At some point we all have to accept the fact that a good shave is a good shave. I definitely accept the fact that there will be some amount of bias following my question by you straight gents but is the investment really worth the ducats unless you are a true hobbyist? I am getting great result from my DE but have been curious about SRS form day one. Is SRS really just more of an indulgence/strain on the wallet? I know that this may not be a fair question and is a somewhat complex issue.
To straight or not to straight......
- Thread starter blackglass
- Start date
Well, speaking out of my own experiences...
I tried my first straight razor shave out of curiosity. I understood that straights were capable of very close shaves, and shaving the same way my grandfathers did appealed to me.
Now, 6 months, more than a few dollars and a pint or two of blood later, I am hooked. I am able to get a pretty good shave most days, and with much less razor burn than before, but I can't say this is why I am staying with it. Maintaining the razor, stropping, honing, building a great lather, trying to improve my technique... the whole experience is why I stay.
Others might have different results, but I don't shave with a straight to get the simplest, most cost effective, closest shave. I do it because I find value in building a skill and doing something the traditional way.
Regards
Derek
I tried my first straight razor shave out of curiosity. I understood that straights were capable of very close shaves, and shaving the same way my grandfathers did appealed to me.
Now, 6 months, more than a few dollars and a pint or two of blood later, I am hooked. I am able to get a pretty good shave most days, and with much less razor burn than before, but I can't say this is why I am staying with it. Maintaining the razor, stropping, honing, building a great lather, trying to improve my technique... the whole experience is why I stay.
Others might have different results, but I don't shave with a straight to get the simplest, most cost effective, closest shave. I do it because I find value in building a skill and doing something the traditional way.
Regards
Derek
Well i am a newbie to straights so this is just my thoughts, i have been using de's for around 5 years so coming from a cartridge into de's the next step was a straight, i can say i find it fun and a great achievement finding a straight in a shop, cleaning it, honing it and using it, i will say this takes some time, after all when you find a de, you sanatise it, clean it, pop a blade in and shave with it so a straight is very different, as for the shaves, well i am not there yet, when i started i had to shave afterwards with a de to get a good close shave but i now find that i only have to touch up here and there, i am still going to keep my de's as i do enjoy shaving with them but from what i now know i can get just as good a shave from a straight with some more practise, as for cost, well its the same as everything and depends how far you want to go with straights, i have folked out on a decent strop and honing stones lately and may want to add more, but looking at the bst today i see a shave ready straight for $30 and a trio of strops for $40 and that will get you up and running till a few months down the line and that may well be all you will ever spend, plus a hone here and there, i am glad i dipped my toe into the water and can also now see that my shaves are getting closer, and i am enjoying it all with all the help i get of the folks from here
I rarely use my DE's anymore. I haven't in months and months. Straight shaving is a lot funner. I get a more comfortable shave with a straight. I would almost say it is even longer lasting. Though I have no studies to prove my theory, basically just basing it on my memory.
Cost always comes up. With SR or DE you are still way ahead of the cartridge game. You don't have to spend a lot to get into SR shaving.
Is it worth it? Are you going to get noticeable results that are far superior over a DE? Hmm.....gosh, there's just so many variables to really give you a clear answer. If approaching it with a mindset of trying to prove one over the other and not knowing how to use the tools properly then I will answer no.
The variables are;
- is the tool properly conditioned (honed)
- is the user using the tool properly?
SR's have a bit of a learning curve. If you have been DE shaving, and pick up a straight, chances are your DE will win the "contest". Heaven forbid your SR need honing and your results are even more swayed.
All that to really tell you that it takes time and patience to learn it properly. Once you do you should find it very rewarding not only on your skin but your mind as well. It's not bad on the wallet as it may be made out to be. Many of us enthusiasts get a little trigger happy on the add to cart button.
You NEED 2 things. A razor. A strop. That is to shave with.
So, I encourage you to try it. Check the BST's and/ or classifieds at your favorite forums. You want to be certain your razor is SHAVE READY. Larry Andro @ whipped dog. com has them for about the cheapest price. I can't personally speak for anything of his, I've never purchased it, but he surely gets a TON of praise on this board. One of the nicest gents you'll speak with. Will sit and answer all of your questions in depth. Very good teacher. I think he has a special place in his heart for newbs to SR shaving.
And, don't worry about that money you spend on SR shaving. If you decide you don't like it, sell it. You can resell that stuff quite easily.
But, you have to give it the dedication and the want to learn. That's what I think at least.
It's kind of like asking...which sounds better; an electric or an acoustic guitar....well, if you've not a clue how to make a single chord, neither. Or, if the guitar players starts playing the same song on the piano...he's gotta figure out how to do it.
Read posts. Look at videos. Ask questions.
Enjoy the shave.
Cost always comes up. With SR or DE you are still way ahead of the cartridge game. You don't have to spend a lot to get into SR shaving.
Is it worth it? Are you going to get noticeable results that are far superior over a DE? Hmm.....gosh, there's just so many variables to really give you a clear answer. If approaching it with a mindset of trying to prove one over the other and not knowing how to use the tools properly then I will answer no.
