Straight Razor vs Safety Razor

[sinik]

So I'm brand new to the forums here..been wetshaving for about 18 months now..used a 5 blade for a while but didn't like it too much simply because it was too many blades, so I've been using a Mach 3 for a while now with no issue..I have a AoS brush (whatever the bottom tier is, plan on moving up to silvertip eventually) and I use AoS Lavender Shave Cream. I also have a Merkur 34C safety razor that I tested for a while.

Problem is I could never really achieve a full shave with the Merkur without cutting myself. I know it's all to do with the angle and pressure (solely the angle for me because I have a delicate touch) but it was mainly to do with the fact that I couldn't see the blade. I could go across the grain and definitely against the grain with no problems whatsoever, but with the grain, the entire blade was blocked by the head of the razor.

So for that reason, do you think I would have severe issues with a straight razor? I know it requires practice and maintenance, but since I'd be able to see the blade and the angle the entire time I'm thinking I would have an easier time with it than with the safety razor.

If so, what blade would you guys recommend? This one cool?:
http://www.theartofshaving.com/Blac...-straight-razors&navid=razors-straight-razors

Also I've been intrigued by the Gillette Sensor because it's a single blade fixed-angle disposable..

anyhoo, happy to be here and thanks!

 

[Seraphim]

The "problem" I have with a DE is that with the "safety" bar, you never really know where the edge is.

With a straight all there is is the edge. Very easy to know what's happening with it and where it is.

Get one, you'll love it!

 

[noahpictures]

Welcome to B&B! I find a properly honed straight razor to be much smoother than DE blades.

 

[hillbilly pick]

Welcome to B&B! I find a properly honed straight razor to be much smoother than DE blades.

Indeed!

 

[Kentos]

Welcome!

You are asking the question of straight razor users so take things with a few pounds of salt-

While the end shave is somewhat similar, a straight shave is much more comfortable than a DE, SE, or cartridge for me. If you can wade through all of the info and climb the steep learning curve shaving nirvana awaits you.

Also everyone has severe issues when first starting so I don't think your experiences would be any worse than anyone else's.
(remember the thing about salt?)

 

[buca3152]

Welcome to B&B! I find a properly honed straight razor to be much smoother than DE blades.

+1. Nothing like an unguarded very sharp but SMOOTH blade that will get into places I couldnt with a de.

 

[sinik]

Can I say, first off, that I am BLOWN away by the velocity with which this thread received replies?

I hated shaving when I had an electric Norelco. Could never get every last hair off and if I did it was at the expense of leaving some nice gray, dry flakes of skin where that resilient hair held strong.

When I switched to wet shaving, I began to love shaving. I love the time-honored tradition of it, which is why I bought a safety razor, because I thought it was the progression and that one did not simply go directly to a straight razor haha..

..but man I would be lying if I said I enjoyed the safety razor..I can never tell what angle the blade is at and this usually just results in more than occasional nicks (one time I had a cut that didn't stop bleeding for 3 hours).


OK! I've been reading articles and forums all day and I'm already sold. Just to keep it all in one place, what straight razor would you guys recommend I buy? And accessory-wise, the only other thing I need is a strop? Also when I do finally have it, do I need to rinse it with alcohol (as I do my disposables to extend their lifespan and prevent mineral deposits from the water) or will the daily stropping be enough to take care of this sans alcohol. I typically shave at night because I prefer to sleep in and I like the feeling of a smooth face on a pillow, so taking the time to do it properly and learn will be no issue.

Thanks B&B!

 

[Firewalker]

I think that if you want to test the waters but don't want to spend a lot of cash on a straight, see if one of the Gold Dollar champs like Mycarver or Serephim would be willing to hone one for you. Why? Once you get bitten by the bug and want to improve on your razor, change the shape, make scales etc, you will have an empty canvas to start with that costs little.

Another path, and one I personally took, is to but a "sight unseen" razor from Larry at Whipped Dog, nothing pretty or especially valuable but ready to shave with and he has some of the best deals strops and since they are relatively cheap, you wont want to kick the dog if (and when) you gouge it with your razor. Add the two strap strop if you go that way.

 

[sinik]

I think I'm willing to stick through it and learn the trade.

I might buy my razor from AoS simply because I have a 15% off coupon for St. Patty's and WORST case if I do decide to give up on it (which I think is a slim-to-none chance) then I could either return it for full value back to an AoS brick and mortar or simply sell it online (cleaned and whatnot).

hmmm..

 

[global_dev]

, the aos straights aren't known for being ready to shave typically. If you do end up with one, I'd be happy to help out make it shave ready with return shipping.

 

[sinik]

They can do barber shaves right there in-store, couldn't they strop it for me the first time out?

hmmm..lol..decisions decisions..

