Alright, I'll play.

[MattSD]

Ok, I'm convinced. I want to try shaving with a straight. I'm a complete beginner when it comes to straights so I'm just looking for a little advice. I think I have a pretty good idea of what to do to put together a cheap kit (whipped dog), but I have a few questions that some of you more experienced members may be able to help with.

I keep hearing that straights give the most comfortable, irritation free shaves with less chance of ingrown hairs etc. How true is this and what are the reasons for it? I get that there are a number of different types of edge that can be put on a straight, I'm just not sure I understand how this helps to achieve less irritation etc. Just for the record, I'm not doubting, just ignorant in this area.

Any advice for a beginner on the size/ edge etc. of razor to begin with? I'm pretty sure I just have to jump in somewhere and try but if there are any absolutes for a first straight I'd like to know what they are in your opinion. I'm probably going to go with a sight unseen flawed razor from Whipped Dog. I hear nothing but good things and boy if it ain't the cheapest way in I don't know what is.

Anything else you think I should know/ take note of before I begin my adventure, I'd love to hear it.

Thanks in advance, gentlemen.

 

[Gamma]

Best advice is to just buy one and a strop and figure it out as you go.

There are a ton of opinions, and absolutely no absolute rules.

 

[MattSD]

Best advice is to just buy one and a strop and figure it out as you go.

There are a ton of opinions, and absolutely no absolute rules.

Excellent. That simplifies things a bit. Thanks for the reply.

 

[dpetrzelka]

Best advice is to just buy one and a strop and figure it out as you go.

There are a ton of opinions, and absolutely no absolute rules.

+1

Just jump into it.
You'll likely nick your first strop ( I did - more than once) , and part of the fun of straight razors is discovering what size/shape/style you prefer. The only thing I'd say is a must is make sure your first razor is shave ready - you want to know you are starting with a quality edge.

 

[professorchaos]

Don't try, do. Once you get the first shave under your belt, you'll be hooked.

 

[Krodor]

I keep hearing that straights give the most comfortable, irritation free shaves with less chance of ingrown hairs etc. How true is this and what are the reasons for it? I get that there are a number of different types of edge that can be put on a straight, I'm just not sure I understand how this helps to achieve less irritation etc. Just for the record, I'm not doubting, just ignorant in this area.

Be aware that the stuff in bold there is likely only after you get through several rough shaves....typically around 17-20 shaves, something all the sudden "clicks" for many people and then it becomes a paradigm shift. You may take less shaves, you might take more, but pushing through the first handful of shaves is all part of the journey. Once you get around 100 under your belt, you'll be whippin' that thing around like it was old hat. Just give it time.

Enjoy and welcome to the crazy-side!

 

[gash]

My advice: avoid death.

 

[MattSD]

+1

Just jump into it.
You'll likely nick your first strop ( I did - more than once) , and part of the fun of straight razors is discovering what size/shape/style you prefer. The only thing I'd say is a must is make sure your first razor is shave ready - you want to know you are starting with a quality edge.

I agree, this was the same with DEs for me. I enjoyed trying different model and blade combinations. It's still an ongoing project really, albeit an enjoyable one.

Don't try, do. Once you get the first shave under your belt, you'll be hooked.

Thank you for the encouragement, this is the exact attitude I *try* to adopt day to day!

Be aware that the stuff in bold there is likely only after you get through several rough shaves....typically around 17-20 shaves, something all the sudden "clicks" for many people and then it becomes a paradigm shift. You may take less shaves, you might take more, but pushing through the first handful of shaves is all part of the journey. Once you get around 100 under your belt, you'll be whippin' that thing around like it was old hat. Just give it time.

Enjoy and welcome to the crazy-side!

Thank you! It's good to have arrived. There was a time not too far in the past where I told myself I wouldn't bother with straights. Ha! I can't wait to start the learning process and begin pushing through those shaves.

My advice: avoid death.

That is the idea behind asking lots of questions and being a generally annoying noob here on the forum. It would be a terrible shame to die at the edge of a straight razor while trying to shave oneself.

