Shaving with the Big Boys
I have been using straights now for about two months. This includes some time on a Feather AC as well. Before straights I have been using DEs for over ten years, so I have many years of 'serious' shaving experience. Most of the straights I have are in the 5/8-6/8 range and one in particular, a Rodgers 6/8 is by far my favorite. It is really easy for me to get a great shave from this razor. Of course, just like the rest of you I have acquired a bad case of RAD, so I have several razors in the hands of Glen being readied for their new life.
I have a few of questions:
-- I've got one 'advanced' straight, a WB 'Barbers Only' 7/8. I have been struggling to get a good shave with this razor even though I know it is sharp and well honed (it was restored by KenRup and you can view it in 'Razors' under WB 'Barbers Only' resto). This morning I kind of played with it on my arm a bit and found that the 'sweets spot' for this razor, seems to me at least, to be more than a 30 degree angle. Is this common with this type of blade? This thing is HUGE, not only because it is a 7/8 almost 8/8 but because these are just large razors. Has this been my problem all along with this razor? Is this one of the reasons why one needs a bit more experience to really appreciate such an instrument?
--I know that many experienced shavers seem to prefer the wider blades, 6/8 and above. What are the advantages of wider blades for these experienced shavers?
-- I have found with my years on a DE and with just my couple of months on straights that a DE will give a quicker shave (by this I mean that I will get a better one pass shave with a DE). However, my straights give me a smoother shave (my skin just feels better). Is this common, or is this a technique issue on my part that will start to adjust itself as I get more experience? This is somewhat true with my Feather AC as well. It gives almost a BBS shave on the first pass, and on the smooth scale it fits in between a DE and regular straight.
I have many other questions, but I will start with these.
Thanks,
Tod