Why is SE razor better than DE?

[HUF]

I never had a SE razor, so have to learn from you folks, who used them for years. Why are SE better razors than DE?
Is that the angled handle that makes the difference? On the side note, I really enjoyed shaving with disposable BIC Sensitive for many years. I started experimenting with DE a month ago, not sure will switch to them. So, as some of our fine members suggested, a nice SE razor might be all I need if I want BIC disposable experience with a fine non-disposable instrument.

 

[razorx]

A nice Single Edge razor's easy to come by at a very reasonable price.No matter what we say the only way to really know is to try it and see how it works for you.I did just for the hell of it and knew within the first 15 seconds I was hooked on SE and it's only gotten better over time.

Good place to start is a 1912 GEM and ...... (my blade preference) a GEM coated stainless steel blade.
As for the BIC Disposable connection....I have nothing to offer

Good luck hope you find what you need

 

[TheVez2]

Not necessarily better, just different. Better, will be up to you to decide. However, I agree an SE will be similar in technique to a Bic disposable.

 

[beisler]

However, I agree an SE will be similar in technique to a Bic disposable.

If I remember correctly I used to apply alot of pressure with a bic disposible

 

[HUF]

If I remember correctly I used to apply alot of pressure with a bic disposible

Right. Actually, I like to apply pressure when I know it will not result in a bloodshed.

 

[beisler]

Right. Actually, I like to apply pressure when I know it will not result in a bloodshed.

With a SE,it WILL result in bloodshed--The angle and the hard SE blade is what makes the difference but no pressure
is crucial--However you will enjoy your new "hobby" alot more than with a bic

 

[Haggises]

You might be better with an injector. Got a closer feel to a cart or disposable for me, while giving a better shave.
A Gem single edge is a different world .

 

[blzrfn]

To me the advantages of a SE over a DE are: a more rigid blade, the blade lasts longer, the angle is much easier to find since the blade is straight versus flexed as in a DE razor. I don't necessarily believe one to be better than the other, just different. I really enjoy experimenting with different razors and blades and there is a much smaller variety in the SE world. That said, I am almost always able to get a very close shave with any of my SE razors without effort and with a DE finding the right blade angle is a bit tougher (but that challenge is part of what I enjoy).

 

[The Kiwi]

Don't forget where you asked that question. ."YMMV" really applies. .

.I enjoy using all three classical/ traditional bladed types, DEs, Injectors, and SEs. They are different, and while I almost always get a superior first pass with the stiffer Injector / SE blades, I always like a second cross-grain DE pass and two DE passes isn't a big deal, just not as quick. .With an SE, if I need to be somewhere, one WTG pass and a certain amount of cleanup, and I'm ready to go.

.DEs and SEs are both good old traditional razors. .They aren't as easy to use as an Injector. I really believe that it's so easy getting excellent shaves with Injectors, it's almost like cheating..

 

[AABCDS]

I didn't know SEs were better than DEs.

 

[PFP_Dad]

Here is a similar thread from a few days ago with lots of great responses.
Here it is.

 

[Mick]

Better is relative and requires some personal preference interjected

Where they are different is:

SE blade is thicker so it is stiffer which is why it is used without being bent like a thin DE blade.

The blades seem to last about twice as long as a DE blade (at least for me they do).

The optimum shaving angle of a SE is 5°

The optimum shaving angle of a DE is 25-30°


The ONLY way to know if it works for you, is for you to use one and see for yourself

 

[SEnSE]

Better for me. Time will tell if better for you.

The thicker and more rigid SE blade is where the real difference is. DE blades are really just thin ribbons of steel. Flexing while cutting is not a good thing for many people.

Once you realize that SE is better for you too, then you can find many different levels of efficiency in the range of SEs. The mildest SE is about as efficient as the wildest DE.

 

[cryhavoc]

Better is relative and requires some personal preference interjected

Where they are different is:

SE blade is thicker so it is stiffer which is why it is used without being bent like a thin DE blade.

The blades seem to last about twice as long as a DE blade (at least for me they do).

The optimum shaving angle of a SE is 5°

The optimum shaving angle of a DE is 25-30°


The ONLY way to know if it works for you, is for you to use one and see for yourself

+1 The turtle is wise.

 

[HUF]

Here is a similar thread from a few days ago with lots of great responses.
Here it is.

Thanks.

 

[bvance554]

All of the above. The best way I could describe the difference is an SE cuts with more authority. I use a Bic disposeable sometimes when I travel and they are not related. You can pick one up cheap and good blades are easily found at your local drugstore.

 

[HUF]

Thank you gents. This was a really interesting discussion. It is my understanding that everything makes difference: the angled handle, the rigidity of the blade, the geometry of the head. Very interesting. Looks like I should try one. If it works - great, if it does not, I will have something different in my collection of fine shaving tools!

 

[HoosierTrooper]

All of the cool kids around here use SE's.

 

[Samjax]

All of the cool kids around here use SE's.

Of course the "coolest" kids use the Cobra Classic.

 

[HoosierTrooper]

Of course the "coolest" kids use the Cobra Classic.

I used one for a couple weeks, nice razor, but I didn't care for the handle very much. Considering their price, I don't think it did anything better than a $10-15 injector or GEM/Star/Ever-Ready. Of course, that's my not so humble opinion.