Keeping DEs and SEs: What's the Point?

[Alum of Potash]

I've been using a straight almost exclusively for over a year now. At first, I saved a DE for when I was rushed or wanted to travel light, but now I use a cheap shavette for this purpose. So now, I have a three DEs and one SE (all open-comb) that are just gathering dust, and I'm almost terrified to use them, since the habit of using a little pressure with a straight may cause problems when returning to a DE. Also, the last time I used one of these razors, the idea of using just my dominant hand to shave my entire face seemed awkward.

So is there any practical reason why I should keep them at this point? And apart from reasons of collector's value and so on, have any of you dedicated straight-razor shavers gotten rid of your DEs and SEs, only to regret it? Perhaps poor health or advancing age is a consideration?

 

[tomjr]

variety is the spice of life! tom

 

[Dusty1]

No if you're not going to use them!

 

[Marco]

Of course this is a very personal choice, I keep my DEs because I use them and love them. I actually alternate between straights and DEs and fully enjoy both worlds. But if your DEs are only collecting dust, there are probably some good reasons to sell or donate them.

 

[Rob72]

I'm going to be thinning my "herd" soon, for similar reasons. There are a few DEs and SEs that are especially enjoyable to shave with, either in the ergonomics of the handle(De Haven), the shape of the head(Stahly, Gem/Kampfe), general unique character(Wilkinson Empires), or raw power (Tradere). Equally, I like a few styles of straight, not a set tip, heel, or grind, so...

If you won't use them, if you could use a few $$ for something else, and if someone else would enjoy them, that's pretty much what the group is about.

 

[Alum of Potash]

Thanks everyone. Rob's last comment makes a lot of sense. I guess what I'm concerned about is that unforeseen scenario that will cause me to regret having parted with them for some reason.

 

[Kentos]

I have started using my DE's for "shower shaving", as a safety razor won't slice off protuberances below the waist if dropped. I have a bunch of DE/SE, and likely will hold on to them.

 

[Antique Hoosier]

You ask a great question. I have a few... in the past have owned several hundred DE's. My answer would be that I keep them for travel. I prefer a nice Merkur or Edwin Jagger or Vintage Gillette to any plastic razor whilst traveling.

 

[BJJ]

I chose to keep the DE, one day if i want them ill have it

regards

 

[Anonymous]

If you aren't going to use them then feel free to pass them on to someone else. If I were you I'd get rid of all of them except one and keep hold of my favorite just in case.

 

[Alum of Potash]

If you aren't going to use them then feel free to pass them on to someone else. If I were you I'd get rid of all of them except one and keep hold of my favorite just in case.

Yes, I think that's what I'll do. Thanks! One to be PIF'd and two to be sold on B/S/T...

 

[bloodyface]

Do that, Alum.

You will feeel great..

Richardt

 

[brother cavefish]

keep them both ,

 

[Champion of Capua]

I'm keeping them to pass down, hopefully for generations.

 

[Bk124tt]

I personally enjoy switching back and fourth!

 

[shakin_jake]

good question you posed here...off the top of my head I have 15-20 DE and SE razors that are just sitting in a box. Some of them I could never sell as they were given to me by a good friend. I had a couple of Slims that were given to me some time ago I PIF'd because I already have a nice Slim, and I PIF'd some other duplicates

But I think the real reason I hold on to them is because I'm just a pack rat by nature. I don't think I could legitimize holding on to some for the day that rolls around where I'm too shaky (remember, I'm shakin_jake= to use a straight anymore because if and when that time comes (I'm 55 and in good health), I'm sure I'll have enough boodle to buy whatever I would need, vintage or not

I admire the guys in this thread that switch between straight razors and safeties. At this point, I have no desire to shave with a safety. When I first took on the skillset required to learn how to use a straight razor, i found it a disadvantage for me to even try to use a safety razor, for I felt I needed to devote all of my shave time to learning how to wield this ubiquitous tool. Anymore, the safety razor poses no wants or desires for me, and it's a shame as I have more than a few nice safeties to shave with...but I don't want/can't let them go. Like I said, I'm a pack rat=


Best,


Jake
Reddick Fla.

 

[25or6to4]

Practically speaking there's no reason for them if you're using straights. And it depends on which DEs they are? Given the wet shave resurgence and market now seems a good time for both buyers and sellers. Me, I'm not selling and just picked up two more Gillette lovelies. And that's it, I swear.

 

[nortac]

The collector in me can't part with the nearly 50 or so DE, SE and Injectors or my dozen straights. Some I use very infrequently, some on a weekly basis. I'd keep at least one DE on hand , just in case your hands get too shakey in your senior years to use a straight.

 

[dpmtherrien]

I enjoy shaving with both straights and DE's. I only have 4 DE's but there are just times when a DE shave is whats called for, and at other times its the straight. Very often though I'll do the first pass, a combo of WTG and XTG, with the DE, and the second pass and any cleanup with the straight. Doing that leaves me with a very nice shave.

 

[smalltank]

I love my straights..I am keeping my 4 DE/1se for my future boys..grandkids..etc..I'm sure I'll show em all to use straights eventually anyways