Thread: Anyone using a straight & safety razor?

I'm still new to using a straight razor (about 40 shaves). My technique is getting better (no more nicks!) but I find that I get the best shave by going with and then against the grain with my straight razor...and then going across the grain with a safety. I just can manage to get a good across the grain cut on my neck with a straight razor. Am I alone in this regard?

I use both, but the DE only comes in for touchups. If I've done 3 passes and realize I missed a spot or I'm just not getting the results I want in a particular spot, when I'm all finished I'll lightly take a Gillette Superspeed to the patches I missed with a tiny bit of very wet lather. I tried single edge blades for this but either I don't know how to use them or they're not for me at all. I don't do a full pass with the safety razor unless I'm in a hurry or i'm travelling.

btw, cool name, eflatminor.

Nope, you're not alone at all. In fact when you're a newbie it's recommended that you finish with your usual razor instead of tearing up your face chasing a perfect shave. Proficient shaves will come in time, you just have to find the right method of attack and then you'll be shaving with a straight like a pro.

Thanks guys, good to know!

I use both. Mostly use straights on the weekend and DE during the week. But I also sometimes do a touchup with a DE even when straight shaving.

I use both though after nearly 6 months of trying I can finally get a complete shave from a straight without needing a DE for touch ups. I'm much more likely to use DEs during the work week when I'm pressed for time, or have other reasons I don't feel like using a straight (e.g. not awake enough yet, etc.). I generally always use straights on weekends and days off.

I use both as well. Mostly the straight, but if I'm limited for time or just want to mix it up a bit, I'll use a DE.

I am one who loves both straights and safety razors. They provide very different feels to the shaving experience.

My normal procedure is to do the first two passes (WTG & XTG) with a straight and then finish with an ATG with a DE. However, to ensure that my straight razor technique continues to develop, I try to use a straight for all three passes a couple of times a week.

I have 35 straight razors, as well as a Gillette Fatboy, Slim Adjustable, Tech, and Aristocrat, and an Edwin Jagger DE89L, all of them great razors. This week, I just got a Muhle R41 in the mail. This increases my ambivalence because I want to see how the Muhle compares to the Gillettes and the Jagger.

I just take it one day at a time and enjoy every one of my shaves, whether with a straight, a DE, or a combination of the two. Having a good time is what it is all about.

My greatest issue is that I love all my razors for their unique qualities. I keep considering reducing my collection but I enjoy each one of them too much to get rid of any of them.

Remember, it's your face and there are no "shaving police." Do whatever makes you happy.

Happy Shaving!

I use a DE only when I am in a hurry(about twice a month). I can shave in about 5-8 mins, 3 passes with a DE, and get an amazing shave. It takes about 15 mins to do it with a straight + stropping + cleaning blade etc, so keep your DE.

I use a DE on occasion when I'm in a rush or when I feel like shaving in the shower.