Why not go from DE to straight?

[sproosemoose]

Hi

A question for long time DE shavers: why did you never try straight razors?

I just started with DE because I wanted a better shave and to not be screwed on cartridges. I think I will eventually try straight razor shaving in the future...

 

[Omnichron]

straight requires a surgeon's hand IMHO... I will move to it in time as my DE skill build up to Master Level though.

 

[Ceron]

Another reason is that it takes more work to keep a straight razor usable. You'll need to strop between every use and will need to have the edge honed every few months (unless you have a large rotation of straights). Being guaranteed a sharp, cheap blade every time you shave with a DE is more convenient.

 

[Frowzy]

Another reason is that it takes more work to keep a straight razor usable. You'll need to strop between every use and will need to have the edge honed every few months (unless you have a large rotation of straights). Being guaranteed a sharp, cheap blade every time you shave with a DE is more convenient.

+1, although these are things I enjoy (and are supremely satisfying).

 

[mmack66]

Why not go from DE to straight?

You can if you want.

 

[Ru4scuba?]

I've been shaving with a DE for over a year. But, I've decided to give str8s a go.

Are they more time? Yes
Will shaves take longer? Yes
Does it mean more money? Yes
More *AD? Yes
More frustration and sucky shaves first? Yes
Do I have the time for any of this? No
Why am I doing it?

Because in my own, very...very humble opinion, str8 shaving is like the ultimate return to history for shaving. Having to strop a blade and shave...eventually having to hone my own blade and maintain an edge...all things that appeal to me and that I'm willing to spend my time on.

It all comes down to what you're willing to do with your time!

 

[Slivovitz]

The main reason is that the extra blade maintenance doesn't look attractive. Even if I had the razors professionally honed, there would still be the stropping. And then there would be the strop maintenance.

Also, of course, there's at least the perception of extra risk. Probably minor if I go slowly and carefully, and if nothing startles me into making convulsive movements, but still, that blade *could* cause more damage. (Yes, convulsive movements with a safety razor, even a cartridge, can cut you, but less badly)

Finally, although I can imagine that a straight might give an even better shave than my injectors, I can't imagine that it would be by enough to matter.

 

[dpmtherrien]

I moved to the straight after approx. 10 months of DE shaving.

I use the Feather AC razor where when it gets dull you just change the blade. The AC is used just like a straight. After a learning curve of about a month, I only shave 3 times a week, I've got it down pretty good.

I find the Feather AC to be a really nice shaving system.

 

[Go West Young Man]

I'm getting quick, reliable DFS/BBS shaves with a DE, I see no reason to start the whole extended learning curve that a straight would entail.

 

[Frowzy]

I'm getting quick, reliable DFS/BBS shaves with a DE, I see no reason to start the whole extended learning curve that a straight would entail.

I find the challenge fun, and the learning process enjoyable.

 

[DE Shaver]

I went from straight to DE shaving. The reasons were many-fold but suffice to say that blade maintenance was a primary factor.

 

[82R100]

A great deal of what I value from my safety razor use (not just DE, SE and injector razors as well) is the excellent result I get from them. This includes truly bloodless shaves for weeks (if not months) at a time.

I have the opportunity to try a large variety of razors for a small investment and I don't have to worry about the stropping and honing stuff. I do have a Durham Duplex folding razor that I might try sometime as a vague approximation of straight technique but I doubt I'd be willing to give up the requisite weeks of truly excellent shaves to ascend the learning curve of a straight when I've got things working so well with the safety razors.

- Chris

 

[richmondesi]

While this thread isn't directed at me, I just want to mention that I have an involuntary tremor (hereditary apparently). A surgeon's hands are not necessary.

 

[ouch]

I shaved with a straight before I moved to a DE.

 

[saltypete]

I've been DE shaving for a little over 12 months. I had never seriously considered str8 shaving until very recently. After seeing Joel's video I am thinking about str8s. The things that have put me off in the past are the maintainence of the blades and the potential for serious injury. Str8 shaving does not strike me as the sort of thing you want to get wrong even once.

Pete

 

[Frowzy]

I've been DE shaving for a little over 12 months. I had never seriously considered str8 shaving until very recently. After seeing Joel's video I am thinking about str8s. The things that have put me off in the past are the maintainence of the blades and the potential for serious injury. Str8 shaving does not strike me as the sort of thing you want to get wrong even once.

Pete

With proper blade angle, and if you avoid horizontal movements, it's really not that bad. Always shave wearing a towel, though.

 

[Little Joe from Mexico]

I'm with Chris (Go West Young Man) and Chris (82R100).

 

[Mr. Scruffy]

They aren't mutually exclusive. You can shave with both DE's and Str8's.

I do.

 

[Hayden]

I tried it, but didnt like the extra maintenance that comes along with it. To be honest with you I wish I did like it, because to my wife theres nothing sexier than a man shaving with a straight lol.

 

[FL shaver]

Having a wife who sometimes gets upset with me and a straight razor steps away in the bathroom have me sticking to DE shaving.