Thread: Too soon to start with a straight razor?

Originally Posted by thebigspendur

To answer Robin the advantage is getting a closer shave and the acquisition of the skill set kind of like driving a car with a manual transmission. You know-bragging rights-har har.

Bragging rights are for people with small hands. I challenge you to match a shave with a number of SE razors with a cut-throat of your choice. Because:

Originally Posted by BobH

Or an aggressive DE or slant DE for that matter from my perspective. OTH if you want to learn to shave with a straight razor why not? I did out of shear curiosity and to see if an old dog could learn new tricks.

Double edge razors are for girls's legs, or men with puny hands. However, learning new tricks is easy, and affordable, with a single edge razor. With a cut-throat, it can be expensive. OCMM plus a year's worth of SE blades = US$ 50. But you know the drill.

Originally Posted by RobinK

What exactly is the advantage of a cut-throat razor over a single edge razor?

What do you mean by cut-throat razor?

Originally Posted by 32t

What do you mean by cut-throat razor?

Cut throat is what they are called in quite a few countries including New Zealand and Australia. England too I think.

Watch Lynn Abram's video on SR shaving, then, if you're comfortable go for it, slowly as someone else said, sideburns to jaw to start.

Irishshaver, getting back to helping you learn about wet shaving it would be good to post where you are. That way we might be able to line you up with a Mentor or Senior Member in your area. A short series of one-on-one meetings will get you along the learning curve quicker. Depending on your learning style you could be up and running at a fairly competent level in a few weeks. after that it's just repetition as you finesse your skills.

Originally Posted by Grazor

Cut throat is what they are called in quite a few countries including New Zealand and Australia. England too I think.

Thank you but I was asking his opinion.......

Originally Posted by Razorfeld

Irishshaver, getting back to helping you learn about wet shaving it would be good to post where you are. That way we might be able to line you up with a Mentor or Senior Member in your area. A short series of one-on-one meetings will get you along the learning curve quicker. Depending on your learning style you could be up and running at a fairly competent level in a few weeks. after that it's just repetition as you finesse your skills.

Shaving with a straight razor is not that big of a deal. From the original post I think that he has interest. I say go for it. If you have decent hand eye coordination you are not going to slit your throat or slice your cheek off.

Have patience and don't expect perfect results at first. Fall back on your old standby when needed. Practice makes perfect!

If it was the easiest/fastest way to shave it would have never gone out of style....

Originally Posted by RobinK

Bragging rights are for people with small hands. I challenge you to match a shave with a number of SE razors with a cut-throat of your choice. Because:

Double edge razors are for girls's legs, or men with puny hands. However, learning new tricks is easy, and affordable, with a single edge razor. With a cut-throat, it can be expensive. OCMM plus a year's worth of SE blades = US$ 50. But you know the drill.

tsk tsk...I have an R41 and it comes the closest to a straight as any I've seen. Yes it's mighty close to a straight but no cigar and it's so aggressive I can just as well shave with a straight. It's takes just as long to shave. I have an SE, a Mongoose and it's about half a notch below the R41 in the closeness department.

never too soon to think about straight razor shaving. be sure you have a good brush and quality shaving cream

Originally Posted by RobinK

But you know the drill.

Yup, use and enjoy all three types of razors but still prefer the ritual of a straight razor shave, much more satisfying for some reason.

Bob

Originally Posted by 32t

Thank you but I was asking his opinion.......

Well then you need to be more specific about the question. What was the original question that you wanted Robin to answer? I thought my reply was pretty concise.

Enough about you...

Back to the OP.

Never too early to start, take your time. Prep and a truly shave ready razor makes all the difference. It is a learning curve, but well worth the effort IMHO. You are in the right place to learn. Best of luck.