Thread: So I tried a safety razor

I generally only shave with straight razors but decided to purchase a safety razor for travel and for when I am short on time. I am finding it much more difficult to use than a straight. My neck is hamburger. I thought the lessons from the cut throat razors would serve me well but it is really a difficult transition. The razor is an IKON and was expensive so I don't think I'll throw it away just yet. Any tips for using this instrument while leaving my face intact?

Very light pressure and watch your angle. Pretty much the same advice as a straight.

Go slow but deliberate. It's tempting to treat it like a cartridge but it's far from it.

Keep at it.

Took a look at the Ikon on the web and it looks like a good design. The asymmetrical model was very interesting with the open comb on one side and the bar guard on the other. When I began shaving there were no cartridge or disposable razors. Ir was the single edge Schick or Gem, or the Gillette DE. I went with the Gillette and there was a learning curve.

If you can get a blade sampler pack with a variety to choose from. The Feather is the sharpest while something like the Derby is more 'forgiving' but will require a bit more technique to achieve a close comfortable shave. In general too much pressure is the culprit in irritation problems. Remember the 'gradual stubble removal technique' and do two or three passes with no pressure and resist the temptation to try and get BBS on the first pass.

Prep, lathering and skin stretching should be the same as with a straight razor IMHO.

I have found when I use my DE, I can not shave ATG on my neck, only with and across, otherwise I turn my neck into hamburger. So just like learning with a straight, pratice, stretching, and a light stroke go a long way towards a comfortable shave.

I think pressure may be my problem. I am not quite sure why I am bothering as I love my straights. It would be easier to pack than a bunch of straight razors, strop, etc.

Really? I found the learning curve with a safety razor to be much easier than that of a straight. I was able to get a great shave of a safety razor by the second try. The things i've found most helpful are to make sure that you have the razor tilted to the right angle and to let the weight of the razor do all the world. Hope that helps friend!

Try major beard reduction WTG and XTG first keeping the hairs wet, rehydrate lather as often as necessary. Use a sharp blade and try very light pressure ATG, even less than the weight of the razor. Pressure causes nicks and razor burn. A sharp blade on a wet beard should not pull and should cut close using the lightest possible touch with the razor. What also helps me get difficult spots on my neck/jaw area shaved close is WTG using the Gillette slide stroke.

I used a DE before I used a straight and found the transition to a straight much more difficult. The main thing like others said is using the correct angle for the particular DE and matching it with the right blade and watching your pressure.

I'd hazard a guess in saying that your experience isn't commonplace. I found a cutthroat much harder to shave with than a safety razor. If you prefer to travel with a cutthroat, it's not necessary to take a 'bunch of razors' one should suffice, unless you are away from home for months, when a spare might be handy.

I use a DE once in a great while and find it a bit uncomfortable after using a str8 for a long period of time.Takes a minute to get back the correct angle.