The variables are;
- is the tool properly conditioned (honed)
- is the user using the tool properly?
SR's have a bit of a learning curve. If you have been DE shaving, and pick up a straight, chances are your DE will win the "contest". Heaven forbid your SR need honing and your results are even more swayed.
All that to really tell you that it takes time and patience to learn it properly. Once you do you should find it very rewarding not only on your skin but your mind as well. It's not bad on the wallet as it may be made out to be. Many of us enthusiasts get a little trigger happy on the add to cart button.
You NEED 2 things. A razor. A strop. That is to shave with.
So, I encourage you to try it. Check the BST's and/ or classifieds at your favorite forums. You want to be certain your razor is SHAVE READY. Larry Andro @ whipped dog. com has them for about the cheapest price. I can't personally speak for anything of his, I've never purchased it, but he surely gets a TON of praise on this board. One of the nicest gents you'll speak with. Will sit and answer all of your questions in depth. Very good teacher. I think he has a special place in his heart for newbs to SR shaving.
And, don't worry about that money you spend on SR shaving. If you decide you don't like it, sell it. You can resell that stuff quite easily.
But, you have to give it the dedication and the want to learn. That's what I think at least.
It's kind of like asking...which sounds better; an electric or an acoustic guitar....well, if you've not a clue how to make a single chord, neither. Or, if the guitar players starts playing the same song on the piano...he's gotta figure out how to do it.
Read posts. Look at videos. Ask questions.
Enjoy the shave.
Str8 all the way my friend. Think of it this way:
Imagine the day when you decided to switch from cartridge to DE (assuming that's what you were using...correct me if I am wrong here) and the day you achieved your best BBS shave yet without the burn, irritation etc associated with cartridge shaving...what a diff, heh? It's like the world of shaving had opened up for you
Well...it's kinda the same thing going from DE to str8 shaving...at least it was for me, even though I am only a few months into str8 shaving. Str8s offer move "freedom of movement and angle" that's not possible with DE...sure, steeper learning curve, but when you're there, you won't look back
The RAD is actually fun and it becomes more of a hobby (if you've got the moola)...but, you don't have to play that game if you don't want to. You can certainly get into str8 shaving with just $100-$150.
Robert
Imagine the day when you decided to switch from cartridge to DE (assuming that's what you were using...correct me if I am wrong here) and the day you achieved your best BBS shave yet without the burn, irritation etc associated with cartridge shaving...what a diff, heh? It's like the world of shaving had opened up for you
Well...it's kinda the same thing going from DE to str8 shaving...at least it was for me, even though I am only a few months into str8 shaving. Str8s offer move "freedom of movement and angle" that's not possible with DE...sure, steeper learning curve, but when you're there, you won't look back
The RAD is actually fun and it becomes more of a hobby (if you've got the moola)...but, you don't have to play that game if you don't want to. You can certainly get into str8 shaving with just $100-$150.
Robert
do it.
its much cheaper than you think
$30 for a user grade razor in the bse, $20 for a pasted strop - thats all you need for a few months. add in a barbers hone for like $30 and you can shave indefinately.
its much cheaper than you think
$30 for a user grade razor in the bse, $20 for a pasted strop - thats all you need for a few months. add in a barbers hone for like $30 and you can shave indefinately.
I'm into my 10th shave with a straight (i think?), started out with a 4/8 from Larry from http://www.whippeddog.com/ and then purchased a 5/8 Dovo 'Best Quality'. I enjoyed todays shave, it came close to a DFS, though my usual shave thus far have been CCS's, oh and i generally get BBS on my cheeks as you would expect from a straight going up and down against the grain.
I'm still getting nicks as i learn how to use the straight, correct angle and all that. I think my stropping technique is about right although i think i'll leave the serious honing to the professionals as and when my straight needs it.
Conclusions so far- based on my present experiences my DE shaves are closer, easier and safer. However I'm not a quitter, I do enjoy the straight shave and i'm looking forward to that point when i can get comparable or better shaves than my DE. I've concluded that unlike a DE where the learning curve is around 2 weeks or less, a straight requires some months to perfect.
I'm still getting nicks as i learn how to use the straight, correct angle and all that. I think my stropping technique is about right although i think i'll leave the serious honing to the professionals as and when my straight needs it.
Conclusions so far- based on my present experiences my DE shaves are closer, easier and safer. However I'm not a quitter, I do enjoy the straight shave and i'm looking forward to that point when i can get comparable or better shaves than my DE. I've concluded that unlike a DE where the learning curve is around 2 weeks or less, a straight requires some months to perfect.
I think, as mentionned up here, if you're interested, try it!
Don't expect the greatest thing to start with but with experience, it's good! I sold my DE and exclusively shave with a straight now. Is it closer? I don't know, the DE was very close! Do I like it better? Yes!
Don't expect the greatest thing to start with but with experience, it's good! I sold my DE and exclusively shave with a straight now. Is it closer? I don't know, the DE was very close! Do I like it better? Yes!
