The Real Lowdown on Straight Shaving

[MM2]

I've been a DE shaver for 3-4 years now, but recently been curious about shaving with a straight. I have done a lot of reading, both here and on Straight Razor Place in order to try and make an informed decision, but I am still confused.

I get the whole 'history' thing (if using a vintage), as well as the standing out from the crowd. I also get that there is a bit more 'faffing' (honing, stropping etc) before you can shave, so it probably takes longer. I even appreciate that here is a long learning period before good shaves are the norm.

What I am still not sure about is does it give you a better shave in the end?

I currently use a Merkur Futur and Slant in rotation, both with Feather blades and pretty much always get a DFS. BBS anywhere else but the cheeks is generally a step too far for me, leaving me sore for a couple of days. I have tried other blades, but Feathers leave the others miles behind (IPs come close, but with dragging).

So would I benefit from a straight razor shave?

I am thinking about buying a Dovo Shavette, with the longer Dovo blades, in order to dip a toe into the world of straights. I know people will say don't do it, but I have also read others that swear by them, either as a travel option or in their normal rotation. I am still nervous about spending a lot of cash on a straight, strop and honing service, only to find it does not work out. I know there are places that do good deals, but here in the UK, it's brand new or Ebay (and all the pitfalls that come with it).

So are there any Ex DE Shavers who have made the leap? Has your quality of shave improved, or is it simply the method that appeals?

Your feedback (both positive and negative) is appreciated

 

[markb]

I've been a DE shaver for 3-4 years now, but recently been curious about shaving with a straight. I have done a lot of reading, both here and on Straight Razor Place in order to try and make an informed decision, but I am still confused.

I get the whole 'history' thing (if using a vintage), as well as the standing out from the crowd. I also get that there is a bit more 'faffing' (honing, stropping etc) before you can shave, so it probably takes longer. I even appreciate that here is a long learning period before good shaves are the norm.

What I am still not sure about is does it give you a better shave in the end?

I currently use a Merkur Futur and Slant in rotation, both with Feather blades and pretty much always get a DFS. BBS anywhere else but the cheeks is generally a step too far for me, leaving me sore for a couple of days. I have tried other blades, but Feathers leave the others miles behind (IPs come close, but with dragging).

So would I benefit from a straight razor shave?

I am thinking about buying a Dovo Shavette, with the longer Dovo blades, in order to dip a toe into the world of straights. I know people will say don't do it, but I have also read others that swear by them, either as a travel option or in their normal rotation. I am still nervous about spending a lot of cash on a straight, strop and honing service, only to find it does not work out. I know there are places that do good deals, but here in the UK, it's brand new or Ebay (and all the pitfalls that come with it).

So are there any Ex DE Shavers who have made the leap? Has your quality of shave improved, or is it simply the method that appeals?

Your feedback (both positive and negative) is appreciated

Speaking for myself only..

Yes, the shaves have been better than I got with a DE. They also last longer and I have even less irritation. But it's also the method that I found appealing.

Personally, I'd say skip the Shavette and get a traditional straight. You wont need to spend much initially. All you'll really need is a shave-ready blade and strop. Several good started blades can be found here in the BST and RupRazor has a very nice starter strop called the "Filly" for $20.

Also there are several vendors online that sell shave-ready starters.

Glen at Gem Star Customs is a great guy to deal with and the prices are great:

http://www.gemstarcustoms.com/index.php/razors_for_sale.html

RupRazor also has several starter blades for sale:

http://www.ruprazor.com/store/index.php

Give it a try and good luck!! Personally, I dont ever see myself going back to DEs.

 

[wdwrx]

Speaking for myself only..

Yes, the shaves have been better than I got with a DE which also last longer and with even less irritation. But it's also the method that I fond appealing.

Personally, I'd say skip the Shavette and get a traditional straight. You wont need to spend much initially. All you'll really need is a shave-ready blade and strop. Several good started blades can be found here in the BST and RupRazor has a very nice starter strop called the "Filly" for $20.

Also there are several vendors online that sell shave-ready starters.

Glen at Gem Star Customs is a great guy to deal with and the prices are great:

http://www.gemstarcustoms.com/index.php/razors_for_sale.html

RupRazor also have several starter blades for sale:

http://www.ruprazor.com/store/index.php

Give it a try and good luck!! Personally, I dont ever see myself going back to DEs.

+1!

 

[markb]

Here ya go:

http://ruprazor.com/store/index.php...category_id=6&option=com_virtuemart&Itemid=32

$72 and you're off and going!

 

[TChewy]

Try BST and yes it does give better shaves, at least for me, than DE. I actually find I shave quicker with it since I only do one WTG pass and touch up instead of WTG, ATG, ATG, and touch up with DE. I was able to learn quick on it but YMMV. Good luck, whatever you decide.

 

[mattbikes1]

Man, you guys are killin' me! MM2, I am in the same boat as you less the years of DE shaving experience. I really want a straight razor bad and ruprazor.com is a seemingly great deal. I am just curious about the quality of the Gold Dollar. Is it good enough to get and then buy something better later? Or, should I wait until I can get something like a Dovo Best? Tough call I think.

