Thread: Dry shave

So I've managed to spend the majority of my night reading about razors and getting to know my friend Silent Sam* a little better.

It must have been a combination of the two, but I started to look forward to my morning shave (it's been a few days). I decided on my 8/8 Friodur, it's not my best shaver but with a little work it could be. I've read most of the threads I care to, and the music that I've got playing is sounding pretty good so it seems to be a perfect time to bring that razor up to snuff.

Now this blade is already mowing though my arm and leg hair with no problem, but for some reason the shave just isnt there. I busted out the blade and my TM pasted paddle strop. Not long after I noticed a difference in stropping, just what I was looking for. But where's the proof?

In the shave.
No prep, no soap, I just dive into it face first. And you know what? It turned out not too bad. Sure it pulled like a bastard, and I'm not BBS after single WTG and ATG passes (I normally get BBS after only one pass ATG), but it's at least as good as I got from the old Mach3. Now I'm not totally out of it, I only did my cheeks and man am I going to look like a tool in the morning, but I think I've learned the value of proper prep as well as what the difference should feel like.

Some of you are no doubt wondering about razor burn, and really it's more of a tingle. I attribute this to my honing skills since it couldnt possibly have anything to do with Sam, though he did lend me the courage to shave mirror-less.

We'll see if I feel any different about it in the morning.

*my long time favourite brand of Vodka.

Shur is drunk. That must be it.
I cannot under any circumstances recommend shaving dry.
Its a nice-razor-cut-waiting-to-happen away from the geat yummy shaves I/we all deserve.

Glad you got off lucky this time.

X

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.