Is it too early to try my hand at a Straight Razor?

[CryptoDave]

I've been wet shaving for about 3 months now. I started off with a EJ DE 89 and quickly switched to a Open Comb. I like the extra blade and closeness that the OC gives me.

Now I'm wondering of its too early to try a Straight Razor? (which is something I always wanted to do). What's appealing about the Straight Razor is it seems to provide more control, that is the ability to get at hard difficult areas, and it looks like it will provide a much closer shave. I have no problem with the time commitment required.

My only concerns are is too soon in the process for me and I still have one problem area right under my chin. I find it difficult to do a AGT pass with a DE razor, although I'm going to experiment with some skin pulling techniques that were recommended to "flatten" out the chin area thus making it easier to do a AGT pass.

I still get a burn after I'm done shaving and I apply some Clubman's After Shave Splash, which means I'm probably still applying too much pressure and/or going over the same area over repeatedly too many times.

What is your advice? Should I give a Straight Razor a try or should I wait?

Also, what's a good quality Straight Razor? I don't mind making an investment in something that will last and is excellent quality.

Thanks,

Dave

 

[Toothpick]

IMHO (and it is very humble since I only have 3 SR shaves under my belt) it's basically learning a new skill. So you'd be starting from scratch again.

I can see it getting confusing. With learning your DE techniques still, along with the SR techniques. I would say don't start one until you are 100% comfortable with the other.

*in my SR journey i've needed to fall back on my DE every shave so far.

 

[rickboone1]

Do it.

 

[Weaselsrippedmyflesh]

Hi Dave,

Well, I guess this is yet another case of ask 2 people and get 3 different answers! I think if you're interested in shaving with a straight - go for it. Having said that, I don't know that I'd switch back and forth a whole bunch. You might want to use your DE to shave problem areas (e.g., your chin) when you're first starting with a straight but I think you'll quickly find that your confidence will build and you'll be doing more and more of your shave with the straight.

I think the best advice if you do decide to start straight shaving is to do the "easy" areas of your face (the flat of your cheeks for most people) for the first few shaves while you become familiar and comfortable with grip, angle, pressure, etc., and finish the shave with your DE. As you get more comfortable you can move to other areas until you're doing your whole face.

Good luck, whatever you decide!

 

[Easttexasman]

Life is short,go for it.

I would suggest a buying a straight in the b/s/t that is freshly honed or go to whippeddog.com to get yourself started.
You will need a strop too,get a cheap one because you will most likely chop it up.

 

[smalltank]

no time like the present...send out your straights to be honed professionally..THEN decide if you wanna start honing your own..IMO

 

[BakerAndBadger]

I shaved for about 2 months with a lord and a superspeed and then got into straights. DO IT

 

[Mick]

If you are curious give it a try.

You have nothing to lose whether you start today or wait for a couple of years.

You will still be at the same point in time thinking about trying something different

 

[Nxspam]

Life is short,go for it.

+1.

I'm a newbie straight shaver too and it is difficult. You'll need a LOT of practice. Some members of this site have advised me that it could be several months or something like 50 - 100 shaves before you can set the razor down one day and think, wow, that was a DFS. The only thing that's stopping you getting there is the waiting, so go for it!

My first straight was an expensive Dovo, but I should have come here first. The great shave will come from a great edge and technique. Listen to these guys, they know what they're talking about.

And good luck with it. I love following the progress of other newbies like my self, so post your experience.

 

[mwhitcraft]

Go for it! You will have to learn a different set of skills to use a SR, so waiting until you master your DE wont really help at all.

 

[CryptoDave]

+1.

I'm a newbie straight shaver too and it is difficult. You'll need a LOT of practice. Some members of this site have advised me that it could be several months or something like 50 - 100 shaves before you can set the razor down one day and think, wow, that was a DFS. The only thing that's stopping you getting there is the waiting, so go for it!

My first straight was an expensive Dovo, but I should have come here first. The great shave will come from a great edge and technique. Listen to these guys, they know what they're talking about.

And good luck with it. I love following the progress of other newbies like my self, so post your experience.

What didn't you like or regret about the Dovo?

Thanks,

Dave

 

[gegarrenton]

Absolutely go for it. The two skills are not really the same, you will be starting over regardless. The only thing that changes is how well you prep and lather, which is a skill unto itself.

 

[GreekGuy]

I started out wetshaving with a straight. If I could do it you can certainly do it after 3 months of using a DE

 

[Member357]

It's never too early to try something new in shaving!

 

[seattleshaver]

I started out learning to use both (straight and DE) a couple of months ago. One has nothing to do with the other so go for it!

As far as getting a good straight that will last...they will all last. It's just a piece of steel. If you get a vintage straight you are getting something that already has lasted.

 

[Nxspam]

What didn't you like or regret about the Dovo?

Thanks,

Dave

hi Dave, it's not that I regret it, but I could have saved cash with a restored vintage. I'm learning to hone too, and I daren't touch the dovo. So, I ended up with a dovo, a vintage, honing stones, and I still send the dovo out to a pro.

 

[LarryDarrell]

I went to straights after about two months of DE. There are transferable skills such as lathering and knowing your growth pattern. These be learned first with a DE rather than doing them along with stropping and shaving technique, which makes a lot to master just to get a shave. If you are confident of your prep, go for it.
Get a whippeddog and give it a go.
I do both, it depends on how much time I have in the morning.

 

[Obiwan]

Do it. There is so much helpful info in stickies and people here willing to offer assistance. Read up, dive in.

 

[Seraphim]

You're already asking about striaghts....you're doomed.


Buy one!

 

[Jaatinen1982]

I started wet shaving week ago with straight razor. My wet shaving skills were zero, I learned basic by reading and watching videos. There is a lot of good advices, you just need to figure out what suits you. Today was my fifth shave and it was definitly dfs, no cuts and I have shaved three passes from start. So GO FOR IT!