Thread: Is straight razor shaving compatible with everyones beard?

Hi guys, I've been in wet shaving for a number of years now, and have really settled in well with DE's. I find DEs work really well with my face. I tried straight shaving a couple of years ago, first with a shavette, and then a 5/8 full hollow. I found the shavette to be pretty good, but it would pick and pull the odd hair around my chin. The true straights really seem to pull in this area. I follow a similar prep as my DEs and usually use proraso, which I really like...........my beard is very coarse and rough, could it be just too hard for straights? They just never seem sharp enough. Mine were honed a seasoned vet, and I know his blades are sharp and well liked. I'm thinking about trying again with a new dovo 5/8, but I'm worried it wont work out again. I used the straights as much as I could for a few months, and never had much luck. sorry about the lack of punctuation. for some reason this post is acting up. Thanks, Ryan

That is a hard question to answer because not everyone has the same beard. OTOH, I can say that when I began shaving with straight razors my results didn't equal those that I got with a Merkur slant and a Feather blade. It took some time and practice but eventually I could honestly say that I can get equal results.

I have the same problem areas, the knob of the chin, the neck under the jawline and the hollows on either side of my windpipe. I gradually learned stretching techniques and angle of attack and stroke that enabled me to get those areas smooth. Naturally I'm talking with a truly shave ready razor.

So my beard may not be as tough as yours but .... how about the many guys who shave their whole head ? I can assure you that no one's chin whiskers are any tougher than some areas of the head. That is my take on it. I'd say keep trying.

The short answer is that yes it is compatible with every beard type. Remember for years and years it was the only form of shaving.

Though to answer more specifically for you I will say with straights you get what you put into them. The more time an effort into learning the best technique for your face the better your shaves will be. One of the best tips I can give you is if you can have a bad shave for a day do it. By having a bad shave I was able to identify the areas that I was having the most trouble with and some that didn't seem bad after the shave but after an he or two where bad. But the major benefit to this was that I was able later in the day look in the mirror and plan out angle and methods to hit those spots.

At this point you sound like you where on the verge of moving past beginner stage and into DFS area but then your blade got to dull and you stopped. Depending on how long ago that was you might be able to pick up about right where you left off.

If you still have your original Dovo I would just send that out for a honing. Then after using that for another three months buy a new one and then send the original for another hooning when you have the new one in hand.

I agree with Castel 33. Thats just what I did. If you dont have a choice you will have to learn and the extra stubble will reveal your areas where your technique need help. Ive started my shaves now with ATG. As I can get it on 75% of the shave 1st pass, I then touch up the other 25%. Im not there yet but I will. DEs are great IMO and I used them for a year. I started straights only since october and I never got a better smoother less irritating shave with a de as I do now with my straights. You have to experience it to believe it. I always thought bbs was bbs. Theres a velvety feel to the skin with a straight that I never got with a de. Im only speaking for myself here.

Can't add much to what has already been said. It is just a matter of constantly improving your technique through constant use. Took me a long time being a slow learner to get as good with a straight as I am with a DE especially on the chin knob and below and on the jawline. We are talking pushing a year to get that far. Patience, perseverance and experimentation will get you there.

Bob

IMO if your hollow or extra hollow starts to flex, you are using too much pressure. I used to think a wedge works better, but for me I get the same shave with a 4/8 to 8/8 from extra hollow to full wedge.

I found that it was less of an issue of beard type than How Quickly You Heal From Cuts! As it is not a question of IF you'll slice up your Strop, it's not a question of IF you'll cut up your Face but When.

When it comes to the beard I would say yes!
When it comes to the skin a definitive no, some peoples skin cant take the scraping at all.

+1 to all above.

A good and properly honed razor used with the proper technique and angle is indiscriminant, I can assure you that your beard hair doesn't stand a chance once u get the hang of it. IMO a wedge may be your friend while your learning if you have course hair until you learn to tame the beast.

Thanks guys, I actually ran a half hollow with the full hollow, and the results varied. I'd say the half hollow didn't cut quite as well as the full hollow.

I may give it another shot. I really like the idea of never paying for another blade! although I like DEs a lot now. At one point I was ready to give up with the DE's and kept at it. Now I wont ever go back. Maybe the same will be for the straights.

Thanks,

Ryan