Thread: Straight vs. DE

Having used DEs for years now and being new to straights, the DEs are still hard to put down. The shaves I get from both are comparable. I do better on the sides of my face with the Straight and better on my chin with the DE. I think with time I will get better with the straight and lean towards it more, but as of now I use them both equally.

Originally Posted by StraightRazorDave

This thread isn't about the pros and cons of using a straight vs. a DE,

I've reached a stage where I no longer think of it as a competition for which method is best. Straights and DEs are both enjoyable to use and can give good results. Hell, I bet I could even get enjoyment using a Fusion if I had to, now that I'm better educated in the art of shaving.

I've been very tempted to add the Schick Injector to my repertoire, and I suppose the SE option is there too. (Does an Injector fall under the SE category?) Maybe once I've mastered straight shaving I'll get round to those, if I live that long!

I think that it is less about the choice of equipment and more about skill and enjoyment levels. I suspect there are people who are naturally more able, or at least more inclined to use a straight. Equally, there will be those who have talent and have some calling towards DEs and SEs. I'm not quite sure why, but I am really comfortable with a straight razor, but DEs scare the crap out of me, so do electrics. I'm so sure i'll do damage I don't think I would like to try them.

I think if you ENJOY what you're shaving with, then it's not a debate at all, it's a standpoint. I imagine most of the people on here see straight razors as THE way to shave, go one badger and blade and they seem keener on saftey razors.

There is no wrong or right, no better or worse. There is only what gives you the most satisfaction, I'm lucky that I've learned this after only 5 years shaving.

These days, my DE gets more action than my straights. It's easier when I'm rushed to whack 'em down with the Merkur HD.

There are some parts of my shave that the DE just does better than the straight. Whiskers on my neck grow straight back in places, and I can't get an angle on them with a straight to totally eradicte them. Aside from that, the straight gives a longer lasting, closer shave especially on the chin.

But, catch me on a Sunday morning when I can relax, have a 3 or even 4 pass shave, and you'll find both a straight & a DE on the counter. The DE is used for the across the grain pass, which is actually against the grain on those pesky neck whiskers.

In the end, it's about the experience.... the chase of perfection and complete enjoyment. I don't care what vehicle you use to travel to shaving nirvana, just so long as you get there.

I first noticed this when I started trying to use the Feather AC. It tore my face up something terrible, but I have to shave every day and I noticed pretty quickly that the straight was easier on my face while I was letting my skin recover from the AC.

I try to take the straight on vacation, and I've got a couple of small paddles and looms that make this easier, but if I'm really travelling light then I'll pack the Feather AC with a corked blade. I find that about 6 passes through a cork makes it feel like a good straight, and this leaves the blade with about 8 shaves left on it.

Originally Posted by mparker762

I first noticed this when I started trying to use the Feather AC. It tore my face up something terrible, but I have to shave every day and I noticed pretty quickly that the straight was easier on my face while I was letting my skin recover from the AC.

I try to take the straight on vacation, and I've got a couple of small paddles and looms that make this easier, but if I'm really travelling light then I'll pack the Feather AC with a corked blade. I find that about 6 passes through a cork makes it feel like a good straight, and this leaves the blade with about 8 shaves left on it.

Corking works pretty well. I used it on my slant with feather blades for the first few shaves, before I got used to it. I never liked the slant much though. Straights definitely leave your face feeling better, Imo.

This thread is making me want to use a DE today...Hmm...

I identify with the posts by Disburden and Rajagra....there is something special about a straight and all that goes with it; and it really its not about the competition.

That being said, I would like to say I get as close a shave with the straight....but I'm not there yet. I am used to getting a really smooth shave from the DE because I can go ATG everywhere...upper lip even. I can do the same with the SR on cheeks and neck but ..gulp...not lip or below my mouth. Also, I use those notoriously sharp Feather blades in my DE. On the straight, I am frequently using self-honed blades and while I am getting better, I am no honemeister.

But no doubt, I prefer to SR shave!

Best to all, Jim

I get perfect shaves with a DE. Though now I only use a straight. I've only been shaving with a straight since December but the shave are almost the same as a DE. I'm sure they'll get even better with time. It took me awhile before I got perfect shaves from a DE.

I enjoy using a straight more.

So I'm getting the impression that even if people aren't getting far superior shaves with the straight as opposed to the DE, they're enjoying it more. And hey, despite everything else, isn't that what it's all about? I think it is.