 

[KindestCutofAll]

I think that if you want to test the waters but don't want to spend a lot of cash on a straight, see if one of the Gold Dollar champs like Mycarver or Serephim would be willing to hone one for you. Why? Once you get bitten by the bug and want to improve on your razor, change the shape, make scales etc, you will have an empty canvas to start with that costs little.

Another path, and one I personally took, is to but a "sight unseen" razor from Larry at Whipped Dog, nothing pretty or especially valuable but ready to shave with and he has some of the best deals strops and since they are relatively cheap, you wont want to kick the dog if (and when) you gouge it with your razor. Add the two strap strop if you go that way.

I agree with Firewalker, and Larry is often recommended for a first straight. It gets kinda pricy at the start because you would nead a leather strop.

I started with a vintage Straight and have never really tried a new Straight. My newest SR is probably 60 or 70 years old.

It takes alot of patience to master (like 10 times the learning curve). Once you get bit then you can start honing them yourself (a whole new hobby within a hobby).

 

[Wid]

Just stropping won't do it. The razor will need to be honed.

 

[sinik]

I agree with Firewalker, and Larry is often recommended for a first straight. It gets kinda pricy at the start because you would nead a leather strop.

I started with a vintage Straight and have never really tried a new Straight. My newest SR is probably 60 or 70 years old.

It takes alot of patience to master (like 10 times the learning curve). Once you get bit then you can start honing them yourself (a whole new hobby within a hobby).

Just stropping won't do it. The razor will need to be honed.

Looks like I'll go with Larry then for the 'tester'. He has a Poor Man's Strop too which will be good without a large investment.

 

[Krodor]

Looks like I'll go with Larry then for the 'tester'. He has a Poor Man's Strop too which will be good without a large investment.

Yup. Sight unseen + poor mans strop kit. An untold number of straight razor users' starter drug (me too!)

Also, AoS barber likely has to use a disposable blade in their 'chair, not the non-disposable kind.

 

[silver]

+1 to the sight unseen deal

I use both a DE and SR and from my experience I have found the learning curve for a SR is longer. I do, however, get much more enjoyment out of using and taking care of my SR. You will probably find you are more careful about how you shave when a slip can take a notch out of you ear.

 

[Rschan]

I think that if you want to test the waters but don't want to spend a lot of cash on a straight, see if one of the Gold Dollar champs like Mycarver or Serephim would be willing to hone one for you. Why? Once you get bitten by the bug and want to improve on your razor, change the shape, make scales etc, you will have an empty canvas to start with that costs little.

Another path, and one I personally took, is to but a "sight unseen" razor from Larry at Whipped Dog, nothing pretty or especially valuable but ready to shave with and he has some of the best deals strops and since they are relatively cheap, you wont want to kick the dog if (and when) you gouge it with your razor. Add the two strap strop if you go that way.

+1 Larry is a nice gentleman always willing help.
For saying this other straight users might send daggers this way.
I'm using straights as well as DE's in a rotation. Both have a learning curve. Unlike cart you will not get BBS in the 1st shave with a DE.
Like you mentioned factors such as pressure , blade angle will determine the quality of the shave. But once you get the hang of it, BBS will be a piece of cake with a DE. ( Your instincts will tell you where the blade is) .
On the other hand Straights have a longer learning curve. (I'm also somewhere in this curve). But over the time when mastered Straight also give a nice comfy and Green shave.

Both paths are really cool so enjoy your journey.

One more thing this is my 0.5K (500th) post. So hip hip Hurrah ( For me)

 

[ThePatrician]

I have a str8 that I want to send to Larry for honing, and I also want to buy a poor-man's strop. The only things I've heard about dealing with the man have been positive, if not actually raving.

They can do barber shaves right there in-store, couldn't they strop it for me the first time out?

Also, AoS barber likely has to use a disposable blade in their 'chair, not the non-disposable kind.

They use shavettes, or at least the one in Tysons does, and I can't think of a reason why the others don't either. Logically (I'm watching Star Trek so nyeh), using a shavette would save time and ensure the blade is always sharp and shave-ready without wondering if he remembered to strop and sharpen it, and for hygiene's sake.

 

[buca3152]

In NY its 1 blade a shave, no brush, no strop(not needed on a disposable) and lather from a machine. Ive never had one there, but got one from a local barber. Nice dfs, but I wanted BBS.

 

[global_dev]

They use shavettes, or at least the one in Tysons does, and I can't think of a reason why the others don't either. Logically (I'm watching Star Trek so nyeh), using a shavette would save time and ensure the blade is always sharp and shave-ready without wondering if he remembered to strop and sharpen it, and for hygiene's sake.

Tyson's 1 has a place in the store for shaving? The chair up front is actually put to use? I thought it was a prop.