Printable View
Hi,
I've just started shaving with a safety razor (2-3 weeks) and really enjoy the difference from my old cartridge razor. Is it too soon to be thinking about moving to a straight razor? Should I continue to practice and hone my safety razor skills before moving on? Are the skills transferable?
Thanks
Dave
Once you get good at using a brush and face prep and get a repeatably great shave, that would be a good time to investigate using a straight razor. Then you "only" have to learn stropping and razor technique. I used a DE for 6-8 months before I switched
As rodb said, there are two issues here: Preparation, and shaving. Preparation, you can, and should by all means, learn first. Contrary to popular belief, it makes up for the majority of successful shaves. Whether you use a double edge, a single edge, or a cut-throat razor, is of entirely secondary concern.
Personally, I would switch to a single edge ("SE") razor at your earliest convenience. Once you have maxed out the SE, you might want to venture into cut-throat land. From my personal experience, I can only tell you that chances are you will stick with an SE. For me, it is the perfect compromise between ease of use (replaceable blades, no stropping let alone honing), and closeness of shaving (I have tried various fabled cut-throat razors, including the elusive EPBD, and various others - having paid a mind blowing amount of money for one equally elusive SE razor, I wish I had never ventured into high priced, hyped cut-throat razor land).
So, if you feel bored, get another razor that won't break the bank. A GEM Open Comb Micromatic (aka OCMM) won't cost you more than US$15 in excellent conditions. Blades can be found in your local supermarket. Once you feel bored by that razor, by all means get a cut-throat from the Classifieds here, and nowhere else. See if you like it, then maybe invest in a maintenance hone.
Good luck,
Robin
The thing i learned most from a DE was to watch hair growth direction. that transferred nicely to the straight. IMHO one can learn to make good lather at the same time one can learn to use a straight. Just be prepared for a learning curve. Can still use the DE for touch ups and when time is short. Also it is recommended to not shave the whole face the first time but go at it gradually. I say go for it!
When it comes to hair growth direction, nothing beats this: http://www.pbjsite.com/shave/whiskarmap/.
There was a time when there were no "training wheels" in learning to shave with a straight razor. You just started learning on a straight razor because that is all there was. I shaved for about 40 years before starting to learn how to shave with a straight razor and although that helped a bit there was much more to learn/refine. Learning to straight razor shave with minimum shaving experience is doable so long as you take your time and don't have too high expectations for the first few months.
You have had good advice so far in this thread and you will get many more too.
Bob
It sounds to me like you want to use a straight. I think that other than the prep area you would have nothing to gain by waiting.
I say go for it now. Don't over think it.
If you have decent hand eye coordination it is not that hard. [Don't tell the women or guys that are not on this site that!] :rofl2:
What exactly is the advantage of a cut-throat razor over a single edge razor?Quote:
Originally Posted by 32t
The actual skills in using a straight are different than a DE or safety razor so you can switch at any time. The advantage comes in learning the wet shave routine as the others have said.
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.
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.Quote:
Originally Posted by RobinK
Bob
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:Quote:
Originally Posted by thebigspendur
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.Quote:
Originally Posted by BobH
What do you mean by cut-throat razor?Quote:
Originally Posted by RobinK
Cut throat is what they are called in quite a few countries including New Zealand and Australia. England too I think.Quote:
Originally Posted by 32t
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.
Thank you but I was asking his opinion.......Quote:
Originally Posted by Grazor
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.Quote:
Originally Posted by Razorfeld
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....:shrug:
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.Quote:
Originally Posted by RobinK
never too soon to think about straight razor shaving. be sure you have a good brush and quality shaving cream
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.Quote:
Originally Posted by RobinK
Bob
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.Quote:
Originally Posted by 32t
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.
Thanks guys, this is all great advice and has given me a lot to think about. Won't be jumping into anything too soon as I've got a ten month old boy keep me very busy.
Hey Welcome to SRP Irish Shaver.
Somebody send that young Dad a Straight razor, go along with the razor and get him started.