 

[crunchthetroll]

Once you start don't stop. I SR shaved for a few months and started getting good at it. For various reasons I stopped for a while. Now it seems I'm starting all over.
I didn't get enough muscle memory for it to stick and I'm making some mistakes I had figured out already.

 

[Obiwan]

Read stickies, watch some videos, don't overthink it and dive in..........oh, and don't die.

 

[ridnovir]

Read stickies, watch some videos, don't overthink it and dive in..........oh, and don't die.

dito

I would suggest 5/8 full hollow round point for your first. Make sure it is shave ready. As to irritation it will be there especially in the begging but should diminish as your technique improves.

 

[rider4life]

Have time and take it. Seriously. Just relax and take your time. It's going to feel like you're moving at a snails pace at the beginning. And you are. Why? 'Cause you don't want to slit your own throat. Also, do what feels right for you. Some people will council starting to shave just on your cheeks. Others to just dive straight in (pun intended. ) Do whatever you're comfortable with. For me I just went all in 'cause I like doing that. Did the same thing when I started DE shaving. I also carved up my face a couple times and did so much damage to the back of my head my wife contemplated taking me to the hospital...That was my second time shaving though and I thought since I did so well the first time I had it all figured out. Didn't really pay attention as much as I should have and rushed through things...ya...NOT a smart move.

You'll also find your tastes will probably change. When I started with straights I wanted a square point. Help get nice and straight lines (at least in my mind ). Now? I can't stand squares, I want either round or spanish. I don't mind french points either, just do NOT like square.

Also, if you're one of the people on here that's always chasing the BBS (like me ) be prepared to either a) not get one for a while or; b) "clean up" with a DE/cart, whatever method you're using now. You may never stop using that method. I know some folks here have hair that grows in nice up and/or down directions. Not me. Mine goes E-W on my neck and getting a straight sideways on my neck is NOT a pleasant affair. Instead I just use my DE to make my neck BBS and stay irritation free. That works for me.

Like others have said it will take time to get a great shave. You'll probably get a few really good ones here and there, just don't let it get you over confident. Until you can shave with your eyes closed by feel alone you need more practice.

Cheers,

M.

 

[MattSD]

Once you start don't stop. I SR shaved for a few months and started getting good at it. For various reasons I stopped for a while. Now it seems I'm starting all over.
I didn't get enough muscle memory for it to stick and I'm making some mistakes I had figured out already.

I suppose it's a very precise thing to learn, I'll definitely take your advice!

Read stickies, watch some videos, don't overthink it and dive in..........oh, and don't die.

Wise words. I have watched some videos, read some posts across different forums and am eagerly awaiting my straight/ strop. I've been doing a pretty good job of not dying so far, it will be interesting to see if that changes once the razor arrives.

dito

I would suggest 5/8 full hollow round point for your first. Make sure it is shave ready. As to irritation it will be there especially in the begging but should diminish as your technique improves.

I wish I knew what that all meant. I'll get googling! I expect there'll be irritation at first due to me not using it properly. Hopefully I'm able to cut down on that dramatically over time. One of the whole reasons I want to try SR shaving is because I have been DE shaving for a while now and no matter what combination of razors and blades (there have been a lot) I seem to still have days where I get a lot of irritation and discomfort. So I'm curious to see how this feels.

Have time and take it. Seriously. Just relax and take your time. It's going to feel like you're moving at a snails pace at the beginning. And you are. Why? 'Cause you don't want to slit your own throat. Also, do what feels right for you. Some people will council starting to shave just on your cheeks. Others to just dive straight in (pun intended. ) Do whatever you're comfortable with. For me I just went all in 'cause I like doing that. Did the same thing when I started DE shaving. I also carved up my face a couple times and did so much damage to the back of my head my wife contemplated taking me to the hospital...That was my second time shaving though and I thought since I did so well the first time I had it all figured out. Didn't really pay attention as much as I should have and rushed through things...ya...NOT a smart move.

You'll also find your tastes will probably change. When I started with straights I wanted a square point. Help get nice and straight lines (at least in my mind ). Now? I can't stand squares, I want either round or spanish. I don't mind french points either, just do NOT like square.

