Thread: As smooth as a modern cartridge system? I think not

Originally Posted by Oliver

Seriously, can a straight make my chin as smooth as a modern razor? I mean, the makers spend millions on research or something like that, right?

I have been using straights for a few months now and have been learning a lot from this forum (about shaving and honing - thanks!). But even after using a 16k shapton for honing, my chin will never be as smooth as with a modern razor, no matter if I stretch the skin, shave up, down, left or right, at any angle and any pressure. It will always be acceptable and sometimes quite good but compete with the modern one? I don't think that's realistic.

Does anyone think they actually get the same smoothness at the edge of the chin regardless of which kind of razor they use?

You should be banned!!
Seriously... It takes time to get really smooth shaves all over, especially on the "trouble spots"... I, for instance, have been shaving with a straight exclusively for 9 months and only now can I get smooth on the chin...

I never have tried a cartridge razor. For many years I used Gillette 'Good News' disposables. When I got back into DE shaving a couple of years ago I pretty much settled on the Merkur Slant with Feather blades.

It has taken nine months of using a straight exclusively but I can now equal the results of two passes with the slant/feather using a straight. I find the straight superior in comfort as well.

When I switched to a SR people were still using double edge razors so, ya my shave is just as good as a "modern razor'. DS

As smooth yes...as fast no. I'm a reformed Mach 3 user and that is my standard as it got me the smoothest and longest lasting shave of anything I'd used before returning to straights after a long absence. And at the risk of being burned at the stake I'll admit that if for some reason I have to be clean shaven in 5 minutes I'll grab the M3 instead of my straight.

You say you've only been honing and shaving a couple months. I'd say that straights are like shooting pool...some people are naturals and others require lots of practice before becoming proficient. Keep trying and you will eventually discover the magic combination of prep, sharpness, angle, and part of the blade to use that will get er done.

I can shave my chin with an electric and its BBS however 4 hours later there's stubble. I can get the same effect with a straight and the stubble doesn't even begin for about 18 hours later.

Pretty much what others have said: it takes time (I've been using straights for ~9 months and I can now consistently get a smoothe chin, but only if my razor is completely shave-ready; otherwise not quite.
You just have to experiment to see what works for your beard/facial contours. And yes, this can take months...

As far as duration, I'm usually smooth for 9-12 hours before I feel anything w/ ~24 hours before I get the 5 o'clock shadow effect. D/Es for me were smoother than any cartridge and my str8 shaves are smoother & last twice as long (with much less chance of any ingrowns) so... Keep trying; you'll get it.

cartridge razors always gave me razor burn and never as good as my first straight shave (which wasn't that great). i am still definitely a newb as far as straight razors go but i take my time on my chin as i do on the rest of my face. no matter it is better either way i look at it. my razor was pre honed from Tony Miller. the only thing i might do is keep a nice DE around for quick shaves as i had one for a while and it was nice, but not as close.

down with the cartridge razor!!! ha!

I've been straight shaving for a few months so I'm still early in the learning process, but the shaves I'm getting now are at least as close as they were with a cartridge razor. I just gave away about fifty bucks worth of disposable cartridges to a friend (don't worry, I'll turn him away from the dark side soon). I'll never spend a dime on that overpriced trash again.

Originally Posted by Oliver

Seriously, can a straight make my chin as smooth as a modern razor? I mean, the makers spend millions on research or something like that, right?

I have been using straights for a few months now and have been learning a lot from this forum (about shaving and honing - thanks!). But even after using a 16k shapton for honing, my chin will never be as smooth as with a modern razor, no matter if I stretch the skin, shave up, down, left or right, at any angle and any pressure. It will always be acceptable and sometimes quite good but compete with the modern one? I don't think that's realistic.

Does anyone think they actually get the same smoothness at the edge of the chin regardless of which kind of razor they use?

Give it a little time Sir! Some get great shaves right off the bat, and others take a little while! I was in the latter group. It took approximately 2 years to get it down and get great shaves on a consistent basis.
1 pass and a little touch up keeps my face smooth and stubble free much longer than an electric or atra II! 2 passes and its usually 18 to 24 hours before I notice any growth at all!

I can get a closer shave with a straight (or DE) than with a modern cartridge razor. As for the chin....give it time. You'll eventually learn how to do it.