Yes! I started off using a straight razor and now have RAD, Thank you, my younger brother!.Quote:
Originally Posted by FAL
That is not an argument.Quote:
Originally Posted by thebigspendur
Absolutely. It is a ritual. And if that is what one is looking for, cut-throat razors are perfect. They are not, however, if one is looking for an affordable, easy way to shave.Quote:
Originally Posted by BobH
There is a time and place for everything. I enjoy shaving with a cut-throat razor. It is a tool, and it can be tremendous fun, but it is not the best tool for the job.
I think if you re read post #10 you will see that I can see no real advantage to using a straight razor compared to an SE or an aggressive DE or a slant DE as far as the end result is concerned. OTH the OP is not asking for the most economical way to shave, only whether it is too soon to try shaving with straight razors.Quote:
Originally Posted by RobinK
In my opinion your references to "people with small hands" and "Double edge razors are for girls's legs, or men with puny hands" could be better left to mud slinging political campaigns. In my opinion they are of less than no real value in answering the OP's question.
Bob
Everything has compromises but a cut throat is easily customised to an individual's preference i.e. grind style & hone used to finish the edge.Quote:
Originally Posted by RobinK
A question for you then.Quote:
Originally Posted by onimaru55
What is the difference between hollows and wedges? Are they for different skin types? Different hair types? Techniques?
I don't have a wedge, should I try one?
The straight razor - Straight Razor Place LibraryQuote:
Originally Posted by Rami
Can be easier to use for beginners with coarse beards but much harder for edge restoration. At this point of your honing journey you don't need the extra challenge.
I think as the shaving skills using a DE are totally different from using a straight, like others have said just go for it! Learn all you can from places like SRP before you buy a straight. Watch all the videos & has been said try to get with a mentor in your area.
A 5/8" hollow ground razor would be a good place to start I would think. I haven't bought a new straight yet. Haven't felt the need & as I have learned more about razors & their care I just love vintage straight's & I have never spent over $30.00 for a razor. You could end up with a piece of junk from China for that $30.00 or get a fine American, English or German straight that with proper care will last you & your kids a lifetime. Buy a good strop & learn how to use it. I was able to get two vintage Shell horse hide strops that I love but there are many new strops for a good price that will work just fine.
Best of luck & great straight shaves!
Dave"Slawman"Huffman
If I use a single edge razor or *shudders* even a cartridge, I get a few ingrown hairs on my neck, I do not with a straight. Some people may have the opposite reactions or different ones altogether. As they say, ymmv.Quote:
Originally Posted by RobinK
I used a de for about 5 months before I switched. And it's great just using straights lately
Sent from my XT1096 using Tapatalk
Start when ever you feel ready. Your own sense of self preservation will prevent any serious injury.
The men in my family always used straights. My first shave was with a straight. I had guidance because my dad shaved the weak hand side of my face to give me a feel for the pressure he used, angles and strokes. I still have a tiny scar on my cheek from my third tim going solo. At that age I only had to shave 2-3 times a week with one pass and he or my grandfather was on hand as a mentor for most of that first year. I think I still have some Kodachrome slides around of the big event.
I switched to DE's in college and again when I had small children.
Start with a straight and save yourself the money and time of learning the DE then learning the staight.
This was a helpful thread on SE. I will definitely put some time in before moving on from DE. Keep the wisdom coming.
The only SE razor I ever have used is a Rolls Razor, which is so different that I'm not sure if it counts, but always assumed that they would be used just like a DE. Now I know better.
Well , they are really two different animals. Once you get good wit a brush and lathering, it will give you a few less things to worry about. When you do, do not try to learn shaving and hoeing at the same time.Quote:
Originally Posted by IrishShaver
Rolls is artQuote:
Originally Posted by Utopian
I don't think I can really shave well ATG on my neck with a DE, but I can with a straight. Of course, I've practised more with the SR and am more involved in the shave when I use a SR, so that could be part of it.Quote:
Originally Posted by zugbug
Soundvlike you need more DE shave time, its usually the other way around (can't do ATG with a st8 but can with a DE)Quote:
Originally Posted by benhunt