Thread: Str8s, Razors, and Ingrown hairs

Does anyone else experience a phenomenon I call "The Bloody Switch".

It occurs when you have shaved, in my case with a straight, for too damn long then attempt to switch to an SE or wedge type razor. I will never go back to a DE. What was I thinking.

Anyway... what invariably happens is your face looks like hamburger and your towel looks like you just performed surgery.

I recognize this phenomenon and no longer switch to SEs, which is a shame cause I like them.

My dear Singlewedge,

I, too, still like the double edge razors and use them when in a rush. For that reason, I usually save one day a week, or one every two weeks, for the double edge. Perhaps for that reason I have not experienced what you seem to have by using them occasionally. It must be difficult, as you say, because you still like the double edge.

In other words, my razor of choice is the straight, but I still keep a warm spot in my heart for the double edge.

Regards,

Obie

I like the simplicity of the SE. DEs are ok if you are into switching blades around alot. I am not.

I wish I could share your optimism, but alas, I cannot

My dear Singlewedge,

Yes, of course, you make an excellent point with noting your preference. Well said, sir.

Regards,

Obie

My face responds similarly when I try my DE. Because of that I end up always using my straight, which isn't a bad thing.

I keep a couple of DEs which I use when I go away on a weekend trip with the wife. I find my DE gives me a fantasticly smooth shave and because I don't use it very often it is a lot of fun for me. Like I said, I find the shave to be comfortable and smooth but it doesn't last any where near as long as the straight.

I've never had an ingrown hair in my life. Lucky I guess. I have a bunch of DEs and a few of the Gem SEs. No Schick injectors though. I liked them in the early '70s.

Anyhow, I don't shave with anything but a straight since I put the Merkur Slant away after my first successful complete straight shave. I don't know if it is out of carelessness or what but if I was going to get a nick it would be with a DE rather than a straight and then there are the weepers from those Feather blades.

I haven't shaved with anything but a straight since I started out with one. I see no reason why you couldn't use an SE though, just need to change your frame of mind I imagine.

I found that before I started using a straight that I prefered mild shaving DE's. The aggressive fatboy or red tip super speed or the Merkur HD weren't my cup of tea. But now that I know what the blade should feel like on the skin (Proper angle and pressure etc.) I find that if I have to use a DE I will choose a very aggressive one. And because I sold all but two of my DE's I go to my Feather DE with the plastic handle. I find that it is a very good shaver when I have to use it. But it does still cause the odd ingrown. I will use it maybe once every two to three months.