Should I switch back..

[twoods]

Hey guys,

I've been a member here for a while and I am not pondering whether or not I should go back to DEs from straight razors.

I get pretty acceptable shaves with the straight razor, but it takes me forever and the significant other is getting extremely ticked off at the fact that I spent so much time shaving.

I'm definitely not going back to the old can goo, but I'm wondering if a DE would be a good option. When I first started I had a Merkur 38C that I enjoyed quite a bit.

Oh BTW if I get out of straight razors I will have quite a bit of stuff to sell
- Livi regrind with custom scales from floppyshoe (Dan Gauthier)
- 6/8 Vintage Solingen Extra Hollow razor
- 6/8 Neptune Solingen Singing Razor
- SRD Premium III Buffalo 3" strop
- Vintage Kosher Combo Coticule/BBW with slurry
- MST Thungarian Stone


Cheers,

JF

 

[Slivovitz]

It's an obvious comment to make, but if you want a way to shave fairly quickly, and still get a great shave, consider an injector or an SE. Say a G or L type Schick injector, or for an SE, a Gem 1912.

If you like your straights, maybe keep them for when you do have the time.

 

[luvmysuper]

It's an obvious comment to make, but if you want a way to shave fairly quickly, and still get a great shave, consider an injector or an SE. Say a G or L type Schick injector, or for an SE, a Gem 1912.

If you like your straights, maybe keep them for when you do have the time.

This.

I use both DE and Straights.
No harm in it, and it isn't against any of the B&B bylaws!!

 

[twoods]

heeh I know! What DE would you guys recommend? My previous one was a blue handle Merkur 38C..? I have fairly sensitive skin and I hear that an open-comb design could help...

thanks!


JF

 

[Blue-EyedSon]

Open combs are going to tend to be a bit more aggressive than a solid safety bar design. However, I tried one German travel razor with an open comb that was probably the most mild razor I've ever used. So, most are going to be more aggressive, but this isn't universally the case. If you are looking for a fairly mild razor and don't mind something vintage, then try a Gillette Super Speed or Tech.

 

[luvmysuper]

Open combs are going to tend to be a bit more aggressive than a solid safety bar design. However, I tried one German travel razor with an open comb that was probably the most mild razor I've ever used. So, most are going to be more aggressive, but this isn't universally the case. If you are looking for a fairly mild razor and don't mind something vintage, then try a Gillette Super Speed or Tech.

Great advice right here.

 

[twoods]

Ok! I was looking at a Jorvis Palladium open comb. The website advertises it as a agressive but extremely well suited for sensitive skin...

 

[Blue-EyedSon]

I'm not familiar with that razor. Thus, I can't say for sure, but I am skeptical of claims made by retailers trying to sell their product. They know that many people either have or think they have sensitive skin. So, marketing a product as 'good for sensitive skin' is certainly good for business and possibly accurate. That said, however, I think that even someone with sensitive skin could do quite well with an aggressive open comb razor. It takes good technique, but it wouldn't be unmanageable. So, even it its marketing hype and it is aggressive, it could be a fine razor, but might take a bit more work initially.

 

[Pumpkin]

I started out with DE's, after years of cartridge abuse, and have only recently started with straights.

Due to the time required (my technique still needs a LOT of work), I'm keeping my DE's for either quick shaves or when I want a better result

There's no reason (IMHO) that straights and DE's should be mutually exclusive

 

[DE Shaver]

To answer your question, going to DE from straight isn't a hersey (well, maybe to some) and is perfectly understandable. Straight razor shaving isn't for everyone and I personally went from straight razor shaving to DE shaving. I find DE shaving as rewardnig and consistent in terms of shaving quality, often bettering my straight razor shaves. Why? The techniques I learned while straight razor shaving dovetail quite well into DE shaving, including pulling the skin taut to get extra close. Occassionally, I still straight razor shavin when I have the time so don't be too quick to give up all your shave gear.

The goal for you is to get a quality shave and not to stick to some shaving paradigm. If I could get the same quality shaves with a cartridge as I can with a DE/straight razor, I would still be using a cartridge system. However, cost and irritation keep me from considering a cartridge system. The bottom line is that you must choose the system that make your shaving experience an enjoyable one.

As for open combs, they can range from mild to very aggressive, just like slant bar razors. Personally, I find the Gillette NEW open comb razors are very good for shaving. Anyway, you probably know that any decision you make will likely be the correct one. Good luck to you!

 

[twoods]

I went with the Muhle R106 razor. Reasonably priced, and good according to reviews and comments. What do you guys think?

 

[Ru4scuba?]

This.

I use both DE and Straights.
No harm in it, and it isn't against any of the B&B bylaws!!

+1

I love my str8s...but I'm still buying DEs

 

[luvmysuper]

Muhle makes an excellent razor. I have no doubt you'll be happy with it.

 

[Blue-EyedSon]

I've never used a Muhle, but I don't think I've ever read something negative about them. Everything that I've read has been positive.

 

[twoods]

I was going to go with the Plisson but the difference in price ($160 for plisson vs. $58 for the muhle) made me go with the later. I also ordered a sampler pack.

JF

 

[Luc]

How long have you been using a straight?

I think it took me a good 3 months to get around the 30 minutes bar to shave with one.

I pre-strop my razors so I save some time in the morning. I did realised that it doesn't take me that long to strop them anyways.

The shaves are better and better!

However, if you want to try a DE, I won't be the one saying stay away. There are excellent DE razors out there.

The fact that an open comb is aggressive or not is a myth. Like a close bar, the model of the DE makes it aggressive, some are and some aren't. The blade gap and angle makes the aggressivness.

Something like a Goodfella is supposed to be very mild but something like a Gillette NEW will be more aggressive.

A good razor that I would recommend would be a Cooncatbob Bull Mastiff handle with a Gillette NEW head. Those are extremely good and Bob's work is amazing!

I saw that you are selling the Livi, when are you selling the others?

 

[Alacrity59]

Hey guys,

I've been a member here for a while and I am not pondering whether or not I should go back to DEs from straight razors.

I get pretty acceptable shaves with the straight razor, but it takes me forever and the significant other is getting extremely ticked off at the fact that I spent so much time shaving.

I'm definitely not going back to the old can goo, but I'm wondering if a DE would be a good option. When I first started I had a Merkur 38C that I enjoyed quite a bit.

Oh BTW if I get out of straight razors I will have quite a bit of stuff to sell
- Livi regrind with custom scales from floppyshoe (Dan Gauthier)
- 6/8 Vintage Solingen Extra Hollow razor
- 6/8 Neptune Solingen Singing Razor
- SRD Premium III Buffalo 3" strop
- Vintage Kosher Combo Coticule/BBW with slurry
- MST Thungarian Stone


Cheers,

JF

How long is too long? For me the difference between DE and Straight is about 2 minutes. Just wondering.

 

[twoods]

I've been using a straight for about 1 year

 

[luvmysuper]

I've been using a straight for about 1 year

How long does it take you to shave every day?

 

[twoods]

Too long according to my gf
seriously about 25 minutes. It's
not only a time thing. I feel like ny resulta are not
very consistent. It' also not very convenient if i'm travelling.