So I've been shaving strictly with a straight razor for about 4 months now and am convinced its the only way I'll ever shave. I ended up buying a DE razor and pack of sampler blades yesterday though. Figured what the hell, I'll try it. What I payed for the razor and blades is next to nothing when compared to some of the straights I've bought. Any advice when coming from a straight? Hardest thing I think will be just the angle I have to hold the razor will be a new learning curve. Thanks for any help.
Trying DE coming from a straight
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You're correct. The angle will probably be the biggest issue. Use whatever grip feels good to you, but the blade should just barely be touching your skin. And don't bear down. That's inviting nick and weepers.
look here from one of our B&B members Mantic59...he is legendary on instructional videos.
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With straights you choose your blade angle. In DE shaving you choose your razor. Agressive razors let you have so much blade sticking out that you can choose your favorite angle. Milder razors have the teeth comb/safety bar touching the skin, witch stretches and levels the skin before the blade, so that you can shave with one hand and hold the coffee mug with other in the morning.
Don't be affraid of the way to hold your razor, it should be intuitive, we DE folks not even talk much about it. One tip, find the razor's neutral balance point, do what you like from then on.
For doing ATG passes on the neck, if you razor's handle is heavy use it to your advantage. In this situation I put my 3 main fingers (only) near the razor's head, + or - in the balance point. When the stubble is caught, it must fight the weight of the handle if it wants to change the angle that you are holding. Less chance for the razor to turn and bite you.
Buying blades is half of the fun of DE shaving, hide them, don't let the wife notice that they multiply like rabbits. Like peanuts fried in salt and honey: they're never too many.
Ho! And I almost forgot! Save the best for last: Feathers
Don't be affraid of the way to hold your razor, it should be intuitive, we DE folks not even talk much about it. One tip, find the razor's neutral balance point, do what you like from then on.
For doing ATG passes on the neck, if you razor's handle is heavy use it to your advantage. In this situation I put my 3 main fingers (only) near the razor's head, + or - in the balance point. When the stubble is caught, it must fight the weight of the handle if it wants to change the angle that you are holding. Less chance for the razor to turn and bite you.
Buying blades is half of the fun of DE shaving, hide them, don't let the wife notice that they multiply like rabbits. Like peanuts fried in salt and honey: they're never too many.
Ho! And I almost forgot! Save the best for last: Feathers
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You might be surprised how much you like the DE.
I've been straight shaving. Now I'm sitting at the desk this morning wondering why I should continue with it, bearing in mind the shave I just had (R41 with a Feathers if you're asking).
I've been straight shaving. Now I'm sitting at the desk this morning wondering why I should continue with it, bearing in mind the shave I just had (R41 with a Feathers if you're asking).
In the past I contemplated trying straight shaving, I did my research and realized that for my beard type the shave wouldn't be different from DE. The str8's maintenance is a big motivator for the people who use them. I feel ashamed to put photos of my gear on the "shave of the day" section, when I see the works of art possessed by the str8 gents.
I tried straights several times and just never got the hang of it so I went back to DE shaving. I don't think you will have much trouble with angles and blade position,it's similar to that of a straight. The biggest difference is the stretching of the skin, with a DE it is not necessary to stretch as much. The learning curve from a straight to a DE should be much less. As another member suggested, feather blades are excellent and are among the sharpest. Keep us posted and let us know how you like DE shaving compared to straight shaving.
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Well a bit of an update since getting my DE razor I've shaved with it 4 times. I found it to be very easy compared to a straight razor, except for a few things. Detail work such as at the edge of the lips and under the nose I find to be a bit difficult. Mostly just because I can't see the blade itself, but I'm sure with enough practice and feel it will come to me. Other thing is I find it more dangerous loading and unloading a 3 piece razor and blade when compared to handling a straight. All in all I will definitely keep the DE handy for when I'm lazy or want a change. A very nice way to have a wet shave without the work of the straight.