Also, if you're one of the people on here that's always chasing the BBS (like me ) be prepared to either a) not get one for a while or; b) "clean up" with a DE/cart, whatever method you're using now. You may never stop using that method. I know some folks here have hair that grows in nice up and/or down directions. Not me. Mine goes E-W on my neck and getting a straight sideways on my neck is NOT a pleasant affair. Instead I just use my DE to make my neck BBS and stay irritation free. That works for me.

Like others have said it will take time to get a great shave. You'll probably get a few really good ones here and there, just don't let it get you over confident. Until you can shave with your eyes closed by feel alone you need more practice.

Cheers,

M.

Thanks for the reply. I am expecting to be moving slow at first and I'll definitely set myself up so that I have enough time to have 'no pressure' shaves while I'm getting used to the razor. I've made the same mistake with aggressive DE razors where I have one great BBS shave and then assume I've mastered it and lo and behold on the next shave I butcher myself. I've never actually cut myself, I've nicked around my adams apple and nicked a small mole I have on my cheek and given myself awful all-over irritation but never really sliced myself with a DE. Hopefully I won't with a straight! Thanks again for the advice.


How about tips on face prep? If you came from DE shaving, has using a straight influenced the way you prep your face or the products you use?

 

[RADisorder]

I'm new too - without many more than a dozen shaves under my belt. For me, the cheeks are the easiest and the neck has gotten pretty easy, the chin is still tough to get smooth without scraping. Don't scrape and force it, just do what you can and finish with your usual method. Have patience and you'll keep getting better - watch videos and try whatever technique, but remember less is more. I've already gotten tons better than when I started, but I can see how some people loose patience and give up right away. Don't be one of those if you can help it. It's fun and I do get great shaves finishing with my DE.

 

[rider4life]

How about tips on face prep? If you came from DE shaving, has using a straight influenced the way you prep your face or the products you use?

I've read lots about making your lather "more wet" for straights. I have no idea what that means and whether or not it makes a difference. I didn't change a thing except I use a straight instead of a DE. Cushion is cushion. Make a good lather and it will work no matter what kind of steel you're taking to your face. I've used various types of soaps and creams as well with both DE and straights, same thing here that there is no discernable difference in lather prep and I haven't found any issues with how it feels when I shave. My routine, regardless of shaving type, is:

(strop if using straight. This is the only additional step for straights).
wet and soak brush
hot shower
prep lather
shave
apply any remaining soap to face/head
clean up
cold water splash and wash away remaining soap
AS/ASB

Cheers,

M.

 

[MattSD]

I'm new too - without many more than a dozen shaves under my belt. For me, the cheeks are the easiest and the neck has gotten pretty easy, the chin is still tough to get smooth without scraping. Don't scrape and force it, just do what you can and finish with your usual method. Have patience and you'll keep getting better - watch videos and try whatever technique, but remember less is more. I've already gotten tons better than when I started, but I can see how some people loose patience and give up right away. Don't be one of those if you can help it. It's fun and I do get great shaves finishing with my DE.

Thanks for the advice and encouragement. I imagined that the chin and upper lip would be the most difficult for me. I suppose we'll see. I'm just waiting for my straight to come in the mail. I totally agree with what you said about less is more. I have found, since I started DE shaving, that sometimes I will have a bit of a rough shave, not sure if that's down to the blade, my technique, my lather or just my skin or a combination of all. If I'm chasing BBS shaves I can get myself in to a hole and chasing that BBS finish will sometimes result in me chewing my skin up a bit when I would have been better off settling for a little less. I am definitely going to try to take what I've learned through DE shaving i.e. pressure, taking time, not chasing the perfect shave in to account.

I've read lots about making your lather "more wet" for straights. I have no idea what that means and whether or not it makes a difference. I didn't change a thing except I use a straight instead of a DE. Cushion is cushion. Make a good lather and it will work no matter what kind of steel you're taking to your face. I've used various types of soaps and creams as well with both DE and straights, same thing here that there is no discernable difference in lather prep and I haven't found any issues with how it feels when I shave. My routine, regardless of shaving type, is:

(strop if using straight. This is the only additional step for straights).
wet and soak brush
hot shower
prep lather
shave
apply any remaining soap to face/head
clean up
cold water splash and wash away remaining soap
AS/ASB

Cheers,

M.

