To DE or not to DE, is Straight the Answer?

[jtadmin]

Ok here it goes, I just dove into wet shaving over a month ago. Yes I am new however I have spent hours, and I mean endless hours at work (can you say dead) and have read, watched mantic59, and learned my way into a BBS on my third DE shave. No razor burn, no cuts, no nicks, the perfect BBS every time. My problem is since moving to wet shaving I am able to shave daily! Well it's not really a problem specially when all I do is think about shaving these days but back in M3 days it was 2-3 days due to razor burn, irritation, and so forth. Because of the daily shave my hair is shorter and when I shave it, it is standing stronger than a

Because of this I have not found a blade (Gillette 7am, Wilkinson Sword, Persona Red, Feathers, Astras, Sharks, Dorcos, Derbys, and Crystals) that can cut through my tough stubble for more than 1 shave . Recently I have found the Persona Medical Prep blades which have proven 2 great BBS shaves but 2 is the max, I tried to stretch it to 3 this morning and had to stop at 2 1/2. Problem is my ATG passes stand so strong the blade drags, and for fear of pain and blood I just stop and insert a new blade! And then cut the stubble right down.

Anyways my thought is to dive into straights because I can hone the blade to a samurai sword and cut these shorter whiskers on a daily basis more consistently. I also realize I am not going to be a master straight bladed wizard in three shaves, much less a master honer in that much time. My only hopes is a more consistent shave in the terms of the same single blade day in and day out. Well single blade on the straight razor that is, I am not talking about the other 50 straights you might have in the drawer by the sink .

Only thing I have done in ways of learning about straights is I watch the youtube video from Badger and Blade, I'll admit it's a little hairy to watch. Also I read Joel's posting on DE vs Straights. I am fully aware that this will take some time to learn before I get back to a BBS. Along with the fear of holding a blade that could cut my face right off! But is my thought process right? Does it sound like straights are for me? Teach me all mighty Jedi's

 

[johnmrson]

It certainly wouldn't hurt to give a straight a try. They are as sharp as a DE blade and carry a shaveable edge alot longer if you strop them properly.
I'd recommend buying a cheap shave ready straight and cheap stropping set up either from BST or someone like Larry at whippeddog.com. It's a modest outlay and if you decide that straight shaving isn't for you, then you'll be able to sell it and recoup most if not all your original investment.
It takes time to learn to use a straight properly but if you're keen. you'll be getting great shaves before you know it.

 

[kg4ghn]

Haven't you figured out we are all a bunch of enablers here?


If you think you would like it then I say go for it, it's a lot of fun. Trying to master everything does take time, at least a month probably several. It is satisfying to get a great shave from a straight. I also enjoy everything else that goes along with it: stropping, touchups, trying to learn my coticule, etc.

If all you are looking for is blade longevity, you might also try SE shaving. You can pick up a GEM 1912 for cheap and try it out, and lot's of people get more shaves out of a SE blade than a DE blade. At any rate, you should be able to try it out for ~$10.

 

[Barber-Eile]

Try using a SE Gem or an injector first.
I shave a large surface area and find the SE blades last me much longer than the DE ones do.
I do LOVE to use my straights and found them easy to get used to but YMMV.

In terms of closeness of shave I find that an injector or straight give me the closest, then the SE, then the DE.

Variety is the spice of life!

 

[California Cajun]

Ok here it goes, I just dove into wet shaving over a month ago. Yes I am new however I have spent hours, and I mean endless hours at work (can you say dead) and have read, watched mantic59, and learned my way into a BBS on my third DE shave. No razor burn, no cuts, no nicks, the perfect BBS every time. My problem is since moving to wet shaving I am able to shave daily! Well it's not really a problem specially when all I do is think about shaving these days but back in M3 days it was 2-3 days due to razor burn, irritation, and so forth. Because of the daily shave my hair is shorter and when I shave it, it is standing stronger than a

Because of this I have not found a blade (Gillette 7am, Wilkinson Sword, Persona Red, Feathers, Astras, Sharks, Dorcos, Derbys, and Crystals) that can cut through my tough stubble for more than 1 shave . Recently I have found the Persona Medical Prep blades which have proven 2 great BBS shaves but 2 is the max, I tried to stretch it to 3 this morning and had to stop at 2 1/2. Problem is my ATG passes stand so strong the blade drags, and for fear of pain and blood I just stop and insert a new blade! And then cut the stubble right down.

Anyways my thought is to dive into straights because I can hone the blade to a samurai sword and cut these shorter whiskers on a daily basis more consistently. I also realize I am not going to be a master straight bladed wizard in three shaves, much less a master honer in that much time. My only hopes is a more consistent shave in the terms of the same single blade day in and day out. Well single blade on the straight razor that is, I am not talking about the other 50 straights you might have in the drawer by the sink .

Only thing I have done in ways of learning about straights is I watch the youtube video from Badger and Blade, I'll admit it's a little hairy to watch. Also I read Joel's posting on DE vs Straights. I am fully aware that this will take some time to learn before I get back to a BBS. Along with the fear of holding a blade that could cut my face right off! But is my thought process right? Does it sound like straights are for me? Teach me all mighty Jedi's

I think it would be worthwhile to try straights because you can only get two shaves from a DE blade. You may have to hone more often than normal, but not every couple of days!

I agree with the other poster's suggestion about getting an inexpensive straight. Larry at http://whippeddog.com/ is dedicated to the movement of straight razor shaving rather than making a lot of money. He has inexpensive ideas to get you started stropping and honing as well. I enjoy doing it, and use the DE razor on mornings I'm pressed for time.

 

[jtadmin]

When I told my wife this was going to save money wet shaving I think I was wrong LOL. Darn you enablers! Time to read up on injectors and find me straight

 

[eto]

I think you made up your mind before you even posted about getting into straights, I was in the same boat as you , It didn't take me long to get into straight's after starting with DE's. I think for some its just a natural progression.
I would say go for it, if you like it , well then the real fun starts.
Yes we enable around here.

Good Luck with whatever choice you make.

 

[Magruder]

If you've been thinking about this much, you know you need to try it!

Right?

I had straights on my mind for several months before I gave in to the urge. Now all my DE's are gathering dust on the shelf.

 

[kg4ghn]

I think it would be worthwhile to try straights because you can only get two shaves from a DE blade. You may have to hone more often than normal, but not every couple of days!

I agree with the other poster's suggestion about getting an inexpensive straight. Larry at http://whippeddog.com/ is dedicated to the movement of straight razor shaving rather than making a lot of money. He has inexpensive ideas to get you started stropping and honing as well. I enjoy doing it, and use the DE razor on mornings I'm pressed for time.

Another +1 for Larry.

I have dealt with him twice, once to buy a straight and once to do his "trade in for price of hone," and was extremely happy both times.

 

[Luc]

Try one!