Double Edge vs. Straight

[NavyLaw]

I am just curious as to peoples opinion as to their pros and cons to straight razor shaving vice double edge. I understand the additional learning curve but would like to find out a little more information from folks who have tried both and their preference.

Steve

 

[rockviper]

I get a closer shave with a DE, but I've been using them for ~30 years (give or take a few dabbling with electrics and carts) compared to around only 80 shaves with a straight. Straights are THE way ahead for me though, but I will still keep my birth quarter Slim.

I think the pros and cons will pretty much depend on whether you want to learn honing, use a disposable blade straight, or quite happy using a DE.

 

[CharlieFoxtrot]

DE pro's - quick, easy, no maintaining the razor.
Straight pro's - slower process, more fulfilling, puts more hair on your chest.

Straights are a different animal and are a hobby within the hobby. I had a recent experience with a Feather AC and was blown away. It's the straight experience with none of the extra work.

 

[Snuff-Belgium]

I do both, and get great shaves with straights and DE, end results are not different but it seems like it takes a few more hours for stubble to return when using straights. But these days my tools are Feather DX and KAI razors (Like CharlieFoxtrot said no maintenance and amazing shaves, for me personal better than both straight and DE with less work).

 

[Throwaway]

Straight razors need maintenance. You really need to be interested in maintaining the blade, because it is so big part of the straight razor experience. This means purchasing strop and different kinds of honing stones, then you must learn how to use them. For DE all you have to do is switch the blade when it becomes dull.

For DE there are many different razor blade brands out there. We can sample them and find the perfect blade for ourselves, compared to straight razor where the edge depends on how you hone it. Learning to make that perfect edge for you, can take a long long time.

The actual shave is also harder with the straight razor. DE razors can be learned pretty quickly.

For a brand new straight razor shaving setup you are looking at spending ~300 dollars minimum, usually much more. Equivalent DE setup costs 90 dollars.

Straight razors edge is really delicate, you can very easily ruin it. With DE you don't have to be that careful.

 

[Lexbomb]

I think the best bet and what every other straight user will say is buy from whippeddog http://www.whippeddog.com/products/view/sight-unseen-razor you are then looking at $60 for everything you need to get started and you aren't looking at $300+ at the beginning and I'll tell you they come with an amazing edge on them. You can also sell it on for close to the same price on the BST if you don't like it. For $60 it's worth a try

 

[Doc226]

I like both.

DEs are easier to maintain

Straight are much more enjoyable to use, and maintain. Maintenance and honing is part of the fun with a straight razor. I also get closer shaves with less irritation with a straight razor

 

[Giant Kiwi]

I enjoy both, I use a slant on my dome and a straight for my face.
Like Doc said, less irritation with a straight.

 

[Vivasanti]

I use both and notice my face doesn't feel as "raw" when using a straight compared to a DE.

Think its cause a straight isn't as sharp as a de blade.

 

[Gustav]

I find shaving with straights more fulfilling than shaving with a DE even if it is more of a hassle. As for shave quality, they are more or less the same IMO.

 

[gash]

I get much less irritation with straights. Now, I use a traditional Japanese straight, and I get edges that are far sharper than DE edges.

 

[KindestCutofAll]

I use and love both.

Almost everything that has been said above is true. The one exception is I hone my own straights myself and yes they are sharper than a DE, but they will be less forgiving with mistakes. It takes me twice as long to shave with an SR, but it does seem to leave me BBS smooth longer. It also takes twice as long to maintain (not counting honing). Yet I find the satisfaction well worth the effort.

 

[global_dev]

I find it takes minimally longer to shave with a straight once you get it down.

If you like to take apart a DE and clean it after every shave then a straight may be quicker and easier to maintain.

Edge maintenance isn't so difficult and films will get you there inexpensively.

There are various ways of the straight experience, you just need to ask more questions and decide on the path.

 

[seattleshaver]

I have DE's, straights, and a shavette. I like both DE's and straights. I don't particularly like shavettes.

DE's are sharper and easier to use. I shave with them most of the time and shave with a straight more or less as a hobby. The only downside of straights for me is that it's much easier to get a close shave on the chin and upper lip with a DE than with a straight.

Straights do seem to reduce the stubble for a little longer and with less irritation. As mentioned, there is more work with maintaining straights.

I enjoy both. Sometimes I'll use a straight for everything other than the chin and upper lip and use a DE for that.

 

[MrLara]

i wanna get into straight shaving. I really do, but it seems a bit more work. With the honing, stropping, taking a bit longer to make sure you don't decapitate yourself.

seems you have to buy more things (at least spend more money) than with a DE to get started.

DE: razor (you can get by with a cheap one), blades (they are cheap), brush (optional) cream.

Straight: blade (which can range from $50 and up), strop (checked WCS for prices, cheapest one is $37.99), hone ($15 maybe?).

 

[global_dev]

It's only overwhelming for the first couple of shaves. And there are plenty of ways to get an inexpensive start. Same as getting a user grade de vs pristine or mint de.

PM someone with maybe an eBay sighting and they could guide you on whether it's a decent start

 

[Member357]

i wanna get into straight shaving. I really do, but it seems a bit more work. With the honing, stropping, taking a bit longer to make sure you don't decapitate yourself.

seems you have to buy more things (at least spend more money) than with a DE to get started.

DE: razor (you can get by with a cheap one), blades (they are cheap), brush (optional) cream.

Straight: blade (which can range from $50 and up), strop (checked WCS for prices, cheapest one is $37.99), hone ($15 maybe?).

Straight shaving doesn't have to be that expensive. A sight unseen straight (cosmetically flawed but functionally fine) from Whipped Dog will only cost $28. Throw in the poor man strop kit for $23 and you're good to go. Providing you don't damage the edge somehow, the shave-ready straight you get from Larry can be stropped before and after your shaves and could last a good while before it needs honing again. It's definitely a good starting point anyway.

 

[Luc]

This should help: http://wiki.badgerandblade.com/DE_VS_Straight_Which_one_for_me

 

[dpmtherrien]

I use both, and get good shaves from each. However for me, the shave with the DE is much faster. The straight is really nice when I have the time to take it easy and really enjoy the shave.

 

[rickboone1]

DE: variety of blades available. cheap. variety of handles and sizes in razors to get a good feel/ fit. my cons: always seem to get razor burn. if you're out of blades, you cannot shave.

STRAIGHT: can be more expensive start up, don't have to buy blades. have to keep up maintenance with them. I don't get razor burn. ever. much cooler. more awesome.