Thread: Closeness

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?

Since the blades are held at a fixed angle and they are within a housing I don't see how you could without making some major modification which would render it a non cartridge.

Originally Posted by frustratedSRuser

I know everyone says straight razors cut closer than cartridge razors,

Do they? I am not entirely certain that they do. "Everyone", that is. Would you mind terribly backing up your instigation with facts? Thank you very much in advance.

Originally Posted by frustratedSRuser

but is there any way you can cut as close with a cartridge razor?

Personally, I think I might manage by honing one of my razors with a brick.

If that was not quite the answer you expected, I do apologise profusely in advance. But given your nick, and your somewhat rhetorical question, that is likely all you will get from me. Unless you want some puss from the ingrowns cartridge razors give me, of course.

Enjoy.

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 can't say that they cut closer but I sure can go longer between shaves using a straight!
you might start using a quality soap or cream and shave after a shower. Other than that, learn to properly use a straight razor, or be more patient with your progress with straights.

Originally Posted by BeBerlin

Do they? I am not entirely certain that they do. "Everyone", that is. Would you mind terribly backing up your instigation with facts? Thank you very much in advance.



Personally, I think I might manage by honing one of my razors with a brick.

If that was not quite the answer you expected, I do apologise profusely in advance. But given your nick, and your somewhat rhetorical question, that is likely all you will get from me. Unless you want some puss from the ingrowns cartridge razors give me, of course.

Enjoy.

Someone didn't get his coffee this morning I see!

Ah, but JMS, in the immortal words of Monty Python one must "...always expect the unexpected, but never expect the Spanish Inquisition..."

Originally Posted by Neil Miller

Ah, but JMS, in the immortal words of Monty Python one must "...always expect the unexpected, but never expect the Spanish Inquisition..."

Did someone say Spanish Inquisition???!!!

Sorry, couldn't help myself. Props from a Canadian Python fan.

It depends on your skin and beard type. Some people shave too close with a cartridge razor and it gives them razor bumps. That's one of the main criticisms of them. Some people blunt cartridges in a single shave.

I'm one of the lucky (?) ones who got a great shave from cartridge razors and could use one for weeks without blunting it, but I never enjoyed it. I never got cuts or razor burn or anything, but I guess during the shave there was discomfort that I mentally blocked out after years of putting up with it. Looking back, I was probably shaving with blunt cartridges but learned to compensate with multiple passes.

Although I haven't managed a perfect straight shave yet, I think I now get closer than with cartidges on 80% of my face.

This evening, about 8 hours after my straight shave, I splashed some water on my face to freshen up and noticed suction as I rubbed my hands over my face. Is that smooth enough for you?

EDIT> Maybe I should give a more direct answer to your question...

is there any way you can cut as close with a cartridge razor?

1) Do same prep as required for any good wet shave;
2) Apply shaving oil, e.g. 3 drops of King of Shaves. Massage in well.
3) Apply a generous amount of aloe vera gel over the face. This lubricates, keeps the face moist, and stops the razor clogging.
4) Shave with the grain, rinsing the blade frequently and vigorously.
5) Rinse face thouroughly, massage face again (the oil should still be there.)
6) Apply more aloe vera gel.
7) Shave against the grain.
8) Do more passes / touch ups as necessary.

This works for me, but for some people cartridge razors are simply the wrong tool for the job.

Okay..... on with the question at hand... How to get as close as a cartridge razor...

Some good advice has already been said. Number 1 would definitely be prep. Number two would be solid stropping with good form. Number three would be technique. And number four would be PRACTICE. Not knowing much about your previous experience I would say the close shaves will come with repeated shaves. Try some different passes; going WTG straight to AGT can be disastrous for some, so try XTG in some areas and save ATG for touch-ups. A water-only pass can help for the final touch-ups too.

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?

Depending on how good your straight technique is you can come pretty close with a cartridge. The worse your technique the closer you'll come.

At the risk of being tarred and feathered I'll say I get as good a shave with a Mach 3 as I do with my normal straight routine...emphasis on normal which is a two pass looks good but not BBS all over shave. I suspect cartridges are like straights in that you might have to experiment with different types and techniques until you find the ideal combination for your face.

I have to ask though...why are you asking how to get a better cartridge shave on a straight razor forum?