I'm really interested in SRs too. The only thing that worries me is honing. I've done research and it looks like a Norton 4000/8000 would be best to start with, but being such a newb I dont want to ruin a blade.
If I were to send it in for honing, how often would this need to be done? I would only use a straight during the weekend since Im usually in a huge rush in the morning
If I were to send it in for honing, how often would this need to be done? I would only use a straight during the weekend since Im usually in a huge rush in the morning
The Norton 4/8 will do well. But, don't overlook the simple barbers hone. They did well for our grandfathers, and is still doing well for a lot of us.
@media: i'm still only just learning the straight; i had shave #17 last night. i haven't gotten to the point that i think i need my straights honed yet, so i can't speak about the longevity of the edges from a personal standpoint, but i've read on this board about members going for 6-9 months without a rehoning.
Some of the factors that determine how long between honings are the whiskers, shaving frequency, shaving technique, stropping technique, and razor. There are countless threads about newbies dulling the edge by stropping, so won't mention more about stropping technique. In my opinion, shaving technique also is a significant factor in how long you can go between honings.
My point is that the amount of time between honings for a newbie will in all likelihood be shorter, and sometimes much shorter than later.
Not an unfair question at all. However, for me, cost has absolutely nothing to do with it!
I took the plunge and just bought a straight from larry, got a strop as well.
Thanks again Larry for all of the info and help.
Thanks again Larry for all of the info and help.
If my straights can go six months before requiring a hone, i don't see much point buying expensive hones when i can send them away for less then £20 to be honed by an expert. I guess factors would be how many straights you have in your rotation and as already mentioned if your stropping technique is secure. I've felt that my two current strops are ok but i decided to purchased a larger 3" width strop so i don't need to worry as much about the X technique. See-
http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/ws/eBayISAPI....4140108&ssPageName=STRK:MEWNX:IT#ht_736wt_754
http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/ws/eBayISAPI....4140108&ssPageName=STRK:MEWNX:IT#ht_736wt_754
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I started with a straight about 6 years ago, and then for convenience I picked up a Gillette red tip.
In the past 6 years I have acquired 4 razors, two leather strops, two barber's hones, two DMT hones, some CrOx and balsa. In all I don't have much more than about $300 invested, and unless I start feeling the urge to collect I don't see the need to spend any more money.
So, I would say you can do it without braking the bank.
The shave? Well, I don't have the advantage of having learned a DE first, but I get decent shaves from it. The straight is far more comfortable, and much closer. Like I said I'm not the most skilled DE shaver, but with the quality of my straight shaves I don't really see the need to invest a lot of time learning to do it really well. When I need to get a quick shave it is certainly passable.
In the past 6 years I have acquired 4 razors, two leather strops, two barber's hones, two DMT hones, some CrOx and balsa. In all I don't have much more than about $300 invested, and unless I start feeling the urge to collect I don't see the need to spend any more money.
So, I would say you can do it without braking the bank.
The shave? Well, I don't have the advantage of having learned a DE first, but I get decent shaves from it. The straight is far more comfortable, and much closer. Like I said I'm not the most skilled DE shaver, but with the quality of my straight shaves I don't really see the need to invest a lot of time learning to do it really well. When I need to get a quick shave it is certainly passable.
I bought my first straight razor in 1984, along with a strop and hone, I still have and use that razor. Cant recall how much it set me back at the time, but Im willing to bet dollars to doughnuts Id have spent a lot more buying blades that get tossed once theyre dull over the last 26 years.
I learned to use a straight back in '93 when I got sick of buying carts. The upkeep and length of time it took me to shave were significant factors for going back to carts.
More recently, I went back to DE to eliminate cart costs. That worked out really well - my shaves are just as quick as with a cart and much closer and more comfortable.
However, this morning, I turned up my old Henckles straight in a drawer while looking for something else. I think I'll send it out for honing and pick up a new strop. I think I'll return to a straight for maybe one long, leisurely shave a week. I still enjoy straights, but I find them generally too time consuming when DE gives wonderful shaves.
More recently, I went back to DE to eliminate cart costs. That worked out really well - my shaves are just as quick as with a cart and much closer and more comfortable.
However, this morning, I turned up my old Henckles straight in a drawer while looking for something else. I think I'll send it out for honing and pick up a new strop. I think I'll return to a straight for maybe one long, leisurely shave a week. I still enjoy straights, but I find them generally too time consuming when DE gives wonderful shaves.
I started with a straight just because its not something that everyone does. Because of that its something I wanted to do. Now after 7 or 8 months I'm getting pretty good at it.
I'll still do a DE shave when I don't have a good long time to devote to my shave, but there's still something really cool about using a straight.
I'll still do a DE shave when I don't have a good long time to devote to my shave, but there's still something really cool about using a straight.
- Thread starter
- #20
Thanks for all of the feedback. I did find myself more than a bit intimidated when considering the vast number of options available in the SRS universe. Having to choose between blade sizes, strop types, barber hones, 1 micron pastes, .001 micron tie-dyed pastes, and everything else on the market to better one's SRS shave made me question whether or not this would be a wise decision for me.
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