Thread: Electric Fires

This is not a criticism of these tools or their users, I am just curious to know why people use these things as an alternative to a straight. I have read they are recommended for guys that just want to explore whether or not using a straight is right for them, or that they are good for those that don't want the hassle of maintenance. Yet surely the experience of using a true straight will be very different, for example I have read that these things are way more aggressive than a straight, and that as a beginner you are more likely to suffer burn, nick or cut yourself, where is the pleasure in that? I would suggest that somebody moving away from the Mach 3's of this world try a safety, double or single, before trying a straight, I certainly did and I do believe it helped me just because it is a more involved shave, you actually 'think' whilst working, as opposed to simply spraying crap on your face and then wiping it off with a Biro. And as for the maintenance free point, well part of the pleasure of using a straight is caring for a cherished possession, if you don't feel that then surely a decent safety would be a more rewarding choice?

I'm assuming you are talking about a shavette. Electric fires is not a thread title that gives me a clue...

A shavette is a CHEAP way of seeing if you like the workings of the straight razor shave. Yes they are more challenging to use then a "real" straight, but you still get the idea.

I would rather spend the $20 and see if I liked it before spending at least $ hundreds on a QUALITY straight, strop, etc..

I'll ask. What is an electric fire?

Originally Posted by Mrchick

I'll ask. What is an electric fire?

When I saw the thread, I thought maybe his electric razor started on fire!

I thought someone started an electrical fire trying to save money by not hiring an actual electrician.

Back on topic....

A shavette is not the way to try out a straight razor shave, IMHO. To me, it's like comparing a Japanese kamisori to a western grind straight razor. Two entirely different beasts. While I love the look of the two kamisori I bought, after much trial and error they simply became the show pieces of my collection. I got tired of slicing and dicing my face and didn't like the fact they were designed for my right hand only.

By reading through this forum, I think one can determine whether they are a good candidate to jump into straight razor shaving. If by chance they dislike straight shaving, it's fairly easy to recoup the investment as long as they managed to find decent deals (like some of the bargain razors here in B/S/T).

The title is possibly cryptic I accept.

I imagined an old Wahl.. bursting into flames.