Thread: My Straight Always Beats My Double E

Call it technique, beginners luck whatever. The bottom line is every time I shave with my straight razor I always get a better shave. I've only been shaving with a straight razor for a year and a half so I'm obviously no tower of experience. However, I find I can get a closer, smoother shave quicker with my straight than with my double E. I may be mistaken but I don't think anything can beat a straight razor shave. Equal it maybe, but beat it, I don't think so.
I'm a very happy camper and glad I started straight shaving.

Larry

What kind of DE blade are you using?

I'd grant that a DE with a not-so-sharp blade might give a worse shave (or a slower shave) than a straight. With a Feather blade, I'm not so sure. Of course, the skill (and care) of the shaver matters a lot.

But each to his own . . .

Charles

Originally Posted by cpcohen1945

What kind of DE blade are you using?

I'd grant that a DE with a not-so-sharp blade might give a worse shave (or a slower shave) than a straight. With a Feather blade, I'm not so sure. Of course, the skill (and care) of the shaver matters a lot.

But each to his own . . .

Charles

I'm using Merkur blades. I try to change them regularly enough to insure a good shave. I do have a pack of Feather's. I've never used them because a post I read more than a year ago cautioned against them if you lack experience. I certainly lacked experience at the time. Perhaps with time, more experience and Feather blades my opinion will change. Good shaving to you.

Larry

A DE will never shave as close as a straight. An open comb like an R-41 can come real close but it's still not the same. if you are getting equal or better shaves with a DE I'm sorry to have to say you're straight technique is not up to snuff.

Originally Posted by thebigspendur

A DE will never shave as close as a straight. An open comb like an R-41 can come real close but it's still not the same. if you are getting equal or better shaves with a DE I'm sorry to have to say you're straight technique is not up to snuff.

So far, with the best technique I can muster with the DE, the straight still gives me the best shave hands down. Kinda makes you wish you had several face to shave.

Larry

Originally Posted by lfloyd

I'm using Merkur blades. I try to change them regularly enough to insure a good shave. I do have a pack of Feather's. I've never used them because a post I read more than a year ago cautioned against them if you lack experience. I certainly lacked experience at the time. Perhaps with time, more experience and Feather blades my opinion will change. Good shaving to you.

Larry

It's time that you tried the Feather blades. Give them the same respect you'd give to the sharpest straight razor you've ever used, and you'll come out OK. If you're getting good shaves with a straight razor, you should be able to use a Feather DE blade.

I have a Weishi, a very mild razor, and it gives a little margin of error for the Feather blades. In a Gillette Tech or EJ 89, a very light touch is needed.

Charles

Originally Posted by cpcohen1945

It's time that you tried the Feather blades. Give them the same respect you'd give to the sharpest straight razor you've ever used, and you'll come out OK. If you're getting good shaves with a straight razor, you should be able to use a Feather DE blade.

I have a Weishi, a very mild razor, and it gives a little margin of error for the Feather blades. In a Gillette Tech or EJ 89, a very light touch is needed.

Charles

I'll gird up my courage and give it a try this weekend. I'll get back to you on the results.

Larry

It's a really, really big topic. DE shaving varies with not only skill but also the razor and blade combinations that you use. I find that using the early '04's Gillettes , World War One, 'J' and before(non ball end) I can get a smooth BBS in 2 passes one WTG and one ATG . Faster and requiring less concentration than an Open Razor. Different horses....

IMO I wouldn't say the shaves are necessarily better as far as final outcome (smooth is smooth, right?), but I give the edge to the straight (yes, pun intended) for enjoyment, comfort, and longevity of the shave ie - time for stubble to grow back.

Originally Posted by thebigspendur

A DE will never shave as close as a straight. An open comb like an R-41 can come real close but it's still not the same. if you are getting equal or better shaves with a DE I'm sorry to have to say you're straight technique is not up to snuff.

Or perhaps your DE technique is not up to snuff lol....

I usually take a DE with me when I travel, either a Vintage Gilette, or a Merkur Progress. The Vintage is a very gentle shaver even with the Feather blades, I like it because it breaks down flat and is easy to pack, the Merkur is more aggressive (when dialed up) but doesn't break down.

I can get a BBS shave with the DE, it just takes some work. BUT it doesn't last NEARLY as long as it does when I shave with my straights.

I shaved this morning around 8 with a DE (The Gilette) Was BBS for about 3 hours.. and now my face looks good but feels like sandpaper whereas when I shave with the straight, 24 hours later and I have to decide if there is enough TO shave..

Straights give me the best shave I have EVER gotten.... Just my 0.02