I was inspired by all of you

[dtezla]

After reading the threads on Straight Razor Only May, I decided to go for my own version and use only my Shavette for the entire month of June. I've used both Shavettes and real Straights, but prefer the shavettes because I'm not a fan of stropping and honing. Using my Parker SR1 Shavette, I initially cut myself a bit for the first few days, but I really did see the muscle memory kick in after a week or so. I can now get a very nice shave on my entire face, chin and under nose. I still have a bit of an issue getting a good shave on my neck though because against the grain would be ear to adams apple pass and I can't get a good angle with a straight for that.

I'm going to keep going though for July. I enjoy the challenge of shaving with my straight even though I can get a bbs smooth shave everytime with my DE.

Also, I fell off the shave sabbatical with an impulse buy of "Shave Secret" oil. This stuff is great when using my shavette. It cut down on prep time and seems to do exactly what it says. I do miss whipping up a nice lather from my soap though.

 

[Daithi]

Now maybe somebody will tell me that what I'm about to say makes absolutely no sense, because I am by no means an expert, started shaving with straight back in September. You say you miss the lather? I use an oil that I think is basically the same deal as shave secret (Total Shaving Solution), but I use it like a base, and then lather over it. So I'll shower/wash my face, put on the shave oil and let it soak in while I whip up a lather, then lather over the oil. Every ounce of the scientist in me says that the later should really lift the oil from my face, but I honestly think the combination of both is better than either on their own. The oil I use also has menthol in it, which I think I like too.

I don't know, think this is probably very much a personal preference, and if you're tight for time the shave oil will definitely save you there, but if you miss the lather and like the oil maybe try the two out together?