Thread: How fast is it possible to shave with a str8?

For me it's a five minute shower, then about 20 minutes to shave. I usually do two passes on moustache, cheeks and chin, and three on my neck.

If I am rushed I don't use a straight, but break out my vintage English Gillete Rocket Flare-tip. Rushing with.a straight razor is a recipe for disaster -for me anyway.

I timed myself properly today, but only for actual razor on face time. Pass one was 2mins and 30 seconds, which is roughly north south. Pass two was 2 mins 50 seconds which is a mongrel pass south northish mostly but west eastish on the left side of my neck.
Total time from starting to lather to having everything put away was about 20 mins or maybe slightly less.

Seems you've gotten a lot of response about the foolishness of rushing a straight shave; kamisori or otherwise, but reading your original post it seems to me you're really looking for a good Par time.

My shave total time takes 17min or less from beginning to lather to walking out of the bathroom. That's at a healthy relaxed pace; getting ready for work in the morning. I can do the same shave with a DE in 7min; so if I'm in a hurry that's what I go for. That's shortening up lather time, no strop time (2min), less care and caution on account of the DE. Could you do it faster, certainly...some guys can hit eagles and birdies regardless of par. Lots of factors go into that though.

I've never shaved with a kamisori, but I've got 5yrs of daily shaves with a straightE 9:1 respectively. A properly setup DOVO should not feel floppy. I've used razors where the scales were loose...it's not enjoyable. I'd encourage you to get that remedied.

Peace,
Jim

My shave is over when my wife starts banging on the door.

With lather shave and clean up about 7-10 I only do a with grain pass though

Originally Posted by edhewitt

I timed myself properly today, but only for actual razor on face time. Pass one was 2mins and 30 seconds, which is roughly north south. Pass two was 2 mins 50 seconds which is a mongrel pass south northish mostly but west eastish on the left side of my neck.
Total time from starting to lather to having everything put away was about 20 mins or maybe slightly less.

I re read this and had to chuckle....

For you is North/South up or down?

To keep this on topic I have been experimenting with a single up stroke which is mostly against grain for me to be a faster/better shave.