Spare Safety?

[mbrossar]

I've been shaving with straights for about three years now. I have long ago sold all my other razors in favor of my straights and haven't even touched a razor that wasn't a straight in two and a half to three years. Shaves are great. No issues with shaving, stropping or honing. Lately though, sometimes it feels like it would be nice to just lather up, pick up a razor and shave. Granted, we're probably only talking about saving a minute or two of stropping. Yes, I'm considering introducing a safety razor back into my arsenal.

My questions for those who are proficient with your straights are these.

• Do you maintain one or more safety razors in your arsenal and if so, how often do you use it?
• Have you been on straights for a long period of time, and like I am now, considered going back to a safety from time to time? If so, did you do it? Were you glad you did or was it a disappointment?

Curious what others have been through on this topic.

 

[Wid]

I recently started using a DE on occasion, been using a straight for 2.5+ years. No set schedule just use it when I want/need a quick simple shave.

 

[mycarver]

Since using straights I've used a DE maybe 6 times over 3 yrs. or so. I can do a quickie clean up and look presentable with a straight. Granted I prefer an extra pass or two to get it perfect but that takes about the same time as a DE would.

 

[global_dev]

Maybe a week per year only, when I travel somewhere I can get to by car, otherwise a bic metal by plane.

 

[pmaster]

I use the DE I have maybe once every 3-4 weeks. I haven't used it more than 1 month before going all in with straights, so I kinda miss using it now and then. I'd say its in my "rotation" along with all the other straights. I usually get fabulous shaves with a feather blade, although it does leave my face numb while the straight doesn`t have that effect.

And I'll also use it if I'm in a real hurry, but it rarely happens since I shave at night.

 

[oakeshott]

Still have about a dozen DEs that only get used when I travel. The reason I have even that many is because they are hard to find examples and I can't bear to part with them. One of them though could probably finance a very nice custom and that thought has gone through my mind.

 

[PapaFish]

I have a modified DE that I use every now and again. The modification is that I removed the safety bar on one side, so it's an open blade DE. I keep it in my razor case, but I need to swap the blade out (or give honing the blades a shot) since it felt terrible the last time I used it (around Thanksgiving).

 

[Kentos]

I recently used a few of my old DEs. Good to have them on hand when the itch needs to be scratched .

 

[tomjr]

i'm about 7 yrs in until recently have not used a DE except to test one out a little. arthritis has changed that quite a bit i now use a de/injector about 3 or more times a week. i do enjoy straights more.

 

[Legion]

I have one DE in the bathroom, loaded up for when I am in a screaming hurry. A Gillette Rocket HD. It gets the job done, but I have to say, I nick myself with that razor way more than I ever do with a straight, but that is probably due to the rush factor.

 

[OkieStubble]

DE and SE during the week
Straights on the weekend
Vintage Trac II and Carts during travel or
when I'm in a screaming hurry like Legion.

 

[KW Driver]

I've got a Fatip I've kept, and will occasionally use in a hurry. used it about three times last week, cause my "crack of noon" self really doesn't function well at 4am. it was just easier to use the DE and then load up on coffee on the way into work.

 

[daflorc]

I've been using straights exclusively for about 3 years now. I haven't looked back. There is no other option for me -

 

[Monsieur Blaireau]

I started straight shaving almost a year ago, last September. I would alternate back and forth for a couple months, then gradually wound up with just the straight shave. I used a DE last week while travelling and was surprised to find that I really don't get as comfortable a shave from it, or one that's any closer. I have 3 DEs. One was my grandfather's. I'll probably sell the other two, or trade for another straight.

 

[Aristeros]

I shave daily but find I do not always have time for the straight.

 

[Proinsias]

I've been straight shaving for coming on 5 years, the past two or three years have been mostly straights. I sold off most of my safety razors but keep a 40's style superspeed and an Everready 1912 around for the occasional change of pace. They are the two razors I've tried that I could almost shave in my sleep with, on the few occasions I don't feel up to using a straight they provide wonderful shaves. I find I reach for the them less and less over time, I've had one safety razor shave this year as far as I can remember. I can't fault the shaves, I just prefer to use a straight.

 

[noahpictures]

I have two DE razors and don't remember the last time I used them.

 

[Vercin]

you could trow in a Sextoblade or some other shavette in your arsenal .. so won't have to bother with honing/stropping like you said (sometimes) .. just lather up and shave

 

[professorchaos]

I have nothing in my line up except for straights. About a month after I first shaved with a straight, I sold all my DEs. I'd rather not shave if I can't use a straight.

 

[jrp316]

I have a small collection of DEs that I piled up prior to going pretty much all straights. I have a 40s SS that I break out either when the mood hits or I need to get a really quick shave in. Straights are the best shave for me, but they don't lend themselves too well to speedy shaving.