Thread: And Here it is

I read a lot of threads about shaving with a DE razor and even more from folks who both safety and straight razors.

I would be interested to hear a discussion regarding the reasoning for using both types of razor.

Since the first day i started with a straight I threw my cartridge razor in the bin, day one so that I had a real reason to persevere and get comfortable with a straight and I have never used anything else since.

I am a semi retired web developer and work from home so I'm never pushed for time and if i have to go anywhere early I shave the evening before so speed is never an issue.

I am interested in a DE but can't ever imagine using it instead of a straight, maybe if I get shaky as i get older I can see the benefit of a safety razor but right now I worry that if a safety razor was to quick and easy i might just stop with the straights.

Apart from anything else, a de would kind of feel like i was going back to a cartridge almost.

Originally Posted by STF

I read a lot of threads about shaving with a DE razor and even more from folks who both safety and straight razors.

I would be interested to hear a discussion regarding the reasoning for using both types of razor.

Since the first day i started with a straight I threw my cartridge razor in the bin, day one so that I had a real reason to persevere and get comfortable with a straight and I have never used anything else since.

I am a semi retired web developer and work from home so I'm never pushed for time and if i have to go anywhere early I shave the evening before so speed is never an issue.

I am interested in a DE but can't ever imagine using it instead of a straight, maybe if I get shaky as i get older I can see the benefit of a safety razor but right now I worry that if a safety razor was to quick and easy i might just stop with the straights.

Apart from anything else, a de would kind of feel like i was going back to a cartridge almost.

Safety razors are cheap and easy to use but are infinitely better than a cartridge razor. The only downside for me is complacency. Many straight razor users have more cuts with DEs as you can quite easily just go through the motions looks track then... whoops.
I have a few safety razors including one for a few bucks from China that when paired with a decent DE blade shaves just fine. I bet even John's dollar store razor will perform ok with a decent blade.
At the end of the day straights and safety razors do the exact same thing, shave your fizzog.
I think the allure for most straight razor users is the connection to the past and the pleasure of honing, stropping and shaving skill. Bigger learning curve, greater rewards.

My first excuse for getting a DE razor was for traveling. On top of that, you nailed the 1. When I'm in a hurry and 2. When my hands are shakey. Other than there is 3. Sometimes I don't want to think or work that hard.

It is definately not a step back to a cartridge razor. I find the comfort of the shave to be the same as a straight. And for me the difference I closeness is imperceptible. The only sign a straight is closer for me is that by day 2 after a DE shave I really should shave if I'm going out. A straight I can push it to day 3.

Originally Posted by markbignosekelly

Safety razors are cheap and easy to use but are infinitely better than a cartridge razor. The only downside for me is complacency. Many straight razor users have more cuts with DEs as you can quite easily just go through the motions looks track then... whoops.
I have a few safety razors including one for a few bucks from China that when paired with a decent DE blade shaves just fine. I bet even John's dollar store razor will perform ok with a decent blade.
At the end of the day straights and safety razors do the exact same thing, shave your fizzog.
I think the allure for most straight razor users is the connection to the past and the pleasure of honing, stropping and shaving skill. Bigger learning curve, greater rewards.

You have a point Mark. I have some Wilkinson sword blades that are really good. I will try one in that razor and get back to the forum with the results. However, tonight I have a date with a Wade & Butcher 1/2 hollow that is one of my favorite Straights. It ask me this morning why I cheated on her with that two bit tramp DE. I had no answer. Like you guys don't talk to your razors.......

Maybe next week I'll give that $1.00 razor another go with a really good blade.

Originally Posted by STF

I've never seen razors in our Dollar Store here in Ontario and we don't have a shave isle, we do have an isle that sells toothbrushes and soap etc so i will look next time i visit.

To be fair though, I wouldn't know a decent DE shave it it bit me on the bum.

I know what you mean Steve. I really didn't either until I got an adjustable. It's an old Gillette, I think 1961 if I remember correctly. It makes a lot of difference in being able to get what you want out of the razor

I do not talk to my razor or my car or truck. I just dont understand how people can. But, Ive always known Im different. If you want to talk to your razor you can. But when the truck shows up with 2 guys in white suits... Dont say I didnt warn you.

Originally Posted by Gasman

I do not talk to my razor or my car or truck. I just dont understand how people can. But, Ive always known Im different. If you want to talk to your razor you can. But when the truck shows up with 2 guys in white suits... Dont say I didnt warn you.

I don't talk to my stuff now but when i first started to use a straight i did beg my razor to be gentle with me

Originally Posted by Gasman

I do not talk to my razor or my car or truck. I just dont understand how people can. But, Ive always known Im different. If you want to talk to your razor you can. But when the truck shows up with 2 guys in white suits... Dont say I didnt warn you.

It's when they start talking back that the van shows up.

https://youtu.be/mv0onXhyLlE

I'm not that bad yet!