Comfort: Straight vs. DE

[Gorr]

Ok, gentlemen, I have a slight concern. I recently purchased a shave-ready straight razor from a reputable website that was recommended to me by several members. It comes in, I shave with it, and it's very uncomfortable. It feels like it's tugging at the hairs and overall irritating to my skin. I figure it's my technique, so I keep working on it. It does get somewhat better, but not really a great experience. I also recently purchased a very inexpensive no-name DE as a backup for the times that I don't have sufficient space in my schedule to dedicate to the SR shave. I give it a test shave, and it's fantastic. Very smooth, very comfortable, and less irritation than I used to get with a cartridge. Shouldn't the two be pretty comparable?

I've seen side-by-side comparisons of the edges of a well-honed SR and a commercial DE blade, and they look very, very similar to me. I know you can't shave with the picture, but one would think that you could at least get some idea of the similarities between how well they will perform. I know it's not exact, but it seems to me that there shouldn't be that much difference. However, I am totally willing to admit that I'm not experienced enough with either type of razor to make an accurate judgment. So, I have to turn to you fine individuals for guidance. How much difference is there in the "feel" of shaving with a good SR and a new blade in a DE?

BTW, I do intend to keep trying with the SR, and I also want to hone my own. Just waiting on some equipment to arrive.

 

[GreekGuy]

I suspect you are using the straight at much too steep of an angle. Try a 10-15 degree angle with the skin, so nearly flat. It sounds as if instead you are scraping instead of slicing. A well honed straight in the right hands is much more close and comfortable than a DE

 

[GreekGuy]

Also, make sure you are stropping at least 50 strokes before and after each shave. Not stropping is a quick way to degrade your edge

 

[noahpictures]

There is a big difference in "feel of shaving". Once you become proficient straight shaves might be more comfortable than DE shaves.

We all went through the same thing as you. Due to incorrect form your shaves will be less than ideal for a while. For me there was a big improvement every fifteen shaves. After three months I was proficient. Make sure to keep the skin taut, use short, efficient strokes in a pulling motion. The lather has to be slick and wetter. I wouldn't shave below the jawline during the first couple of weeks. Proper stropping can maintain and even improve an edge. There is a lot to learn. Patience and having fun are key

 

[Antique Hoosier]

Great advice Nick

 

[dpmtherrien]

Good advice already given. The angle has so much to do with the way the straight shave turns out. Just keep working at it, and all at once things will just fall into place. For now try doing your first pass with your DE and then use your straight for the second pass. That way the tough stuff will have been removed and that next pass will be much easier. Try that for awhile until your technique improves.

 

[Weaselsrippedmyflesh]

A mantra that really works for me is: "Remember, you're cutting hair off, you're not scraping it off". Thinking about this when I shave makes me pay attention to blade angle and pressure, causes me to make sure my razor is sharp and properly stropped, etc., all the things you need to do to get a good shave with a straight.

 

[rajagra]

I get faster close shaves with a DE, but find a straight shave more comfortable. It took me time to get there though. In the early days straight shaves left my face glowing like a radiator.
I like to imagine lightly brushing hairs off. As Weasels says, no scraping! Don't force anything. Don't rush.

 

[buca3152]

It takes time to get the technique down. Most of us used carts at one time or another so de shaving is very similar. The straight feels awkward in the beginning. The angles and techniques will all fall in place, the more you use it. In the end you get to wear the brass ring! And that is a close no irritation shave. Im 7 months in with straights only and the first three months I almost packed it in a couple times.

 

[Gorr]

Thank you all for the responses. I've laid hands on another straight razor, and I'm not having any issues with comfort. It's a bit bigger and thicker, and not quite as hollow ground. Maybe it was the razor, and maybe it was me. I will say that I'm finding quite a difference between the feel of the edges on the 2 straights, though.

 

[shakin_jake]

Thank you all for the responses. I've laid hands on another straight razor, and I'm not having any issues with comfort. It's a bit bigger and thicker, and not quite as hollow ground. Maybe it was the razor, and maybe it was me. I will say that I'm finding quite a difference between the feel of the edges on the 2 straights, though.

~~~ya mon!, everything these gentlemen told you is true, but like you found out, you prefer one edge over another. Welcome to the fold



Best,


Jake
Reddick fla.