Thread: Dry shave

Is dry shaving with a straight really that bad? I'm curious because I've been dry shaving (with any disposable razor I can lay my hands on at the time) for the last fifteen years.

When I started shaving I tried different shaving creams and gels in a can, but all seemed to irritate my skin and clogged up the razor. So I stopped trying the creams and gels and started dry shaving and hey presto no more irritation. Another thing I like about dry shaving is that I'm not tied to a sink (I can shave anywhere) and to clean the razor I just tap it.

That said I'm eager to start using a straight, although have not been able to do so yet (still gathering the necessary gear).

As of now I have:

1x. 6/8 Invicta (hollow ground) "needs honing"
1x. 6/8 Gotta #120 (hollow ground) "needs honing"
1x. 4/8 Clauss (hollow ground?) "needs honing"
1x. Black Beauty Strop (double leather) "needs work"
1x. Shave Brush (boar) "cheapie"
1x. Shave Mug "cheapie"

I also have a eBay hone/stone coming next week, any thoughts on what it may be?



Hopefully it will be okay for razor honing.

Back to my previous question, will dry shaving with a straight ruin your blade? or is it just considered uncomfortable?

I can understand doing this to check your edge. I usually do one cheak when I think I am close, just to see how close I am. I have always only done one pass on one cheak though. I find this gives me a good enough evaluation.

As for regular dry shaving, well I guess it's back to different strokes for different blokes. I am with X though, lubrication is really needed with a straight to help it glide smoothly.

Plus, I just enjoy my brush and soaps way to much to do anything but use them.

Matt

Originally Posted by Chopper

Is dry shaving with a straight really that bad?

Don't get too curious or you'll find out. I did. I was just doing a water only touchup on my thin sideburns and let the right side dry out too much. The razor caught and gave me a nice little slice. I was lucky that it wasn't deep or bad and healed up without a scar, but that won't be the case for everyone. Why take the chance and end up with a permanent marker of how stupid you chose to be while shaving.

Take your time, do it right and enjoy yourself.

X

I shudder just thinking about it.. Especially when it comes to the razor burn that comes at the end.

Thank goodness that YOU didn't take a slice of face off. Let alone I am sure you ruined the edge of that razor you worked so hard on.

Phil

I have a 1 inch red line on my left cheek from fidling around with a strait that wasn't shave ready and dry face....

I don't think you really have to think too much about this --- might as well not put oil in your car while you're at it --- exposed blade on slippery film or on dry skin? I just don't know.

Justin

@Chopper, that looks to be an Arkansas oilstone and a used one at that. I bought one like it from ebay. They aren't measured in grits but hopefully that one will be equivalent to a 1000 grit. I think thats as highest they go and that will be the coarsest stone you can sharpen your razor with. It will help in getting a working edge on an old dull blade to begin the sharpening process but you'll never get a shave out of it. You can start with it then move up to a 4000/8000 grit stone. You should get a Norton 4000/8000 whetstone as soon as you can. It's a little pricey but it's money well spent.