Thread: Closeness

If you were to to take the same time and care with the cartrige razor, you will get the same quality of shave.

Originally Posted by frustratedSRuser

I know everyone says straight razors cut closer than cartridge razors, but is there any way you can cut as close with a cartridge razor?

Get a DE. Much shallower learning curve than a straight, _much_ cheaper to buy blades than a cartridge, and (for me) no razor bumps, even if I shave with the DE every day.

oh, and then send the straight you're frustrated with to me. so as not to inflict frustration on anyone else... or something...

After 2 months learning the straight razor I can now get an equivalent or better shave with the straight but it takes 3 times as long. My reason for switching to a cut throat razor was I hate shaving and after 3 days my cartridge couldn't cope and I had to use an electric first.

So initially I learned to debark my face as I call it with the straight then touch up with the cartridge doing more and more with the straight until now I can do it all, it takes longer but I'm learning to start my day that way and the time to yourself in the morning helps the day go better and it I'm in a rush I still use the cartridge also I've also noticed modern shaving foams work better for me than badger brush and soap I have, but it I lather up the soap and put a squirt of foam in and mix it, it works better for me.

Originally Posted by frustratedSRuser

I know everyone says straight razors cut closer than cartridge razors, but is there any way you can cut as close with a cartridge razor?

I've never gotten a SR-level shave out of anything else, but I've gotten surprisingly close using a Gillette Fusion. The only problem was that it tore my face up enough that I couldn't shave for several days. But you might want to give it a try. I'd use a good soap or cream instead of the canned goop, and make sure to stretch your face properly.

I was shaving with a Dovo Bismarck for a good while, but then I developed a cataract in my left eye. Since then, I have had to stop, and continue with my various DE's which I still love. I will NEVER go back to using any cartridge razor, for the simple reason that for me, they do not give good enough shaves. I know a lot of guys who enjoy them, and I respect that, but I just prefer to stay away from them.

Jeff

Closeness for me is best measured on a time scale. I have used all methods of shaving: DE;, 2, 3 & more multi-blades, electrics and straights. The initial look and feel of any method can be very comparable with practice. Any method when not done properly will result in rash and irritation. The difference in my experience with my dark dense beard is when shadows occur. My experience is approximately:

Electric - 6 hours shadow, 9 needs a shave
Multiblade(2 pass) - 10 hours shadow, 12 needs a shave
DE( 3 pass) - 12 hours shadow, 14 needs a shave
Straight(3 pass) - 16 hours shadow, 18 needs a shave

The other factor is skin renewal which occurs with any blade method and gives the face a fresh look. My preference is to shave daily with a straight as I like the duration of the shave.

Originally Posted by fccexpert

If you were to to take the same time and care with the cartrige razor, you will get the same quality of shave.

At the risk of being tarred and feathered I would say that the above is a fair statement. I think all too often we can take cartirdge razors (and the subsequent shave) for granted and blame the shy shave on the razor instead of our technique. Much like a straight......