a permanent 5 o'clock shadow, and using my straight for 3 passes on days I can't have that kind of scruff. I was considering the idea of replacing the Fusion with an old-style DE razor. Would this help or make no difference? I've been struggling with shaving my whole life. The move to a straight has helped me tremendously by getting rid of permanent neck burn, and the compromise of going back to the Fusion and doing one pass with the grain most nights has been acceptable, but I'd like to try and do better than this.

I started using straights and keeping my fusion for touch ups. Eventually I started using a de for touch ups and eventually fit them in my regular rotation. If you're a vintage guy then you can usually pick up a Gillette tech in good condition for pretty cheap. I'd say give it a try and if you don't like it then maybe it was only a $20 investment that didn't go well.

The DE is vastly superior to the Fusion. When you get one, remember to let the razors weight do the cutting. Don't use pressure or it will likely cause razor burn. But an alum block or a good aftershave lotion will fix that anyway. I won't be going back to the Fusion. The DE is so much better. I use one pretty much daily, and I very rarely get razor burn now that I am used to shaving with it.

Just to add to the responses, I believe you will find a marked improvement with the DE over the Fusion.

Also, try just a two pass with a straight if it's bothering your skin.

Sounds worth a shot, and since you have sensitive skin, you might want to try one of the milder razors. In vintage that is a tech or superspeed (blue tip), or any of the Gillette adjustable razors set to about a 3. In modern razors, a merkur progress set to a 1 or 2, or perhaps an Edwin Jagger (EJ razors all have the same excellent and slightly mild head) ( Weishi are also very mild, but they are of Chinese make, and it shows to an extent.)

Be sure to get decent blades, too (Sadly, most stores sell Dorco blades, which are probably the least well regarded blade there is.): A couple of relatively popular mild blades would be Personna ( Israeli made crystals or red pack, or the American made lab prep, or med prep). For sharper blades: Astra(blue or green pack), Gillette (yellow, blue, or, perhaps black), would be my suggestion, but I don't know if you'd prefer sharp or mild blades.

Also nothing stopping you from a single passes with a straight instead of the fusion. You might be able to cut the fine shave down to a 2 pass. WTG/XTG or if your wiskers are cooperative WTG/ATG, I only suggest that because it sounds like you have been shaving with a straight for a while. Might also make your face skin jump off, wrap around your ankles and trip you with straight in hand.

Thanks guys. I've decided I'm going to seek out a DE razor to replace my fusion. My face can't take the straight every day and it can only take the fusion if I do one pass daily. So I'll be much happier if I can get a similar effect with a DE and possibly a better shave.

A nice thing about the DE's is the cost of the blades. I bought 100 Shark blades for under $16. Some of the better blades are more expensive, but still WAY cheaper than Fusion cartridges.

DE's give a great shave. I have sensitive skin too, the DE is more comfortable to shave with for me than the Mach3 I used to use. And, as already mentioned, blades are dirt cheap in comparison.

Great! After doing a little research, I'm looking at a vintage Gillette. Looking at either a late 40's Aristocrat or one of the later "fat boys." looking on eBay, the prices sold auctions went for are completely off the map. Any ideas what a fair price is? Not looking for cheapest to hold out for, just fair for either.

This is kind of exciting!! I really enjoyed moving to my straight. I'm looking forward to adding a new antique type razor to my day.