 

[Awoisme]

Some like the Gold Dollar and swear by it. I'm not one of them- I got it and it didn't work for me.

My recommendation is to go for a good one- www.theinvisibleedge.co.uk has pretty much any straight you're after. I've found that 5/8 Dovos generally don't work that well for me- something to do with the smaller blade. If you can afford it, a Thiers Issard is the way to go- they are truly great shaving razors.

 

[JPM]

Speaking for myself only..

Yes, the shaves have been better than I got with a DE which also last longer and with even less irritation. But it's also the method that I fond appealing.

Personally, I'd say skip the Shavette and get a traditional straight. You wont need to spend much initially. All you'll really need is a shave-ready blade and strop. Several good started blades can be found here in the BST and RupRazor has a very nice starter strop called the "Filly" for $20.

Also there are several vendors online that sell shave-ready starters.

Glen at Gem Star Customs is a great guy to deal with and the prices are great:

http://www.gemstarcustoms.com/index.php/razors_for_sale.html

RupRazor also have several starter blades for sale:

http://www.ruprazor.com/store/index.php

Give it a try and good luck!! Personally, I dont ever see myself going back to DEs.

+2. Exactly what he said. I do get better shaves, but the method and whole ritual of it appeal to me as well.

 

[MM2]

Awoisme - thanks for the link, hadn't found a UK based seller yet.

Need to wait a few weeks and post more before I can use BST though.

 

[markb]

Awoisme - thanks for the link, hadn't found a UK based seller yet.

Need to wait a few weeks and post more before I can use BST though.

You can buy now. You just don't have enough posts or time in to post for sale/trade threads..

"Everyone is welcome to comment, purchase items, or post a WTB thread, irrespective of the number of posts you have."

http://badgerandblade.com/vb/showpost.php?p=225216&postcount=1

 

[Rik]

Speaking for myself only..

Yes, the shaves have been better than I got with a DE. They also last longer and I have even less irritation. But it's also the method that I found appealing.

Personally, I'd say skip the Shavette and get a traditional straight. You wont need to spend much initially. All you'll really need is a shave-ready blade and strop. Several good started blades can be found here in the BST and RupRazor has a very nice starter strop called the "Filly" for $20.

Also there are several vendors online that sell shave-ready starters.

+3. I can't say it any better. I rarely use my DEs. Once you master form and technique shaving with a straight razor doesn't need to take any longer than a DE.

 

[MM2]

Cheers MarkB - hadn't read that correctly

 

[Luc]

I made the leap and I love it. Is it better? I would say yes?

Was it easy? No. It takes time and pratice. I didn't have any high expectations at first and that's probably why I'm still doing it. It was a very long process and, a few weepers later, I enjoy the shaves that I get now even more. I still have my DE in case I travel.

 

[WittyAg]

For me, I get a better shave on the cheeks and jaw with a straight for sure, but have to use a DE to get an equally good shave on my adam's apple, chin, and mustache areas. Even so, I get far less irritation from my straights than my DE blades.

Its more of a calming mantra to me to strop a razor up and go through the ritual of a straight razor shave. YMMV but I've enjoyed the change quite a bit so far. Nothing says you can't have the best of both worlds and do your best with a straight and touch up trouble spots with your DE.

 

[Ru4scuba?]

Only one way to find out if its for you...take the plunge. If it doesn't work out, I'm sure your whole kit will sell quick on the B/S/T

 

[Antique Hoosier]

Straight razor shaving is absolutely positively hands down the very closest most comfortable irritation free shave...... Eventually,........ With practice.

 

[MM2]

Thanks for all your replies. It would appear that straights do produce a better shave, so I think I will have to take the plunge (just need to run it past the chancellor first!). Time to cruise the BST forum, now that I know I can use it!

Anyone with any first timer advice, please let me know.

Thanks again

 

[SRock]

Thanks for all your replies. It would appear that straights do produce a better shave, so I think I will have to take the plunge (just need to run it past the chancellor first!). Time to cruise the BST forum, now that I know I can use it!

Anyone with any first timer advice, please let me know.

Thanks again

B/S/T is the only way to go!

 

[Luc]

Thanks for all your replies. It would appear that straights do produce a better shave, so I think I will have to take the plunge (just need to run it past the chancellor first!). Time to cruise the BST forum, now that I know I can use it!

Anyone with any first timer advice, please let me know.

Thanks again

All you need is a 'shave-ready' straight. If you're able to get a strop at the same time, that would be great!

 

[Klarion]

Thanks for all your replies. It would appear that straights do produce a better shave, so I think I will have to take the plunge (just need to run it past the chancellor first!). Time to cruise the BST forum, now that I know I can use it!

Anyone with any first timer advice, please let me know.

Thanks again

Give it an honest shot - about 20 shaves or so, with a shave ready straight. This will truly give you time to see how you're progressing, especially since the first dozen can be pretty crummy. Of course, everyone recommends watching the videos and reading the tutorials beforehand.