Can I go to a traditional straight after learning on a disposable blade straight?

[Robster]

Ooooh a tough one.

OK, so I've got a disposable blade straight, a cheapy solingen model that I'm putting 1/2 Derby blades in. I did this to test out if I want this open razor malarky at all or not... and of course, I'm addicted.

So, I'm looking at the forums like a madman, youtube, the lot. I've fallen in love with wakamasori blades, can't get enough of the asian romanticism of them.

The big thing though, is I see SO VERY many threads on people moving to disposable straights like the feather artist clubs and saying they've never had a sharper/smoother/etc shave. So, if I'm starting there, on the sharp, easy route, can you realistically see me moving to the more traditional strop and hone method with what appears to be less sharp blades etc?

This is not a troll post believe me, I'm really interested. Is it worth me spending the couple of hundred or will I be disappointed with the traditional setup after learning on the super sharp disposables?

What's your thoughts?

Thanks for any feedback...

Rob

 

[Gustav]

I have and use both, I do however prefer the feel of a traditional straight more that that of my Dovo shavette because it has more heft and sits better in my hands. The shavette gives me a good shave but it is also a lightweight mass-produced device that does not give the same sense on timelessness and workmanship as my Heljestrands or TIs. I do however enjoy the convenience of my shavette. When I go on short holidays, I will mostly take the shavette along with me because it is light and always ready to go.

 

[Legion]

Stop sitting on the fence. Jump in with both feet, get a proper razor, strop, hones, etc, etc, etc.

Why do you need us to validate your decision? You know you want to. It is only a matter of time...

 

[Shave_Rat]

Stop sitting on the fence. Jump in with both feet, get a proper razor, strop, hones, etc, etc, etc.

Why do you need us to validate your decision? You know you want to. It is only a matter of time...

This...

 

[chuckr9]

Keep the shavette and try "regular" straights - different learning curve but "Fun".

 

[keithmax]

Get a feather DX or SS. No honing or stropping but more like a true straight than a shavette.

 

[Seraphim]

Buy as much shaving equipment as possible.

 

[jpcwon]

Is it worth me spending the couple of hundred or will I be disappointed with the traditional setup after learning on the super sharp disposables?

Sharp does not always translate to smooth, though. You may find that a traditional style straight gives you a smoother shave than a disposable does...Only one way to find out, which is to get one!

I would say to start out with something cheap that you know is shave-ready (ala Whippeddog), that way you're not in the hole too deep if you decide that it's not for you...

 

[TonyTwinz]

As a newbie to straights I will relate my approach and mindset instead of advice since I lack long term experience.
Started with a whippeddog unseen flawed(appearance only) shave ready straight razor & poor mans strop kit. This was minimal investment to see if I could shave & maintain a straight until the first need of honing. Now it's ready to be honed. Since this is the next step and I could possibly not get the hone right, I have since purchased a shavette to keep the shaving skill set up while I learn a new skill set for Str8 maintenance. Once this skill set is consistent, then the investment to other straights will not be in vain. I see you in a good starting position for what you are trying to accomplish. Like progressive beard reduction, it is becoming progressive razor acquisition. As confidence and experience build, these purchasing decisions become easier. Which is only dangerous to the wallet.

 

[Monsieur Blaireau]

Buy as much shaving equipment as possible.

http://themileageonmyface.tumblr.com/post/40297615313/straight-razor-hazards

 

[DirtDiver]

Stop sitting on the fence. Jump in with both feet, get a proper razor, strop, hones, etc, etc, etc.

Why do you need us to validate your decision? You know you want to. It is only a matter of time...

+(insert number of members here)

 

[Lmarkow]

Stop sitting on the fence. Jump in with both feet, get a proper razor, strop, hones, etc, etc, etc.

Why do you need us to validate your decision? You know you want to. It is only a matter of time...

Correct. I got the Feather AC because I thought it would be easier to maintain than a straight. Now it only gets used when traveling and I have a whole bunch of "difficult to maintain" straights that get used otherwise. Oh and, they're not difficult to maintain.

 

[Chaloney]

I started on a Parker shavette for a week or two then switched to a dovo best and haven't looked back. Much more comfortable and easier to control (although some of that may be improved technique). Much less blood loss as well. Overall the dovo provides a much more enjoyable shaving experience for me

 

[Bird_Flu]

Buy as much shaving equipment as possible.

Enabler....

Seriously though I can't comment because I haven't tried a shavette, but I am buying one soon just to give it a whirl and for travel purposes. However, I shave with a straight razor and it's a wonderful experience.

 

[smalltank]

if you want to learn how to HOLD/maneuver a real straight try a shavette but dont expect the shaves to be smooth and comfortable like a real straight razor..shavettes aernt bad..but a real straight razor can be honed to be much smoother..but requires a bit more skill..try a shavette..you can always resell it if you need to...;-)

 

[Robster]

Lots of good advice everyone, thanks so much. All brutally honest and true!!

The whole Whippeddog thing is a GREAT idea, but what about a japanese straight? Think it's too advanced perhaps?

 

[Robster]

http://themileageonmyface.tumblr.com/post/40297615313/straight-razor-hazards

OMG, I'm ALREADY that guy, imagine when I get a traditional straight... LOL

 

[tezza]

You know you're going to get a Japanese razor ANYWAY, so just skip the whipped dog and go for it! LOL...

 

[dpmtherrien]

Of course you can go to a traditional straight. You shave the same way with either, its all a matter of preference. I started with the Feather RG, and shaved with it for quite some time before I tried traditional straights. I used them for awhile, but went back to the disposables for the convenience factor. Now all I use when I straight shave are the Feather, the Kai, or the Parker's.

 

[Robster]

You know you're going to get a Japanese razor ANYWAY, so just skip the whipped dog and go for it! LOL...

The horrible truth huh! I know my lady is planning something for my birthday come september... I will have to find the perfect, price/performance kamasori... Maybe that's a perfect time to start a new thread Thanks everyone, much appreciated, great feedback.

Rob