I find I have to do a small DE clean up around my chin and moustache area (on the right side) about 80% of the time. For me it's definitely a blade angle thing I haven't mastered yet. It'll take time, but it'll come.
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I find I have to do a small DE clean up around my chin and moustache area (on the right side) about 80% of the time. For me it's definitely a blade angle thing I haven't mastered yet. It'll take time, but it'll come.
I do three passes WTG and XTG with the SR and ATG with my DE. The amount of effort to shave ATG with SR is very high. The first two passes leave a short stubble that the DE easily takes off ATG.
IMHO you should do whatever it takes to achieve a shave that is acceptable to you. If that involves doing touch ups or an entire final pass with a DE then so be it. Some guys get hung up on this idea that it is "cheating" to use something other than a SR to finish a shave. In reality it doesn't really matter. You'll likely find that in time you won't have to use anything other than a straight to complete a shave but there is no pressure to reach that point and once you do you'll look back and smile at these early days.
Good luck and happy shaving!
I still have to use a DE at times to get my neck area smooth. The hair grows opposite of "normal" shaving upward being WTG. No matter what I do with a SE I can't get it smooth without doing 2-3 passes which causes me some irratation having to shave 5 days a week.
The only time I touch up a shave is date night with a lady. Other than that, I'm the only one touching my face and a few areas being less than BBS is not a huge deal to me as long as I appear clean shaven to those that I interact with during the day. The girls like things smooth though, and I don't mind the extra effort to keep them happy!
That being said, when I do touch up I do it both ways, clean up a SR with A DE and a DE with a SR. Some areas just work better with the different tools. I clean up my neckline with a straight usually as the long blade is easy to keep level as I shave so I get a nice even line! DE is better suited for my side burns to keep them level without awkward hand and viewing angles
I use the DE when short on time, but sometimes mange to do one WTG with the straight and finish with the DE, This is usually on workdays.
I clean up with a DE on my chin and sides on neck as i have yet to master those areas. +1 on the blade angle mastery being an issue. Definitely choose a DE for whole shave if in any type of a hurry, Rule #1 i learned is never rush a Straight Razor Shave.
Well...just my 2 cents, but...
I have only been straight shaving for 6 days now and I refuse to use anything else. Here is why.
On the first shave, I barely managed to shave 30% of the areas I wanted to shave (I have a goat)...I intentionally left the shag everywhere so that in subsequent shaves I could monitor my progress. So far I have made great strides on every session.
This is one happy unit typing:)
as always YMMV, and there is probably no wrong answer on this one.
I use a DE to finish my chin area, but am getting better with the straight. Taking it slow and using all the advice given by the Mentors here on SRP.
While I am learning, one pass WTG with my shavette (Awaiting my first straight back from being made shave ready by a pro Horner) all over and one pass XTG with a DE to finish off.