That's interesting. I would imagine more wet would mean a little more water and a less stiff lather. I've found that (my interpretation of what a 'wetter' lather is being correct) I get worse results with a thinner/ wetter lather. It doesn't seem to provide the same amount of cushion or glide. Maybe someone can enlighten us both? Your routine is pretty much identical to mine although I have taken to shaving in the shower on occasion. I would imagine that is not the best idea with a straight razor. Thanks again for all the information.

 

[RADisorder]

Yeah, my very first straight shave was mostly BBS all around. Took me an hour but I did it sort of just to prove I could. I went out to eat with a decent amount of razorburn that night though. So, I'm not shaving as close anymore, but know I'll get there in time.

As far as the lathering goes, I prefer it on the wet side for both straight and DE. Not so wet it's sliding off, but if it's on the dry side it starts to cake both on my face and the blade and it's not nearly as smooth a shave. Can always add more water or cream even in the middle of the process - no rush.

 

[Slash McCoy]

Size and style are mostly a matter of preference. Since you have not yet developed a preference, it really doesn't matter. A sight unseen whipped dog will be fine for your first razor. But tell Larry that if he sends you a square point or "spike", to slightly mute the tip. This is just slightly rounding the corner so it is less likely to dig into your face.

Larry also sells cheap badger brushes, as well as his famous Poor Man Strop Kit. Badger is definitely the way to go. As for soap, it is hard to beat Van Der Hagen, or VDH, from walgreens or walmart. It is cheap, and lathers nicely. You also need a bowl or mug. Any mug will do but it should be ceramic of some sort, microwave safe. The reason is, most of us melt VDH into our mug in the micro.20 to 30 seconds. Watch it closely, STOP it immediately when you see it foaming or you will have a mess to clean in your microwave. Then just let it cool for an hour or so. Later on, try some Kiss My Face cream. Good stuff, available in most department or grocery stores. Not expensive either.

 

[shakin_jake]

also, if you're one of the people on here that's always chasing the bbs (like me ) be prepared to either a) not get one for a while or; b) "clean up" with a de/cart, whatever method you're using now. You may never stop using that method. I know some folks here have hair that grows in nice up and/or down directions. Not me. mine goes e-w on my neck and getting a straight sideways on my neck is not a pleasant affair . Instead i just use my de to make my neck bbs and stay irritation free. That works for me.

~~~I have to ask...have you ever tried using a pre shave cream like Proraso's? What about your prep? I have the same problem except the whiskars I've had trouble getting are along the bottom of the jaw and I need to shave ATG (ears to center of the chin, both sides) there to get BBS. Anyways, I know the feeling, trying to get the razor in position to make the swipe...totally awkward, especially for me since I have to start the beginning of the pass right at the edge (bottom) of my ear...and it's nearly impossible to contort my hand into that position. Oh!, what an easy time the barber has of it shaving someone else

Anyway, for me, rather than using a safety to get there, I've learned how to do the contortions, and with arthritis, it hasn't been easy but I've found a way. Speaking strictly for myself, I know the frustration trying to make what seemingly looks like an impossible pass, but the more I worked at it, eventually it all fell into place, namely, having to contort my hand to get the razor's edge at the start of that line. Working at it daily helped as staring the problem day after day in the face, I was going to be the master of that universe



Something that might help you shave that area, and end up w/BBS, finish the rest of your shave...including touch ups, start on one side and get your lather in place. Now focus on that one spot where the lather is. Do not look at any other part of your face except where you are having your trouble...it's important to focus and to do that you only look where you want to shave, for if you look anywhere else, you'll lose concentration. Just remember the immortal words uttered by Ty Webb "Just be the ball, be the ball, be the ball. You're not being the ball, Danny."

Best,


Jake
Reddick Fla.